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Will’s Guide to the Westside
So, Tengu’s getting old? Beat the 21 Biru to death? I reckon its about time for you to make a lil’ excursion across the famed Jinzugawa. Myriad possibilities for entertainment and gastronomic ecstasy await you in Gofuku (yes, I get it), and even further to the wild frontier of Kureha. Imagine yourself a frontiersman(woman) exploring the untamed wilds and meeting with the native tribes who will welcome you with their bountiful harvest.
Gofuku
The best way to handle the GFU is to take the tram or follow the tracks on your Chariot. A glimpse outside the windows or over your shoulder will acquaint you with the staid beauty of this locale, home to the world renouned Toyama Daigaku, and, more importantly, its students.
Here’s a list of attractions:
The Suiboku Museum
Inexpensive, small, and really has some cool stuff. The permanent collection is small, but there are a couple of really cool paintings, of things like mountains at night, that are really cool. A great place to buy gifts as well. They change exhibits about every two months, and your school probably has posters about them. There is also a coffee shop just inside that looks out on their Zen garden. Located just over the river and off 44 to the right, go to the Toys R Us and turn right. Look for something Museum-ish across the street from the Sunkus.
Toyama Daigaku
At the end of the tram line. This is the main university in Toyama. Lots of students live and hang around the area, and frequent some of the restaurants around here. Here’s short list.
Toys R Us
Pretty self explanatory. Underneath is a thrift store that may or may not interest you, and a McDonalds. Get a Big Mac and go bug out on the insane toys that your cousins would love.
Restaurants
GB’s American Café
Wide open windows, sub par American style food and lots of students who hang and drink beer. Go here and hang and drink beer on a Saturday night and meet some friends. They have a Nomi/Tabe Hodai option as well. And they play Cocktails 24/7. And Homey who works there drives a Buick, and parks it out front.
Jungle Ramen
Cheap Ramen. go here if you 1. Live close. 2. Are cheap 3. Are Hungry, live close, and cheap. Otherwise go to Hachiban. Corner of 44 and Tera Machi.
Rice and Beer (Gyohten)
Again, ain’t much more to say. Rice. Beer. Gyohten. Mom and Pop type joint. They got a television. There are a bunch of restaurants right here, A Yakitori red-balloon spot, and some places with dark windows, come get frontier with it.
Side Stand Saloon
Perpendicular to the tram line, and on the east side of Rice n’ Beer, is a lil street that has a curry house and some other restaurants. Of principal interest, however, is Side Stand Saloon, whose owner Kouji has decorated his small, second floor bar with Motorcycle memorabilia and things like skulls n stuff. It’s usually really mellow though, and a sweet place to go kick it and have a drink. Plus he’s super cool. So don’t front, even if you don’t like skulls. Sissy.
Vis-à-vis Café
Probably the best kept secret in Toyama, this is a café with service and fare in the sense of Paris. They just got a new Espresso machine, straight from Italy, and they are all about doing it right. They also serve Croque Monsieur and the like, and make bomb crepes, even with a Crepe Dinner set menu. Oh, and they have Rice and Beans, which is possibly the best thing ever. Again, super cool people, with some English goin’ on, and really good food and Illy Italian coffee. Make a left at the Jungle Ramen on 44 just after the university, it’s a little ways down on your left.
Kureha
Now you are really getting out there. Lewis, Clark, bring some furs and trade them at:
Billy’s
Western Wear. This guy imports an odd assortment of items from places like Texas, things like Coffee Mugs, Comic Books (English! But don’t get excited, you wont find the Death of Superman issue in there) and general used and American style clothing. Pricy, but, dude is cool, and would be super psyched to see you in his lil store.
Okonomiyaki
That’s probably not the name, but just over Kurehayama on the left lies a wonderful cook-it-yourself okonomiyakiya, open till 2 so when your DD friend is taking you back to Takaoka, treat ‘em to some squid pancakes.
Sushi-Ya
A little farther down on the same side is a belt-drive sushi joint, they have English posters so your sushily ignorant self (and mine) can grub in confidence. Slightly pricey, but I’ve seen Grandma with plates stacked over her head, so you know it’s for real.
Chains
Kureha boasts a collection of chain restaurants as well, featuring McDonalds, Yoshinoya, Mr. Donuts, Apple Grimm, and the Yakiniku Barn. None of these are particularly appetizing, except maybe the curry donuts at Mr. D’s.
Mormon Church
The Mormons have a church across the road from the Sushi place. I reckon if you want to go you already know, ask the white guys on the bikes wearing helmets.
Past here and you are on your own. Wield your exploratory spirit with pleasure and conviction; make inroads into the hearts of these native peoples. But fabled spots of interest lay in wait for those willing to venture further, the Toyama Glass Blowing Studio, The Toyama Family Park and Zoo (with Giraffes and Tigers), There is also a Jeans Matsuya on 44 over the bridge (impossible to miss).