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In this post about Toyama Prefecture, I will show you numerous tips and information about getting there, accommodation, and exciting activities on site. Toyama is an incomparable travel destination with breathtaking scenery, unique pebble beaches, historic villages, and beautiful nature in every season.
From Tokyo to Toyama
By Car
There are various ways to get to Toyama. The best option is definitely by car. You can rent a car from the many rental car companies in Tokyo. There are also other options like the high-speed train ( Shinkansen ), but this is not as recommendable as the car, as you are less flexible on site. If you choose to drive, the journey takes about 5 1/2 hours. During the journey, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and stop at various rest stops to take a break. Toll fees are incurred during the journey, but you can already find out about the costs in advance. For example, you can use Google Maps to estimate the toll fees.
By Train
In principle, there is the possibility of traveling to Toyama by high-speed train, the Shinkansen . The journey time is about 2 1/2 hours, which is significantly shorter than by car. The cost is about 12,750 Yen per journey according to Google Maps. Alternatively, as a tourist, you can use the Japan Rail Pass . However, the Shinkansen only goes directly to Toyama City. However, if you want to explore the entire Toyama Prefecture, you definitely need a car on site, as there is hardly any public transport. A car ultimately not only offers more flexibility, but also allows you to fully explore the prefecture and enjoy the region's picturesque landscapes.
Our Accommodation: APA Hotel Takaoka Ekimae
We chose to stay in Takaoka because the location was practical and the cost of accommodation was relatively cheap. Here we slept in the APA Hotel Takaoka Ekimae * and paid about 7,000 Yen per night for two people (cost via Google Maps). It is a 3-star hotel located directly at Takaoka Station. The hotel chain always offers a consistent standard and we can recommend it to anyone looking for comfortable and affordable accommodation.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/pPg5kNtkN3yHaM7M9
Booking.com: Takaoka Eki APA Hotel
*Affiliate Link
The Historic Village of Gokayama
In Toyama Prefecture is the picturesque village of Gokayama, which is known for its historical significance. It lies in a remote mountain region and is rich in traditional farmhouses built in the unique Gasshō architectural style. This special style is deeply rooted in the local culture and is a major attraction for visitors who travel to this region every year. Gokayama has its own charm in every season: in spring and summer you are enchanted by the vibrant green landscape, while autumn offers a colorful foliage panorama. The winter months envelop the village in a fairytale snowscape that exudes an incomparable charm. Notably, no entry fee is required for this impressive experience.
Once there, we strengthened ourselves with Udon , which was prepared with local ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, and various vegetables. A shaved ice - the Kakigori - was of course not to be missed. The ice was served with Mochi and red beans.
Here too, I recommend you travel by car. There is a public bus connection from Takaoka, but the journey time is very long.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dSzJTKPkB6s74V5TA
Johanabetsuin-Zentokuji Temple
On our way back from Gokayama Village, we made a stop at the Zentokuji Temple in Nanto. This Buddhist temple is over 500 years old and impresses with its beautiful architecture. Particularly noteworthy is the temple's elaborately designed woodwork, which is definitely worth a visit.
Daily opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/fRSv416vu2PwHzxV6
Fishing in Toyama
As Toyama Prefecture is located directly on the Sea of Japan, it is the perfect place for fishing. There are numerous spots that you can explore and enjoy. If you arrive by car, you can look forward to many affordable or even free parking spaces. In principle, I would recommend arriving by car, as many fishing spots are not accessible by public transport. At our fishing spot there were even free foot baths!
On our fishing trip, we caught some fascinating fish, including a Japanese whitefish, a flounder, and an octopus. Fishing was an unforgettable experience that we will remember for a long time. But the best was yet to come: we spontaneously bought a gas grill for 2,500 Yen and turned the caught fish into fried fish. The taste was incredibly good and made us even more enthusiastic about Toyama.
To make our dinner perfect, we bought a bento box from the konbini.
Oyashirazu Cliffs
The coast to the Sea of Japan offers a breathtaking landscape surrounded by rocky cliffs. These cliffs are overgrown with lush green plants and a staircase leads to a unique pebble beach. What is special about this beach are the many round stones that have been rounded by the water over many years. When the stones are set in motion by the waves, it creates a unique, "clicking" sound.
The combination of the roar of the waves and the sound of the stones creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere that is so incomparable. This place in Toyama was one of my favorites.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/TMf1fsvv8ukeUWQt9
A specialty from Toyama: Masuzushi
We adapted to the scenery and ate fresh sushi. It is known that the fish from the Sea of Japan tastes fresher than elsewhere, which we can confirm. We tried sushi with fish roe and two types of salmon from the local supermarket, but also a true specialty of Toyama Prefecture.
This is Masuzushi, a pressed sushi made from trout and rice that is marinated in salt, wrapped in bamboo leaves, and packed in a wooden container called Wagemono. With a small bamboo knife provided, the round sushi is cut into fan-shaped pieces.
The taste of the trout is rather sour due to the marination and gives this specialty a special note. The wooden packaging of the Masuzushi is not only beautiful to look at, but also practical for transport and enjoyment on the go.
Conclusion of the Toyama Trip
Toyama is a beautiful prefecture in Japan that will especially convince nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts. However, I strongly recommend traveling by car, as Toyama does not have a well-developed public transport network. The unique landscape, the historic village of Gokayama, and the coastal landscape around the Oyashirazu cliffs are places that are definitely worth visiting. It is also a popular fishing destination with many culinary possibilities. Whether in the warm or cold season - Toyama always shows its best side and convinces you to visit the prefecture several times to get to know it in a variety of ways.
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