Where is Toyama prefecture? And what is Toyama like?

Toyama prefecture is about 300 km away from Tokyo, located amid the coastal side of Japan Sea. It has a population of 1 million, equivalent to 1% that of Japan as a whole.

Toyama prefecture has many natural features such as a huge mountain range known as Tateyama-rempo at east and 1,200m-deep Toyama bay at north.

At west, Toyama faces Ishikawa prefecture which was Kaga domain in Edo period, ruling Toyama and Ishikawa prefectures; Toyama was culturally influenced by Kaga domain between 17th and 20th century.

By the way, which destination looks more attractive to you when planning to visit Japan?

If you are interested in seeing cutting-edge buildings or walking a street full of anime and manga features, you may want to visit Tokyo.

You may choose Kyoto or Kanazawa to indulge yourself in the historic atmosphere of old town or Hakone may come up to your mind when you are thinking about bathing in a cozy onsen.

But, please have it in your mind to visit Toyama.

If you look for the essence of Japanese people, culture and tradition, I can proudly say Toyama is the best destination for you.

If you visit Toyama, you can realize everything you want to do in Japan.

I hope my blog articles will be quite beneficial for future Japan travellers.

Now I listed Toyama’s well-known tourist sites as follows:

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route is a collective name of some spectacle places which include as high as 3,000m mountain range called Tateyama Rempo, high land area called Murodo and Kurobe dam which is the largest in Japan. In spring, many tourists flock to Murodo plateau to see a huge snow wall called Yuki no Otani. Moreover, summer is the best season for mount climbing and autumn for foliage excursion.

Kurobe Gorge

Kurobe Gorge is the deepest V-shaped gorge in Japan. Along the hill side of mountains, a diesel train track stretches to the heart of the gorge. Many people visit the gorge in summer and autumn when people refresh themselves with cool air.

Gokayama -UNESCO World Heritage Site

This is a village registered as a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. It is surrounded by severe mountain terrain with no modern facilities such as supermarket, convenience store and shopping complex. the locals cope with the severeness of nature by collaborating with their own family and neighbors. The village is characterized by tiny but strong A-shaped houses.

Great Buddha Statue in Takaoka

The city of Takaoka is very close to Kanazawa which used to be the capital of Kaga domain during Edo period. Therefore, it was greatly influenced by its culture. In 17th century, the Kaga domain enjoyed its prosperity; the lord Maeda collected many artisans and merchants and encouraged them to concentrate on their work. As a result, the city came to flourish as well as many fine pieces of the traditional craft. This Buddhist statue is one of them, which made by bronze processing which was also one of their specialties.

YUICHI

National Government Licensed Guide-Interpreter