If you want to enjoy Toyama, this is the place! 12 breathtaking scenic spots in Toyama that the world is proud of

Toyama Prefecture is blessed with breathtaking scenic spots, including Toyama Bay, known as a treasure trove of seafood, the Northern Alps, a World Heritage village, and a town famous for its pristine water. From the refreshing spring to the harsh winter covered in deep snow, no matter when you visit, you will be captivated by Toyama’s gourmet cuisine and stunning landscapes.

This time, we will introduce some of Toyama’s most spectacular scenic spots.

1. Kurobe Gorge - A place to fully enjoy nature with Toyama’s world-renowned breathtaking scenery

Kurobe Gorge is a representative scenic spot that Toyama proudly boasts both nationally and internationally. It is highly regarded as a national special monument, one of Japan’s three major gorges, and one of the top 100 secret spots in Japan. The V-shaped gorge, carved dynamically from the middle to upper reaches of the Kurobe River, is a stunning natural wonder. The area remains untouched by modern development, offering a powerful and raw natural landscape. The autumn foliage at Kurobe Gorge is especially breathtaking and is a must-see.

A signature experience at Kurobe Gorge is the trolley train. The train ride from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station offers the charm of viewing the beautiful changing seasons. Enjoy a delightful 80-minute journey.

The autumn foliage season is the peak time to visit, with many tourists flocking to enjoy Toyama’s most spectacular scenery. You can choose between a train car with windows or without, but if you don’t mind the cold, it’s recommended to select the open-air, windowless option.

2. Sarutobi Gorge Observatory - Enjoy breathtaking views of Toyama’s vast nature up close

If you want to enjoy the scenery of Kurobe Gorge even closer, the Sarutobi Gorge Observatory is highly recommended. It is a 20-minute walk from the end of the trolley train at Keyakidaira Station, offering a direct experience of Toyama’s nature. It’s just the right distance for a leisurely walk, and along the way, you can enjoy more stunning views, with the autumn foliage creating a fiery display that makes for an unforgettable Kurobe Gorge experience.

The walking path is well-maintained and easy to navigate, so you won’t feel too fatigued. The panoramic view from the observatory feels like a different world. You can gaze upon the beautiful river, the impressive rocky cliffs adorned with vivid autumn colors, and other magnificent sights. The overwhelming beauty and grandeur will leave you speechless, and you’ll be able to feel a noticeable change in the quality of the air. Breathing in the negative ions here truly embodies the essence of Toyama’s scenic spots, especially in the autumn Kurobe Gorge.

3. Amahari Coast - Enjoy the breathtaking collaboration of Toyama’s beautiful sea and the Tateyama Mountain Range

One of the most popular scenic spots in Toyama Prefecture is Amahari Coast. In the past, it was even used as a promotional poster for JR’s "Seishun 18 Ticket," which helped increase Toyama’s popularity. The spot, where you can view the majestic Tateyama Mountain Range towering at over 3,000 meters across the sea, is said to be unique in the world.

Many photography enthusiasts are drawn to the mystical floating "Onna-Iwa" rock and the sunrise over the horizon. The most recommended scenic view at Amahari Coast is the sunrise from the Tateyama Mountain Range. Its beauty is so stunning that it will leave you breathless. It is also famous as a spot to witness the first sunrise of the year, with tourists visiting year-round.

This coast, selected for both the "100 Best White Sand and Green Pines" and "100 Best Beaches in Japan," offers year-round beauty with fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snow-covered landscapes. The sight of the mountains blanketed in pure white snow, reflecting on the vast sea, is a unique and unforgettable experience here.

4. Gokayama Gassho-zukuri Village - Japan’s original landscape that Toyama is proud of

Among the breathtaking spots in Toyama, Gokayama Gassho-zukuri Village is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The village, nestled in a peaceful mountainous area, is home to more than 20 stunning Gassho-zukuri houses, making it a truly scenic place. It feels like stepping into a magical fairytale world, while being surrounded by Japan’s original rural landscape, providing peace and tranquility for the soul.

The Gassho-zukuri architecture originated in Toyama for sericulture, where shelves were created in the attic. To make the attic space larger and to ease the labor of clearing heavy snow in the snow-prone Toyama mountains, the steeply sloped roofs became a distinctive feature. The Gassho-zukuri houses, a valuable cultural heritage, continue to thrive today, not as exhibits, but as homes where people continue to live.

In addition to the museum, there are souvenir shops, inns, and opportunities to enjoy the inside of these homes, making it a highly attractive spot. Depending on the season, there are also light-up events in the evenings. It’s a breathtaking spot where you can walk slowly through a mystical atmosphere.

5. Mikuriga-ike - A picturesque landscape unfolds before your eyes

Mikuriga-ike, a volcanic lake located at an elevation of over 2,000 meters, is one of Toyama’s most stunning scenic spots. Due to the heavy snowfall, the area remains a silver world until around June, but from July onwards, visitors can see the shimmering turquoise water and the majestic Tateyama Mountain reflected in its surface—truly a breathtaking view.

In summer, you can casually walk around the lake in sneakers and light clothing, making it a popular spot for tourists visiting Toyama. In the surrounding area, there’s also a crater lake known as the "Blood Pond Hell," where the water and mud are tinged with red due to oxidized iron, making it another intriguing natural feature and a great photo opportunity.

The autumn foliage season is especially ideal for a walk, as the landscape becomes even more mesmerizing. Many visitors are captivated by the breathtaking views that look like something out of a photo album. The area is also home to the Japanese rock ptarmigan, Toyama’s prefectural bird, and if you’re lucky, you might encounter this rare creature during your visit.

6. "Fusui-kake Ruins Park" - A collaboration of ancient history and stunning sunsets

Toyama’s breathtaking views can also be enjoyed at a relatively nearby park. The park was originally planned to be a parking lot, but during construction, Jomon-era pit dwellings were discovered. As a result, the park was created to preserve these ruins. It is located on a fan-shaped area called "Kazekeyama Fuku," and the discovered dwellings are among the oldest and most valuable in the region.

Today, visitors can see three reconstructed pit dwellings and even enter them. This park is a rare historical heritage site in Japan. The most recommended view in the park is the panoramic view of Toyama Bay and the Noto Peninsula. Being located on a hilly area with no obstructions in the view, the beauty of the sunset over Toyama Bay is absolutely breathtaking. It’s a wonderful spot where you can enjoy the combination of ancient historical romance and stunning scenery.

7. Kurobe Dam - Enjoy the powerful water release and the stunning views of Toyama’s mountains

Kurobe Dam, one of Toyama’s proud landmarks, is Japan’s largest hydroelectric dam and boasts the highest dam in the country. The challenges faced during its construction were famously depicted in the movie "Kurobe no Taiyo," starring Yujiro Ishihara. From the dam’s observation deck, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the massive dam, making it a popular scenic spot for many visitors.

One of the most anticipated attractions for tourists visiting Toyama is the spectacular tourist water release. It’s like witnessing an artificial waterfall, with dramatic splashes of water, and occasionally, you can even see beautiful rainbows. Kurobe Dam has several scenic points, but a recommended experience is cruising on a sightseeing boat across the dam lake. During the 30-minute boat ride, you can not only enjoy the dam but also admire the surrounding beauty of the Northern Alps.

The emerald green lake, which looks far too beautiful to be a dam reservoir, is refreshing to navigate with a cool breeze. Taking photos with the stunning backdrop on the deck will undoubtedly become a memorable part of your Toyama sightseeing experience.

8. Tateyama Mountain Range - Toyama’s most popular and iconic breathtaking scenery

Toyama Prefecture is home to many breathtaking spots, and it would be no exaggeration to say that most of them showcase various views of the Tateyama Mountain Range. Towering majestically within the Northern Alps, the mountains along the western side of the Kurobe River captivate people with their scenic beauty. The sight of mountains reaching over 3,000 meters, lined up in layers, is nothing short of spectacular. This is not only a scenic beauty of Toyama but also a famous landscape of Japan that is proudly recognized worldwide.

The Tateyama Mountain Range is well-known for its snowy scenery, but during early summer, the mountains covered in fresh green foliage are equally beautiful and rival the autumn foliage season. Given the height of these mountains, you might think they’re easy to see from within Toyama City, but you can only get a clear view of them from the plains on about 60 days a year, and even fewer days where the view is especially vivid, making it a rare and precious sight.

While the view of the Tateyama Mountain Range from Amahari Coast, where the mountains are visible across the sea, is famous, another recommended spot is near Gokoku Shrine in Toyama City, where you can see the red-leafed Tateyama Mountain Range behind the rows of ginkgo trees during autumn, offering another unforgettable view of Toyama’s fall scenery.

9. Gyoden Park - A scenic spot in the city center for forest bathing and hiking

Gyoden Park is a great spot in Toyama's city center where you can enjoy breathtaking views. It was once part of a manor called Gion-da, and over time, it became known as "Gyoden" due to the local dialect.

The park features clear springs, selected as "Famous Water of Toyama," flowing through various parts of the park, some with rapid currents. This clean, high-quality water is connected to the growth of fireflies, and in early summer, the park is filled with a graceful scene of fireflies dancing, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

The park is renowned for its cherry blossoms and is officially recognized as a "Famous Cherry Blossom Spot of Toyama." In June, around 40,000 irises bloom, turning the park into a paradise of flowers. Visitors can enjoy forest bathing and nature walks without needing to travel far, and the park is also popular with families because of the many play structures. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a hiking vibe while taking in the breathtaking views.

10. Shichinotaki Falls - A stunning display of sound and water volume

Located in the easternmost part of Toyama Prefecture in Asahi Town, this spot can be reached by taking the JR Hokuriku Main Line to Tomari Station. From there, head east and pass through a tunnel to reach the peaceful village of Sasagawa. The waterfall is located upstream in Sasagawa and is a beautiful scenic spot where you can enjoy the changing flow of water as it gradually increases.

The harmony with the surrounding nature creates a magnificent view that attracts many visitors. Especially after heavy rains or during the snowmelt season, the waterfall's volume increases, offering a spectacular sight of the water flowing powerfully. It’s also an ideal spot for forest bathing while enjoying the surrounding nature.

11. Sanko Village Observatory - A village where people and nature live harmoniously, offering stunning views

This peaceful and rustic spot in Toyama Prefecture is recognized as one of Japan's original landscapes. The vast plains, one of the largest in Japan, are filled with rice paddies and fields, where the people live a calm and slow-paced life.

"Sanko Village" is not a place name but refers to the scene where houses are scattered across the vast plains. Even those visiting Toyama for the first time may feel a sense of nostalgia from the landscape, and you can enjoy different views throughout the seasons. The observatory offers a panoramic view all the way to Toyama Bay. The best time to visit is during sunset, when the Tonami Plain turns golden, and its beauty can be truly heart-stirring.

During the "shirokaki" season, when water is added to the rice fields after the snow melts, the plains seem to awaken from a long slumber, taking a deep breath in the cool air. At night, the rice fields sparkle under the moonlight, gently soothing the hearts of visitors.

12. Shomyo Falls - Enjoy Toyama’s breathtaking views with the grandeur and power of nature

Alongside Kurobe Gorge and the Tateyama Mountain Range, Shomyo Falls is one of Toyama's iconic scenic spots, where visitors are immediately captivated by its power and beauty. With a drop of 350 meters, the tallest waterfall in Japan, the sight of water crashing down in a roaring mist is nothing short of magnificent. The waterfall seems to split the mountain in two, adding to its awe-inspiring presence.

In spring, the meltwater from the Tateyama Mountain Range increases the flow, and the falls split into two streams, cascading powerfully. The surrounding nature changes with the seasons, from fresh greenery to autumn foliage, like a picture frame being swapped around the waterfall. While viewing it from a distance is spectacular, getting up close, even if you get soaked, reveals the true power of the falls. If you're lucky, you might also see a beautiful rainbow.

Shomyo Falls is a must-see spot where you can fully enjoy Toyama's breathtaking natural beauty and grandeur.

◎ Summary

Toyama Prefecture is home to so many attractive scenic spots that you may want to narrow down your choices before visiting. Furthermore, in Toyama, even if you’ve seen a spot before, changing the season, viewing angle, or mode of transportation can reveal a whole new breathtaking experience. This is one of the unique joys of visiting Toyama.

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If you want to enjoy Toyama, this is the place! 12 breathtaking scenic spots in Toyama that the world is proud of