6 Popular Tourist Attractions You Must Visit in Toyama City – Full of Peaceful and Soothing Spots!

Toyama City, which occupies roughly one-third of Toyama Prefecture, is a picturesque city with Toyama Bay to the north, the Hida Highlands to the south, and the Tateyama Mountain Range visible to the southeast. In the Yatsuo district, which retains the charm of old-style townscapes, the traditional event "Owara Kaze no Bon" is held every September, drawing many visitors from across the country. The city is also known for its gourmet delights such as white shrimp, firefly squid, yellowtail, and snow crab caught in Toyama Bay, along with delicious rice and sake. This time, we’ve carefully selected six recommended tourist spots in Toyama City that you should definitely visit!

1. Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art

Since its opening in 1981, the “Toyama Prefectural Museum of Modern Art” had long been beloved by Toyama’s citizens, and in August 2017, it was reopened as the “Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art.” The modern building, standing next to Fugan Canal Kansui Park, is filled throughout with features that allow visitors to engage with art and design.

Inside the bright, wood-accented building, you’ll find works by renowned painters such as Picasso and Miró, as well as hands-on art experiences, a reading corner, workshops, and even a rooftop with play equipment—plenty of highlights for both children and adults! Even those with no prior knowledge of art are sure to enjoy their visit.

The rooftop, which offers sweeping views of Fugan Canal Kansui Park—an oasis for Toyama locals—and the Tateyama Mountain Range, is decorated with photo-worthy art objects and has also become a popular nighttime spot among couples. Although the museum closes at 6:00 PM, the rooftop remains open until 10:00 PM, so be sure to stop by.

2. Fugan Canal Kansui Park

Fugan Canal Kansui Park, made famous by the “World’s Most Beautiful Starbucks,” is a lush, green park located about a 10-minute walk from the center of Toyama City. Once a boat basin on the Fugan Canal, it was reborn through Toyama City’s urban planning and is now a beloved relaxation spot for citizens.

Inside the park, you can enjoy canal cruises, events, birdwatching, and more. There are also restaurants, cafés, and even lodging facilities available. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to spend a peaceful day in Toyama City. Since the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art is right next door, it’s highly recommended to visit both together.

Fugan Canal Kansui Park, surrounded by nature that changes with the seasons, hosts a variety of events throughout the year. From Hawaiian festivals and birdwatching gatherings to kids’ festivals, food fairs, and marathons, the diversity is delightful. Checking the website in advance for event schedules will make your Toyama sightseeing even more enjoyable.

3. Toyama Glass Art Museum

Toyama City is widely known across Japan as the “City of Medicine.” Since glass bottles were once commonly used to store medicine, Toyama also became known as the “City of Glass.” After the war, plastic containers largely replaced glass for medicine, but Toyama chose to incorporate glass into its city planning.

The Toyama Glass Art Museum is located inside “TOYAMA Kirari,” a striking building that stands out even among the cityscape of Toyama. Inside, you'll find the "Glass Art Garden," which features works by world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, and the "Glass Art Passage," where you can view works by artists connected to Toyama—creating a mystical and immersive world. It’s also a great idea to explore the museum shop on the second floor for souvenirs.

4. Toyama Castle

Toyama Castle is cherished as a symbol of Toyama City. Although the original keep was destroyed during wartime and the current one was rebuilt after the war, the moat and stone walls still retain their original appearance. Inside the castle, the Toyama City Local History Museum offers a chance to learn more about the history of Toyama Castle.

In addition to scale models and historical exhibits, the museum also displays relics excavated during archaeological digs. One especially famous item is the helmet used by Toshinaga Maeda. Known for his fondness of a tall helmet inspired by a catfish tail, it is said that this helmet reached an astonishing height of 140 cm.

Toyama Castle is not only a place to learn about the city’s history, but also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot where you can enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year. Seeing the castle surrounded by vivid pink cherry blossoms is truly a must-see!

5. Toyama City Family Park

Toyama City Family Park is a must-visit tourist spot for families with children. This nature-rich park offers a wide range of experiences including interactions with animals, athletic equipment, an amusement area, and outdoor activities. Within the park are wetlands inhabited by Genji fireflies, and streams where you can observe Hokuriku salamanders—offering experiences you won’t find in urban areas.

The park hosts various events designed to help visitors connect more closely with nature, and they’re well worth participating in! As the park is dedicated to preserving Toyama’s nature and its wild inhabitants, it’s not uncommon to see wild raccoon dogs or birds right inside the park. It’s a place the whole family—from kids to adults—can definitely enjoy.

6. Iwase Historic District

The Iwase district, known for its charming retro townscape, was once a bustling port town where ships traveled to and from the Sea of Japan. Here, you’ll find old houses built during the Meiji period that have been preserved in their original form, offering a nostalgic stroll through a historic town.
Though small in scale, the district is home to must-see spots such as the former Kitamaebune shipping wholesaler residence, the Mori Family House, and the Mori Family Storehouses, which tell the story of Iwase’s past. While you're there, don’t miss trying the local specialty—the triangular dorayaki!

◎ Summary

Surrounded by rich natural beauty, Toyama City offers breathtaking views wherever you go. Amazingly, this remains true even in the city center. In fact, the Toyama City Hall features an observation deck located 70 meters above ground level, where you can take in a panoramic view of the Tateyama Mountain Range as well as the city’s featured tourist spots introduced here. The 360-degree view is stunning! It’s also highly recommended as a starting point for sightseeing in Toyama.