4 must-visit tourist spots in Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, where you can see a Mirage

Uozu City in Toyama Prefecture is a port town facing the eastern side of Toyama Bay. It is famous for its mirages and the Uozu Buried Forest, and firefly squid are a local specialty. Hot springs such as Kintarō Onsen are also popular.

Here, we’ve carefully selected 4 representative sightseeing spots in Uozu City, which faces Toyama Bay. Why not step a little away from Toyama City and visit these hidden gems?

1. Uozu Aquarium

The Uozu Aquarium, the first built on the Sea of Japan coast, has existed since 1913, making it the oldest aquarium in Japan. Over its history of more than 100 years, it has undergone two major renovations, including the addition of an acrylic tunnel in the Toyama Bay Large Tank. Today it is one of Uozu’s most popular tourist attractions, bustling with visitors daily.

Among its biggest stars are the spotted seals and Humboldt penguins. There are four spotted seals in total, and during the “Seal Feeding Time” show, each one performs its special tricks, including handshakes—more than 10 different tricks in all. Their expressions and movements are guaranteed to make you smile.

The waddling penguins, though small, are very curious, and the way they beg for food is irresistibly cute. The aquarium also showcases Uozu’s representative marine life such as firefly squid, as well as long-legged shrimps, hermit crabs, filefish, anemones, coral reefs, and more from Toyama Bay.

It’s a charming spot full of appeal where both children and adults alike can enjoy themselves.

2. Shinkirō Road

Shinkirō Road is a coastal road stretching along Uozu City. On fine days, many tourists visit for drives and cycling. Uozu is one of the rare places in Japan where you can see spectacular mirages.

A mirage is a phenomenon in which differences in air temperature cause abnormal refraction of light, altering the appearance of distant landscapes. When landscapes appear stretched or inverted, it is called a superior mirage; when an image appears below, it is an inferior mirage. In Uozu, they are distinguished as “spring mirages” (superior) and “winter mirages” (inferior).

Spring mirages can be best observed from late March to early June. The port area has designated mirage viewing spots that attract many visitors each day.

Winter mirages can be seen from around November to March, during the cold season. When visibility is clear, they can even be seen almost daily.

3. Uozu Buried Forest Museum

Uozu is home to the nationally designated Special Natural Monument, the “Uozu Buried Forest,” and the “Uozu Buried Forest Museum” exhibits this natural wonder. It is also regarded as a spiritual power spot, believed to grant benefits such as “increased vitality” and “mental and physical energy recharge” thanks to its majestic presence.

As the name suggests, a buried forest is one covered and hidden by natural forces, and in Uozu’s case, mainly cedar trees. The buried forest was first discovered under the sea in 1930, and it is said to have been buried around 2,000 years ago due to sediment runoff and rising sea levels.

At the museum, you can see dried trees and even touch them. Experiencing this directly makes for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

The most popular attraction is the underwater display of the buried forest. The trees are beautifully lit beneath the water, creating a mystical sight that evokes Earth’s history. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with a hidden piece of the past.

4. Former Sawazaki Residence

Located in Uozu City, the Former Sawazaki Residence is preserved as a representative farmhouse of the mountainous Shinkawa region and has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Toyama Prefecture. Built in the late Edo period, its age is astonishing.

Part of the building’s interior is open to the public free of charge, allowing you to imagine the lives of people from that era. With a layout centered on the “oi” (main hall), it includes a sitting room, bedroom, kitchen, earthen floor space, and mezzanine. Despite being made of wood, the house is sturdily constructed. The attic and mezzanine were used to store charcoal and firewood. Amazingly, the building was built entirely without nails.

Because it has been preserved with little alteration, you truly feel as if you’ve slipped back into the Edo period.

◎ Summary of tourist spots in Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture

That concludes our introduction to recommended sightseeing spots in Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture. Did you get a sense of Uozu’s charm? Beyond tourist attractions, Toyama’s appeal includes local delicacies such as firefly squid and the richly flavored “Toyama Black Ramen” with its jet-black soup.

From Toyama City to Uozu City, access is convenient, just a single train ride of about 20–25 minutes. Visit the spots introduced here, work up a hearty appetite, and then enjoy the delicious food while making the most of your trip to Uozu!