Walls of ice, Castles and beef - Toyama review
Toyama prefecture stretches along the Sea of Japan, bordered by Ishikawa, Gifu, Nagano, and Niigata. Nestled in the once historical Hokuriku region, most residents cluster around Toyama Bay, with Toyama City as the vibrant capital. Thanks to the Shinkansen, Tokyo is just a swift 2-hour train ride away. Toyama’s plentiful hydroelectric plants keep electricity bills refreshingly low. Uniquely, it is the only prefecture in Japan and all of East Asia where glaciers can be found. With 30% of its land protected as national parks and a landscape dominated by mountains, Toyama is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The prefecture has a lot to offer, including a paradise for snow sport lovers and those who yearn to be outdoors.
Like my review of Ishikawa, Toyama was created after the abolition of the Han system. In 1881, the merger between Ishikawa and Niikawa was voided, and Toyama was reestablished as a prefecture. Toyama’s agriculture mainly consists of fisheries and rice production; it has numerous sources of water that make growing rice easier. The prefecture has a long history as one of the top manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, and like its neighbour Ishikawa, it ships a lot of machinery parts worldwide.
Kurobe Dam, which I have written an in-depth blog about, is in Toyama and stands as an incredible feat of engineering. The mega structure can be visited from April to November and provides different experiences depending on when it is visited. I visited in May and was able to enjoy seeing the surrounding mountains covered in snow. The dam makes electricity, and in late summer to autumn, the dam releases the collected meltwater and visitors are treated to a rainbow experience. A rainbow forms as light passes through the wall of water being expelled. There is a viewing platform built just for these purposes.
The legendary Alpine Route winds through Toyama, offering a spectacular journey that links Toyama to Nagano, providing awe-inspiring vistas of the Tateyama mountain range. Along the way, you encounter the towering walls of ice, the wild beauty of Chubu National Park, the impressive Kurobe Dam, and sweeping, uninterrupted views of Japan’s rural heartland. This route is not only a viral sensation that tops countless travellers’ bucket lists, but it is also beloved by locals. Tourism thrives here, with tickets vanishing within minutes of release. Experiencing the Alpine Route was unforgettable, and I wholeheartedly urge every visitor to discover its magic. My memories will linger long after leaving Japan. Until late July, the iconic snow walls stand tall, while summer transforms the pass into a vibrant tapestry of blooming flowers. In autumn, fiery red leaves sweep across the landscape. For me, this pass is the crown jewel of Toyama and easily earns a top spot on my list of favourite prefectures.
Toyama prefecture is a seafood lover’s dream, with a strong fishing industry; the prefecture’s local dishes are seafood-focused. There are many fish markets that you can visit, all offering the freshest seafood caught early from the ocean. The prefecture has a lot to offer those who enjoy warmer activities. The capital is easy to explore with its colourful trams. When I stayed in Toyama, the hotel even offered me 4 free passes to use the trams. The area is famous for beef, too and many people come to the prefecture to enjoy it locally. The castle is within easy walking distance and located in the middle of a small park. During the summer, many are drawn to the prefecture to enjoy the ocean and water sports. Toyama’s connection to Tokyo makes it a very good choice for those wanting to escape the metropolis and enjoy Japan’s wilder side. It offers a mix of city and extreme open spaces.
For these reasons, I recommend Toyama prefecture for anyone who wants to change up their itinerary and explore a different side of Japan.
