About Toyama
It is a part of the Chubu region and is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The population is about 1.9 million people. With the Hida Mountains to the east, the Hida Highlands to the south and the Toyama Plain opening to the Toyama Bay to the north, it is an area that is blessed with majestic nature.
Gourmet
With a depth of 1,000 m, Toyama Bay is said to be a "natural fish-tank", a treasure trove of seafood. In particular, yellowtail "buri" from Toyama Bay is also famous all over the country, especially the winter yellowtail of Himi which is highly regarded as the finest brand. Although the yellowtail has a body that is tightly packed, it has the best amount of fat. It is exactly "the champion of Toyama bay". Firefly squid ("Hotaruika") is known as a spring-only delicacy. Flocking from the deep sea to the Toyama Bay for spawning, the firefly squid is fattened roundly, and the taste of the fresh squids last for long on the palate. The so-called "beaching of firefly squid" is also a must-see, when the Bay is wrapped up in a fantastic bluish-white light.
In addition, white shrimps that are caught from spring to fall have a beautiful transparent pink figure, are also called "the jewels of Toyama bay". In the world, it is only Toyama where you can taste its distinctive mellow texture and elegant and rich sweetness.
Climate
Due to the influence of the warm Tsushima current flowing northward along the Sea of Japan, this area is relatively temperate throughout the year. However, in the winter, there is a considerable amount of snowfall due to the influence of the winter seasonal wind. In particular, the southern mountains are one of the world's heaviest snowfall areas. Also, as a feature of the coastal area of the Sea of Japan, the weather is always variable, and there are many cloudy days, especially during the winter. The temperature drops when it snows, but you can enjoy a spectacular view unique to the rough Sea of Japan.
Sight-Seeing
With the sea and the mountains, Toyama has no shortage of places for sightseeing. If you like enjoying from up close the Tateyama mountain ranges where 3000 m-class peaks line up, please take the "Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route". Originally made for the construction of "Kurobe Dam" at the upstream of the Kurobe River, it is now popular as a sightseeing route leading to a superb view. On the way, you can also visit "Kurobe Dam", the largest arched dam in Japan which was completed in 1964. It is accessible from the direction of Toyama prefecture via cable car, trolley bus or ropeway etc. The gently swaying journey on these local rides is also quite interesting.
Also recommended for the kids and elderly alike is the Kurobe Gorge Railway running through the V-shaped gorge "Kurobe Gorge", the deepest in Japan. On the orange retro truck train, you can enjoy a variety of colorful views from the window throughout the four seasons. The first train of the truck train is Unazuki Station where the Unazuki Onsen is. Unazuki Onsen is known as a hot spring water that is gentle for the skin.
Besides that, together with Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture, the "Gokayama historic villages" registered as a World Heritage Site is also a spot where you can feel fascination and history. Also, in recent years, Uchikawa, the area called the "Venice of Japan" is also quite popular. The beautiful cityscape spreading along the waterside is also used as a shooting location for TV dramas and movies.
Access
From the Tokyo Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen is convenient. There are three stops of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in Toyama prefecture, "Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station", "Toyama Station" and "Shin Takaoka Station".
Access to the Toyama Station where the Prefectural Government's Office is located takes about 2 hours and 8 minutes by the Hokuriku Shinkansen "Kagayaki" (all seats reservation-only). The Hokuriku Shinkansen "Hakutaka" takes about 2 hours and 42 minutes. It's about an hour from Haneda Airport to "Toyama Kitokito Airport" by airplane.
To go from Osaka Station to Toyama Station, take the express train "Thunderbird" to Kanazawa. From there, it takes about 2 hours and 55 minutes on the Hokuriku Shinkansen "Tsurugi".
In case of using a car, it takes about 4 hours 15 minutes via the Meishin Expressway and the Hokuriku Expressway.