Capital of the Toyama prefecture, Toyama is known mostly for its chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The area was once a popular battleground before stabilizing and becoming known throughout Japan as the province of medicine. The now compact city was completely obliterated during World War II with 99.5% of its urban center destroying by incendiary bombs. Reviving its industry and the completion of the bullet train network help restore life to the city. Today, it serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding towns and mountains.
Reaching Toyama is quite convenient as they have their
own airport, and the Shinkansen line could offer a more cost-effective means of arriving. The bullet train experience is an exciting one in itself and could be more rewarding than a typical flight. It also provides an excellent means for traversing the city and reaching destinations further out. Iwase Town gives a pre-war impression of Japan and a taste of the shipping history. Toyama Castle is a 15th century site located in
Toyama Castle Park, and the Toyama Folk Village is a series of cultural museums set up in traditional houses. The city is also making efforts to become a world-class city for glass, and those endeavors can be witnessed at Toyama Street Museum and Toyama Glass Museum. Outside the city are the grand Japanese Alps of the north, hosting beautiful landscapes and hiking opportunities. One of the area’s highest peaks is Mount Tate, and it provides a challenging day trip for the adventurous.
Be sure to check out the interactive map of Toyama for information on hotel locations, attractions, and must-see destinations.
