After living overseas for several years, I returned to Japan in 2025.
Experiencing daily life here again made me realise something simple but powerful: I wanted to travel more within Japan and truly see the beauty of my own country.
This desire became the starting point of this Travel Journal—a place where I share honest impressions, practical tips, and moments of inspiration from the places I visit. Everything is based on real experiences, not guidebook clichés.
For this very first entry, I chose Toyama.
If you’ve never been to Japan—or even if you have—you might not be familiar with Toyama at all. To be honest, even though I was born and raised in Japan, this was my first time setting foot there. Until recently, it wasn’t a place I had given much thought.
But as an adult, my perspective has changed.
Grand nature, incredibly fresh seafood, and calm destinations away from the crowds have become far more appealing. And Toyama delivered all of this.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Toyama worth visiting.
- Toyama Glass Art Museum – Where Art and Architecture Meet
- Toyama Sushi – Pure Flavour from the Sea of Japan
- Himi Beef – A Local Luxury
- Toyama Castle – A Glimpse into the Past
- Canal Cruise & Kansui Park – Slow Travel at Its Best
- Kurobe Dam & Tateyama – Spring in the Japanese Alps
- Uozu – Natural Wonders Along Toyama Bay
- Extra Recommendations: If You Have More Time
- Where I Stayed: DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama
Toyama Glass Art Museum – Where Art and Architecture Meet
Toyama is known throughout Japan as a centre for glass art, and the Toyama Glass Art Museum is the perfect introduction.
The building itself is a work of art, designed with wood, glass and light in a way that feels both modern and warm.
Inside, you’ll find stunning glass installations by both international and Japanese artists. Walking through the open, airy space felt calming and inspiring at the same time—an ideal cultural stop after arriving in the city.
Even if you’re not usually a museum person, this is a place that leaves a strong impression.
Toyama Sushi – Pure Flavour from the Sea of Japan
Toyama sits right by the Sea of Japan, and its seafood is considered some of the freshest in the country.
Toyama sushi is all about simplicity—letting the quality of the fish speak for itself.
From seasonal white shrimp (shiro-ebi) to fatty yellowtail (buri), every bite felt clean, rich and perfectly balanced. Unlike some food destinations that feel overwhelming, Toyama’s sushi culture feels relaxed and authentic.
It’s the kind of meal that reminds you why Japanese cuisine is so respected worldwide.
Himi Beef – A Local Luxury
Another highlight was Himi beef, Toyama’s local wagyu brand.
Known for its fine marbling and rich flavour, it melts in your mouth without being heavy.
Whether enjoyed as steak or in a simpler dish, Himi beef feels like a quiet luxury—unpretentious but deeply satisfying. It’s a must-try for food lovers looking to discover something new beyond Japan’s more famous regional specialties.
Toyama Castle – A Glimpse into the Past
Located in the heart of the city, Toyama Castle offers a peaceful break from sightseeing.
While the current structure is a reconstruction, the surrounding park and moat create a calm atmosphere, especially during spring.
Cherry blossoms begin to bloom around the castle, making it a lovely place for a stroll. It’s a gentle reminder of Toyama’s history without demanding too much time or energy—perfect for a relaxed pace of travel.
Canal Cruise & Kansui Park – Slow Travel at Its Best
One of the most memorable experiences in Toyama was spending time around Fugan Canal Kansui Park.
The area is beautifully designed, combining water, greenery and modern architecture.
Taking a canal cruise allows you to see the city from a different perspective, slowly drifting past bridges and open spaces. In spring, with fresh air and soft light, the experience felt almost therapeutic.
This is Toyama at its best—quiet, elegant, and never crowded.
Kurobe Dam & Tateyama – Spring in the Japanese Alps
No trip to Toyama is complete without visiting Kurobe Dam and the Tateyama area.
Spring is an especially powerful time to go, when the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens and towering snow walls still remain.
Standing among the vast mountains and seeing the scale of the dam was truly awe-inspiring. It’s one of those places that makes you pause and simply take it all in.
Nature here feels raw, grand and untouched—and it completely changed my image of Toyama.
Use Kurobe Gorge Railway Pass to explore the area.
Uozu – Natural Wonders Along Toyama Bay
Just east of Toyama City lies Uozu, a quiet coastal town facing Toyama Bay.
It’s not a place you visit for big landmarks or famous temples, but for rare natural phenomena and a strong connection to the sea.
The Uozu Buried Forest
One of Uozu’s most fascinating attractions is the Uozu Buried Forest Museum.
Here, you can see the preserved roots of a cedar forest that was buried more than 2,000 years ago due to natural changes in the land and sea.
The roots are displayed exactly where they were found, submerged underground, creating an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. It’s a powerful reminder of how dramatically nature can shape landscapes over time—and a sight you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.
Mirages Over Toyama Bay
Uozu is also famous for mirages (shinkirō) that appear over Toyama Bay under specific weather conditions.
On clear days, distant landscapes seem to float or stretch across the horizon, creating a surreal, dream-like scene.
While mirages aren’t guaranteed, spotting one feels like witnessing a small miracle of nature—and perfectly captures Toyama’s quiet, mysterious charm.
Firefly Squid & the Sea
Like many parts of the Toyama coast, Uozu is closely tied to the sea.
In certain seasons, firefly squid, known for their bioluminescent glow, appear in Toyama Bay. Even outside of peak season, seafood here is incredibly fresh, and the town maintains a strong fishing culture rooted in daily life rather than tourism.
Extra Recommendations: If You Have More Time
If your schedule allows, I’d also recommend:
- Matsukawa Riverside – beautiful in cherry blossom season. Matsukawa Chaya is the departure point for the seasonal cherry blossom (hanami) river cruise along the Matsukawa.
- Asahi Funagawa Spring Quartet – layers of flowers and mountains, unique to spring
- Himi Fishing Port Area – for seafood markets and coastal views
Where I Stayed: DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama
For this trip, I stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama, and it turned out to be an excellent base for exploring the city and surrounding areas.
The hotel is located just a three‑minute walk from JR Toyama Station, which made moving around incredibly easy—from city sightseeing to day trips toward Tateyama and the coast. After long days of exploring, being able to walk straight back to the hotel was a real luxury.
Inside, the hotel feels modern and calm, with spacious, well‑designed rooms that offer a comfortable place to slow down and rest. One of the highlights was the large public bath and sauna, perfect for relaxing tired muscles in the evening.
The on‑site restaurant, korare WINE AND DINE, focuses on regional ingredients from Toyama, making it easy to enjoy local flavours without leaving the hotel. And, of course, the warm chocolate chip cookie at check‑in—a DoubleTree signature—was a small but memorable welcome.
If you’re looking for a hotel that balances comfort, convenience, and contemporary design, DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama is a great option, whether you’re visiting for sightseeing or simply using Toyama as a base to explore the region.
