1 Day Tour in Toyama: Stunning Streetscapes, Beautiful Views and Local History

Framed by the majestic Northern Alps, Toyama City is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Although less popular than nearby cities like Kanazawa, Toyama boasts a fascinating history as a center of medicine and trade. Known for its pristine water and spectacular mountain views, the city offers visitors a unique charm that sets it apart.

Toyama Castle, a symbol of the city’s samurai past, stands as a testament to its feudal heritage. Nearby, the historic Ikedaya Medicine Shop provides a glimpse into the city’s legacy as a hub for traditional medicine. The tour then takes you to Ecchu Yatsuo, a picturesque town renowned for its cobblestone streets and the lively Owara Kaze no Bon festival, offering an enchanting window into local traditions.

Toyama’s sights are relatively close, but its layout can be tricky to navigate. On this tour, you’ll be guided by an experienced English-speaking guide who will ensure you enjoy a seamless journey through Toyama’s cultural and historical highlights.

Highlights

• Go up an observation deck to see the stunning Japanese Alps and then head to the castle to learn more about the local history

• Discover a medicine shop that has existed since the Edo period and enter the famous glass museum

• Explore Ecchu Yatsuo, a town that has been ranked as having one of the streetscapes in all of Japan. Enjoy the traditional buildings and learn about the history of this town

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section below

Description

This tour will start at Toyama Station at 9:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Information Center near the spiral staircase. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker at the station as well if you feel the need.

Once you have left the inside of the station building, the first sight to see on the tour will be a short walk away. The Toyama City Hall Observatory sits 70m(230 feet) in the air and provides a great view of the mountains surrounding the prefecture. From here you can see the famous mountains that signal where the Alpine Route, the Kurobe Gorge and Ecchu Yatsuo are located. In winter and spring they are especially beautiful with white snow capping all the mountains.

(picture from observatory)

Toyama Castle stands as a powerful reminder of the city’s turbulent feudal history, originally built in 1543 as a strategic stronghold. Once destroyed in the Sengoku period and later rebuilt, it became one of the seats of the Maeda Clan, based in Kanazawa, showcasing their influence and power. Today, the castle reflects centuries of resilience and offers a captivating window into Toyama’s samurai legacy.

The Ikedaya Medicine Shop, established over 300 years ago, played a pivotal role in Toyama’s rise as a renowned hub for traditional medicine. Known for its herbal remedies and meticulous craftsmanship, it served samurai, merchants, and locals alike during the Edo period. Visiting the shop is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the city’s legacy of innovation and wellness.

Nearby is the Glass Museum, where you have will have time to explore it on your own before meeting up again with your group and guide!

After seeing the interesting shapes and art of the museum, it's time for lunch! You can eat nearby or around the station but don't hesitate to ask your guide for recommendations. The famous dishes in the area are Toyama black ramen and white shrimp.

Once lunch is finished and every is grouped back up you will head to Ecchu Yatsuo by train!

Ecchu Yatsuo is a charming town with a rich history as a thriving center for silk production during the Edo period. Its well-preserved streets, lined with traditional merchant houses, tell the story of its prosperous past. The town is also famous for the Owara Kaze no Bon festival, a 300-year-old tradition celebrating local culture and artistry.
You will get a chance to walk down the famous street that was chosen as one of most scenic in Japan, pop into a few traditional stores and learn more about the festivals in the town. All of these will happen with the help of your guide who will bring you along a route to see everything the most efficient way while talking about the history of the town.

Finally, you will return to Ecchu Yatsuo Station, hop on the train back to Toyama. Once at Toyama Station it will be time to say your goodbyes there. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel, and they will happily help.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

1 / TOYAMA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.

The meetup point is in front of the Tourist Information Center in the middle of Toyama Station, across from the ticket office. It is in the center of the train station and you'll be able to find your tour guide next to the spiral stairs. Please wait there until 9:00 A.M. when the tour starts. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag.

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Transportation to and from Ecchu Yatsuo
• Entry fee at the Glass Museum
• Entry Fee at the Hikiyama Museum

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or rain coat if necessary.

• In winter the temperatures will be below 10℃ at the high , and in the morning and evening may be close to or below 0℃. Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for snowy and cold conditions. There may also be snow and ice on the road/sidewalk, and so you should take care to not slip by preparing the correct shoes for such conditions.

• There will be free time along the way for guests to enjoy the locations at their own pace. However, please make sure that you are at the respective meetup points at the time stated by your guide. If you get lost or need assistance, feel free to call the number which is listed on your tour pass, and our staff will assist you immediately.