Toyama Station
Located in Toyama Prefecture, Toyama Station is an important transport hub nearby Kanazawa and the popular Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. As such, many international visitors pass through the station each year and in doing so, are discovering that Toyama is home to fantastic seafood and some beautiful natural landscapes. On this page you will find the following information:
— Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama
— Other Train Lines / Services to Toyama
— Rail Passes Covering Travel to Toyama
— Purchasing & Activating a JR Pass
— Getting to / from Toyama Airport
— Bus Services to / from the Station
— Toyama Tourist Information Center
— Accommodation In & Around the Station
— 25 Things to Do Around Toyama & Where to Stay
— Private Charters to / from Toyama
Squeezed between the Sea of Japan and the dramatic mountains of the North Japan Alps, Toyama offers the unique sight in winter of snow-capped mountains clearly visible from the coast and as a backdrop to the city. While the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route is the main attraction in the city, visitors to Toyama have discovered the fantastic seafood on offer along with attractions including the Toyama Glass Art Museum and Toyama Castle Park.
Outside of the city, Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen are becoming popular with international visitors seeking out new destinations yet to be discovered by others.
HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN TO TOYAMA
Running from Tokyo Station to Tsuruga Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen stops at the following stations:
Tokyo / Ueno / Omiya / Kumagaya / Honjo-Waseda / Takasaki / Annaka-Haruna / Karuizawa / Sakudaira / Ueda / Nagano / Iiyama / Joetsu-Myoko / Itoigawa / Kurobe-Unazukionsen / Toyama / Shin-Takaoka / Kanazawa / Komatsu / Kaga Onsen / Awara Onsen / Fukui / Echizen Takefu / Tsuruga
Two services – the Kagayaki and Hakutaka – operate from Tsuruga to Tokyo via Toyama with a third service – the Tsurugi – only connecting Tsuruga and Toyama:
The Kagayaki is reservation-only service that originates at Tsuruga and stops at Toyama, Nagano, Omiya and Ueno before terminating at Tokyo. From Toyama to the following stations takes: to Nagano 45 minutes and to Tokyo 135 min. The Hakutaka includes both reserved and non-reserved carriages and stops at a greater number of stations. From Toyama to the following stations takes: to Nagano 60 min; to Tokyo 160 min; and to Kanazawa 20 min. A third service – Tsurugi – is only available between Kanazawa and Toyama, taking just 22 min. A fourth service on the Hokuriku line – the Asama – is only available from Tokyo to Nagano and therefore cannot be used from Toyama.
For visitors bound for Unazuki Onsen and/or Kurobe Gorge, the Hakutaka service bound for Tokyo stops at Unazuki-Onsen Station – 12 min – at which you can transfer to the Toyama Chiho Railway Main for the onward journey on the Toyama Chiho Railway Main Line (as detailed below). For the train schedule, please refer to our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable’ page.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is covered by the Japan Rail (JR Pass), JR East Pass and JR Hokuriku Pass – see below for details.
OTHER TRAIN LINES / SERVICES TO TOYAMA
Several other train lines and services also operate to and from Toyama Station including:
— LIMITED EXPRESS HIDA: operates on the Takayama Main Line, bound for Takayama and Nagoya
— TOYAMA CHIHO RAILWAY: bound for Tateyama and Unazuki Onsen*
— AINOKAZE TOYAMA RAILWAY: bound for Itoigawa, Niigata
— TOYAMA CITY TRAM LINE: operates within Toyama City
— TOYAMA-KO LINE: operates within Toyama City
*Operating from Dentetsu Toyama Station – a short walk from Toyama Station – the Toyama Chiho Railway connects Toyama to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route via Tateyama Station and Unazuki Onsen and Kurobe Gorge via Unazuki Onsen Station – see below for details.
Of those lines, the Limited Express Hida and Toyama Chiho Railway Main Line will be of most interest to international visitors:
LIMITED EXPRESS HIDA
Visitors heading to Takayama and its beautiful old town along with the World Heritage-listed villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama can do so using the Limited Express Hida running along the Takayama Main Line. Running from Toyama to Takayama and onto Nagoya – the Limited Express Hida is a popular and picturesque service includes stops at:
Toyama* / Hayahoshi* / Etchu-Yatsuo* / Inotani* / Hida-Furukawa* / Takayama / Kuguno / Hida-Hagiwara / Gero / Hida-Kanayama / Shirakawaguchi / Mina-Ota / Unuma / Gifu / Owari-Ichinomyiga / Nagoya
*These stations are only stops on services to and from Toyama Station. Make sure to check the specific service includes a stop at your preferred station.
Taking approximately 90 minutes to reach Takayama, there are only two or three convenient services each day and the line is popular with tourists, so if you have the chance to book ahead it can be helpful. For details, please refer to our ‘Limited Express Hida Timetable’ page.
TOYAMA CHIHO RAILWAY
Operating from Dentetsu Toyama Station – nearby Toyama Station – the Toyama Chiho Railway runs connects the city to Tateyama Station – and the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route – and Unazuki Onsen Station – and the Kurobe Gorge. The Toyama Chiho Railway Tateyama Line runs to Tateyama Station – gateway to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. The walk from Toyama Station to Dentestu Toyama Station will only take 5 minutes before the picturesque train journey takes approximately 65 to 75 minutes (depending on which service you choose to use).
For visitors heading to Unazuki Onsen and Kurobe Gorge, the Toyama Chiho Railway Tateyama Line stops at numerous stations, including Terada Station, enroute to its final stop, Unazuki Onsen Station. In doing so, it provides access to Unazuki Onsen and from there, the Kurobe Gorge.
The journey takes around 100 minutes one-way. Alternatively, for visitors heading to Unazuki Onsen and/or the Kurobe Gorge, we recommend taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Toyama Station to Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station and once there, walk to nearby Shin-Kurobe Station and use the Toyama Chiho Railway Main Line to complete the journey to Unazuki Station. This option takes around 80 minutes one-way.
RAIL PASSES COVERING TRAVEL TO TOYAMA
There is no escaping the fact that travel using the shinkansen and other rapid services is expensive. Given the speed and distances covered by these trains, travelers should think of them much like taking a flight, with tickets accordingly priced. International visitors to Japan have the option of purchasing one of several passes which allow for unlimited use of the Hokuriku along with other services:
JAPAN RAIL (JR) PASS
Covering all 9 shinkansen lines in Japan and many other train services, the JR Pass is a great option for visitors planning to use the shinkansen more than a handful of times and/or travel large distances. Travelers have the option of 7, 14 and 21-day passes covering either Ordinary or Ordinary and Green Cars. The JR Pass allows for use of any service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line at no additional cost but noting that should holders wish to have a reserved seat, they are still required to book a seat at the ticket office (at no additional cost). Covers all services listed above.
JAPAN RAIL (JR) EAST PASS / NAGANO
Notably cheaper than the JR Pass, this is a great option for visitors staying within Nagano and Niigata. Much like the JR Pass, it allows for use of any service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line at no additional cost but noting that should holders wish to have a reserved seat, they are still required to book a seat at the ticket office (at no additional cost). This pass covers the Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen lines serving Nagano and Niigata, along with other regional services. There is only one option of pass, covering 5 days of use within a 14-day period from its date of activation. Please note, this pass covers the Hokuriku Shinkansen but does not cover other services listed above.
HOKURIKU ARCH PASS
Valid for 7 consecutive days from date of activation, the Hokuriku Arch Pass covers train services from Tokyo – including trains from both Narita and Haneda Airports – to Nagano and Kanazawa and then onto Kyoto, Osaka and Kansai Airport. For many international visitors, this pass covers the majority of their intended destinations as the they follow the most popular tourist route from Tokyo to Kanazawa and onto Kyoto and Osaka. Notably cheaper than the full JR Pass, the Hokuriku Arch Pass offers fantastic convenience and savings. Please note, this pass covers the Hokuriku Shinkansen but does not cover other services listed above.
PURCHASING & ACTIVATING A JR PASS
Passes can be purchased via the official website or via a JR-affiliated overseas sales office. Once you have completed payment, you will receive an exchange order. This is a proof of payment and looks almost like a flight ticket with your personal details, type of pass, and validity (three months from the date of issue). It is important to note that the exchange order is not your actual pass and will need to be exchanged for your pass once in Japan. Whatever you do, do not lose the exchange order and prioritise exchanging it for your pass when you arrive.
Prior to using your pass, you must actually get your hands on it by exchanging the order/proof of purchase you received online. This can be done a numerous JR Pass Exchange Offices found at any major train station or airport, including Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport and Kansai International Airport. If you have time to do so before leaving the airport, you can use the pass immediately. Tokyo Station is another popular place to exchange/obtain your pass at either of these offices:
— JR East Travel Service Center (Marunouchi North Exit): 07:30 to 20:00
— JR Central Ticket Office (Yaesu North Exit): 07:30 to 20:00
If you need to exchange your pass while at Toyama Station, you can do so at either of these offices:
— Central Ticket Office: 05:40 to 23:30
— Nippon Travel Agency TiS: 10:00 to 18:00 (closed on public holidays)
To exchange/activate your pass you will need your exchange order and passport. Make sure you allow adequate time to exchange and activate your pass if you are intending to use it on the same day or do so a day or two before you plan to start using it (you can always nominate a later activation date). Once you have your activated pass you are free to ride however you can’t insert your pass into the ticket gates. Simply walk through the side booth (permanently attended by station staff) and show your pass. You will be waved through and you can make your way to the platform.
GETTING TO / FROM TOYAMA AIRPORT
Passengers flying in or out of Toyama can use the airports shuttle bus to reach nearby Toyama Station – 25 minutes – with services running every 30 to 60 minutes. For further information, please refer to the bus timetable from / to Toyama. Alternatively, a taxi from the airport to Toyama Station takes around 15 minutes with rental cars also available at the airport. For visitors wanting to head straight from the airport to any of the region’s attractions and destinations, arranging a private charter is a great option for doing so directly from the airport.
BUS SERVICES TO / FROM THE STATION
When visiting Toyama, it is worth taking the time to head south to the World Heritage-listed villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, and from there, onto the historic old town of Takayama. Daily bus services to those destinations operate to and from Toyama Station.
TO SHIRAKAWA-GO & TAKAYAMA
The Nohi Bus company operates several daily services from Toyama Station to Ogimachi / Shirakawa-go and onto Takayama. It takes approximately 60 minutes to reach Ogimachi from Takayama. Buses depart from outside the stations Central Gate. These buses can be crowded during busy times of the year, so make sure to book your ticket as soon as possible.
TO TOKYO
Several daily bus services connect Toyama Station and Tokyo, at either Ikebukuro Station or the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. Services takes approximately 6 to 6.5 hours (depending on your destination). Please inquire with us for information including timetables and fares to and from Toyama.
GROUP TOURS IN TOYAMA
At Snow Monkey Resorts we have tours operating around Japan – and that includes the Toyama area. With so much going on, and so much natural beauty, there is no chance that we would ever have left this area out of our line up. If you’ve been convinced that visiting Toyama is a good idea (and it really is), then the following tours will be just what you are looking for.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa & Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley | |
| Period | April to June |
| Time | 08:00 – 19:00 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station / Toyama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥30,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥23,800 |
One of Toyama’s biggest international attractions is the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, without a doubt. The towering snow walls here are truly unique and are something that is hard to see outside of Japan. The easiest way to make it up to this magnificent natural beauty is through one of our tours. Hop on one of our buses as we head up the mountain, stopping in a mysterious village before reaching the top where you can explore the Snow Walls and other areas. Check the link above for our Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route from Kanazawa and Toyama.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen | |
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| Period | May to November |
| Time | 08:00 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥30,000 / 24,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥24,000 / 21,000 |
Accessible from Toyama Station via Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe Gorge is quickly emerging as a popular destination for international visitors. Regarded as one of the three most beautiful gorges in Japan, Kurobe is best experienced riding the Kurobe Gorge Railway which covers a meandering and winding 20km span in approximately 80 minutes. The open-air carriages allow visitors an intimate experience of the surrounding landscape with stations along the route allowing access to walk trails, onsen, restaurants and accommodation. On our day tour of the area, you will have a day to enjoy the train ride and stunning scenery of the area, with a guide to help you make the most of it.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Takaoka’s Temples, Metalworking Experience and Stunning Toyama Bay Views | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:00 – 18:15 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥21,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥18,000 |
While a little out of the way, the Amaharashi Coast is a famous sight for many Japanese – known for its pristine beauty and Onnaiwa (Woman’s Rock) set against the background of the North Japan Alps including Mt Tate., and having inspired artists and poets for countless years. The spectacular view of the mountains against Toyama Bay may be difficult to access so join us for a tour! It combines other sites in Takaoka such as the Japan Heritage Site of Zuiryuji, the Big Buddha of Takaoka and a metalworking workshop. If you’re interested, find more information above on our Takaoka Tour page.
TOYAMA TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
The station’s Tourist Information Center is on the 1F. Open daily from 08:00 until 20:00, staff can assist with general enquiries, transport enquiries, timetables and maps, accommodation bookings and luggage delivery.
ACCOMMODATION IN & AROUND THE STATION
Visitors passing through Toyama Station, might want to consider staying nearby including in central Toyama. For hotel bookings in the Toyama area, please refer to the following accommodation listings on our ‘Toyama Area’ hotel page.
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND TOYAMA & WHERE TO STAY
Located nearby Toyama Bay, the city and region are known throughout Japan for its fantastic seafood – best enjoyed at a coastal market or at one of the city’s many restaurants. The city itself is modern and energetic and an ideal launching point from where to access the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, Takayama and the North Alps. For tips and suggestions of what’s on offer, see our ’25 Things To Do Around Toyama & Where To Stay’ page.
HOW TO GET TO TOYAMA
As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Toyama is easy to reach from the capital and beyond. Our ‘How To Get To Toyama’ page has directions for many popular starting points including from the capital and its airports, Nagano, the monkey park, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and more.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
Toyama Station is just one part of Japan’s fantastic rail network. Unfathomable in its size and efficiency, moving around the country by train is easy and comfortable opening-up all regions of Japan for exploration. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.
PRIVATE CHARTERS TO & FROM TOYAMA
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator. Operating all year round, we can provide charters to any destination in Central Japan, with customized itineraries to suit your travel needs and interests including pick-up or drop-off at Toyama Station. We have the expertise and experience to help you get the most out of your time in the region, including transport to and from any regional destination. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule.
Got a question about visiting Central Japan from Toyama? Head to our ‘Charters’ main page or click on the INQUIRY button below, let us know what you need, and we’ll get back to you with a quote.
