Amaharashi Coast

A view that has captivated poets since ancient times

The iconic view of Toyama Bay against the dramatic backdrop of the snowy Tateyama mountains is unforgettable. The Amaharashi Coast is said to be the best location to enjoy the view, which has been celebrated by poets and writers since the eighth century. Like a scene from a painting, Onnaiwa Rock—a charming islet topped with pine trees—emerges from the sea in the foreground, and the mountains loom 3,000 meters high in the distance. Photographers often visit the area at sunset to capture the island and mountains silhouetted against the golden light of the setting sun. The Amaharashi Coast has sandy beaches lined with pine trees, and is popular for swimming in summer, thanks to its family-friendly shallows and breathtaking views.

Japanese Cedars in Sugisawa

Fresh air filled with negative ions abounds in this forest of Japanese cedar

Japanese cedars grow in a dense grove in these marshes fed by the one of Japan's 100 best spring waters. In the alluvial fan of the Kurobe River, many natural springs bubble up through the shallow top layer of soil, creating a fertile zone with plentiful groundwater. The dense forest of trees, called "sawasugi" (literally "marsh Japanese cedar") once stretched for over 45 ha in the area of Sugisawa. Now, Sugisawa's forest has shrunk to just 2.7 ha due to logging, and has been designated a natural reserve by the prefecture. A well-maintained nature path allows visitors to enjoy the mystical atmosphere of the forest, with its brooks, ponds and moss-covered trees. The area is renowned among nature lovers, and is gaining recognition as a wonderful area for sightseeing.

Unazuki Onsen

The ideal base for exploring Kurobe Gorge

Unazuki Onsen is on the Kurobe River, at the gateway to Kurobe Gorge. The hot-spring resort, the largest in Toyama Prefecture, features a wide range of accommodation options, along with charming streets dotted with restaurants and shops.  Many inns and hotels are situated along the river, with mountain and forest views. Although Unazuki Onsen is in the mountains, its proximity to Toyama Bay means that visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, along with local sake and beer, brewed with water from sources in the gorge. The compact town is easy to explore on foot. Free hot-spring footbaths around the town offer a soothing respite after hiking and sightseeing in the area. Unazuki Onsen was founded in 1923 and has hot-spring waters drawn from a natural spring upstream. The mildly alkaline waters are reputed to be among the clearest in Japan and are gentle on the skin. The temperature of the spring water is over 90 degrees Celsius at the source but is tempered for bathers at the public baths and hot-spring inns in town.