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.

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. 

Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-Style Village

A historical landscape that is picture-perfect in every season

Ainokura is the largest village of traditional thatched farmhouses in the Gokayama area, with around 20 houses. Along with Suganuma in Gokayama and Ogimachi in Shirakawa-go, it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. These so-called gassho-style villages with their distinctive thatched farmhouses are located along the Shogawa River, which stretches from Gifu to Toyama. Ainokura can be reached by bus from Shin-Takaoka Station in Toyama and Shirakawa-go in Gifu. The houses at Ainokura range in age from 100 to 350 years old and create a nostalgic atmosphere of a bygone Japan. While most of the houses are still private residences, some serve as cafes, museums, and even guesthouses. The village scenery is beautiful in each season, but especially in the winter when the houses are blanketed with snow. Staying overnight is the best way to enjoy the captivating sights which include seasonal illumination events.  Learn more about the area by visiting Ainokura Folk Museum, Ainokura Traditional Industry Center, and the Gokayama Washi Paper Making Experience Hall, which can be found in gassho-style houses. Visitors can try making washi paper and purchase paper-craft products at the Gokayama Washi Paper Making Experience Hall.