Discover Toyama: 4 Top Tourist Spots Accessible from Toyama Station

Many travelers pass through Toyama Station en route to Kanazawa or Takayama, but few stop to explore what lies nearby—missing out on some of Toyama’s most fascinating cultural sites, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering local cuisine. This hub for bullet trains, local rail lines, and trams is far more than a transit point—Toyama City was selected as one of "52 Places to Go in 2025" by The New York Times this year, making it a destination worth visiting in its own right. Exploring on foot is ideal for soaking in the city’s vibe—unless the weather turns drab, in which case Toyama's convenient public transport makes getting around just as easy.

Toyama Castle and Toyama City Local History Museum

Stepping into Toyama Castle Park feels like walking into a storybook. The reconstructed castle keep, perched gracefully by the castle moat, serves as both a local symbol and the home of the Toyama City Local History Museum. Inside, historical displays guide visitors through over 400 years of Toyama’s past, from its feudal roots to its modern redevelopment.

The museum’s exhibits feature archaeological finds, historic maps, and even a massive 140 centimeter-high helmet worn by Lord Maeda Toshinaga. The observation deck on the fourth floor offers panoramic views of Toyama’s city center. During my visit, a rotating exhibition—updated every two months—showcased everyday items excavated from around the city, connecting past to present in a tangible way.

For an even more immersive experience, you can try the Samurai Experience Toyama, where you can don armor, ride a horse, and pose with the castle as your backdrop—an unforgettable memory for history enthusiasts.

※ The event is scheduled to be held as usual in the 2025 season.

Spot Details:

Name: Toyama Castle / Toyama City Local History Museum

Address: Toyama Castle Park, 1-62 Honmaru, Toyama City

Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)

Closed: December 28 - January 4, plus temporary closures for exhibit changes

Admission: Adults ¥210 (the fee changes to ¥400 during the special exhibition); high school students and younger free

Website: https://www.city.toyama.toyama.jp/etc/muse/

Access: 10-minute walk from JR Toyama Station

Toyama Glass Art Museum

Few buildings combine modern design and cultural depth as seamlessly as the Toyama Glass Art Museum, located within the striking TOYAMA KIRARI building designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Inspired by the shimmering peaks of the Tateyama Mountain Range, its facade of glass, granite, and aluminum creates mesmerizing reflections throughout the day. Toyama City was selected by The New York Times as one of the "52 Places to Go in 2025," with the Toyama Glass Art Museum featured in the article.

Inside, natural light filters through towering cedar louvers, creating a serene atmosphere where glass art truly shines.

The museum’s permanent exhibition showcases stunning works from local and international artists. Highlights include five breathtaking installations by master glass artist Dale Chihuly, whose large-scale creations transform the sixth-floor Glass Art Garden into a luminous wonderland.

After soaking in the art, I relaxed at Café Kouma Kirari, the building’s charming café. Their signature melon sodas are served in original glassware crafted exclusively by the artisans of the Toyama Glass Studio for the café, making each drink a small work of art in itself. Don’t miss the gift shop filled with handcrafted glass souvenirs and art books.

Spot Details:

Name: Toyama Glass Art Museum

Address: 5-1 Nishi-cho, Toyama City

Hours: 9:30-18:00 (Fri-Sat until 20:00)

Closed: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month, Year-end & New Year holiday

Admission: Adults/University students ¥200/¥170; high school students and younger may enter for free (Separate fees apply for special exhibitions)

Website: https://toyama-glass-art-museum.jp/en/

Access: From Toyama Station, take the Toyama Chihō Railway bound for "Minami-Toyama-Ekimae" and get off at "Nishicho," then walk about 1 minute. Alternatively, take the Toyama Chihō Railway and get off at "Grand Plaza-mae," then walk about 2 minutes.

Fugan Unga Kansui Park

A short stroll from Toyama Station leads to the serene Fugan Unga Kansui Park, a beloved local retreat known for its scenic canal, expansive lawns, and year-round beauty. It's also home to what’s often referred to as the most beautiful Starbucks in the world, adding a touch of global renown to its serene atmosphere. Originally built between 1930 and 1935 as part of a flood control and transportation system linking Toyama City to Toyama Bay, the Fugan Canal was repurposed in the 1980s into the park we see today, blending historical significance with modern leisure. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely walk, a family picnic, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

During the day, I was surprised to discover a wall art installation under the Tenmon-kyo Bridge—its vibrant designs added an artistic twist to the park’s serene surroundings. Birdwatching enthusiasts will also appreciate the “Ai no Shima” bird sanctuary, where native wildlife can be observed in a tranquil environment.

You can also find the Starbucks Coffee Fugan Unga Kansui Park Store, known as "the most beautiful Starbucks in the world," within the park—it's a great spot to stop by and relax.

As night fell, the park transformed into a dazzling wonderland of seasonal illuminations. The cascading waterfall lights added a mesmerizing glow, enhancing the magical atmosphere. With light displays running nearly year-round, Kansui Park's enchanting illuminations are a must-see. Glimmering lights reflected off the canal’s surface, creating a magical, ever-changing tapestry of colors.

Evenings at Kansui Park are magical thanks to seasonal light displays. Spring brings cherry blossom hues, summer glows with oceanic blues, and winter dazzles with aurora-like lights.

Spot Details:

Name: Fugan Unga Kansui Park

Address: Minato Irifune-cho, Toyama City

Hours: Open 24 hours (Tenmon-kyo Bridge observation deck: 9:00-21:30)

Closed: Open year-round

Admission: Free

Website: http://www.kansui-park.jp/

Access: A 9-minute walk from JR Toyama Station (North Exit)

Shiroebi-tei

Located in the heart of Toyamarché—a bustling indoor market space filled with shops selling local souvenirs and restaurants offering Toyama’s famous ramen and sushi—Shiroebi-tei is a must-visit for anyone craving Toyama’s famed white shrimp. Its popularity often means long lines, but the wait is well worth it. Having been featured on TV both domestically and abroad, Shiroebi-tei has earned its glowing reputation through its consistently delicious offerings. The hype is real, and every bite proves it’s well deserved.

One of their signature dishes is the White Shrimp Tempura Bowl, featuring white shrimp lightly battered to preserve their natural sweetness. Each bowl is paired with freshly steamed koshi hikari rice—also from Toyama Prefecture—creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

For something lighter, try the White Shrimp Sashimi Bowl, where the shrimp’s delicate sweetness shines through with just a hint of soy sauce and ginger. I also couldn’t resist their house-made kelp-pickled ginger—a zesty complement to every bite. It was so good that I bought a jar to take home with me—just a little taste of Toyama to enjoy back in Tokyo.

Spot Details:

Name: Shiroebi-tei

Address: Inside Kito Kito Ichiba Toyamarché, 1F JR Toyama Station, Meirin-cho 1-220, Toyama City

Hours: Weekdays 11:00-14:00, 16:00-20:00; Weekends/Holidays 11:00-20:00

Closed: January 1st

Website: https://www.shiroebiya.co.jp/guidance/toyama.html

Access: 1F JR Toyama Station

Discover Toyama on Foot

Toyama Station isn’t just a transportation hub—it’s a gateway to unforgettable cultural experiences, beautiful landscapes, and local flavors. From historic castles and cutting-edge museums to serene parks and exceptional cuisine, this city invites you to explore at your own pace. No car required—just a sense of adventure and an appetite for discovery.