The ultimate bucket list location! Toyama's spectacular scenery in all four seasons

After a harsh winter, spring in Toyama is ushered in with the start of the fishing season for firefly squid and white shrimp. Pink cherry blossoms bloom boldly against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, complemented in places with spring flowers such as tulips and rape blossoms – a truly amazing sight not to be missed!
 

● Matsukawa Sightseeing Boat (Toyama City)

The Matsukawa River is a remnant of the former meandering Jinzu River, which once protected Toyama Castle as a moat. There are 530 Somei Yoshino cherry trees planted on both banks of this small metropolitan waterway, creating a gorgeous tunnel of cherry blossoms. This spot was selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, so it’s no wonder that riding the sightseeing boat slowly through the flurry of pink flowers can feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

● Asahi Funagawa “Spring Quartet” (Asahi Town)

This whimsical springtime event features the beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Northern Alps juxtaposed against tulips, rape blossoms and rows of cherry trees spread along the Funagawa River. As many as 280 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom along a 1,200-meter stretch of the Funagawa River, creating a spectacular sight. Nearby, the “Nyuzen Flower Road” boasts a seemingly endless carpet of pretty tulips.
 

● Toyama Castle Ruin Park (Toyama City)

Located in the center of Toyama, Toyama Castle Ruin Park is a quiet place for citizens to relax in nature on a vast site where the grand Toyama Castle once stood. The contrast of beautiful cherry blossoms swaying in the breeze against the rugged stone walls of the reconstructed castle keep is one of the main highlights of this scenic park. This popular spot gets crowded with people enjoying cherry blossom viewing parties.
 

● Toyama Gokoku Shrine (Toyama City)

Located near the downtown area of Toyama City, this regal shrine thrives with visitors during the cherry blossom viewing season. The sight of the many cherry trees in full bloom combined with the sacred atmosphere makes this classic shrine even more mysterious. On a clear day, visitors may even be lucky enough to snap a shot of the cherry blossoms with the Tateyama mountain range in the background behind the torii gate.
 

● Uozusogo Koen (Mira Park) (Uozu City)

Designated as one of the “50 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Toyama” and the “100 Most Scenic Spots in Toyama”, Mira Park is a popular place where visitors can enjoy approximately 350 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Sato-zakura cherry trees. It is also well known as a seaside leisure park.
 

Soak up the contrast of blue sky and fresh summer greenery in the natural paradise of Toyama during summer. This is the season when the snow covering the mountains melts and the mountain climbing routes open. The lakes, rivers, and rice paddies offer an all-consuming coolness that soothes the body and soul.

● Kurobe Gorge (Kurobe City)

Kurobe Gorge is one of Japan's three most famous canyons and one of the 100 best-kept secrets in Japan. In late April, a trolley train resumes operation, allowing visitors to enjoy the cool breeze and spectacular scenery from the open, windowless train.

*As of October 2024, the trolley train operates between Unazuki and Nekomata.

● World Heritage Site Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village (Nanto City)

Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village is an authentic settlement that retains the historical landscape of Gokayama, with rows of quaint thatched houses built in the “Gassho-Zukuri” style. Real locals still live in this historical village, and the sight of them going about their day in the summer surrounded by quiet green rice paddies in a truly beautiful sight to behold. This ancient Japanese landscape is made even more alluring with seasonal illuminations.
 

● Higashiyama Cylindrical Water Diversion Tank (Uozu City)

This perfectly round water tank is used to equally distribute water to the three water sources in the Higashiyama area, however in recent years it has gained popularity as a scenic tourist spot. The sight of clear water calmly overflowing from the round tank is certainly a rare one, described as “the most beautiful in Japan”.
 

● Jinzu Gorge (Toyama City)

Designated as a prefectural park and overflowing with natural beauty, the Jinzu Gorge is no doubt one of the most scenic spots in Toyama. This beautiful 15km long gorge was created by the flow of the Jinzu River through Toyama City and its magnificent mountain range. The view from the bridge and observatory is spectacular, and coupled with the natural beauty of the emerald green gorge, the scenery can only be described as mesmerizing.

● Shirakimine (Yatsuo Town)

Located on the border with Gifu Prefecture, this 1,596-meter-high mountain is a treasure trove of alpine flora. At the summit, there are no mountains to block the view except for Mount Kongodo, which is incredible to view up close. Hikers are treated to a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area as well as Toyama Bay and the Noto Peninsula. In summer, pretty broad dwarf day lilies bloom on the hillside.
 

Fall is the season when Toyama’s lush green rice paddies shimmer with fruitful golden hues. Tateyama and the other mountains of the region melt into a flurry of bright colors, delighting the eyes of visitors. Snow can be seen at the tops of the mountains at higher elevations, creating a spectacular view that can only be seen at this time of year when the autumn colors overlap with sheer white snow.

● Kurobe Gorge (Kurobe City)
During the autumn foliage season, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of three- and five-tiered leaf color graduations reaching from the tops of the surrounding mountains down to the Kurobe River. During the first snowfall, the snow-capped mountains, autumn leaves, and the greenery at the foot of the mountains overlap beautifully. Don't miss “Kinshukan,” a famous spot for viewing the autumn leaves from the trolley train.

*As of October 2024, the trolley train operates between Unazuki and Nekomata.

● Mikuriga-ike Pond (Tateyama Town)

Mikuriga-ike Pond is located in Murodo-daira, a picturesque location overlooking the three peaks of Tateyama. The surrounding 3,000-meter-tall mountains gleam with vivid fall colors, beautifully reflected in the calm lake surface. In mid-September, alpine plants such as Japanese rowan and aleutian avens also begin to change color, making this the ideal place to take a relaxing stroll.
 

● World Heritage Site Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village (Nanto City)

When fall arrives in this scenic village, the mountains erupt into a show of brilliant yellow and orange as ears of ripe rice sway in the breeze. When the autumn colors have successfully seeped down the mountains and into the landscape, the first snow falls near the top of the peaks, complemented by beautiful blue skies. The sight of the clear skies, snow-capped mountains, and the three-tiered graduation of the autumn leaves is truly unforgettable.
 

●Jinzu Gorge (Toyama City)

The Jinzu Gorge boasts the perfect fall combination of brightly colored foliage, crystal clear water, and steep rock faces. One of the most dynamic attractions is “Katajikyo,” where melting snow forms a sharp V-shape stream, flanked on both sides by vivid autumn leaves.
 

Winter in Toyama brings about great change, transforming the region into a white snowy kingdom. The snow-capped mountains, rivers covered with thin ice, and warm light radiating from cozy houses lit up against the landscape all create an extraordinary atmosphere. Enjoy the magnificent winter scenery in this classically beautiful winter wonderland.

● World Heritage Site Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village (Nanto City)

This ancient village was once rendered an unexplored region due to its heavy snowfall. As depicted on picturesque postcards, the gassho-zukuri houses nestled in the deep snow cast a mysterious figure against the cold winter. When illuminated at night, the soft lights of the houses appear to float in a silvery white world, creating an even more fantastic scene. Enjoy the extraordinary view.

● Shogawa Gorge Sightseeing Boat (Tonami City)

Shogawa Gorge is designated as a prefectural park thanks to its magnificent natural beauty. In winter, the landscape is carpeted with snow, creating a panoramic view reminiscent of a traditional ink painting. A sightseeing boat circles the Shogawa Gorge from the Komaki Dam area. The juxtaposition of the lake's icy surface and the snowy landscape as seen from the warmth of the boat is incredible!
 

● Fugan Canal Kansui Park (Toyama City)

Centered around the Toyama Canal, Fugan Canal Kansui Park is an urban oasis boasting abundant greenery and scenic waterways. The seasonal illuminations are a sight to behold, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for date night. In winter, the illuminations are inspired by the mysterious aurora borealis, bringing extra festive cheer to occasions such as Christmas and Valentine's Day.
 

● Miyajima Gorge (Oyabe City)

A picturesque village boasting many clear streams, waterfalls and natural pools, including Ichinotaki Falls and Ninotaki Falls, which are also known as “Little Niagara Falls". In winter, the snow-covered trees and cascading white waterfalls create a magical atmosphere. The clear air and the smiling face of the goddess statue overlooking the water will soothe your soul.

● Kurobe Gorge Premium Winter Tour (Kurobe City)

Every year from mid-April to the end of November, a trolley train runs along the Kurobe River through the spectacular scenery of the gorge. This popular premium winter tour allows visitors to ride the Kurobe Gorge trolley train off-season all the way to Shin-yamabiko Bridge. Don't miss this rare opportunity to enjoy Kurobe's majestic silver world from the comfort of the trolley train.

*This tour is also planned for the fiscal year 2024. Further details will be announced later, so please check the official website for updates.