Travel Through Time

Toyama Prefecture is located in the center of the Japanese archipelago, in the north-central part of Honshu Island, between 36°16' and 36°59' north latitude and 136°46' and 137°46' east longitude. Facing the Sea of Japan, it is equidistant from the three major metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, enjoying a unique geographical environment. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, a vast plain embraces a deep bay, extending continuously. Encircled by the "Northern Alps Tateyama" mountain range and other mountainous areas, it forms a unified and coherent terrain with a radius of 50 km centered on Toyama City. The variety of plants growing here ranks first on Honshu Island. With abundant water resources, both agriculture and fishery are relatively developed, forming a leading industrial belt along the coast of the Sea of Japan. The cherry blossom trees along the Toyama River bank are quite large, but unfortunately, I arrived a few days late. Upon entering the courtyard gate, the first thing I encountered was a reed pond nestled in a grassy slope. Seven or eight ducks had quietly made their home in the lake. As you approach slowly, they begin to question your motives, first turning their heads to glance at you. If you continue to approach, they start to panic, taking a couple of steps towards the water's edge, then jumping in and swimming towards the reeds, leaving you with only their backs. However, they don't actually swim deep into the reeds to hide, but rather swim a short distance, stop, and look back at you, observing your reaction. After all, they aren't really afraid of people.