😎 Why Toyama Deserves More Than a Day

Often overshadowed by its neighbors like Kanazawa or Takayama, Toyama is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets — a city where art, nature, seafood, and design meet in surprising ways. If you are only planning a quick pass-through, here is why you should reconsider and give Toyama at least two full days. 🏔️ Gateway to the Japanese Alps Toyama is the starting point for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a breathtaking mountain crossing with snow walls in spring, colorful hikes in autumn, and dramatic vistas year-round. It is a full-day adventure — and you will want time to rest before or after. 🎨 A City That Loves Art and Design Toyama Glass Art Museum A stunning museum housed in a Kengo Kuma-designed building — part architecture gem, part creative wonderland. Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art & Design Overlooking the water, this museum blends art, design, and panoramic views of the Tateyama mountain range. 🐟 Seafood Lovers, Rejoice Thanks to its location on Toyama Bay, the city offers some of Japan’s freshest and most underrated seafood: Try masu-zushi (pressed trout sushi) Taste the bioluminescent firefly squid (seasonal, springtime) Dine at local markets like the Toyama Kitokito Ichiba 🚃 Slow Travel at Its Best Toyama invites you to slow down: Stroll along canal-lined streets in Iwase Ride the cute retro trams through the city Enjoy mountain views from almost everywhere 🏯 Bonus: Nearby Hidden Gems Use Toyama as a base for: Gokayama (UNESCO-listed thatched-roof village, quieter than Shirakawago) Takaoka (Great Buddha and historic metalworking town) Uozu (mysterious mirages and burbling undersea spring spots!) Toyama may not be loud, but it is rich in experience. If you love culture, design, fresh air, and authentic Japan, this is one city that will quietly steal your heart — and absolutely deserves more than a day.