There may be changes to the information displayed on the tourism facilities and events pages (such as business hours, etc.).
For the latest/more detailed information, please see the official website, etc., of each local government, facility, or event.

TOYAMA x TOKYO

A scenic route to experience latest technologies and ancient wisdom
  • TOKYO
  • TOYAMA

Theme of the Scenic Route

WISDOM&VIRTUAL REALITY

TRAVELER

  • Traveled : October,2019 Aidart Lucie
    Travel blogger
    Reside in France
  • Traveled : October,2019 Jason Evrard
    French language guide in Japan and reporter for “Kanpai!” (a French language travel guide)
    Reside in Tokyo
    Home country: France

Enjoy the cutting edge of VR entertainment at SKY CIRCUS, Japan’s leading VR facility, before heading to Gokayama village, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its traditional thatched-roof houses. Here visitors can witness an architectural beauty born of the wisdom of everyday life. Take a precious journey from the latest cutting-edge technology to the everyday wisdom unique to the snow-covered countryside.

Official Tokyo Travel Guide
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/

Local government official website
http://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/en/

Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport

ANA216 Examine the directions from your country

  • Aidart Lucie

    ANA International Flight: The flight was on time and the cabin attendants were also very pleasant. The aircraft was well equipped with entertainment and the in-flight food was delicious. The aircraft itself was comfortable and clean; services were also great.

Haneda Airportmore

Haneda Airport
The airport serves as an air gateway for Tokyo. The passenger terminal is filled with various commercial facilities, and visitors can command a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay from the rooftop observation deck, so that every one, even those who are not flying, can enjoy the terminal.

Tokyo Metropolitan Area

Day1

TOKYO

SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observatorymore

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS

SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observatory
The "Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observatory" has evolved from a simple viewing platform into a platform you can experience!
It is a whole new panoramic experience that stimulates the senses through sight, touch, emotion, and surprise, with new experiences for you to enjoy, such as Tenku 251, Kaleido Scape, Sky Bridge, Sky Party, and Cafe Quu Quu Quu.
You can also enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view from the observation deck 251m above the ground.
  • Aidart Lucie

    SKY CIRCUS: SKY CIRCUS was fantastic! Unfortunately the visibility was low due to fog. I'd love to see the sunset from this spot in Tokyo on a clear day. The animation seemed to be geared more towards children. The VR game, however, was interesting and had my attention.

    Lunch at Suchidokoro Ginza Fukusuke: Both the sushi and dessert at Sushidokoro Ginza Fukusuke were very delicious. Although we dined in a private room, we thought it would also be nice to enjoy dining in the main area to interact with the chef and enjoy the view. This restaurant had a very cozy atmosphere.

  • Jason Evrard

    SKY CIRCUS: SKY CIRCUS features various virtual attractions. It's a great place for families with children. There are also interesting experiences for adults, such as the Tokyo Bullet Flight. The view is spectacular during the day, and even better at night, so a night visit is well worth it.

    Lunch at Sushidokoro Ginza Fukusuke: The sushi served at Ginza Fukusuke is really delicious. I also liked the simple appetizers and dessert. The private room was nice and quiet, but you can also enjoy the view in the main dining space. That's because this restaurant is located on the 59th floor of Sunshine City, and several of the tables are positioned so that you look down on the cityscape below.

JR Yamanote Line
Ikebukuro-->Akihabara
(20 minutes)

Akihabaramore

Akihabara

Known by the nickname Akiba, Akihabara, or the area mainly around Chuo Street and Kanda Myojin Street, is known as one of the world's largest electronics towns. The area is dotted with stores of various sizes, from major retailers carrying the latest computers and smartphones to small stores carrying parts for electronics. Akiba is also known as a mecca for otaku from around the world who love to hang out at shops carrying Japan's latest anime, comics or idol goods, or maid themed cafes. The spot under the elevated tracks of JR Akihabara Station has been transformed into a new destination through redevelopment. Just a short walk from the main street is Kanda Shrine, which has been around for close to 1,300 years.

  • Aidart Lucie

    Akihabara: The trip to Akihabara was really fun. I've been there many times before, but on this visit I discovered many aspects of Japan that I had not seen before, in addition to its culture of otaku, a souvenir shop featuring delicacies from all over Japan, and its famed street of electronics. I could discover Akihabara from a whole new perspective, which was very enjoyable.

  • Jason Evrard

    Akihabara: Akihabara had a number of interesting places. First, CHABARA is worth a visit. It sells a huge selection of various Japanese regional foods, which would make a perfect gift for your family. The figurine shop TAMASHII NATIONS TOKYO is a great place to enjoy shopping in Akihabara. I also enjoyed the Tokyo 2020 Official Shop, where I found a number of souvenir gifts.

JR Sobu Line local train
Akihabara-->Yoyogi

JR Yamanote Line
Yoyogi→Harajuku
(20 minutes) *From Akihabara to Harajuku

Harajuku Takeshita Streetmore

Harajuku Takeshita Street

Takeshita Street is Harajuku’s main street,loaded with everything from kawaii goods from across Japan to thrift-shops and luxury stores and goods from all over the world. This 350-meter long street is lined to the brim with shops selling fashion items, sundries, crepes, print club machines, and 100-yen shops for the young, among others.

  • Aidart Lucie

    Takeshita Street: In my opinion, Harajuku and Takeshita Street are a must-see if you visit Tokyo. This place is always full of people where you can feel the liveliness of Tokyo. In particular, it has the impression of being full of young people. It was fun to take photos while walking on this street. Not only did we go to Takeshita Street, but also the back streets of Uraharajuku. I liked the experience of getting lost in the narrow alleyways lined with many shops.

    Dinner at Shibuya Tempura Bar Kakureya Shibuten: I enjoyed a nice dinner in a relaxing Japanese style restaurant that serves tempura and soba noodles. This is a great place to spend time with friends over dinner.

  • Jason Evrard

    Takeshita Street: This was a really interesting spot because of the fusion of fashion and street art. Takeshita Street features stores selling unique Western clothing and merchandise. Design Festa Gallery is a great place to experience street art and other modern art. It's also a good place to take a tea or coffee break. The back alleys of Uraharajuku are known for fashion brands. There are famous designers and shops carrying second hand clothing.

    Dinner at Shibuya Tempura Bar Kakureya Shibuten: Shibuten offers a relaxing and very warm setting. The tempura tasted great and there was a wide selection (shrimp, fish, vegetables, meats, etc.). I recommend this restaurant for a fun evening.

Tokyo Metropolitan Area

Day2

HOKURIKU(TOYAMA)

Haneda Airport

ANA (ANA Expericence JAPAN Fare) Show details

  • Aidart Lucie

    ANA domestic flight: Since I was able to pre-select seats, I chose a seat by the window and saw Mt. Fuji during the flight and the mountains on arrival at Toyama. I was able to get a great view on the flight. The flight was on time and very comfortable, the flight attendants were also pleasant. This is a great way to travel if you want to get to a new place quickly. In addition, ANA offers special discount ticket prices for foreigners visiting Japan to fly on its domestic flights.

  • Jason Evrard

    ANA domestic flight: The ANA flight bound for Toyama Airport was on time and the boarding process was smooth. Legroom was sufficient and the seat was comfortable. Drinks were also free.

Toyama Kitokito Airportmore

Toyama Kitokito Airport
The gateway of sky to Toyama, where you can enjoy various scenes such as the start of your sightseeing, Toyama cuisine, souvenir shopping, and more. Enjoy a refreshing 360 degree panoramic view from the observation deck. Also take in the view of the Tateyama mountains in the east and the lush green river landscape in the west that is unique to Toyama! The first floor of the airport has an exhibition corner of historical model airplanes on display. There is also plenty of Toyama cuisine to be had! There are four Japanese-style restaurants and cafes, including Kaiten Toyama Sushi, where you can enjoy fresh fish from Toyama Bay, and specialty Himi udon noodles. Maidohaya souvenir shop offers a range of special products from Toyama prefecture, such as Masuzushi (raw fish served on a bed vinegared rice), processed seafood products, and crafts. The somewhat unusual medicine souvenirs from Kokando, with its history of selling medicines that can only be found in Toyama, are recommended. It is an airport where everyone traveling in Toyama or who are leaving on a trip can have a good time.

Bus
20 minutes

Around Toyama Stationmore

Around Toyama Station
Sightseeing spots are concentrated around Toyama Station within a small area. The Centram connecting the station to the inner city, and the Portram connecting the station to the port town offer tram services, while visitors may also enjoy cruising and a variety of other forms of transport on the rivers and canals for easy exploring of tourist facilities and strolls around sightseeing spots. There is also a shopping mall in the station, plus souvenir shops, restaurants, and a tourist information center for foreigners (certified Category 3). You can also find Toyama's delicacies and specialties here, so you can buy and enjoy the seasonal tastes of Toyama just by visiting the station.
  • Aidart Lucie

    Samurai armor experience at the Toyama City Tourist Information Center: It's always fun to try on traditional Japanese clothes. Even if it may be too much when it's hot, you've got to try on the samurai armor here. The surrounding environment and garden as well as the castle itself are all very pretty. I tried on kimono here, but I recommend the samurai armor.

    Toyama Glass Art Museum: The museum and its building are both modern and very beautiful. This is a great spot to visit in Toyama on a rainy day. I really enjoyed it here.

    Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten (pill-making experience): I really liked my experience at this store, with its connection to Toyama's history. I learned a lot about how pills were made in the past and got to know just how much work was put into their creation. It was a very enriching experience as I got to try the traditional technique of pill-making first-hand and hear more about this area of specialty.

    Lunch at Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten: I enjoyed a delicious meal that was beyond my expectations, which was prepared following the philosophy of food as the first step toward health. I was excited to discover that traditional Japanese cuisine is made based on the same principle that I also value.

    Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design: I was surprised to see how modern this museum was and amazed at its collection. Unfortunately, the terrace was closed due to strong wind, but it didn't stop me from discovering the arts and design it has to offer. From its beautiful architecture and view of the mountains to its collection of modern Japanese art and world art, the museum has definitely put in much effort. This is a good place to visit on a trip to Toyama.

  • Jason Evrard

    Samurai armor experience at the Toyama City Tourist Information Center: The staff at the tourist information center are friendly and speak fluent English, making this a convenient stop for foreign tourists. I enjoyed the samurai armor experience where you get to try on armor and helmet and see how it is worn. Also, Toyama Castle and the small Japanese garden behind the castle were beautiful. It's a great place to just walk around and explore.

    Toyama Glass Art Museum: The inside of Toyama Glass Art Museum is very beautiful and impressive. Wood and timber are used for the interior, making it warm and inviting. The library onsite is also very appealing. It's a great place to spend some time when its raining. The glass exhibits feature impressive works made by master glass artisans. There are a number of impressive pieces on display, including glass art that looks like a cushion, for example.

    Lunch at Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten: The food tasted great. The food and preparation method was very healthy. The black rice was very delicious. The appetizer of sesame seeds and tofu paste as well as the vegetable and fig dish paired well together. The tea tasted great, too. It's a good place for lunch.

    Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design: The inside of the building was very beautiful and it afforded beautiful views of the canal. The collection was impressive. It had the works of Picasso and famous Japanese painters. The other exhibition was dedicated more toward pop culture. It featured modern chairs and a collection of really beautiful posters. The large panel that made it possible to select certain posters to view up close was a good idea. Also, the large bear statue was unique in that it gave a fun and eccentric feel to the museum.

Train (JR)
10 minutes

Bus
60 minutes

Inami (Yokamachi Dori)more

Inami (Yokamachi Dori)
Thriving as a village in front of Zuizen-ji Temple, built in the 14th century, it has now grown into Japan's biggest woodcarving town, and it is the only place in the world where the street is lined with the studios of woodcarvers.
The stone-paved streets filled with the pleasing echoes of wooden mallets and the fragrance of trees are decorated throughout with wood sculptures, making the town a woodcarving art museum.
In May 2018, it was recognized as a Japanese heritage, and is a sightseeing spot where you can enjoy the history and culture of Japan.
  • Aidart Lucie

    Inami: This is a great area of wind and trees that you need to check out on a trip to Toyama. All of the stores and sculptures on the street are breathtaking. The dignified temples and surrounding pastoral view are sure to captivate those like me who enjoy the beauty of the Japanese countryside. This is one of the places on my trip that I fell in love with. Later, I enjoyed a magical evening here.

  • Jason Evrard

    Inami: The huge Zuisen-ji Temple in Inami was very impressive. I couldn't find decorations besides the wood sculptures, and the whole complex was quiet. Inside are amazing wooden sculptures painted in a gold color. If you spend many hours here you will feel quite satisfied with the beauty. The old streets were also very beautiful. The use of wood differed between each shop along the street, creating wonderfully unique impressions of each.

    Making of wooden guinomi sake cup and Wakakoma Shuzo: Creating your very own sake cup was a wonderful experience. Being in the workshop surrounded by wooden works made me appreciate the difficulty of the work and techniques used by the artisans. It was also fun to taste test sake using the cup you just made by hand. You can really tell the difference between the taste of sake between a glass cup and a wooden cup.

Bus
25 minutes

Bus
30 minutes

  • Aidart Lucie

    Dinner at hotel: This was the best meal I had during my stay in Japan. Everything was made with fresh local ingredient which presented a sense of complete harmony between their flavor and discovery. The meal was so wonderful that I even found some of the things I normally wouldn't eat to be delicious. The atmosphere in the traditional house was relaxing with the sounds of wind and rain in the background. It felt like I was transported to a different world or era.

  • Jason Evrard

    Dinner at hotel: Gokayama is a great place to spend time as it is surrounded by the scenery of expansive mountains and large traditional homes of a rural area. I have to say dinner was one of the best meals I've ever eaten in Japan. Everything tasted great, including wonderful vegetables, pickled foods, soup and the cooked white rice. The portions were large and the presentation was exquisite. This is a must-visit place to eat delicious seasonal Japanese food.

Day3

Gokayama Gassho-style villagemore

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS

Gokayama Gassho-style village

Take one step and slip back in time to the unspoiled landscape of the Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-style village which is located at the southwestern tip of Toyama Prefecture, Nanto city where the traditional houses are called “Gassho-zukuri(Gassho-style)” with the thatched roof. The architectural style was originally developed many years ago. Gassho-style village is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site along with Shirakawa-go. You forget time, and get surrounded by the scenery of the four seasons, you find yourself tranquil for some reason. The village is lit up daily and for every season, and is not to be missed! Captivated by this fantastic space, you find it incredibly satisfying.

  • Aidart Lucie

    Gokayama's village of gasho-zukuri homes: This magnificent historic village is worth a visit any time of the day from nighttime to daytime or sunset. The place is very tranquil. The mystical atmosphere and tradition it embodies makes it a must-see place on a visit to Toyama. I was completely enthralled by its magical spell. I will come back again for sure.

    Walk at Uchikawa in Shinminato and lunch at Uchikawa no ie Nago: After the mountains, it is time to visit the opposite side of the prefecture on the ocean. The small fishing harbors were very quaint, which made me want to learn more about this region. For lunch, I had a delicious meal freshly prepared using fish caught locally. This is a great place to learn more about how the locals live.

    Ooiwasan Nisseki-ji Temple: This is an amazing temple worth spending your time regardless of the weather, even in the rain. The temple has unique features not found at other temples I have visited. It was fantastic.

  • Jason Evrard

    Gokayama's village of gasho-zukuri homes: The small village called Ainokura is a charming place. There is a beautiful Japanese paper studio that carries unique items. This studio also offers the wonderful opportunity to make traditional Japanese paper by hand. You really need to take a walk to take in the tranquil feel of this village. There are many places to check out in the area including shrines, pastoral landscapes, and stone monuments, among others. Also, one of the best ways to get the most out of this area is to stay the night. This is because you can take a walk to engross yourself in thought while gazing at the sunset or during the early morning hours when no tourists are around.

    Walk at Uchikawa in Shinminato and lunch at Uchikawa no ie Nago: With traditional Japanese roads in the background, it's pretty rare to see such a large and beautiful canal. Looking at this scenery makes you want to take a walk or bicycle along the canal. Also, you should ask your local guide to explain about the lifestyles of fishermen living in the area. Lunch at Kappo Kawaguchi featured dishes only served in Toyama, such as Japanese glass shrimp sashimi and deep fried, which was presented beautifully. The meal was enjoyable for the eyes, too.

Bus
85 minutes

Train
20 minutes

Train
60 minutes

  • Aidart Lucie

    Dinner at hotel: The setting was very private and refined. I was amazed at how fragrant, sophisticated and unique the ingredients were. I'll not forget the surprisingly wonderful taste of the appetizer made with yuzu.

  • Jason Evrard

    Dinner at hotel: This hotel was comfortable. Within the same room, there was a Western style area and Japanese style one with tatami mats. I really enjoyed the bath reserved for private bathing. The shared baths at the hotel included six indoors and one outdoors. The food was very tasty and a wide selection of dishes was served. I really enjoyed being able to eat such a range of dishes.

Day4

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Routemore

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
This is an alpine sightseeing route that passes through the Japan Alps with a series of mountains over 3,000 m in height. Visitors can enjoy a series of dynamic scenery by traversing the area in cable cars, ropeways and trolley buses. There are numerous courses ranging from those for beginners to experienced climbers, with routes offering easy hiking to serious mountain climbing. Other than that, along the alpine route are Japan's tallest dam, Japan's oldest mountain hut, Japan's highest altitude station, and a variety of other No. 1 sightseeing spots.
The route offers full enjoyment of the dynamic scenery that nature has to offer during different seasons of the year.
  • Aidart Lucie

    Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: I started my journey to visit here by cable car and bus. The weather was rainy and the area was covered in fog. I'm sure the view would have been even more amazing if it were sunny. The access route is well maintained and transit was comfortable. I felt like I needed to walk on my feet if I really wanted to experience this place thoroughly.

    Walking around Murodo: I fell in love with the area as this is the most beautiful stop on my trip. The breathtaking view continued to change with each step I took. I was blessed to have come here on a sunny day to enjoy a magnificent view. I would have loved to spend a whole day here. There are several hiking trails, but I recommend experiencing the more remote trekking trail. This was really a highlight of my trip!

    Kurobe Dam: The surrounding view is spectacular, particularly in the season of autumn foliage. The dam was impressive and stories of its history and construction make for a memorable learning experience.

    Lunch at Rindo: I had lunch at Cafe Rindo located in Murodo. In order to regain my energy after trekking, I had a delicious bagel that was perfect for this and a large dessert called Kurobe Dam that was decidedly tasty and had the shape of a dam.

  • Jason Evrard

    Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: The Tateyama Alpine Route offers a number of modes of transportation. The cable car takes you to a pretty high elevation. On a clear day, the mountain views will be stunning. The bus is comfortable and passengers get a seat to themselves. The closer you get to the peak, the more it feels like you've traveled above the clouds.

    Walking around Murodo: Murodo was definitely my favorite stop during the trip. It is located on a plateau under the beautiful blue sky. There are several courses where you can enjoy hiking in this area. For example, one route takes you to the shrine at the peak, and you can travel to another mountain following the mountain ridge. There is another route that can take you to the end of the highland. There are routes available for everyone's hiking ability, and you can ride the bus or cable car to reach observatories with beautiful views.

    Kurobe Dam: Kurobe Dam was stunning. You can reach the road (walking path) on top of the dam, where you can easily see both sides. The scenery is amazing on the lake side and on the valley side. Also, head to the observatory deck next to the dam to see the impressive sight of water being discharged. Be sure to take care, as there are times when the wind is strong making it dangerous.

    Lunch at Rindo: I ate lunch at a café called Rindo located in Murodo Station. The café had a warm and hospitable feeling. It had large and comfortable chairs that relaxed my body after the long walk. You get to select from Western or Japanese food. The beef, curry, bagels, and dessert were all delicious. I recommend this cafe.

Bus
100 minutes

Train (JR)

Nagano Station

JR Hokuriku Shinkansen
Nagano Station-->Tokyo Station

  • Aidart Lucie

    Shinkansen (Nagano to Tokyo): I'm always happy to take the Shinkansen. It's a pleasant mode of transportation that offers comfort, speed, and environmental friendliness. This time I traveled at night, so I wasn't able to enjoy the view. If traveling during the day, the Shinkansen is a great way to travel with a view. Either you travel alone or with a companion, you can enjoy a bento meal on board and forget about time. This is my favorite way of traveling in Japan.

  • Jason Evrard

    Shinkansen (Nagano to Tokyo): The Shinkansen was fast and on time. The legroom was sufficient and seating was comfortable. It was really quiet. Drinks and light snacks are available for purchase.

Tokyo Stationmore

Tokyo Station
October 2012 saw completion of the preservation and renovation work on the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building. The red brick facade long loved as the symbol of Tokyo Station has made a comeback, along with the history and grandeur of the original building dating nearly a hundred years back. The occasion also saw the reopening of Tokyo Station Hotel and Tokyo Station Gallery. The former is the only hotel situated within an important cultural property of Japan. The interior is designed in a sophisticated, classical European style to blend with the splendor of the Marunouchi Building exterior.
  • Aidart Lucie

    I'm so happy to have been able to see a different side of Tokyo and experience new things each time I visit. While I lived in Tokyo before and visit frequently, it's a city that I'd like to visit over and over again. Toyama Prefecture is a treasured place where one can find many interesting things, from art, townscapes, traditions, pastoral scenery, mountains and the ocean, and their blend with modernity. This is a perfect place to visit for any traveler, but to really get to know it well I recommend spending more time there.

  • Jason Evrard

    Toyama is a beautiful mountainous area in Japan. The trip was fun because it started in modern Tokyo (although Tokyo has its fair share of traditional places), and then continued on to rural Toyama, where there are many places where you can feel a sense of Japan's unique culture.
    In Tokyo, I experienced a new type of amusement park, and felt Japan's modern culture in Akihabara and Harajuku.
    In Toyama, there are many things to experience, including temples, historical villages, arts and crafts, mountain hiking, and delicious local cuisine. I recommend spending several days in Toyama to take the time to discover its charms and enjoy them for yourself.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OTHER TRAVELERS

On this tour, you will get to know Japan in depth by visiting both its modern side in the cosmopolitan Tokyo as well as its rural side in Toyama, which is full of regional charm and traditions rich in nature, by the mountains and ocean. It's a real treat to be able to enjoy both the urban and rural aspects of Japan even on a short visit. Japan is not only about big cities, but has many scenic spots to offer, which are great to explore. To me, this is the biggest attraction of Japan.

Aidart Lucie
Travel blogger
Reside in France
  • Hobby

    Travel, trekking, outdoors, notetaking (handwriting), karate

  • Number of visits to Japan

    4 times

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OTHER TRAVELERS

This tour will really move you. I was able to eat delicious food in both Tokyo and Toyama, and our guide was very professional. In Tokyo, I visited spots where you can experience Japan's modern culture. In Toyama Prefecture, there were many things to see, which left me wanting to extend my stay there. In particular, I felt this way regarding outdoor tourist spots such as temples and the Japan Alps. In addition, I recommend taking it easy and walking slowly to enjoy ancient places such as Inami and Shinminato.

Jason Evrard
French language guide in Japan and reporter for “Kanpai!” (a French language travel guide)
Reside in Tokyo
Home country: France
  • Hobby

    Travel, hiking, dining out, sociology, religion

  • Length of stay in Tokyo

    6 years

Other recommended route in same area

Share this page

Transportation

Longer ItinerariesNew!

Top Itineraries

More Itineraries

Back to Top

COPYRIGHT © HOKURIKU × TOKYO ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.