Toyama Station is the most important transportation hub in Toyama Prefecture. Located near Toyama Bay, the area is known for its abundance of restaurants serving fresh seafood. The station’s surroundings are well maintained, and the local streetcar system makes it easy to get around and explore nearby attractions.
How to Get to Toyama Station
There are two main routes to Toyama Station—one from Tokyo and one from Osaka.
From Tokyo
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. A reserved seat costs around ¥12,960.
From Osaka
First, take the limited express Thunderbird from Shin-Osaka Station (note: different from Osaka Station) to Tsuruga Station, which takes about 80 minutes.
Then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Tsuruga Station and ride approximately another 80 minutes to Toyama Station.
Depending on the transfer timing at Tsuruga, you may need to wait 30 minutes or more for the Shinkansen.
So in total, the Osaka–Toyama journey typically takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Streets and Scenery Around Toyama Station
The area in front of Toyama Station is spacious and well maintained. It’s not overly crowded, making it a pleasant place to stroll and sightsee at a relaxed pace.
Toyama’s streetcars stop right at the station, making them a convenient option for reaching nearby attractions. Give them a try during your visit!
Streetcar fares are a flat ¥240, no matter where you get off.
Major IC cards like Suica and PASMO are accepted, so you can ride with ease.
If you prefer walking, many sights are also within walking distance from the station.
If you have time, we recommend combining both walking and the streetcar for the best experience.
There are plenty of restaurants and sightseeing spots in the area, making it a fun place to explore on foot without ever getting bored.
Highlights Around Toyama Station
Toyama Castle
Location: 1-1 Honmaru, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture — [Google Maps]
Toyama Castle is located about a 15–20 minute walk from Toyama Station.
While it may look like a historical fortress, the interior actually houses the Toyama City Local History Museum, which was built in 1954.
Toyama Castle did exist historically, but it was decommissioned in 1871.
Due to the lack of detailed historical records, the current structure is not a faithful reconstruction but rather a mock replica.
Even so, the castle’s exterior is beautifully designed and is sure to impress visitors.
The museum stands within a lovely public park. In spring, the park becomes especially picturesque with blooming cherry blossoms.
Next to the park flows a calm river, where you can take a small boat cruise.
Tickets are sold on-site without reservation, and the cruise lasts around 30 minutes. A small fee is required.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Admission: ¥210 for adults / Free for high school students and younger
(Credit cards accepted)
Toyama Castle Information
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
Admission: ¥210 for adults / Free for high school students and younger
(Credit cards accepted)
Toyama Glass Art Museum
Location: 5-1 Nishicho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture — [Google Maps]
The Toyama Glass Art Museum is about a 20–30 minute walk from Toyama Station.
If you prefer public transportation, you can take the streetcar from Toyama Station to Nishicho Station in about 10 minutes, followed by a short 1–2 minute walk.
This six-story museum, as its name suggests, features a wide range of beautiful glass artworks.
In addition to the exhibitions, the building also houses a public library, a café, and a souvenir shop, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
The museum’s modern interior features a dramatic open atrium with striking architectural design—definitely worth seeing even for the building alone.
The museum regularly hosts multiple exhibitions, including a permanent collection that lets you fully experience the beauty and diversity of glass art.
Audio guides are also available via QR code.
Museum Information
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
Admission: ¥210 for adults (¥170 for groups) / Free for high school students and younger
Kitokito Ichiba & Toya Marche
Location: Inside Toyama Station, 1st floor
Website: https://toyama-stationcity.jp/en/
Toyama Station is connected to a commercial complex called TOYAMA STATION CITY.
On the first floor of the building, you’ll find Kitokito Ichiba and Toya Marche, a lively shopping and dining area filled with souvenir shops and restaurants.
The restaurants here are especially popular and often very crowded.
The word “kitokito” is a local dialect used in Toyama and Ishikawa, meaning “fresh.”
True to its name, many of the eateries here specialize in fresh seafood from nearby Toyama Bay.
One thing to keep in mind: some of the most popular restaurants can have long lines.
If you want to dine here, we highly recommend allowing plenty of time—dropping by casually on your way out might leave you disappointed if your favorite spot is already full.
Facility Information
Shops: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Restaurants: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Hours may vary by store)
Admission: Free
Iwase Area
Location: Iwasekōmachi, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture 931-8364 — [Google Maps]
How to Get There
The Iwase area is a bit too far to reach on foot, so the best way to visit is by streetcar.
From Toyama Station, take the streetcar to Higashi-Iwase Station, which takes about 25 minutes.
From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Iwase area.
Overview
Iwase is a charming retro port town where traditional streetscapes from the past still remain.
Rows of historical buildings line a beautiful, narrow street, offering a unique sense of stepping back in time to old Japan.
Just 25 minutes by streetcar from Toyama Station, this quiet neighborhood features a 500–600 meter long street flanked by traditional wooden townhouses (machiya) and storehouses (kura) that evoke a strong sense of history.
Although the area isn’t large, it’s packed with character—there are long-established sake breweries, stylish cafés, and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. Simply walking around is a pleasant experience in itself.
Once a thriving port town dating back to the Edo period, each building seems to hold a story of its own.
Strolling through Iwase is a relaxing way to soak in Toyama’s history and culture.
History
During the 18th and 19th centuries (Edo period to late 1800s), Iwase prospered as a stopover port for the Kitamaebune, a fleet of merchant ships that traveled between Hokkaido and Osaka.
These ships transported a wide variety of goods, including rice, kelp, and sake—and would often dock at Iwase Port along the way.
Many of the wooden townhouses and storehouses built by merchants in that era still stand today, now repurposed as cozy cafés, shops, and art galleries.
Information as of April 12, 2025.