Top Toyama Prefecture Art & Culture

Explore the rich heritage of Zuiryu-ji Temple, a National Treasure and prime example of Zen Buddhist architecture in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. This guided tour offers an immersive experience, revealing the deep connections between Zen philosophy, political power, and architectural design. Beginning at the outer gate, visitors transition from the everyday world into the serene space of the Zen monastery, learning about the significance of gates, the layout’s symmetry, and how the temple embodies discipline and clarity. - Experience a guided tour of Zuiryu-ji Temple, a National Treasure - Discover the connection of Zen philosophy to architecture and social order - Explore the Butsuden and Hatto, gaining insights into Buddhist practices - Enjoy a tranquil walk through the temple’s cloisters, emphasizing awareness and mindfulness

First, let's choose your favorite kimono or obi. There are various colors and patterns available. Once you change into your kimono, you will blend into the atmosphere of the Uchikawa River and have a truly wonderful time. During the matcha tea ceremony, you can experience traditional Japanese etiquette. You can also enjoy strolling along the Uchikawa River or take many photos inside the retro-style shop from the Showa era. Have a fun and enjoyable time!

We offer a traditional Japanese indigo dyeing experience. Here, the dye is made from seeding and growing. We also guide those who want to go to the field. It is very rare for studio to do this consistently. You can have a special experience, not just dyeing. Let's make one and only original item in the world!

Gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Japanese tradition as you journey through Inami, a town that's practically a museum of wood sculptures. You'll visit historic Zuisenji Temple and stop by a carver's studio. You'll carve your own wooden sake cup with real tools under the guidance of a master—an experience like no other. You'll savor a fine Japanese lunch in a traditional home and tour the earthen brewhouse of the Wakakoma Sake Brewery, where you'll have a chance to sample local sake in the wooden cup you created. With an English-speaking guide-interpreter to accompany you every step of the way, you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind. Inquire about an experience today.

This private 6 hour walking tour with an experienced English speaking and Licensed tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Toyama! Discover Toyama like never before! Ride the charming Toyama City Tram, explore the historic streets of Iwase, admire world-class art at the Glass Art Museum, and craft traditional herbal pills at Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten. This immersive tour blends history, culture, and hands-on experiences, making it perfect for curious travelers. Book now for an unforgettable Toyama adventure!

Nanto city has a lot of historical sites like Gokayama district and Inami district. Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village was designated as UNESCO World Heritage. You will enjoy traditional Gassho houses in Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village. You can see wonderful scenery of Inami district and directly see a skillful wood sculptor's workshop. My car is a hybrid compact car, Aqua. So, this car cannot load large baggage. You will find genuine historical sites in local city. I will contact you beforehand. The Itinerary is an example. I can customize this tour for you like a car tour. For example, I pick you up at Fushiki Port or Toyama Shinko Port.

A long-established Buddhist altar shop that has been in business for over 100 years since 1913 (Taisho 2). The 4th-generation brothers, lacquer artist Satoru Tsuji and sculptor Ryo Tsuji, carry on the family tradition. Both the second and third generations, as well as these brothers, possess master-level skills, continuing the traditional family-run handicraft business. With the spirit of “unchanging principles in a changing world,” they blend traditional techniques with new ideas in their work. For the lacquerware experience, they use a "substitute lacquer" instead of real lacquer, so even small children can participate safely without risk of allergic reactions. However, the materials used in the process are authentic, including real maki-e brushes and pure gold and silver powder. This time, the experience plan involves creating a teaspoon.

Discover the art of Japanese craftsmanship in our unique 'Suzugami' making workshop, a treasure trove of tradition since 1909. This experience is not just a craft lesson; it's a cultural voyage where you'll learn from a master craftsman. Create your own 'Suzugami', blending age-old metalworking skills with contemporary design. Ideal for all ages, this workshop allows you to take home a handcrafted souvenir, a personal memento of your time in Japan.

Arriving at Fushiki Port and looking to explore the best of Takaoka and Toyama City? This private tour is the perfect way to discover the region in comfort. Travel with a government-licensed English-speaking guide and a private vehicle for a smooth, hassle-free experience. Visit highlights such as Zuiryu-ji Temple, Takaoka Daibutsu, Ameharashi Coast, Toyama Castle, the Toyama Glass Art Museum, and Fugan Unga Kansui Park. Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the area's rich history, traditional culture, impressive architecture, and scenic waterfront. Choose 3 to 4 destinations based on your interests, with personalized recommendations from your knowledgeable local guide. This flexible 8-hour private tour lets you experience the best of Takaoka and Toyama City at your own pace.

Shogawa-cho in Tonami City is home to Shogawa Woodturning, which has been certified as a Tonami brand. This is an experience themed around wood in this town of trees! You can freely decide the length and thickness of your chopsticks, so you can make chopsticks that are just right for you! It's a simple process of planing, so even beginners and children can enjoy the experience with peace of mind!

This tour takes you into Gokayama, a quieter World Heritage region where traditional gassho-style houses remain part of daily life. Walking through Ainokura Village and viewing Suganuma from a different perspective, you will experience a landscape shaped by nature and long-standing traditions. A visit to a historical exile hut adds a deeper cultural layer, offering insight into a lesser-known aspect of Japan’s past in this remote setting. The experience is completed with a local meal at a farm restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional dishes passed down through generations, prepared with ingredients from the surrounding area. Designed for cruise passengers arriving at Fushiki Port, this tour combines efficient travel with meaningful cultural experiences.

Would you like to experience making kumiko, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique? After learning about the history of Japanese architecture and the meaning behind the kumiko patterns from a master craftsman, you will enjoy a hands-on kumiko making experience. You can choose one from the two or three kumiko designs we have prepared. After the workshop, you will have the opportunity to tour a traditional Japanese shoin-zukuri room, where you can admire traditional Japanese woodwork and kumiko craftsmanship in the building's fixtures.

Explore the vibrant heart of Toyama on this immersive walking tour. With an English-speaking guide, discover the city's highlights, including the beautiful Fugan Canal Kansui Park and the acclaimed Toyama Glass Art Museum. Engage in a hands-on Japanese sweets-making experience at Matsukawa Chaya, where tradition meets creativity. Enjoy free time to wander or take a scenic Matsukawa River cruise (seasonal). This private tour ensures a personalized experience tailored to your group’s interests. - Duration: 6 hours and 30 minutes of exploration - Visit top attractions like the historic Ikedaya Yasube Shoten - Private tour format allows for customization and flexibility - Includes public transportation and admission fees to key sites

Unleash your inner explorer on Toyama with a personalized journey, immersing yourself in its vibrant culture and serene hidden spots. Our custom tours provide a bespoke experience, tailored to your desires, ideal for adventure seekers, families with children, and culture enthusiasts alike. Discover local secrets, savor authentic moments, and create unforgettable memories on Toyama. Enjoy immersive cultural experiences, gain insider knowledge, and have memorable encounters with local traditions, ensuring a truly unique and enriching adventure.

You will enjoy historical spots in Iwase district. Please enjoy beautiful scenery in Fugan Canal Kansui Park and Toyama Glass Art Museum and fresh and tasty sushi in Toyama city. You will find genuine rich lives in local city. I will contact you beforehand. The Itinerary is an example. I can customize this tour for you like a car tour. For example, I pick you up at Fushiki Port or Toyama Shinko Port.

Experience two of the region's most distinctive attractions on this unforgettable journey through Japanese heritage and craftsmanship. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go, where traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses and beautiful mountain scenery offer a glimpse into Japan's rural past. Stroll through this picturesque village and discover a way of life that has been preserved for generations. The tour also includes a visit to Saburomaru Distillery, one of Japan's unique whisky distilleries, renowned for its dedication to traditional craftsmanship and distinctive smoky whiskies. Combining cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and authentic local experiences, this tour offers a memorable introduction to the rich traditions of the region.

Murodo's snow corridor sits high on the Tateyama range, and reaching it usually means piecing together trains, cable cars, and buses. This full-day tour makes the journey effortless, with a coach trip from either Kanazawa or Toyama. Walk the corridor, where walls of snow rise as high as 60 feet (20 meters), then take your time to wander across the snowfields.

Framed by the majestic Northern Alps, Toyama City is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Toyama boasts a fascinating history as a center of medicine and trade. Known for its pristine water and spectacular mountain views, the city offers visitors a unique charm that sets it apart. Toyama Castle, a symbol of the city’s samurai past, stands as a testament to its feudal heritage. Nearby, the historic Ikedaya Medicine Shop provides a glimpse into the city’s legacy as a hub for traditional medicine. The tour then takes you to Ecchu Yatsuo, a picturesque town renowned for its cobblestone streets and the lively Owara Kaze no Bon festival, offering an enchanting window into local traditions. Toyama’s sights are relatively close, but its layout can be tricky to navigate. On this tour, you’ll be guided by an experienced English-speaking guide who will ensure you enjoy a seamless journey through Toyama’s cultural and historical highlights.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan's most scenic mountains by historic trolley train. Ride the 1953 Black Valley Gorge Railway along dramatic cliffs beside the emerald Kurobe River, with chances to spot wild monkeys. At Nekomata Station, the only station in Japan with “cat” in its name, enjoy a 20-minute stop for photos of deep gorges and towering peaks. This limited service makes the experience truly special. Back in Unazuki Onsen, explore the hot spring town with four free foot baths and mountain views. This is more than sightseeing—it's a journey through untouched nature. If departing from Toyama Station, public transport is fine. For cruise port pick-up, please select the “for Cruise Travelers” option.

You can experience the famous glass production in Toyama Prefecture. You can experience the delicate techniques of the Japanese from the glass production of the burner work, and you can take it home as a memory of that time. Please enjoy the world of glass made with 2500-degree flames that you can't usually feel.

This tour is designed for travelers who have reached Gokayama and want to experience it as more than a photo spot. With a private guide, you will walk through one of its quiet World Heritage villages and learn how gassho-zukuri houses, deep snow, mountain life, faith, traditional industries, and food culture are connected. Unlike larger tours that combine Gokayama with other destinations, this experience focuses on either Ainokura or Suganuma. In Ainokura, explore traditional industries, a local shrine and temple, and enjoy a hands-on washi paper-making experience. In Suganuma, view the village from the observatory, visit a gassho-style folk museum, and learn about historic saltpeter production. The tour also includes time for a café stop, where your guide can introduce local foods such as red turnips, mountain vegetables, and firm Gokayama tofu. It is a compact but meaningful experience for independent travelers who want to understand the living culture behind Gokayama’s scenery.

Uncover the hidden side of life in Suganuma, a gassho-style village that joined the register of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. Surrounded by rich forests and steep mountains, Suganuma is a living piece of cultural heritage–a village with permanent residents, which makes it unique among the sites on the UNESCO roster. During your journey, you’ll discover the local origins of the village’s world-famous gassho-style architecture and savor a lunch prepared using local ingredients in a traditional gassho-style home. With an English-speaking guide-interpreter to accompany you every step of the way, you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind. Inquire about an experience today.

The “Etchu Yatsuo Owara Kaze no Bon” is a folk song event with over 300 years of history, held annually in Etchu Yatsuo from September 1st to 3rd. Its refined dances, songs, and musical performances attract many visitors each year. On this special tour, you can experience the locally rooted Owara dance from an unusually close distance in a private tatami room. Plus, let's actually dance with the locals!"

This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover the highlights of Toyama efficiently, in a private vehicle accompanied by a government-licensed, English-speaking guide! Toyama sits between the Sea of Japan and the Tateyama mountains. Visit Toyama Castle in its moated park and admire striking contemporary works at the Toyama Glass Art Museum and the Prefectural Museum of Art and Design. Relax at the photogenic Fugan Unga Kansui Park, then head to Takaoka to see the National Treasure Zen temple of Zuiryuji and the bronze Takaoka Daibutsu. On clear days the Amaharashi Coast offers a stunning view of snow-capped peaks above the bay, while the cherry-lined Matsukawa river charms in every season. We welcome you to come and explore the unique scenery, art and craft of Toyama with us! Note*1: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government and requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.