Top Toyama Prefecture Art & Culture

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!

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.

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.

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. I will customize this tour for you.

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!

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!

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.

Begin your tour at Kaiwomaru Park, home to the beautifully preserved tall ship Kaiwomaru, often called the “Lady of the Sea.” Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront promenade with a backdrop of the Japan Alps stretching across the horizon. Next, visit the Shinminato Kitokito Market, where you can taste ultra-fresh Toyama Bay seafood like white shrimp (shiroebi), firefly squid (hotaru-ika), and yellowtail (buri)—local delicacies known throughout Japan. Then head to the Shinminato Bridge, one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the country, offering panoramic views over Toyama Bay. End your tour with a walk through traditional canal-side streets or a quick stop at a local sake brewery for a tasting experience.

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.

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.

This day tour from Toyama highlights the charm and diversity of Kamiichi Town, blending history, nature, cuisine, and culture into a seamless journey. You will explore the sacred grounds of Oiwa Niseki-ji, savor freshly made regional noodles, and stroll through the refreshing landscape of Sengan-kei Gorge. A relaxing café break offers unique local flavors, followed by a visit to the picturesque house that inspired the film Wolf Children. The tour concludes at Sasaraya, where you can enjoy a hands-on senbei-making experience and shop for local specialties. With comfortable private transportation, this itinerary provides an enriching and enjoyable way to discover the hidden gems of Toyama’s countryside.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Craft your own premium-sized yukata, which includes a high-quality yukata and obi. Would you like to create your own yukata with your own hands, offering a truly unique and premium experience with our skilled artisans in our factory? It's an opportunity to make something one-of-a-kind in the world.

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!

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. I will customize this tour for you.