Toyama Prefecture in Japan has been selected as one of the “52 Places to Go in 2025” by the New York Times.
The reason for the selection is that Toyama was recognized as a place where visitors can “enjoy cultural excitement and gourmet food while avoiding the crowds.”
While overtourism is becoming a serious problem in popular tourist destinations such as Tokyo and Kyoto, Toyama seems to have been selected because it is a hidden spot not yet known by many people, where visitors can experience Japaneseness.
📍Iwase
A port town that prospered from the trading of Kitamae-bune ships from the Edo period to the Meiji period, this charming area still retains its historical townscape.
Many houses built in the Meiji Era still remain, and the grand rows of houses that convey the atmosphere of those days remain, and have been selected as an Important Cultural Landscape of Japan.
The quiet and tranquil atmosphere of the streets is ideal for strolling. There are also cafes, restaurants, and galleries using old buildings.
📍SAKE
Tasting local sake made at a local brewery is also recommended.
Be sure to enjoy sake, a representative of Japan’s “traditional sake brewing,” which has been registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
The eaves of the Masuda Sake Brewery, which brews the famous local sake “Manjusen,” are decorated with “Sugitama,” round balls.
Originally meant to signal the start of new sake production, the cedar balls are green when freshly made, but turn brown over time.
The freshly made cedar balls are green, but as time goes by, they turn brown. This change in color also serves to indicate the state of maturity of the sake.
📍The Sea of Toyama
Toyama has a very beautiful sea.
There are wide, quiet, sandy beaches, which are suitable for strolling.
📍Toyama Castle
The castle in the photo is Toyama Castle, located in the center of Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture.
Also known as “floating castle,” this name derives from the castle’s wide moat surrounding the castle, which makes its reflection on the surface of the water look as if it were floating on the water.
The contrast between the castle tower and the water when illuminated at dusk is breathtaking and attracts visitors.
☕️The world’s most beautiful Starbucks
Starbucks Coffee Toyama Kansui Koen Store in Toyama City is located in a park rich in water and greenery called Tomiwa Canal Kansui Koen Park, and has been called the “most beautiful Starbucks in the world” for its beautiful design that blends in with the landscape.
In 2008, the store won the top prize in Starbucks’ internal contest, the Store Design Award.
The open, glass-enclosed design is designed to integrate with the surrounding nature.
Located along the canal, it is a great place to relax and enjoy the view of the waterfront.
Terrace seating is highly recommended!
There are many other attractive areas, buildings, and cuisines in Toyama!
We hope you will take the time to visit Toyama before the crowds of tourists arrive.
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