Toyama Prefecture (富山県 Toyama-ken)is located in the Chubu region on Honshu island, Japan. The capital is the city of Toyama.
Toyama is the leading industrial prefecture on the Japan-sea coast, and has the industrial advantage of cheap electricity. The Itai-itai disease occurred in Toyama around 1950.
Prefectural Symbols
- Flower Tulip
- Tree Tateyamasugi
- Bird Snow grouse
Population (2001)
- Population 1,120,320 (38th)
- Density 264 /km²
Toyama Travel Guide
See
Toyama castle, a small residence dating from the 15th century, and Toyama castle park, are a short walk south from the station. Along the way are showcases of local artworks.
West of Toyama station, at the foot of the Kureha hills, lies Gohyaku-rakan, the "Hill of 500 Buddhas". The hillside is home to statues of the disciples of Bddha, and the Toyama folkcraft village lies nearby.
To see some pre-war Japan and get a taste of Toyama's shipping history, take a walk through Iwase town. Take the lightrail to Higashi Iwase to visit the Mori residence (1878), or to Iwasehama for the rather ordinary beach.
Do
Many festivals can be enjoyed in Toyama and the surrounding region year round.
Toyama festival is held in August and includes a fireworks display and various local activities. The Yosakoi dance festival, held over a weekend, occurs at the end of July/begnning of August, and some of the best spots for viewing displays of this modern Japanese dance style include around Toyama castle, Kencho-mae Park, and the Soogawa shopping arcade.
Attracting large crowds at the beginning of September, Owara dance festival is held in Yatsuo town, a few stops from Toyama JR station. Running for three days, lanterns line the streets of this picturesque town and dancers and musicians parade through the streets demonstrating this traditional dance style. There are also many food and souvenir stalls. Rumour has it the best time to enjoy the atmosphere is after midnight.
National holidays and festivals also provide opportunities to catch events in Toyama, including Tanabata, Kaze-no-bon, and cherry blossom viewing in spring.
Get out
Mount Tate (Tateyama) — one of Japan's best-known mountains and one of the highest peaks in the area, can be climbed in a challenging day-trip.