Discover Toyama

Toyama offers a range of experiences to plan around: glass art at the museum, Hie Shrine and its historical role, cruises, and the ring tram appeal to different interests. When looking for hotels in Toyama, first decide whether culture, history, a trip on the water, or a circuit through the city center will shape your stay.

Glass art at TOYAMA Kirari

The Toyama Glass Art Museum is located in the TOYAMA Kirari complex in central Toyama. Its current permanent exhibitions include a collection of contemporary glass art owned by the City of Toyama, the “Glass Art Passage,” and an installation in the “Glass Art Garden” created by Dale Chihuly’s studio. The distinction is clear: the city’s ownership applies to the collection; the Garden installation is by the studio.

For planning purposes, the museum offers several specific points of interest within a cultural theme: the collection, the Passage, and the studio installation. The permanent exhibitions may be revised in the future; the names given here refer to the current lineup.

Hie Shrine and its historical role

Hie Shrine is located in central Toyama and is also known to local residents as “Sanno-san.” It has long been especially revered as the principal Ujigami shrine of the Toyama Domain. This historical context relates to the Toyama Domain and adds a distinct connection to the city’s history to the museum’s cultural focus.

If you would like to include historical connections in your travel plans as well as contemporary glass art, Hie Shrine can be considered a separate point of interest. The shrine’s local name and traditional role offer two different points of reference.

Planning cruises according to different criteria

The Matsukawa Cruise departs from Matsukawa Chaya in Toyama Castle Park and takes about 30 minutes. The cruise passes seven bridges and is accompanied by commentary from the captain. Because operations are seasonal and weather-dependent, check current departure times before your trip and don’t plan on the cruise as an activity that is available at all times.

The Fugan Suijo Line offers cruises between Kansui Park and the port town of Iwase. Its schedules are seasonal and should be checked before your trip. The services also differ in terms of what they offer for planning: the approximate duration and bridges are specified for the Matsukawa Cruise, while Kansui Park and Iwase provide the points of reference for the Fugan Suijo Line.

The ring tram as a guide to time and route

The ring tram circles the city center in about 28 minutes and provides access to Toyama Castle and the Toyama Glass Museum. The approximate circuit time can help with planning; however, routes and travel times are operational details that may change. Check current information if the duration is important to your schedule.

The two approximate durations can be compared for rough planning: the ring tram circles the city center in about 28 minutes, while the Matsukawa Cruise takes about 30 minutes. They refer to different activities: a tram circuit and a cruise past seven bridges. Toyama Castle also features in two different contexts: the Matsukawa Cruise departs from Matsukawa Chaya in the castle park, while the ring tram provides access to Toyama Castle.

Discover more destinations: Kamikunishige, Uozu, Takaoka, Asahi, Nakaniikawa District, Tonami, Himi, Tateyama

For the broader travel overview: Toyama Prefecture.