
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Toyama, Toyama, Japan
1. Hokuriku Expressway
A major highway connecting Tokyo to Toyama and Kanazawa. Saves time for travelers going to the Hokuriku region.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Japanese countryside and mountains.
- Toll Road: Requires payment for using the expressway. Electronic toll collection systems are available.
- High Speed: Enables quick travel, reducing travel time significantly compared to local roads.
2. Toyama-Chiho Expressway
Connects Toyama City with surrounding areas like Tateyama and Shin-etsu. Helps travelers explore the region easily.
- Mountain Pass: Includes a high pass through the Japanese Alps, offering stunning views but requiring caution due to weather conditions.
- Toll Road: Requires payment for using the expressway. Electronic toll collection systems are available.
- Alternative Route: Provides an alternative route for travelers going to northern Toyama or Nagano.
3. National Route 158
Connects Toyama with nearby cities and attractions like Ainokura and Gokayama. Ideal for those interested in traditional Japanese villages.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Japanese countryside and passes through picturesque villages.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- Slow Speed Limit: Lower speed limit due to the number of villages and narrow roads. Enhances safety for both travelers and locals.
4. Toyama-Tateyama Road
Connects Toyama City with Tateyama. Ideal for those interested in mountainous areas and snow activities.
- Mountain Pass: Includes a high pass through the Japanese Alps, offering stunning views but requiring caution due to weather conditions.
- Seasonal Road Closures: Road is closed during winter due to heavy snowfall. Check road status before traveling.
- Steep Grades: Includes steep grades and sharp turns, requiring careful driving.
5. National Route 367
Connects Toyama City with Unazuki Onsen. Ideal for those seeking hot spring experiences.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Japanese countryside and passes by rivers and waterfalls.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- Slow Speed Limit: Lower speed limit due to the number of villages and narrow roads. Enhances safety for both travelers and locals.
6. Toyama-Nanao Road
Connects Toyama City with Nanao. Ideal for those interested in the coastline and seafood.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the coastline, ports, and islands.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- Seafood Delicacies: Allows easy access to fresh seafood from the coastline.
7. Toyama-Anamizu Road
Connects Toyama City with Anamizu. Ideal for those interested in nature and hot springs.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Japanese countryside, coastline, and hot spring resorts.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- Hot Spring Resorts: Allows easy access to hot spring resorts for relaxation and rejuvenation.
8. Toyama-Shirakawa Road
Connects Toyama City with Shirakawa. Ideal for those interested in the traditional Japanese village of Gokayama.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Japanese countryside and passes through picturesque villages.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- World Heritage Site: Allows easy access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gokayama.
9. Toyama-Himi Road
Connects Toyama City with Himi. Ideal for those interested in industrial areas and beaches.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the coastline, ports, and industrial areas.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- Industrial Area: Allows easy access to various industries such as automotive and marine.
10. National Route 163
Connects Toyama City with Kanazawa. Ideal for those traveling to Kanazawa from Toyama.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Japanese countryside, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- Cultural Destinations: Allows easy access to cultural destinations in Kanazawa like Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle.
11. Toyama-Uozu Road
Connects Toyama City with Uozu. Ideal for those interested in rural areas and agriculture.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Japanese countryside, especially during farming seasons.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- Agricultural Area: Allows easy access to various agricultural areas and rural life experiences.
12. Toyama-Imizu Road
Connects Toyama City with Imizu. Ideal for those interested in the coastline and water activities.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the coastline, ports, and islands.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- Water Activities: Allows easy access to various water activities like boating and fishing.
13. Toyama-Kamiomori Road
Connects Toyama City with Kamiomori. Ideal for those interested in seafood and coastal areas.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the coastline, ports, and islands.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- Seafood Delicacies: Allows easy access to fresh seafood from the coastline.
14. Toyama-Kurobe Road
Connects Toyama City with Kurobe. Ideal for those interested in mountainous areas and dam tours.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Japanese Alps, rivers, and dams.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- Dam Tours: Allows easy access to the Kurobe Dam for tours and hiking.
15. Toyama-Nanto Road
Connects Toyama City with Nanto. Ideal for those interested in historical sites and traditional villages.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Japanese countryside, especially during farming seasons.
- Two-Lane Road: Narrow two-lane road, requiring careful driving, especially during peak travel times.
- Historical Sites: Allows easy access to historical sites like the historic village of Gassho-zukuri and Nanto Castle.