Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Toyama, Toyama, Japan

1. Toyama Glass Art Museum

A unique museum dedicated to glass art with an architecturally stunning building resembling a pile of broken glass.

Innovative Design: The museum's architecture is as intriguing as the art it houses.
Changing Exhibits: Exhibitions featuring works by renowned glass artists change regularly.
Interactive Gallery: A hands-on experience for visitors to create their own glass art.

An unusual hot spring where visitors can enjoy a meal cooked in the hot water of the onsen.

Hot Spring Cuisine: Experience cooking and eating in a hot spring.
Relaxation and Dining: Combines the benefits of an onsen with dining experience.
Limited Availability: Reservation is required in advance due to its popularity.

A theme park dedicated entirely to chocolate, offering various attractions and delicious treats.

Chocolate-themed Activities: Offers a variety of activities centered around chocolate.
Tasty Treats: Enjoy various chocolate desserts and drinks.
Seasonal Events: Features special events during holiday seasons.

A series of transport options through the Japanese Alps with stunning views.

Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and alpine landscapes.
Variety of Transportation: Includes cable cars, buses, and narrow-gauge trains for a unique travel experience.
Seasonal Accessibility: Accessible during summer months and partially during winter for snow train rides.

A traditional Japanese garden with a surrealist art museum.

Art and Nature Blend: Combines the tranquility of a Japanese garden with modern art.
Historical House: Features an Edo-period house for visitors to explore.
Artistic Sculptures: Showcases sculptures by Spanish surrealist artist, Salvador Dalí.

A wetland with a unique floating bridge over the marsh.

Nature Observation: Offers opportunities to observe local wildlife and plants.
Floating Bridge Experience: Walk on a bridge that appears to float above the marsh.
Seasonal Wonders: Beautiful in all seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage.

A museum dedicated to a famous doctor and his herbal remedies.

Historical Healing Methods: Explores the traditional healing methods of Dr. Yasui Heikichi.
Herbal Garden: Features a garden with medicinal herbs and plants.
Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits to learn about traditional healing methods.

A shrine with a giant camphor tree over 1,000 years old.

Ancient Tree Worship: Worships the ancient Kureha Camphor tree.
Historic Architecture: Features a beautiful and historic torii gate.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere for reflection.

An aquarium with a focus on marine life from the Sea of Japan.

Local Marine Life: Features local sea creatures found in the Sea of Japan.
Interactive Exhibits: Includes touch tanks and interactive exhibits for visitors.
Conservation Efforts: Contributes to the conservation of local marine life.

An onsen with a unique iron-rich water source that's said to have healing properties.

Iron-rich Water: Features iron-rich water, which is believed to have healing properties.
Historic Onsen: An onsen with a history dating back over a century.
Relaxation and Healing: A great place to relax and potentially experience health benefits.

An open-air museum showcasing life in Japan during the Showa era.

Showa Era Exhibits: Displays homes, shops, and other structures from the Showa era.
Historical Artifacts: Showcases historical artifacts and memorabilia from the Showa era.
Immersive Experience: Allows visitors to experience life in Japan during the Showa era.

A contemporary art museum showcasing works by Japanese and international artists.

Contemporary Art Collection: Features a collection of contemporary artworks.
International Artists: Showcases works by both Japanese and international artists.
Changing Exhibits: Offers regularly changing exhibitions to keep things fresh.

An aquarium dedicated exclusively to penguins with various interactive exhibits.

Pure Penguin Fun: Dedicated exclusively to the joy of penguins.
Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
Conservation Efforts: Contributes to the conservation of penguins and their habitats.

A historic shrine with a beautiful garden and unique architecture.

Historic Architecture: Features a beautiful and historic main hall.
Tranquil Garden: Offers a peaceful and tranquil garden to explore.
Spiritual Experience: Provides opportunities for spiritual reflection and growth.

The remains of a historic castle with stunning views of the surrounding city.

Historic Sightseeing: Provides an opportunity to explore the history and architecture of Toyama Castle.
Stunning Views: Offers stunning views of the surrounding city and mountains.
Walkable Ruins: Allows visitors to explore and walk through the ruins.