Discover Toyama Prefecture
Japan’s Hidden Gem for Discerning Luxury Travelers
Nestled between the majestic Northern Japan Alps and the pristine waters of Toyama Bay, Toyama Prefecture offers an authentic luxury experience away from the well-trodden tourist paths. Just over two hours from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, this captivating region combines dramatic natural beauty with refined cultural experiences, world-class accommodations, and extraordinary culinary adventures.
For international travelers seeking high-value, exclusive experiences that seamlessly blend nature, culture, and luxury, Toyama presents the perfect destination—where authentic Japan awaits with premium services and personalized attention.
Natural & Scenic Treasures
Toyama boasts some of Japan’s most dramatic landscapes, from alpine peaks to pristine coastlines, offering exclusive natural experiences for discerning travelers.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Japan’s Spectacular Mountain Traverse
Experience the dramatic “Roof of Japan” with VIP early access to the famous snow corridor walls (up to 20m high) and exclusive mountaintop dining experiences.
Private Guide Available
Kurobe Gorge
Japan’s Deepest V-Shaped Valley
Traverse bridges and tunnels aboard private observation trolleys through pristine forests with privileged access to secluded hot springs normally inaccessible to visitors.
Private Trolley Option
Amaharashi Coast
Iconic View of Mountains Meeting Sea
Enjoy this renowned vista where snow-capped Tateyama mountains rise behind Toyama Bay, with exclusive sunset photography sessions and private beach dining.
Private Photography Tours
Shomyo Falls
Japan’s Tallest Waterfall (350m)
Witness this magnificent four-stage waterfall through exclusive helicopter tours offering perspectives few visitors ever experience.
Helicopter Access
Toyama Bay Firefly Squid
Natural Bioluminescent Phenomenon
Witness the magical blue glow of firefly squid (March-June) with private night cruises and exclusive culinary experiences featuring this rare delicacy.
Seasonal Experience
Shogawa Gorge
Serene River Canyon
Explore this tranquil gorge via private traditional wooden boat cruises with personalized gourmet dining by the crystal-clear waters.
Private Cruises
Arimine Dam & Reservoir
Remote Alpine Lake
Access this secluded emerald reservoir surrounded by mountains through private land cruiser tours with gourmet picnics in locations inaccessible to regular tourists.
Exclusive Access
Tonami Tulip Park
Japan’s Premier Tulip Destination
Experience over 3 million tulips in 700 varieties with early morning private access before regular opening hours and exclusive photography opportunities.
Seasonal Exclusivity
Mt. Tsurugi
Sacred Mountain Wilderness
Explore this revered peak with private mountaineering guides who provide access to secret trails and exclusive mountain hut accommodations.
Expert Guides
Sugisawa Cedar Forest
Ancient Woodland Sanctuary
Wander through majestic Japanese cedars with private forest therapy guides and exclusive meditation sessions in this serene natural setting.
Forest Therapy
Seasonal Insight:
For the most exclusive Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route experience, visit in late April when the snow corridor first opens, or in October when autumn foliage creates a spectacular alpine tapestry with fewer visitors.
Historical & Cultural Treasures
Explore Toyama’s rich cultural heritage through exclusive access to historical sites, traditional temples, and preserved districts with privileged experiences not available to regular tourists.
Zuiryuji Temple
National Treasure in Takaoka
Experience early morning meditation sessions with the head monk in areas of this magnificent 1663 Zen temple normally closed to the public.
Private Morning Access
Toyama Castle
Historic Castle & Gardens
Enjoy after-hours private tours with historians, including demonstrations of samurai armor and special access to the castle keep’s restricted areas.
After-Hours Access
Shokoji Temple
1,200-Year-Old Buddhist Complex
Participate in exclusive calligraphy workshops and private Buddhist ceremonies in this ancient temple’s inner sanctums, using materials made with gold dust.
Private Workshops
Takaoka Mikurumayama Museum
Festival Float Treasure House
Discover the magnificent floats of this 400-year-old festival with private demonstrations from master craftsmen who maintain these cultural treasures.
Artisan Encounters
Iwase Traditional Townscape
Historic Merchant District
Experience exclusive evening tours of this preserved Edo-period district when closed to regular visitors, with access to private historic residences.
Private Evening Tours
Toyama Glass Art Museum
Contemporary Art in Kengo Kuma Building
Enjoy curator-led private tours of this architectural marvel, including behind-the-scenes access to the conservation areas and exclusive glass art workshops.
Curator Tours
Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art & Design
Contemporary Art Destination
Experience after-hours private viewings of world-class exhibitions and special collection access with expert art historians as your guides.
Private Viewings
Former Kanaoka Residence
Historic Medicine Merchant’s Home
Tour this beautifully preserved residence with descendants of Toyama’s famous medicine families, including private demonstrations of traditional pharmaceutical techniques.
Heritage Experience
Inami Wood Carving District
Traditional Craftsmanship Center
Visit master carvers’ private workshops for demonstrations and personalized carving sessions using techniques preserved for centuries.
Master Craftsmen
Himi Banya Museum
Fishing Heritage Preservation
Explore traditional fishing culture with private tours led by local fishing families, including exclusive experiences with fishing fleet captains.
Authentic Encounters
Cultural Insight:
The Owara Kaze-no-Bon Festival (September 1-3) offers rare opportunities to witness one of Japan’s most hauntingly beautiful folk dance traditions. Our premium services can arrange private viewing areas and exclusive interactions with performers.
World Heritage & Japan Heritage Sites
Discover Toyama’s designated cultural treasures with privileged access and insider experiences at UNESCO and nationally recognized heritage sites.
Gokayama Gassho-zukuri Villages
UNESCO World Heritage
Stay in an exclusive private gassho-zukuri farmhouse in Ainokura with a personal chef and private cultural workshops not available to day visitors.
Exclusive Overnight
Tateyama Mountain Worship
Sacred Pilgrimage Route
Follow ancient pilgrimage routes with expert guides, accessing restricted areas and participating in traditional mountain purification rituals.
Sacred Experience
Cultural Heritage of Takaoka
Japan Heritage Designation
Experience behind-the-scenes access to master artisans’ workshops with opportunities to create personalized bronze items using centuries-old techniques.
Artisan Access
Etchu-Toyama’s Medicine Peddlers
Japan Heritage Tradition
Explore Toyama’s 300-year medicine heritage with exclusive presentations from medicine peddlers’ descendants and custom remedy-blending experiences.
Living Heritage
Suganuma Gassho Village
UNESCO World Heritage
Experience this smaller, more intimate UNESCO village with special evening access after day tourists have departed and exclusive cultural programs.
After-Hours Access
Etchu Man’yo Historical Road
Japan Heritage Route
Follow in the footsteps of 8th-century poet Otomo no Yakamochi along this heritage trail with literary scholars and exclusive poetry-inspired experiences.
Literary Journey
Iwase Family Home
Important Cultural Property
Tour this exceptionally preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouse with direct descendants of the original family, including private tea ceremonies in rooms not open to the public.
Family Heritage
Tateyama-Kurobe National Park
Natural Heritage Site
Access remote areas of this spectacular national park with private nature guides, including specially permitted overnight stays in restricted zones.
Restricted Access
Etchu Washi Paper Heritage
Traditional Craft Preservation
Learn traditional papermaking techniques with National Living Treasure artisans and create personalized art pieces with techniques rarely taught to visitors.
Master Artisans
Kokiriko Folk Performance
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Witness this ancient folk performance dating back 1,300 years with private demonstrations and exclusive opportunities to learn from the performers themselves.
Cultural Immersion
Heritage Insight:
For an unforgettable winter experience, arrange a night in a gassho-zukuri house during a heavy snowfall. The silence of the snow-covered village after tourists depart creates a magical atmosphere that evokes centuries past.
Premium Experiences & Activities
Indulge in exclusive, personalized activities that showcase Toyama’s unique heritage, natural beauty, and artistic traditions with expert guidance and privileged access.
Premium Glass Art Experience
Contemporary Glass Creation
Work alongside internationally renowned glass artists in private studio sessions to create bespoke art pieces with techniques developed in Toyama.
Artist Collaboration
Takaoka Bronze Crafting
400-Year Metalworking Tradition
Create personalized bronze artworks alongside master craftsmen at Nousaku or Orii, with access to techniques and tools typically reserved for apprentices.
Master Workshop
Tateyama Backcountry Skiing
Pristine Alpine Powder
Access remote powder fields via helicopter with professional alpinist guides, followed by exclusive mountain lodge accommodations with private hot springs.
Helicopter Access
Toyama Bay Luxury Cruising
Private Marine Exploration
Charter premium vessels for sunset cruises with private chefs preparing fresh seafood caught specifically for your experience by local fishing boats.
Custom Charter
Gokayama Washi Paper Making
Ancient Papercraft Heritage
Enjoy full-day immersion with master papermakers, creating personalized art pieces with gold leaf and natural pigments collected from Toyama’s mountains.
Artisan Mastery
Private Sake Brewery Experience
Traditional Craft Brewing
Work alongside master brewers at premium sake distilleries, creating your own custom blend and receiving exclusive access to aged varieties not available for retail.
Master Brewer
Alpine Photography Expedition
Landscape Photography with Experts
Join award-winning photographers for private expeditions to remote locations with special permission to access restricted areas at optimal lighting times.
Expert Guidance
Toyama Culinary Masterclass
Seasonal Gastronomy
Experience private cooking sessions with Michelin-starred chefs, including market visits to select premium ingredients and sake pairing tutorials.
Chef Collaboration
Kurobe Gorge Onsen Retreat
Private Hot Spring Journey
Enjoy exclusive access to secluded hot springs along the Kurobe Gorge, including private bathing areas and gourmet riverside dining experiences.
Secluded Luxury
Mountain Tea Ceremony
Traditional Ritual in Nature
Experience formal tea ceremonies in exclusive mountain settings with tea masters using traditional implements and techniques rarely demonstrated to visitors.
Authentic Tradition
Experience Insight:
For the most exclusive firefly squid experience, arrange a private early morning fishing boat tour in April, when you can witness both the bioluminescent displays and the traditional fishing methods before enjoying a specially prepared breakfast featuring the day’s catch.
Luxury Accommodations
Indulge in Toyama’s finest accommodations, from traditional ryokans with contemporary design elements to exclusive riverside retreats and historic renovated properties.
River Retreat Garaku
Luxury Ryokan on Sho River
Experience the pinnacle of Japanese hospitality in the exclusive “Hana” suite with its 250-square-meter space, private garden, multiple bathing facilities, and dedicated attendants.
5-Star Ryokan
L’évo
Michelin-Starred Countryside Retreat
Reserve this exclusive property featuring Michelin-starred dining using ingredients from the hotel’s sustainable farm, with complete privacy and personalized service.
Gastronomic Destination
Yamada Onsen Gyokusui-ro
Historic Hot Spring Inn (1890)
Stay in a detached villa suite with private onsen, garden, and dedicated dining space featuring premium kaiseki cuisine with rare mountain vegetables and seafood.
Heritage Ryokan
Rakudo-An
Art-Filled Renovated Farmhouse
Book this meticulously restored 120-year-old property exclusively for your party, including access to a private art collection and farm-to-table dining experiences.
Exclusive Booking
The Hive
Contemporary Wellness Design Hotel
Enjoy the rooftop suite with panoramic mountain views, private terrace, and exclusive access to cutting-edge wellness facilities using local botanicals.
Wellness Retreat
Unazuki Suginoi Hotel
Premium Onsen Resort
Experience private outdoor baths with spectacular views of Kurobe Gorge and exclusive access to the hotel’s premium wine cellar featuring rare Japanese vintages.
Panoramic Onsen
Imigre Glamping Suite
Luxury Coastal Domes
Stay in futuristic transparent domes facing Toyama Bay, with private dining services and exclusive beach access away from standard tourist areas.
Innovative Luxury
ANA Crowne Plaza Toyama
Premium City Hotel
Stay in the executive suite with panoramic city and mountain views, personalized concierge services, and exclusive club lounge access with premium sake tastings.
Urban Luxury
Ryokan Himi Banya
Premium Seafront Inn
Experience oceanfront luxury in this boutique ryokan where each room features sea views and private dining with a dedicated chef preparing fresh-caught seafood.
Oceanfront Ryokan
Ainokura Private Gassho Stay
UNESCO World Heritage Experience
Reserve an entire traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouse for your exclusive use, with private cultural performances and personalized traditional meals by the irori hearth.
Heritage Exclusivity
Accommodation Insight:
For an extraordinary winter experience, book the private villa at River Retreat Garaku during January’s heavy snowfall period. The contrast of the steaming private outdoor bath against the snowy landscape creates an unforgettable scene straight from a classic Japanese painting.
Exquisite Cuisine & Fine Dining
Savor Toyama’s extraordinary culinary treasures, from Michelin-recognized establishments to rare seasonal delicacies and traditional kaiseki showcasing both mountain and sea ingredients.
Michelin-Recognized Establishments
World-Class Gastronomy
Dine at L’évo and Sushi Komatsu with private rooms and personalized menu development in consultation with the chef, including ingredient selection at morning markets.
Culinary Excellence
Toyama Bay Sushi Experience
Premium Seafood Artistry
Enjoy private omakase featuring ultra-seasonal specialties like white shrimp, firefly squid, and premium winter yellowtail with Japan’s top itamae at exclusive counters.
Private Counters
White Shrimp Specialty Cuisine
The “Jewel of Toyama Bay”
Experience specialized tasting menus featuring this rare delicacy prepared in up to a dozen different ways during its peak summer season at premium restaurants.
Seasonal Delicacy
Firefly Squid Culinary Experience
Bioluminescent Delicacy
Combine evening boat excursions to witness the natural blue light displays with multi-course meals showcasing this spring specialty prepared by expert chefs.
Sea-to-Table
Private Kaiseki Experiences
Traditional Multi-Course Artistry
Enjoy exclusive kaiseki experiences in historic settings like restored merchant houses, featuring interaction with master chefs who explain each dish’s significance.
Culinary Heritage
Mountain Foraging Cuisine
Alpine Gastronomy
Accompany expert foragers into Toyama’s mountains to gather seasonal ingredients, followed by private dining experiences showcasing your discoveries prepared by top chefs.
Immersive Experience
Kanburi (Winter Yellowtail) Cuisine
Premium Seasonal Fish
Experience the “King of Toyama Bay” during its peak fatty season (November-February) with specialized tasting courses at exclusive seafood restaurants like Himihama.
Seasonal Excellence
Private Sake Pairing Dinners
Rice Wine Gastronomy
Enjoy exclusive multi-course meals paired with rare local sakes not available commercially, guided by master brewers and sake sommeliers in private dining settings.
Expert Pairings
Masuzushi Premium Experience
Toyama’s Signature Trout Sushi
Discover the art of this traditional pressed sushi with private demonstrations and tastings of premium versions using specially-selected trout from mountain streams.
Traditional Artistry
Farm-to-Table Private Dining
Sustainable Gastronomy
Experience exclusive dining at sustainable farms with meals created from ingredients harvested the same day, prepared by resident chefs using both traditional and innovative techniques.
Sustainable Luxury
Culinary Insight:
November marks the beginning of premium winter yellowtail (kanburi) season in Toyama. Arrange a private dining experience at a ryokan along the Himi coast, where the freshest fish are prepared using various methods that highlight the extraordinary fat content and flavor unique to this season.
Artisanal Products & Premium Souvenirs
Acquire exceptional handcrafted treasures that showcase Toyama’s centuries of artisanal expertise, from metal casting and glass art to traditional paper and exclusive sake.
Takaoka Copperware
400-Year Metalworking Heritage
Commission personalized art pieces by master craftsmen, incorporating family crests or symbols into unique designs that can be shipped internationally with specialized packaging.
Bespoke Creation
Toyama Art Glass
Contemporary Glass Excellence
Acquire limited edition art glass created by internationally recognized artists, including custom-designed lighting installations and sculptural pieces showcasing Japanese aesthetics.
Collectible Art
Gokayama Washi Paper
Traditional Handmade Paper
Order custom-bound journals using traditional Japanese bookbinding techniques or art pieces incorporating gold leaf and natural pigments from master artisans.
Artisanal Craft
Etchu Paper Lanterns
Traditional Lighting Craft
Commission designer lamps created through collaboration between traditional craftsmen and contemporary lighting designers with custom sizing and designs for luxury spaces.
Functional Art
Premium Toyama Sake
Artisanal Rice Wine
Purchase limited production aged sake, private reserve bottles not commercially available, and exclusive seasonal releases in handcrafted vessels by local artisans.
Limited Production
Inami Wood Carvings
Intricate Traditional Sculptures
Commission personalized sculptural works from master woodcarvers using techniques refined over centuries, with designs tailored to your specifications and aesthetic preferences.
Master Craftsmanship
Toyama Bay Gourmet Products
Premium Preserved Seafood
Purchase specially prepared preserved seafood products including firefly squid in olive oil and white shrimp essence, packaged in artisanal containers and suitable for international shipping.
Culinary Treasures
Nousaku Tin Tableware
Contemporary Metal Design
Acquire premium flexible tin tableware from this innovative 100-year-old company, with options for custom engraving and limited-edition designer collaborations.
Design Excellence
Tateyama Botanical Wellness Products
Alpine Plant Essences
Purchase exclusive wellness products created from Tateyama’s alpine plants, including custom-blended essential oils and traditional medicinal preparations based on centuries-old formulas.
Natural Luxury
Says Farm Premium Wines
Artisanal Japanese Viticulture
Acquire limited-production wines from this boutique winery with sweeping views of Toyama Bay, including exclusive vintages not available in retail markets and custom wooden presentation boxes.
Exclusive Vintages
Souvenir Insight:
For truly exclusive art glass acquisitions, time your visit to coincide with Toyama’s international glass exhibitions in October, when world-renowned artists showcase limited edition pieces and are available for private commissions.
Historical Figures of Toyama
Discover the remarkable historical personalities who shaped Toyama’s culture, economy, and artistic heritage through exclusive historical tours and dedicated cultural experiences.
Otomo no Yakamochi (718-785)
Renowned Poet & Statesman
Follow the footsteps of this influential Nara period poet who served as governor of Etchu Province (now Toyama) and contributed significantly to Japan’s oldest poetry anthology, the Man’yoshu.
Literary Heritage Tour
Maeda Toshinaga (1562-1614)
Powerful Feudal Lord
Explore the legacy of this influential daimyo who built Takaoka Castle and established the foundations for the region’s prosperity and cultural development, including its metal casting industry.
Historical Exploration
Yasuda Zenjiro (1838-1921)
Financial Pioneer
Discover the story of this Toyama-born founder of the Yasuda zaibatsu (financial conglomerate) who helped develop Japan’s modern banking system and was the great-grandfather of Yoko Ono.
Economic History
Asano Soichiro (1848-1930)
Industrial Magnate
Learn about this Toyama-born industrialist who founded the Asano Zaibatsu during Japan’s modernization era, with business ventures spanning shipbuilding, cement production, and banking.
Industrial Heritage
Ishikawa Chiyomatsu (1861-1935)
Pioneer in Marine Biology
Explore the scientific contributions of this Toyama-born zoologist who became the first Japanese professor of zoology at Tokyo Imperial University and studied Toyama Bay’s marine life.
Scientific Heritage
Mori Yuzan (1863-1927)
Influential Artist & Designer
Discover the works of this renowned Toyama-born designer whose pattern books continue to influence Japanese art and design, with special access to collections not normally exhibited.
Artistic Legacy
Maeda Toshiie (1539-1599)
Founding Lord of Kaga Domain
Explore the legacy of this powerful warlord whose domain included Toyama and who laid the foundations for the region’s cultural and economic prosperity during the early Edo period.
Samurai Heritage
Masuda Takashi (1848-1938)
Business Leader & Art Collector
Learn about this Toyama-born entrepreneur who helped found Mitsui Corporation and became one of Japan’s greatest art collectors, preserving important cultural treasures.
Cultural Patron
Sassa Narimasa (1536-1588)
Warring States Daimyo
Discover the complex legacy of this feudal lord who ruled Toyama during the turbulent Sengoku period and built the original Toyama Castle in the mid-16th century.
Historical Figure
Matsubara Shōen (1850-1936)
Medicine Merchant Pioneer
Explore the story of this innovative medicine peddler who revolutionized Toyama’s traditional medicine business model and helped establish its national reputation for pharmaceutical excellence.
Commercial Heritage
Historical Insight:
Plan your visit to coincide with the annual Toshinaga Festival in October, when elaborate historical processions recreate the pageantry of the feudal era and private viewing areas with expert historical narration can be arranged.
Guest Testimonials
Hear from international travelers who have experienced Toyama’s premium offerings and discovered the extraordinary value of this hidden gem.
“Our private glass blowing experience with a National Living Treasure artist in Toyama was the highlight of our Japan journey. Creating our own art pieces under expert guidance in a studio overlooking the mountains provided both cultural immersion and a treasured keepsake.”
New York, USA
“The exclusive early morning access to the Snow Corridor on the Tateyama Alpine Route arranged by our concierge was absolutely magical. Having this spectacular landscape nearly to ourselves for photography before the crowds arrived made it well worth the premium investment.”
Paris, France
“Our overnight stay in a private gassho-zukuri farmhouse in Gokayama was a transcendent experience. The silence after day visitors departed, the private cultural performances by local residents, and waking to snow falling on this UNESCO village was priceless.”
Milan, Italy
“The private firefly squid experience, combining a night fishing boat excursion with an exclusive multi-course dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef, offered a rare combination of natural wonder and gastronomic excellence found nowhere else in the world.”
Singapore
“Our helicopter tour of the Northern Alps followed by an exclusive stay at a remote mountain lodge with private onsen baths surrounded by snow fields was the epitome of Japanese luxury—pristine nature combined with impeccable hospitality.”
Moscow, Russia
“The private bronze casting workshop with a master craftsman from a 400-year family tradition provided insights into Japanese craftsmanship that typical tourist experiences simply cannot offer. The personalized artwork we created is now a centerpiece in our home.”
Sydney, Australia
What Global Media Says
Toyama Prefecture has been recognized by leading international publications for its exceptional offerings to discerning travelers.
“Toyama represents the future of luxury travel in Japan—authentic experiences in pristine settings, away from overtourism yet accessible via bullet train, with accommodations that rival the world’s finest.”
“The glass art renaissance in Toyama offers luxury travelers rare opportunities to engage with National Living Treasures in private sessions unmatched elsewhere in Asia.”
“Toyama’s combination of pristine alpine landscapes, extraordinary seafood, and artisanal heritage makes it Japan’s most compelling destination for discerning travelers seeking authenticity.”
“The private ryokan experiences along Toyama’s dramatic coastline offer a level of personalized luxury and gastronomic excellence that rivals the world’s most exclusive resorts.”
Plan Your Premium Toyama Journey
Our specialized concierge service can create a bespoke Toyama itinerary tailored to your specific interests, providing access to exclusive experiences not available to regular visitors.
