Things to do in Tateyama

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Toyama Prefecture

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route stretches across the Northern Alps peaks on the border of Toyama and Nagano prefectures. With multiple 3,000m-class peaks like Oyama, Onanji-yama, and Mount Tsurugi forming a continuous ridge, it represents the essence of the Japanese Alps scenery. Together with Mount Fuji and Mount Haku, it is known as one of Japan's three sacred mountains and has been a site of mountain worship for over a thousand years. Besides hiking, you can explore this area by using a relay of various transportation modes such as funiculars, highland buses, tunnel trolley buses, and ropeways to ascend from the mountain foot to above the sea of clouds. Every spring, the Yuki no Ōtani section's snow walls can reach nearly 20m in height, making driving through it feel like passing through a white canyon; in summer and fall, alpine plants in the Midagahara wetlands bloom in succession and later turn into golden autumn colors. Sometimes, you may even encounter ptarmigans inhabiting the mountains. Murododaira, at an altitude of approx. 2,450m, is a plateau above the clouds. On sunny days, the nearby volcanic lake, Mikurigaike, reflects the Mount Tate peaks, making it a classic photo attraction; descending to the Kurobe River valley, the Kurobe Dam, standing over 180m tall, spans the deep valley. When water is discharged, the mist rises, creating an awe-inspiring sight; on the side of the mountain foot, the four-tiered Shomyo Falls, with a total drop of approx. 350m, is also worth a visit along the way.

No. 3 of Ski Resorts in Toyama Prefecture

Tateyama Sanroku Ski Area (Paradise Slope)

Tateyama Sanroku Ski Area (Paradise Slope) is located in the natural hinterland of the Tateyama mountain range in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. It attracts ski enthusiasts with its powder snow resources in winter. The layout of the ski trails fully takes into account the needs of different skill levels. The slopes covered with evergreen forests and the ski trails extend in an interlaced manner, forming a unique ecological sports scene. As the seasons change, the area transforms into an outdoor exploration destination. Forest hiking and mountain bike trails run through the native forest area, and the specially opened healing trails allow visitors to experience the soothing effect of nature on the body and mind. In addition to traditional mountain activities, the park integrates multiple experience elements: the pizza baking workshop combines food with hand-made fun, and the drone theme park provides a safe flying space for technology enthusiasts. These special projects complement the natural landscape and add diverse fun to family and group tourists.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Toyama Prefecture

Kurobe Dam

Kurobe Dam sits at an altitude of 1,500 m, with a maximum height of 186 m, still holding the record for the highest Kurobe Dam, making it one of the most popular attractions. The view from the observation deck at the top of the 220 steps offers a beautiful view of Kurobe Dam, where you can watch the water discharge up close. The thundering water discharge of over 10 tons per second and the sight of rainbows are breathtaking.

Toyama Glass Art Museum

Toyama Glass Art Museumis the culmination of Toyama City's urban planning initiative to build a "Glass City Toyama," and is housed within the "" complex alongside the Toyama City Public Library. Located in the heart of Toyama City, it not only specializes in showcasing culture and art but also plays a vital role in creating new urban appeal. The building was designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, who skillfully combined materials with different properties, such as Mikage stone (granite produced in the Mikage region), glass, and aluminum. The building's exterior is novel and unique, resembling the diverse peaks of the Tateyama Mountain Range. Inside, the building utilizes wood produced in Toyama Prefecture, arranged at various angles like louvers, which provides a sense of warmth while fully realizing the openness of the space. The interior cleverly uses light and mirrors to create a sense of transparency, making the stained glass works appear magnificent in the darkness.

Kansui Park

This is a spacious waterfront park surrounding the Fugan Canal. In this open park filled with lawns, everyone from children to the elderly can enjoy a wonderful time. The Tenmon Bridge, with its observation deck, is the park's iconic attraction, and there is also a plaza with fountains and waterfalls. In addition to large-scale amusement facilities, you can take the Fugan Canal cruise to tour the canal. The park features one of the world's most beautiful Starbucks cafes, as well as the high-end French restaurant LA CHANCE, supervised by renowned French chef Hiroyuki Sakai. Various interesting seasonal events, such as fireworks displays, are held throughout the year, so you can experience something new whenever you visit. Additionally, the dreamlike night view with its illuminated scenery is breathtaking and highly recommended.

Daikanbo

Daiganbo has beautiful scenery throughout the year, with the winter snow and the maple leaves covering the mountains in the fall being major highlights.

Yuki no Ōtani

The Snow Valley is located in Murodo, the higher point of Tateyama. The mountain opens in early April every year. The Snow Valley is a road shoveled by humans, with snow walls on both sides. The average height of the snow walls in early April is 15 meters, and the height reaches over 20 meters. Still high in early May. There is a maze of snow roads from mid-May to early June. But there are a lot of five people, so the self-guided tour must start in advance. When we reached the bottom of the mountain at 8:30, the individual passengers had to queue for 2 hours.

Murodo-daira

Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design

Introducing world-class collections from new perspectives, themes, and display methods. Hosting various projects, you can look forward to new discoveries every time you visit. Keeping up with the times and actively embracing design perspectives, it aims to become a place that connects the public with art and design. Beyond the interior, it effectively utilizes spaces including the rooftop, which offers views of Kansui Park and the seasonal beauty of the Tateyama Mountain Range. You can easily visit the restaurant, cafe, and museum shop as if strolling through a park, creating a new gathering place. In addition to studio creation and gallery exhibitions, it establishes a new type of communication space for shared, interactive art experiences through activities such as open artist creations.

Toyama Castle

Toyama Castle, the residence of three generations of the Jinbo clan. It is a flatland castle surrounded by the Jinbo River, which looks like it is floating on water from a distance, hence it is also known as the Floating Castle. The currentToyama Castleis a replica castle keep rebuilt during the Showa era, and the Toyama Castle has been established inside the keep.