A Glimpse into Toyama: A Guide for Muslim Travellers

Earlier this year, the New York Times featured Toyama, a captivating prefecture on Honshu Island, in its "52 Places to Go in 2025" list. This wasn't a random pick; the esteemed newspaper highlighted Toyama for its rich culture, delicious food, and its appeal as a serene escape from typical tourist crowds.

Also read: 10 Unspoken Rules Every Muslim Traveller Should Know Before Visiting Japan

Getting to Toyama from Tokyo is quite simple, taking only about two hours by train. The region's unique charm is further amplified by its stunning location, nestled between the picturesque Toyama Bay to the north and the majestic Tateyama Mountain Range—one of Japan's most famous—to the southeast. This allows visitors to experience both the pleasant coastal warmth and the refreshing mountain air within the same prefecture. Yet, Toyama's geographical beauty is just the beginning. The area is brimming with intriguing sights, and you'll soon understand why the New York Times has pinpointed it as a must-visit destination for 2025.

What Adventures Await in Toyama?

From modern buildings standing alongside historic castles to its beautiful coastline, Toyama is a perfect playground for travelers who love to explore.

1. Toyama Glass Art Museum: A Dazzling Gem in the City Center

Image credit: Toyama Tourism | Official Website

Amidst the urban landscape of Toyama City, not far from the main train station, a building glitters under the sun. The striking blend of granite, glass, and aluminum immediately catches the eye. Inside this structure, known as Toyama Kirari, you'll find the Toyama Glass Art Museum, which, as its name suggests, showcases stunning glass art installations. While exhibitions change regularly, permanent displays, like the Glass Art Garden on the 6th floor, will leave you in awe with vibrant works by contemporary glass art master, Dale Chihuly.

Address: 5-1 Nishicho, Toyama, 930-006
Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Thursday-Tuesday)

2. Toyama Castle Park: Echoes of the Edo Period in the City Center

Image credit: Toyama Castle Park | Official Website

Still in the city center, just about 500 meters from the Toyama Glass Art Museum, stands a castle that's a testament to the history of the Edo period. Toyama Castle Park was once home to the Maeda family but has now been transformed into a museum. However, historical exploration isn't the only thing you can do here. During spring, Toyama Castle Park becomes a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to have picnics while admiring the blooming cherry blossoms. If you visit, make sure to stop by the Tourist Information Center where you can try on samurai armor and take some memorable photos.

Address: 1 Honmaru, Toyama, 930-0081
Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours

3. Amaharashi Coast: Witness Breathtaking Coastal Beauty

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Toyama's natural beauty lies in its expanse of blue sea and the white peaks of its mountains. Here, you can witness both firsthand. The coastal scenery of Amaharashi is made even more iconic by a large rock in the middle of the sea called Onnaiwa, which is frequently a subject for photographs. Here, you can also relax on the sandy shores or swim in the shallow parts of the beach.

Address: 24-74 Ota, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0133
Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours

4. Shogawa Gorge Cruise: Surrounded by Lush Green Valleys

Image credit: Shogawa Gorge Cruise | Official Website

The Shogawa River wasn't always a tourist spot. During the Edo period, it served as a transportation route for boats carrying timber. However, through the Shogawa Gorge Cruise, tourists can now navigate this historic river and experience different breathtaking views in each season. In winter, the valleys surrounding the river transform into a completely white landscape, contrasting with the autumn when the valleys become like colorful canvases. Meanwhile, in spring, the scenery becomes more serene as the valleys turn a vibrant green. There are two types of trips offered. If you only want to cruise the river for 25 minutes and be amazed by the stunning valleys, you can board from Nagasaki Bridge. However, if you're looking for a more exciting experience, depart from Omaki Spa, where the boat will take you to a hot spring that's only accessible by boat.

Address: 73-5 Komaki, Shogawamachi, Tonami-shi, Toyama-ken
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:05 PM*

*Opening hours vary depending on the season and starting point, so it's recommended to check the Shogawa Gorge Cruise website directly for more information.

5. Ainokura: Step Back in Time

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Stepping into Ainokura feels like being transported back to the Edo period. This village has about 20 houses, ranging from 100 to 350 years old, that still maintain their traditional architectural style with wooden walls and thatched roofs. It's no wonder that this village in the Gokayama area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the houses in Ainokura Village, as some of them have been converted into cafes, museums, and guesthouses. While the rows of dark wooden houses are fascinating, don't forget to enjoy strolling around the village accompanied by the cool air and beautiful natural scenery.

Address: Ainokura, Nanto, Toyama 939-1915
Opening hours: Daily, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

6. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Traversing Majestic Mountains

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Besides Mount Fuji, Mount Tateyama is one of Japan's most famous mountains. In Toyama, there's a 90 km route that cuts through this popular mountain range, where visitors will encounter several iconic spots such as Japan's largest dam, the Kurobe Dam, and roads with towering snow walls on both sides. The modes of transportation are also diverse, ranging from cable cars and buses to ropeways, depending on your starting point. Because it relies on natural conditions, this route is not open year-round. In 2025, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route operates from April 15th to November 30th. You can find the departure times at the exit of Tateyama Station. To plan your trip better, don't hesitate to check the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route website for more detailed information.

7. Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten: Shopping for Herbal Remedies

Image credit: Toyama Tourism | Official Website

Looking for a truly unique experience? Then visiting this shop is the right choice. Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten is a store that sells traditional medicines and has been in business since the Edo period. The popularity of the medicines produced by Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten once earned Toyama the nickname of "medicine city" in its time. One of their famous remedies is etchu-hangontan, known for relieving stomachaches. It's not just about seeing the interior and their diverse collection of medicines. At Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten, you can also consult with the shop staff, purchase their collection of remedies, and even blend your own traditional medicine. The benefits of these herbal ingredients don't stop at the neatly arranged packages on the shelves; you can also taste them directly in the dishes offered by their restaurant, Kenkozen Yakuto.

Address: 1-3-5 Tsutsumichodori, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture
Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

8. Etchu Owara Kaze-no-Bon Festival: Swaying to Elegant Dances

Image credit: Toyama Tourism Official Website

As mentioned earlier, one of the reasons Toyama was chosen by the New York Times as a must-visit place in 2025 is its culture. There are many cultural events you can witness when visiting this prefecture. Let's get acquainted with one of them: the Etchu Owara Kaze-no-Bon. This festival has been held for over 300 years. At night, illuminated by paper lanterns, dancers wearing traditional Japanese attire—happi and yukata—dance gracefully to the tunes of traditional musical instruments like the shamisen, kokyu, and taiko. Straw hats cover the faces of the dancers as they pray for a bountiful harvest to the gods. The festive atmosphere mixed with a magical ambiance is sure to captivate anyone watching the procession of dancers in the streets. This festival is held in Yatsuo Town every year from September 1st to 3rd.

Discover Toyama's Delightful Muslim-Friendly Eateries!

Given its fortunate location between the sea and mountains, Toyama boasts a wonderfully diverse local food scene. Muslim travelers exploring this region can rejoice, as Toyama offers a fantastic selection of Muslim-friendly restaurants serving authentic flavors. In fact, you can easily find a comprehensive list on the official Toyama City website. Here are a few restaurants that we think are definitely worth a try.

1. Masunosushi Honpo Chitose: A Taste of Local Seafood, Halal Certified

Image credit: @masunosushichitose

When it comes to food in Toyama, the first thing you absolutely must sample is its fresh seafood. A short local train ride from Toyama Station to Toyota Mobility Toyama G Square Station will bring you to Masunosushi Honpo Chitose. This restaurant holds the distinction of being the first in Japan to receive halal certification for its masunosushi, a local delicacy of trout sushi. Using locally sourced ingredients and prepared by skilled chefs, its light yet delicious flavor makes it a perfect start to your culinary adventures in Toyama.

Address: 2-887 Hiyodorijima, Toyama, 930-0885
Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (Thursday-Tuesday)

2. Menya Iroha CiC: Authentic Black Ramen, Muslim-Friendly

Image credit: Toyama Tourism Organization | Official Website

One of Toyama's signature dishes is its distinctive black ramen. As the name suggests, a bowl of noodles with meat and vegetables is served in a rich, savory, and dark-colored broth. For Muslim travelers keen to try this local specialty, Menya Iroha CiC is conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from Toyama Station. This restaurant offers menu options that are free from pork and alcohol and uses halal-certified meat and seasonings.

Address: 1 Chome−2−3 CiC B1F, Shintomicho, Toyama 〒930-0002
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

3. Yunosato Ikemori: Traditional Japanese Cuisine in a Relaxing Setting

Image credit: Toyama Tourism Organization | Official Website

While not strictly a restaurant, Yunosato Ikemori is a charming inn with its own onsen (hot spring). Importantly for Muslim travelers, their restaurant offers set menus featuring traditional Japanese dishes prepared with halal-certified meat and seasonings. They also ensure separate cooking utensils for Muslim-friendly meals and do not serve pork. Imagine savoring fresh sashimi caught from the Toyama Bay after a relaxing soak in their onsen – truly a refreshing experience!

Address: 1632 Sashizaki, Himi City, Toyama Prefecture, 935-0007

4. Farmers Restaurant Ookado: Enjoy Local Noodles in a Tranquil Atmosphere

Image credit: Toyama Tourism Organization | Official Website

Beyond black ramen, another noodle dish you must try in Toyama is Daimon somen, locally produced thin noodles that are skillfully hand-pulled. Farmers Restaurant Ookado offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can truly experience the local way of life, especially with its traditional menu. Muslim travelers visiting here can choose from vegetarian options or dishes prepared without pork and alcohol.

Address: 165 Okado, Tonami, Toyama 939-1316
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

5. Tierra Café: Healthy and Halal Organic Delights

Image credit: @tierra9415

Nestled within a shop selling a variety of organic goods, from cosmetics to personal care items, you'll find Tierra Café, serving wholesome and delicious meals. Not only is Tierra Café halal-certified, but it also focuses on providing highly nutritious and filling food that can contribute to your well-being. After enjoying a healthy meal here, be sure to browse the shop's collection for unique organic souvenirs.

Address: 7279-1 Chayamachi, Toyama, 930-0115
Opening hours: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM (Friday-Wednesday)

Prayer Spaces for Muslim Travelers

Toyama is an excellent destination for Muslim travelers who want to enjoy diverse natural landscapes without compromising their comfort and need for Muslim-friendly facilities. In addition to halal-certified and Muslim-friendly restaurants, Toyama also provides prayer spaces. If you're exploring the coastal areas of Toyama, you can visit Toyama Mosque, the largest mosque in the prefecture. Meanwhile, if you're exploring the city center, you can visit the Toyama Muslim Center, which also has a prayer space.

Toyama Mosque
Address: 110-2 Tsubatae, Imizu, Toyama 934-0038
Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours

Toyama Muslim Center
Address: 3367 Gofuku, Toyama, 930-0887
Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Don't Forget to Grab Some Souvenirs!

Before ending your exploration in Toyama, don't forget to take these items with you as mementos.

• Takaoka Ramune: This isn't the usual ramune soda in a bottle you often see. Takaoka Ramune are small, handmade candies made from a mixture of Koshihikari rice and ginger. Each box contains cute designs, such as eggplant, goldfish, and sunflower shapes. Interestingly, the designs change depending on the current season in Toyama.

• T5: Its name is short and unique, making you wonder what kind of souvenir it is. T5 stands for 5 Tones and 5 Tastes—5 colors and 5 flavors. As the name suggests, in one package you'll find 5 pieces of candy made from glutinous rice with 5 different flavors: sakura (cherry blossom), matcha (green tea), yuzu (citrus fruit), sesame, and Wasanbon (fine-grained Japanese sugar). Once it enters your mouth, T5 will instantly melt like cotton candy but in a more solid form.

• Maki Kamaboko: It would be strange if Toyama didn't have any souvenirs made from seafood. Maki Kamaboko is a type of fish cake, a common topping you see in a bowl of ramen. This food is made from minced fish meat and rolled in seaweed, giving a distinctive flavor to the meat.

• Shiroebi Senbei: Shiroebi or white shrimp is a must-try food in Toyama. It turns out that it's not only used for tempura or sashimi; shiroebi can also be made into senbei. Senbei itself is a traditional Japanese rice cracker. The white shrimp from Toyama are ground and mixed into the senbei batter before being baked. It has a savory flavor with a crispy texture, perfect as a souvenir and a snack.

Also read: Best Halal Travel Guide 2025 For Japan

Toyama, as a region in Honshu blessed with natural beauty, culture, and history, is definitely a great choice for your next travel destination. Not only are its activities diverse, but when your journey in Toyama ends, you can also take a small piece of the prefecture with you through its unique souvenirs. So, what do you think? Does this article make you want to travel to Toyama?