Located on the western coast of Japan’s main island, Toyama Prefecture is a hidden gem known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture. On its east is the scenic Niikawa region which comprises three cities Namerikawa, Uozu, and Kurobe, and two towns, Nyuzen and Asahi. The region is home to lush forests, clear rivers, and majestic mountains, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can also experience its rich culture through local crafts, food markets and enjoying regional delicacies.

The Niikawa region in Toyama Prefecture is just a 2.5 to 3-hour journey from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama Station. Local trains connect to Niikawa cities in 15 to 50 minutes, via the Ainokaze Toyama Railway. Budget-friendly highway buses take about 5 to 6 hours while flights from Tokyo Haneda to Toyama Airport (1 hour 15 minutes) or driving (4 to 5 hours) are also viable options. The Shinkansen is the fastest and most convenient choice to reach this scenic region, offering seamless connections to explore its attractions.

Niikawa Tourism Area

The "Niikawa" region, located in eastern Toyama Prefecture, is made up of three cities, 滑川市 Namerikawa City, 魚住市 Uozu City, and 黒部市 Kurobe City, and two towns, 入善町 Nyūzen Town and 朝日町 Asahi Town.

What sets the Niikawa area apart is its remarkable 4,000-metre elevation range, spanning from the 1,000-metre depths of Toyama Bay to the 3,000-metre-high mountain valleys. This dramatic landscape, along with its distinctive water features, serves as the foundation for the region's tourism branding: "Experience a 4,000-meter elevation journey! Discover the mountains, rivers, and sea through a water-themed adventure."

Namerikawa City is a picturesque coastal city bordered by Toyama Bay to the north and the majestic Northern Alps to the south. The city is famous for its fishing industry, particularly the harvesting of bioluminescent firefly squid.

Namerikawa City Tourism Association
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Uozu City is known for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural legacy, and is famous for the "Shinkirou" mirage. This unique occurrence, most prominent from late March to early June, creates fascinating optical illusions over the water due to temperature changes.

Uozu City Tourism Association
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Kurobe City is famous for its picturesque landscapes, such as the Kurobe Gorge and Kurobe River, which flows from the Northern Alps to the Sea of Japan. Visitors can enjoy scenic trolley rides on the Kurobe Gorge Railway and unwind at the Unazuki Onsen hot spring resort.
Fun fact: Kurobe is the headquarters of YKK, the global leader in zipper and fastening technologies.

Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Tourism Bureau
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Nyuzen Town is celebrated for its vibrant Nyuzen Flower Road Tulip Festival, featuring over 2 million tulips across 5 hectares each spring. The town is also known for its local delicacy, Nyuzen Deep-Sea Water Oysters, offered year-round at 15 establishments along the Nyuzen Town Oyster Road (reservations required). 

Nyuzen Town Tourism and Products Association
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Asahi Town is renowned for its scenic beauty, particularly in spring when cherry blossoms, tulips, and rapeseed flowers bloom along the Funakawa River, creating a stunning "Spring Quartet" with the snow-capped Northern Alps in the background. The town also boasts a rich cultural heritage, including traditional festivals and local crafts. 

Asahi Town Tourism Association
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Whether you are seeking adventure in nature, tranquility in hot springs, or a taste of authentic Japanese food and culture, Niikawa offers something for everyone.

Scenic and Natural Attractions

Asahi Town
(1) Spring Quartet
(2) Hisui Coastline (Jade Beach)

Kurobe City
(3) Kurobe Gorge and Trolley Train
(4) Yamabiko Promenade (Echo Promenade)

Nyuzen Town
(5) Nyuzen Flower Road
(6) Sugisawa no Sawasugi (Swamp Cedar Forest of Sugisawa)

Namerikawa City
(7) Tofukujino Nature Park

Leisure & Adventure

Kurobe City
(8) Kurobe River Canyoning Tour

Uozu City
(9) Uozu Buried Forest Museum

Namerikawa City
(10) Toyama Bay Coastal Cruising
(11) Hotaru-ika Marine Cruise
(12) Hotaru-ika Museum

Food and Cultural Experiences

Asahi Town
(13) たら汁 Tara-jiru (Cod Fish Soup)

Kurobe City
(14) 魚の駅「生地」 Fish Station Ikuji

Uozu City
(15) バイ飯 Bai-Meshi (Shellfish Rice)
(16) Omochiya Genshichi Mochi-Pounding Experience

Nyuzen Town
(17) Deep-Sea Water Oysters

Hot Springs & Accomodation

Asahi Town
(18) Ogawa Onsen Motoyu: Hotel Ogawa

Kurobe City
(19) Unazuki Onsen

Uozu City
(20) Kintaro Onsen (Kofukaku)

Namerikawa City
(21) SL House (in Tofukujino Nature Park)

Nyuzen Town
(22) Baden Akebi

The "Spring Quartet" in Asahi Town refers to the vibrant and colourful combination of cherry blossoms, tulips, and rapeseed flowers blooming along the Funakawa River in spring. This floral display, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Northern Alps comes together to create a picturesque springtime atmosphere in the region. In autumn, the area transforms into a sea of spider lilies and sunflowers.

Location: Funagawa-shin, Asahi Town, Shimoniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture, Japan
Access: 10-min shuttle bus ride or 20-min walk from Tomari Station, 3-min drive from Asahi IC
Best time to visit: [Spring] early to late April, [Autumn] late September to mid October

Ranked among Japan’s top 100 beaches, the Hisui Coastline (also known as the Jade Beach) is a stunning stretch of coastline located along the northeastern coast of Toyama Prefecture. Its name comes from the distinctive jade-green color of the sea, which is a result of the unique combination of mineral-rich waters and sunlight. Visitors can experience jade hunting and fishing at this unique attraction. 

Location: 151 Sakae, Asahi Town, Shimoshinano District, Toyama Prefecture, 939-0704, Japan
Access: 1-min walk from Etchu-Miyazaki Station via Ainokaze Toyama Railway
Best time to visit: April to November

Kurobe Gorge in Kurobe City is a natural attraction known for its steep, rugged cliffs, crystal-clear river, and lush forests. The gorge is especially popular for its scenic beauty, particularly during the autumn foliage season when the landscape is ablaze with vibrant colours.

Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train offers a unique and picturesque way to explore the gorge. This narrow-gauge railway runs from Unazuki Station to Keyakidaira Station, passing through the heart of the gorge and providing passengers with breathtaking views of the surrounding natural scenery, including waterfalls, bridges, and the rugged terrain.

Kurobe Gorge Railway
Location: 11 Kurobekyokokuguchi, Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, 938-0293 Japan
Access: 5-min walk  from Unazuki Onsen Station via Toyama Chiho Railway, 20-min drive from Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station or Hokuriku Expressway Kurobe IC
Fare: [Unazuki station to Nekomata station]￥1,410 (adult), ￥710 (child)
Best time to visit: [Spring] mid April to May, [Autumn] late October to mid November
Trolley Train operating period: Mid April to End November
Timetable | Website

Yamabiko Promenade is a scenic walking path located along the Kurobe Gorge. It offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the gorge while enjoying views of the Kurobe River, the surrounding mountains, and lush greenery. The promenade is named after the "yamabiko," a term that refers to the echoing sounds heard in mountainous regions, symbolizing the harmony between nature and the human experience.

Location: Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, 938-0282, Japan
Access: 5-min walk from Unazuki Station via Kurobe Gorge Railway
Best time to visit: Spring to Autumn (Closed in Winter)

Nyuzen Flower Road is a famous scenic area celebrated for its vibrant spring displays, featuring tulips planted across more than 5 hectares, as well as other blooms like rape blossoms set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Alps. This is a popular sightseeing spot, especially during the annual Flower Road Festival, typically held from early to late April. The venue of the festival changes yearly, so visitors can enjoy a different scenery every year.

For the most current information, including specific dates and any potential changes to the event schedule, do check the official Nyuzen Town tourism website before planning your visit.

Nyuzen Town Tourism and Products Association
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Sugisawa no Sawasugi (Swamp Cedar Forest of Sugisawa) is a 2.7-hectare natural reserve in Nyuzen Town, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. Designated as a Natural Monument, this unique forest thrives in marshlands fed by spring water, with Tateyama cedars adapting to nutrient-poor, high-groundwater conditions. Explore wooden paths winding through brooks, moss-covered trees, and diverse plant species, creating a mystical atmosphere. In the vicinity is the Sugisawa Cedar Museum which offers further insights into this remarkable ecosystem.

In this forest, you can spot the Nyuzen Otomo Kikuzakura, a special cherry blossom variety cultivated in Nyuzen Town. This unique cultivar is known for its striking pink petals and early bloom, typically reaching full bloom from mid April, making it a standout in the region's floral scene.

Location: 950 Yoshihara, Nyuzen Town, Shimoniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture, 939-0674, Japan
Access: 10-min drive from Nyuzen Station
Best time to visit: March to December

Tofukujino Nature Park in Namerikawa City offers visitors a natural retreat with panoramic views, especially from its 300-meter-high plateau. The park features various amenities, including a park golf course, barbecue areas, and large playgrounds for families, on top of additional facilities such as the SL House (former steam locomotive transformed into an accommodation) for overnight stays. Visitors can enjoy diverse outdoor activities and the scenic beauty of Toyama Bay and surrounding landscapes.

Location: 41 Tofukuji-no, Namerikawa City, Toyama Prefecture, 936-0823, Japan
Access: 20-min drive from Namerikawa Station
Fee: ￥220 (adult), ￥150 (primary and secondary school students), complimentary entry for children
Best time to visit: April to November
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The Kurobe River, renowned for its dramatic canyon landscapes and pristine nature, offers an unforgettable canyoning experience. During the Kurobe River Canyoning Tour, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Kurobe Gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters, while engaging in adventurous activities like sliding down natural water slides, rappelling down waterfalls, swimming through pools, and leaping into rivers. The tours are beginner-friendly, and guided by experienced professionals. Round off the adventure with a soothing visit to nearby hot springs, such as those in the Unazuki region.

Meeting point: Toyama Chiho Railway Unazuki Onsen Station
Fee*(adult): [Weekdays] ¥11,000, [Weekends and public holidays, 8 Jul to 31 Aug] ¥12,000, [11 to 16 Aug] ¥13,000
*Includes taxes, insurance fees, and rental equipment fees (rental shoes are an additional ¥500 per pair)
Best time to visit: Mid May to late October
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Uozu Buried Forest Museum is a fascinating destination which offers a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the region. It is centred around the preserved remains of a buried forest that dates back thousands of years, providing a unique look at ancient environmental conditions and the geological processes that shaped the area.

Key highlights of the museum include the “Buried Forest” display where visitors can view the remains of trees that were buried by sediment over 2,000 years ago. These preserved tree stumps and trunks offer insight into the ancient ecosystems of the region.

In addition, get to witness the "Mirage of Uozu" (Uozu Shinkirou)- one of the most mystical and enchanting natural phenomena in Japan, when you visit the museum area from spring to early summer (late March to early June). The mirage occurs when warm and cool air layers near the surface of the water create a refractive effect, bending light and distorting objects in the distance. It is most often seen over the Sea of Japan near the Uozu coastline. 

Location: 814 Shakado, Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, 937-0067, Japan
Access: 25-min walk or 5-min drive from Uozu Station via Ainokaze Toyama Railway, 10-min drive from Uozu IC via Hokuriku Expressway
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm daily (last entry: 4.30pm)
Fee: ￥640 (adult), ￥260 (student aged 7-16 years old)
Best time to visit: Late March to early June (Superior Mirage)

This is a great opportunity to witness the natural phenomenon of the firefly squid (Hotaru Ika), these bioluminescent creatures light up the waters of Toyama Bay with a mesmerizing blue glow, creating an unforgettable sight.

The Firefly Squid Boat Tour operates primarily in spring (April to early May), as this is the spawning season for firefly squid. Cruises typically depart late at night or early in the morning, as the squid’s glow is best observed in complete darkness. Watch as the glowing squid are brought up in nets, creating a surreal light show against the night sea.

Location: 410 Nakagawara, Namerikawa City, Toyama Prefecture, 936-0021, Japan
Access: 8-min walk from Namerikawa Station, 10-min drive from Namerika IC
Fee: ￥8,000 (adult), ￥4,000 (primary and secondary school students)
Best time to visit: April to early May

Take a deeper dive into the fascinating world of firefly squid at Hotaru-ika Museum, observe them as they emit a glowing blue light in response to touch or movement. 

Highlights include live squid displays, interactive learning experiences such as “The Mysterious Deep Sea”, and a 3D “Live Theatre” showcasing their lifecycle and mesmerising glow. Explore the diverse marine life of Toyama Bay, with exhibits showcasing the bay’s unique underwater environment, including its deep-sea trench.

The museum is also home to restaurants and a café that serve firefly squid dishes, offering a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.

Location: 410 Nakagawara, Namerikawa City, Toyama Prefecture, 936-0021, Japan
Access: 8-min walk from Namerikawa Station, 10-min drive from Namerika IC
Fee: [20 Mar - 31 May]￥820 (adult), ￥410 (student). [1 Jun - Mid Mar] ￥620 (adult), ￥310 (student)
Best time to visit: Late March to late May

Tara-jiru (cod fish soup) is a popular winter dish, celebrated for its rich flavour and comforting warmth. The soup typically includes chunks of fresh cod, tofu, daikon (Japanese radish), negi (green onions), and other vegetables, simmered in a miso broth. Some variations might include cod roe or milt (shirako), adding a creamy texture.

Many seafood restaurants in Asahi and surrounding areas offer Tara-jiru as part of their winter menu, often using freshly caught cod from Toyama Bay. Cosy restaurants such as Drive in Kinkai offer authentic, homemade flavours which focus on local, fresh seafood such as Tara-jiru Set Meal (￥1,300), making it a great spot to try Toyama Bay’s specialties.

Drive in Kinkai
Location: 25-1 Sakai, Asahi Town, Shimoniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture, 939-0704, Japan
Access: 15-min walk from Ainokaze Toyama Railway Etchu-Miyazaki Station, 9 min-drive from Asahi IC

魚の駅「生地」 (Uo no Eki Ikuji), “Fish Station Ikuji” is a popular seafood market and restaurant located in Ikuji, part of Kurobe City in Toyama Prefecture. It serves as a hub for fresh, locally sourced seafood, making it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers and those exploring Toyama Bay.

There are two main areas: とれたて館 (Toretate-kan) “The Freshly Caught Pavilion” and できたて館 (Dekitate-kan) ”The Freshly Made Pavilion”. Toretate-kan focuses on providing fresh seafood directly sourced from Toyama Bay. You can purchase a wide range of fresh fish and other marine products, such as shiroebi (white shrimp), yellowtail, sweetfish (ayu), as well as local specialties and souvenirs, including fish cakes, dried fish, and many more. 

At Dekitate-kan, you can enjoy delicious, freshly prepared seafood dishes, such as kaisen‐don (seafood rice bowls), sushi, and other specialties.

In addition, visitors to Fish Station Ikuji can explore local Shōzu (清水) springs in the area. These springs, historically significant to the region, are sources of clean, fresh water that have been integral to the community's farming and daily life.

Location: 265 Ikuji Nakaku, Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, 938-0072, Japan
Access: 30-min drive/bus ride (via Ikuji Line Bus) from Hokuriku Shinkansen Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station, 10-min drive or 25-min walk from Ainokaze Toyama Railway Ikeda Station, 15-min drive from Hokuriku Expressway Kurobe IC

Bai-Meshi is a local specialty featuring bai-gai (sea snails)- known for its deep, savoury taste and satisfying crunch of the shells. It is a seasoned rice dish (takikomi-gohan) in which the sea shells are cooked and simmered in rice, adding a unique texture to the dish. It is a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the region's fresh seafood fuss-free. It is often served at local restaurants such as Uozu Maru Shokudo which is a must-visit for anyone craving fresh, local seafood and traditional Japanese dishes such as Bai-Meshi Set Meal in Uozu City. 

Uozu Maru Shokudo
Location: 5-1 Minato-machi, Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, 937-0057, Japan
Access: 9-min drive from Uozu Station via Ainokaze Toyama Railway

At Omochiya Genshichi, visitors can participate in a hands-on cultural activity- traditional Japanese practice of mochi (rice cake) pounding and making mochi from scratch. Pound steamed glutinous rice with wooden mallets, shape the sticky dough into small mochi pieces, which can be enjoyed with sweet fillings or toppings. This hands-on, family-friendly activity provides a fun and educational way to learn about Japanese food culture and the art of mochi-making.

Omochiya Genshichi
Location: 4531-1 Rokurōmaru, Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, 937-0042, Japan
Access: 7-min drive from Uozu Station (Ainokaze Toyama Railway), 5-min drive from Uozu IC
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm daily (with occasional closures)
Mochi Pounding Experience reception time: 10am - 5pm
Fee: ￥8,000 per mortar
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Deep-sea water oysters refer to oysters purified and cultivated for over 24 hours using Nyūzen deep-sea water, sourced from the depths off the coast of Nyūzen. Compared to oysters processed with surface seawater, these oysters offer superior food safety and are richer in nutrients, making them a premium choice.

Each year, approximately 7 million oysters are purified with deep seawater and shipped to local restaurants as well as oyster bars across the country. At 牡蠣ノ星 Kaki no Hoshi (translates to “Oysters of the Stars”) restaurant, you can experience eating the freshest oysters all year round. Enjoy the natural flavours of the oysters, whether raw, steamed or grilled with their Kaki no Hoshi Set (￥3,900).

牡蠣ノ星 Kaki no Hoshi
Location:  251-1 Shimoino, Nyuzen Town, Shimoniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture
Access: 20-min drive from Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station (via Hokuriku Shinkansen) 
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am - 5pm (L.O 4pm), Sat & Sun and holidays 10am - 8pm (L.O 7pm) 
Website

Ogawa Onsen Motoyu in Hotel Ogawa, Asahi Town, offers a relaxing experience with natural hot springs that have been flowing for over 400 years. Known for its bicarbonate-rich waters, it is famous for its therapeutic properties, particularly for fertility and health. Guests can enjoy various hot spring baths in a peaceful mountain setting, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Location: 1 Yunose, Asahi Town, Shimoniikawa District, 938-0163, Toyama Prefecture
Access: 15-min drive from Tomari Station (via Ainokaze Toyama Railway), 30-min drive from Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station (via Hokuriku Shinkansen)
Opening hours: 9am - 3pm (day trip bath)
Fee: ￥19,800 per pax (1 night accommodation with 2 meals), ￥1,000 (bath only)
Website

Unazuki Onsen resort is situated along the Kurobe River in Kurobe City, it serves as the gateway to the scenic Kurobe Gorge, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty and therapeutic hot springs. The area's crystal-clear, high-quality waters are known for their exceptional clarity and are classified as mild alkaline simple spring water, making them gentle on the skin. This earned them the nickname 'Tsubetsube Bijin no Yu' (Smooth Skin Hot Spring).

The resort is home to around 10 unique inns, each offering guests the chance to indulge in the region’s mountain and seafood delicacies. 

Location: Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, 938-0282, Japan
Access: 3-min walk from Unazuki Onsen Station (via Toyama Chiho Railway), 20-min drive from Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station (via Hokuriku Shinkansen)

Kintaro Onsen is a hot spring resort in Uozu City, known for its sulfur and saline-rich springs, which are said to have skin-softening and health-promoting properties. Choose from various room types including traditional Japanese-style rooms and modern accommodations. Some rooms feature outdoor baths, allowing for a private onsen experience.

At Kintaro Onsen Kohuhaku (their in-house restaurant), guests can indulge in seasonal specialties like firefly squid and white shrimp in spring, yellowtail and snow crab in winter. 

Location: 6000 Tenjin Noshin, Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, 937-0013, Japan
Access: 10-min drive from Uozu Station (via Ainokaze Toyama Railway)
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Source: Namerikawa City Tourism Association

SL House is a refurbished steam locomotive train converted into an accommodation at Tofukujino Nature Park, a recreational area located in Namerikawa City. The park offers a variety of facilities for outdoor activities, such as a large playground, fluffy dome golf course, barbecue area and more. 

The refurbished train accommodation is made up of 5 passenger cars, with the guest rooms beautifully crafted with cedar wood, creating a warm and inviting ambience. Each room is equipped with a bath, toilet, and kitchen. 

Location: 41 Tofukuji-no, Namerikawa City, Toyama Prefecture 936-0823, Japan
Access: 20-min drive from Namerikawa Station
Fee: [Weekdays] ￥10,000 per room, [Holidays] ￥12,100 per room 
Website

Baden Akebi is a tranquil hot spring inn located in the picturesque mountains of Nyuzen Town, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. Surrounded by the clear waters of the Kurobe River and lush greenery, it offers a serene escape for guests. 

The inn features 39 rooms (37 Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and 2 Western-style twin rooms) and can accommodate up to 150 guests. Guests can indulge in natural hot springs renowned for their moisturizing properties, often described as a "natural lotion," and enjoy open-air baths and a sauna for ultimate relaxation. 

Dining at Baden Akebi is a highlight, with seasonal kaiseki cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients, offering a unique culinary experience that reflects the beauty of Japan’s four seasons.

Location: 1677-1 Funami, Nyuzen Town, Shimoniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture, 938-0103 Japan
Access: 15-min drive from  Kurobe-Unazukionsen Station, 1-hour drive from Toyama Airport
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*This article is brought to you in partnership with Niikawa Tourism Area.

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