In January 2025, The New York Times recognized Toyama, Japan as one of its “52 Places to Go in 2025,” spotlighting this breathtaking region as an emerging travel destination.
Nestled between the Japanese Alps and the Sea of Japan, the Toyama Prefecture in Japan offers a haven of natural beauty, traditional self-care rituals, and an unparalleled focus on rejuvenation — making it the perfect getaway for those seeking true relaxation.
Discover the Ultimate Destination for Relaxation and Self-Care
Whether melting away stress in a steaming onsen, indulging in famous Tomaya foods such as the freshest sushi available, or strolling through the attractions that Toyama offers, this hidden gem fosters a calming, mindful approach to self-care and well-being.
And guess what? Some of the best Japanese skincare products are also manufactured in Toyama. That’s right, the famous Yu-Be skin creams you’ve come to know and love are made right in the heart of Toyama, harnessing the region’s pristine natural resources to create luxurious, high-quality products!
With just one trip to Toyama, not only will you get to experience the richness of Japanese culture and nature, you’ll also come out of it feeling completely refreshed and centered.
Key Highlights About Toyama We'll Cover
🏔 A Natural Wellness Haven – Toyama offers breathtaking landscapes that inspire relaxation, inspiration, and rejuvenation.
🏔️ Pristine Alpine Water – Toyama is famous for their naturally filtered alpine water that supports a naturally healthy life
🛁 Healing Onsen (Hot Springs) – The mineral-rich and serene hot springs of Toyama will provide both deep relaxation and skin rejuvenation for any visitor
🍵 Mindful Wellness Rituals – From traditional tea ceremonies to immersive forest bathing experiences, Toyama offers several opportunities to practice cultural and holistic self-care.
🍣 Culinary Delights – Indulge in Toyama’s fresh sushi and delicious cuisine, known for its locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors.
🚆 Easily Accessible – Located along the Sea of Japan, Toyama City is a seamless getaway with direct access via Toyama Station.
1. First Stop: Toyama’s Beautiful Landscapes, A Natural Wellness Haven
Toyama’s unique location between the Japanese Alps and the Sea of Japan offers a serene backdrop for those seeking tranquility and rejuvenation. The combination of majestic mountains, lush forests, and stunning coastal views provides an environment that naturally encourages relaxation, mindfulness, and connection with nature.
🌄 A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Whether you’re a serious hiker or more of a nature enthusiast that enjoys easier walks with a scenic view, you have no shortage of options in Toyama:
- The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan’s most scenic areas, featuring towering snow walls in the spring and vibrant foliage in the autumn. From short walks to longer, more difficult hikes, you can explore the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route through a variety of trails.
- The coastline along the Sea of Japan offers breathtaking views, fresh sea air, and peaceful walks along Toyama’s shores.
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Mount Tsurugi is one of Japan’s most revered and challenging mountains, offering dramatic alpine scenery and thrilling hikes. It is known for its rugged terrain, making it a favorite among experienced hikers and mountaineers. The hike rewards adventurers with panoramic views of surrounding peaks, deep valleys, and lush colors
Whether hiking in the alpine regions, strolling along picturesque beaches, or taking in the fresh mountain air, Toyama’s landscapes offer an unparalleled opportunity to escape the stresses of modern life and embrace wellness and peace through nature.
2. Toyama’s Natural Resources: A Secret to Longevity & Radiant Skin
Toyama’s pristine environment and natural resources provide essential elements that promote skin health and overall well-being.
🏞️ Pristine Alpine Water: A Natural Treasure for Good Health & Smooth Skin
Toyama’s water comes from the Tateyama Mountain Range and the Japanese Alps, where pure snowmelt filters through mineral-rich rocks over decades, creating some of Japan’s softest, most pristine water.
- Toyama’s alpine water is widely used for drinking, agriculture, sake brewing, and food production. Many municipalities in Toyama rely on natural spring water or high-quality groundwater as their primary water source, often requiring minimal treatment due to its purity.
- Toyama’s high quality water and pristine natural environment are some of the biggest reasons why we chose it as our home to manufacture Yu-Be products!
- The high quality of this water contributes to the longevity and health of Toyama’s residents, who enjoy one of Japan’s highest life expectancies.
- Toyama’s alpine water is naturally soft, preventing dryness and irritation while helping skin retain moisture.
- Rich in silica, magnesium, and calcium, Toyama’s alpine water promotes hydration, elasticity, and skin cell renewal.
3. Relax and Rejuvenate: The Healing Power of Mineral-Rich Onsens
If you’re asking, “What is an onsen?”, they are natural hot spring baths that are commonly found all throughout Japan. These baths are rich in minerals that are believed to have therapeutic benefits, such as improving circulation, relieving muscle pain, and nourishing the skin.
🌊 Toyama Onsens: A Must for Deep Relaxation & Skin Rejuvenation
- Toyama onsen waters are rich in minerals like sulfur, silica, and magnesium, which help hydrate the skin naturally and soothe inflammation.
- The warm/hot water of these baths will help improve circulation and collagen production, leaving skin glowing and revitalized.
- Toyama’s onsens also stand out due to their stunning mountain scenery, ocean views, and peaceful, less crowded atmospheres
✨ Must-Visit Onsens in Toyama
- Unazuki Onsen – Known for crystal-clear, mineral-rich waters and picturesque mountain views.
- Shogawa Onsen – A hidden retreat surrounded by forests. Perfect for a private, peaceful soak.
- Himi Onsen – A rare coastal onsen with sea views, fresh seafood, and warm, mineral-rich waters.
If you're curious about other aspects of Japanese lifestyle that contribute to smooth, glass-like skin, read this article to learn about 5 Japanese skincare secrets!
(Include a peaceful image of an onsen in nature for a calming effect.)
4. Immerse in Japanese Culture & Forest Bathing
🍵 Tea Ceremonies & Authentic Cultural Experiences
- Visitors can immerse in traditional Japanese culture by experiencing Japanese tea ceremonies in serene locations, such as Toyama Park, where they can engage in the mindful preparation and appreciation of matcha tea.
- The park also offers additional cultural experiences and Toyama Japan tourist attractions, such as dressing in traditional kimono while exploring the beautifully landscaped gardens.
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For those looking for an authentic tea house experience, Sotoshu Chokeiji Temple in Toyama features a Japanese tea house near its entrance, where visitors can participate in a traditional tea ceremony in a tranquil setting.
🌲 Immersive Forest Bathing for Mind & Body Renewal
- Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing”, is a Japanese wellness practice that involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to improve mental and physical health. It is not a hike or workout but rather a mindful, sensory experience that encourages deep connection with nature.
- Forest bathing allows visitors to slow down and breathe in phytoncide-rich forest air, which help boost the immune system, reduce stress and anxiety, improve respiratory health, and support heart health
- Toyama is abundant with lush woodlands to experience forest bathing, including places such as the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route or the Joganji River Forest Park.
5. Culinary Delights: Savoring Toyama’s Fresh, Locally Sourced Cuisine
No wellness journey (or any international travel, for that matter) is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Toyama cuisine is renowned for its dedication to seasonal and locally sourced foods, offering an experience that both delights the palate and nourishes the body with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
🍣 What to Eat in Toyama
- Toyama Bay Seafood – Known for its incredibly fresh seafood, including the famous white shrimp (Shiroebi) and firefly squid (Hotaru Ika).
- Masu Sushi – A local specialty, this pressed trout sushi is wrapped in bamboo leaves for a delicate and refreshing flavor.
- Himi Beef – A premium Wagyu beef from the Toyama region, known for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Black Ramen – A unique, soy-sauce-based ramen originating from Toyama, offering a deep umami taste.
If you believe in the power of food as the key to healthy, youthful skin like we do, then take a look at this blog to learn about these 7 foods to maintain healthy skin.
6. Getting to Toyama: A Seamless and Scenic Journey
Once you’re in Japan, Toyama is easily accessible, making it an ideal getaway for wellness seekers looking for a peaceful retreat away from Japan’s bustling cities.
🚆 How to Get to Toyama
- By Shinkansen: The Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Toyama directly to Tokyo in just 2 hours and 8 minutes, providing a fast and comfortable journey.
- By Air: Toyama Airport offers domestic flights from major Japanese cities and international connections to select destinations.
- By Train from Kyoto & Osaka: The Limited Express Thunderbird train connects Toyama to Kyoto and Osaka with scenic views along the way.
- By Bus or Car: Highway buses from Nagoya and Kanazawa provide an affordable and convenient travel option, while rental cars allow for flexible exploration of the surrounding Toyama Prefecture in Japan.
With its efficient transport links and stunning natural scenery, Toyama is an effortless yet rewarding escape for those looking to immerse themselves in relaxation and rejuvenation.
Why Toyama Should Be Your Next Wellness Getaway
Toyama, Japan, is more than just a destination — it’s a holistic wellness retreat that blends tradition, nature, and an elevated experience of natural resources.
Although this article only serves as an introductory Toyama travel guide, we hope that it gave you a brief, but insightful overview of some of the special features that got Toyama to make it in the New York Times’ article on the top destinations to visit in 2025.
Even if you aren’t able to visit Toyama anytime soon, you can still experience its rich, skin-nourishing benefits through Yu-Be products!
FAQ
Is Toyama worth visiting?
Absolutely. From Toyama sushi in Ginza to its peaceful onsen, Toyama attractions offer a unique blend of relaxation, wellness, and cultural enrichment.
Where is Toyama, Japan?
Located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, Toyama City is accessible via Toyama Station, making it an easy yet unforgettable retreat.
What is Toyama famous for?
Toyama, Japan, is famous for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route with its towering Snow Corridor, the stunning Kurobe Gorge, and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay. It’s also known for its traditional medicine industry and high-quality glass craftsmanship.
What is the meaning of “Toyama”?
The name "Toyama" means "abundant mountain" or "rich mountain" in Japanese, reflecting the region’s lush natural landscapes and mountainous terrain.
What is Toyama’s population?
Toyama Prefecture has an estimated population of 1,044,588. The capital city, Toyama, has approximately 415,844 residents
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