The extraordinary bay, Toyama bay

2019年 03月15日


The Japanese archipelago is very rich in beautiful beaches and bays. Some are real wonders of nature and really worth a look. This is the case of Toyama Bay, which belongs to the most beautiful bays in the world, located in the north shore of Honshu. It is one of the three largest bays in the country and Toyama prefecture has the advantage of being equidistant from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka (about two hours by Shinkansen).

The unique topography of the bay and the mixture of cold and warm currents allow a wide variety of fish and seafood renowned for their quality throughout the country. Toyama bay is indeed "the natural fish tank".
In winter, the difference in density and temperature of the air layers regularly causes mirages in addition to its bioluminescent beach which makes the bay famous abroad. At spring nights, the bay becomes lucent blue by small squids about ten centimeters called "Hotaru Ika (squid fireflies)", having small organs emit blue light (called photophores) along their tentacles and around eyes. They gather in several million for breeding, and the force of the waves drives them to the shore where they gather, providing a magnificent nighttime spectacle attracting thousands of tourists. These squids are also a popular dish in the region. Usually the squids are eaten with Sumiso (mix Miso with vinegar) and excellent with local Sake. 

Toyama prefecture presents not only rich coastline, but also the presence of the Japanese Alps brings a magnificent diversity of landscapes.
You will see dynamic Tateyama mountain range on the back of Toyama bay where mountains as much as 3000 meters high towers.
Besides those beauty of the nature, you cannot miss a historical village called Gokanuma registered in UNESCO world heritage likewise Shirakawago in Tochigi prefecture. The village is very popular among tourists, because the village remains groups of historical farmhouses with unique architectural character, the "Gasshou-style" houses. The Gasshou-style house is one of the most important farmhouse types in Japan due to its rarity and uniqueness, those can date back early 19th century.  The village is surrounded by the nature and it creates an atmosphere of fairy tale or perhaps it reminds you a scene of famous Japanese Anime.


Click here to see our tour "Tateyama Kurobe + Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa Alpine Road"

Click here to see our tour "Historical hike in the Japanese Alps. Nagano, Matsumoto Kamikochi (April-November)"

Click here to see our tour "【Nagano-Hida-Kanazawa】 Experience to the snowy country, the beauty of winter landscapes"