2-Day Toyama Prefecture Itinerary: Capture Stunning Snowy Mountain Views
Hey everyone! Today, I'm sharing an amazing 2-day trip to Toyama Prefecture, focusing on capturing breathtaking snowy mountain views! I happened to visit during a rare stretch of clear winter skies in Toyama. I took the train directly from Kyoto to Toyama Station, kicking off my snow mountain photography adventure. Over the weekend, I managed to photograph the mountains from every angle.
1️⃣ Preparation:
Toyama's official website offers Tateyama scenery forecasts and 24-hour live camera feeds. I finalized my trip the day before departure after seeing an 80% and 60% chance of clear views of Tateyama over the weekend.
2️⃣ Iwasehama Area:
Take the Toyama Tram directly from JR Toyama Station. Here, you can capture photos of the beach and fishing bridge with the snowy mountains as a backdrop. It's relatively less crowded, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery and photography.
3️⃣ Glass Art Museum Area:
Stunning snow mountain views can be captured from the road in front of the Glass Art Museum.
4️⃣ Toyama City Hall Observation Deck:
This is the most recommended viewing spot in Toyama City. You can enjoy a free 360-degree panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains from the observation deck, tens of meters high. It's earned the nickname "Toyama's Premium Viewing Seat."
5️⃣ Fugan Canal Park:
Within walking distance from Toyama Station, the canal's connecting bridge features two three-story towers. Here, you can capture the perfect combination of the canal, Starbucks, and the snowy mountains.
6️⃣ Inside Toyama Station: You can also capture unique perspectives of the snowy mountains from within the station.
The following are attractions in the Takaoka area, easily accessible by train from Toyama.
7️⃣ Amaharashi Coast:
This is arguably one of Toyama's most famous spots. Watching the sunset at Amaharashi allows you to capture the snow-capped mountains bathed in golden light – absolutely stunning!
8️⃣ Manyo Line Tram:
I woke up early the next day to catch the first Manyo Line tram from Takaoka. Near Shinminato, I witnessed a beautifully layered sunrise against the backdrop of the snowy mountains – simply breathtaking!
9️⃣ Kaiwomaru Area:
From the Shinminato Bridge observation deck, the Coast Guard ship, and the Kaiwomaru, you can witness the sunrise over the snowy mountains. Each location offers unique photo opportunities.
🔟 Himi Area:
Himi is just two stops from Amaharashi on the Amaharashi Line. Unlike Amaharashi and Iwasehama, Himi Coast features a long breakwater and offers views of the Shinminato Bridge in the distance, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Bonus Hidden Gem: Bell Monta Sightseeing Train
Every Sunday, two Bell Monta sightseeing trains run between Himi, Amaharashi, and Takaoka. Compared to the often-dirty windows of regular Himi Line trains, the sightseeing train's windows are cleaner and larger. The driver even makes a special stop midway at Amaharashi for passengers to take photos. Enjoy this experience for just the regular fare plus a 530 yen reserved seat fee.
Blissful Benjamin~Carter594