Toyama Prefecture has developed a vibrant and diverse museum scene that goes beyond its natural attractions, with an emphasis on art and design. Notable institutions include the Toyama Glass Art Museum and the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, which showcases modern and contemporary art and is famous for its rooftop playground. These museums offer a unique glimpse into the region's culture and its innovative spirit, making them essential stops for any visitor.
Toyama Glass Art Museum - Toyama City
The Toyama Glass Art Museum is a striking architectural masterpiece designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, with a stunning atrium featuring wooden louvers that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The museum's collection focuses on modern and contemporary glass art, highlighted by a permanent installation by the celebrated artist Dale Chihuly. It serves as a central pillar of Toyama's efforts to become a hub for glass art and an important destination for art lovers.
Opening Times: 09:00 - 18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays & Saturdays)
Closed: The first and third Wednesday of each month and New Year's holidays
Admission: JPY 200 for the permanent exhibition. Special exhibition fees vary.
The Suiboku Museum - Toyama City
The Toyama Suiboku Museum is a unique institution dedicated to the art of modern Japanese ink painting, known as suiboku-ga. Its traditional Japanese-style building, complete with a beautiful garden and tea room, provides a tranquil setting for contemplating art. The museum features a permanent collection of works by leading artists, including those with a connection to Toyama, and also hosts a range of special exhibitions on Japanese arts and crafts.
Opening Times: 09:00 - 18:00
Closed: Mondays (except for national holidays), the day after a national holiday, and during the New Year's holiday period
Admission: The fee for the permanent exhibition is ¥200 for adults. Special exhibition fees vary.
Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design - Toyama City
The Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design is a modern institution that beautifully merges art, design, and architecture with its stunning building and panoramic views of Kansui Park and the Tateyama mountains. The museum houses a diverse collection that includes works by global masters like Picasso and Jackson Pollock, as well as a significant collection of posters and chairs. A unique highlight is the rooftop garden, an interactive playground that lets visitors of all ages enjoy art installations inspired by Japanese onomatopoeia.
Opening Times: 09:30 - 18:00, rooftop garden from 8:00 to 20:00
Closed: The museum is closed on Wednesdays (unless it is a national holiday), the day after a national holiday, and during the New Year's holidays. The rooftop garden is closed from December 1st to March 15th
Admission: The fee for the permanent exhibition is ¥300 for adults. Fees for special exhibitions vary.
Toyama City Folkcraft Museum - Toyama City
The Toyama City Folkcraft Museum is part of a larger complex known as the Toyama Municipal Folk Craft Village, a collection of small museums in the wooded hills west of downtown Toyama. The Folkcraft Museum itself is housed in a relocated historical building and showcases traditional Japanese life through exhibits of old living tools and other folk handicrafts from the region and beyond. The village also includes a Museum of Medicine Peddlers, a Museum of Ceramic Art, and a Memorial Art Museum.
Opening Times: 09:00 - 17:00
Closed: December 28 - January 4
Admission: Single museum tickets are JPY 100 and for an all-museum pass it is JPY 530
Toyama Castle/History Museum - Toyama City
The Toyama Castle History Museum is located within the restored keep of Toyama Castle, a modern reconstruction of a former feudal fortress. The museum's permanent exhibits trace the more than 400-year history of the castle and the surrounding area, from its origins in the Warring States period to the present day. Visitors can explore a collection of historical artifacts and models, and an observation deck on the top floor offers a panoramic view of the city.
Opening Times: 09:00 - 17:00
Closed: From December 28th to January 4th, as well as on occasional maintenance days.
Admission: JPY 210 for adults
Yatsuo Hikiyama Exhibition Hall - Toyama City
The Yatsuo Hikiyama Exhibition Hall is a dedicated museum showcasing the magnificent floats used in the famous Owara Kaze no Bon festival, held every September. The centerpiece of the hall is a display of elaborately crafted and decorated floats, or Hikiyama, which are a central part of the festival's parade. These exquisite floats, adorned with intricate carvings and puppets, provide a captivating look into the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Ecchu Yatsuo area.
Opening Times: 09:00 - 17:00
Closed: From December 29th to January 3rd.
Admission: JPY 500 for adults
Tateyama Museum of Toyama - Tateyama Town
The Tateyama Museum of Toyama is a comprehensive institution dedicated to the natural environment, history, and spiritual significance of the sacred Tateyama mountain range. Spread across a vast, beautiful park, the museum complex includes several facilities, such as the Exhibition Hall, the Mandala Yuen Park, and the Yobo-kan Hall. Its exhibits delve into the unique culture of "Tateyama Worship," which has been practiced for over 1,300 years. It is also on the road to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route!
Opening Times: 09:30 - 17:00, sometimes extended during peak seasons
Closed: Mondays (except for national holidays), the day after a national holiday, and during the New Year's holiday season.
Admission: JPY 300 and JPY 960 for a combination ticket with the other places mentioned above.
Hotaruika (Firefly Squid) Museum - Namerikawa City
The Hotaruika (Firefly Squid) Museum is a unique facility dedicated to the famous bioluminescent firefly squid found in Toyama Bay. Its main attraction is a live tank where visitors can observe the squids' stunning blue light, though this live exhibition is only available during the peak season from late March to late May. Beyond the live show, the museum features a variety of interactive exhibits and a theater to learn about the squid's life cycle and the local fishing industry.
Opening Times: Peak Season(late March to late May) 09:00 - 17:00, off-peak has many irregular holidays so check the website before going
Closed: On Tuesdays from June to mid-March, and from December 31st to January 1st.
Admission: Peak season is JPY 800 and off-peak season is JPY 600 for adults.
Uozu Buried Forest Museum - Uozu City
The Uozu Buried Forest Museum is an incredible natural history museum dedicated to the remains of a primeval cedar forest that was buried and preserved thousands of years ago by a combination of sea-level rise and river sediment. Visitors can view the giant, well-preserved cedar stumps in a special underground exhibit hall, which is flooded with seawater just as they were when discovered. Additionally, the museum features a theater and an observatory deck with a rare view of the Mirage (Shinkiro) in the bay.
Opening Times: 09:00 - 17:00
Closed: On Thursdays (except for national holidays), and from December 29th to January 1st.
Admission: JPY 530 for adults
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there any deals for entry into multiple museums?
Yes, there are several deals available for entry into multiple museums in Toyama Prefecture. The most comprehensive option is the Toyama City Museum Passport, which for a single fee grants either a three-day or annual pass to numerous municipal facilities, including the Toyama Glass Art Museum and the Toyama Castle History Museum. Additionally, many museums offer specific combination tickets for nearby attractions, such as the Tateyama Museum of Toyama providing a pass that includes the Tateyama Caldera Sabo Museum.
I only have time to visit one museum in Toyama, which should I pick?
That's a hard question! It really depends on what interests you the most. However, we'd recommend the 21st Century Museum of Modern Art if you're into art galleries. If you want to walk around the city, KAMU is a great way to see much of central Kanazawa while enjoying some of the museums. Finally, Seisonkaku is an often-overlooked museum in Kenrokuen and really enhances the garden.
What else is there in the city?
Toyama is much more than just museums. Our "Things to Do in Toyama" page has everything you need to get started! The city is located conveniently between the mountains and the sea, so there is easy access to either scenery. If you're looking for a skiing, check out our "Best Ski Resorts in Toyama" or if onsen are more your things check out "Best Onsen Hot Springs in Toyama!" Nature types might be interested in our "Best Spots for Autumn Leaves Around Toyama" guide for fall foliage photography! If it's not just museums, but shrines and temples that you're interested in, you should have a look at our "Best Goshuin near Toyama" to get more info about the red stamps that are growing in popularity as well as the general "Best Shrines and Temples in Toyama." Foodies can't miss out on our "Toyama's Famous Foods" guide - it'll help you learn more about the local food and where to eat it.
Interested in taking a tour around Toyama City?
