Fugan Kansui Park is a beautiful waterfront park in Toyama City, famous for its serene canal and the stunning glass-walled Starbucks location often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world. Visitors can enjoy the park's atmosphere and then take the Fugan Kansui Suijo Line, a charming boat cruise that travels along the canal, providing a unique perspective of the city's waterfront.
Where is the Fugan Kansui Park?
Fugan Kansui Park is located in Toyama City, just a short walk from the north side of JR Toyama Station. The park is situated along the Kansui Canal, serving as a picturesque and convenient green space for both local residents and tourists visiting the city.
A Short History
The area where Fugan Kansui Park now sits was once a crucial port and industrial hub at the terminus of the Fugan Canal, which was built in the 1930s to connect the city center to Toyama Port. In the 1980s, the canal was repurposed as part of a city revitalization project, transforming the waterfront from an industrial zone into a public green space. The Fugan Kansui Suijo Line was established later, in July 2009, to allow visitors to experience the canal's historic route as a leisure cruise. Today, both the park and the cruise line stand as symbols of Toyama's successful urban renewal, showcasing a beautiful blend of nature and modern design.
What to do at the Fugan Kansui Park?
At Fugan Kansui Park, visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the waterfront, unwind on the expansive lawn, and visit the famous glass-walled Starbucks, which is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world. The park is also home to the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, where you can explore a wide range of exhibits and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view from its rooftop garden. For a different perspective, you can take a boat cruise on the Fugan Kansui Suijo Line or enjoy a meal at the park's restaurant, La Goccia.
Riding the Fugan Suijo Line Cruise
The Fugan Suijo Line offers a scenic canal cruise that connects Fugan Kansui Park to the historic port town of Iwase, with a special stop at the nationally designated Important Cultural Property, the Nakajima Lock. The journey provides unique views of Toyama City from the water, and you can experience a "water elevator" at the lock gate as the boat's water level is adjusted to navigate the canal's 2.5-meter difference in elevation. The cruise operates from late March to late November, with the spring cherry blossom season being a particularly beautiful time to take the trip.
Visiting the Fugan Kansui Park
Fugan Kansui Park is a short walk from Toyama Station. You can reach the park by walking for about 9-10 minutes from the North Exit of the station. The boarding point for the Fugan Suijo Line Cruise is in the park.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Fugan Kansui Park most famous for?
Fugan Kansui Park is most famous for being home to a beautifully designed Starbucks, which has been internationally recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world, set against a backdrop of a tranquil canal and expansive green spaces.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Fugan Kansui Park is during the spring for cherry blossom viewing, as the park is lined with hundreds of cherry trees, and during the warmer summer months for fireworks and evening light displays. However, the park is beautiful year-round, with the Tenmon-kyo Bridge and canal also illuminated at night in autumn and winter, creating a different, but equally romantic, atmosphere.
How long should I spend here?
A visit to Fugan Kansui Park can be as short or as long as you'd like, but most people spend about 1-2 hours enjoying a relaxing stroll, taking photos, and grabbing a coffee at the famous Starbucks. If you plan to take the Fugan Suijo Line boat cruise or visit the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, you should set aside 3-4 hours to fully enjoy the experience.
How long is the cruise?
The cruise on the Fugan Suijo Line, which connects Fugan Kansui Park and Iwase, typically takes about 60 to 70 minutes one-way.
Is there food nearby?
Yes, Fugan Kansui Park has food options including a famous Starbucks café and a French restaurant called Cuisine Française La Chance, both of which offer beautiful views of the park.
Is there anything to see at the end point of the cruise, Iwase Port?
It is a historic town that once thrived as a bustling port for Kitamaebune trading ships during the Edo period. Visitors can stroll through its beautifully preserved streets lined with traditional storehouses and a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, the historic Baba Family House, and then stop at one of the newly renovated shops or sake bars.
