Toyama Prefecture is a captivating region in Japan, offering a wealth of natural wonders and unique cultural experiences, with the city of Takaoka as a jewel on its coast. Situated between the dramatic Japanese Alps and the beautiful Sea of Japan, Takaoka serves as a gateway to the region's diverse offerings. From the city's rich history and cultural treasures like the Great Buddha, you can easily access ancient forests, spectacular gorges, and culinary delights that define the splendor of Toyama.
This page will introduce some of the best places to stay in the prefecture with a focus on Takaoka. They are scattered throughout the region with access to very different types of places. Let's explore Takaoka and Toyama below!
Recommended Places to Stay in and Around Takaoka
In Toyama Prefecture, a wide range of lodging options cater to various travel styles, with the Takaoka area serving as an excellent base for exploring the western region. The vicinity of Takaoka Station offers a convenient mix of modern hotels and traditional inns, while the nearby Shin-Takaoka Station, a hub for the Hokuriku Shinkansen, provides a more modern gateway for travelers. From these two hubs, you can easily access major attractions in the city of Takaoka and beyond. For those looking for a central location with extensive city amenities, the area around Toyama Station remains a popular choice with its numerous business hotels, modern accommodations, and direct access to the city's sights.
For a more immersive and traditional experience, the rural areas of Toyama provide truly unique lodging opportunities. In the remote mountainous region of Gokayama, visitors can stay in a traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouse, offering an authentic glimpse into local history and culture. On the other end of the prefecture, Unazuki Onsen is a premier destination for relaxation, where guests can choose from a variety of ryokan and hot spring inns to enjoy a rejuvenating soak with stunning views of the Kurobe Gorge. These destinations are ideal for travelers seeking a deep connection with nature and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Takaoka City - Takaoka Station
The area around Takaoka Station offers a convenient mix of modern business hotels and more traditional inns, making it an excellent base for exploring western Toyama. Many hotels are located just a short walk from the station, with some even having direct access via a footbridge. Takaoka also serves as a vital transportation hub, with buses departing for the World Heritage sites of Gokayama and Shirakawa-go, as well as easy access to the Hokuriku Shinkansen at the nearby Shin-Takaoka Station. From this central location, you can easily visit major attractions like the stunning Takaoka Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and the nationally treasured Zuiryuji Temple. All the major local train lines, such as the JR Himi Line to the Amaharashi Coast and the JR Johana Line to the Tulip Festival, both run from Takaoka Station. The area is perfect for travelers who want a balance of convenience and access to rich cultural heritage.
If you are in the area, join us for a tour around Takaoka. It starts from Kanazawa and goes around to Zuiryuji Temple, the Takaoka Great Buddha, Shokoji Temple, Amaharashi and has you try out metalworking in Kanayamachi. Check it out below!
Takaoka City - Shin-Takaoka Station
The area around Shin-Takaoka Station is a modern gateway to the city, primarily serving travelers on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Unlike the traditional city center around Takaoka Station, which has a wide variety of long-standing hotels and eateries, the Shin-Takaoka area offers fewer immediate hotel and dining options. However, the accommodations that do exist are typically newer and cater to those arriving via bullet train who prioritize quick and easy access to other major cities. This location is still a great base for sightseeing, with attractions like Zuiryuji Temple being just a short walk or taxi ride away. To get to Takaoka Station, hop on the JR Johana Line for one short stop. The Tulip Festival in spring is also quick close and along the same line.
If you are in the area, join us for a tour around Takaoka. It starts from Kanazawa and goes around to Zuiryuji Temple, the Takaoka Great Buddha, Shokoji Temple, Amaharashi and has you try out metalworking in Kanayamachi. Check it out below!
Takaoka City - Amaharashi
The area around Amaharashi offers a range of accommodations that take full advantage of its scenic coastal location, including hot spring inns and guesthouses. Many of these properties are situated directly along the coastline or are just a short distance away in the nearby city of Himi. Staying in this area provides a unique opportunity to enjoy stunning views of Toyama Bay, indulge in fresh local seafood, and have easy access to the picturesque Amaharashi Coast. Don't forget to check out the Himi Banyagai for some of that food. This area is accessible by the JR Himi Line from Takaoka Station.
Want to see the Amaharashi Coast for yourself while traveling around the area? Join one of our tours to stop by the coast, see the Takaoka Great Buddha and the Shogawa River Cruise. Check it out below!
Toyama City - Toyama Station
The area around Toyama Station is a highly convenient and popular choice for lodging, offering a wide variety of accommodation options. In addition to providing easy access to a range of restaurants and public transportation, the area is close to several popular attractions like the Toyama Glass Art Museum and Fugan Canal Kansui Park. These hotels serve as an ideal base for both business and leisure travelers looking to explore the city's sights with ease.
If you are looking for something to take you around the city and then head to the old townscape of Ecchu Yatsuo, join us for a tour! Check it out below!
Kurobe City - Unazuki Onsen
Unazuki Onsen is the perfect base for a rejuvenating and scenic getaway, with a wide selection of places to stay. The town is filled with ryokan and hotels that are built to take advantage of the stunning views of the Kurobe Gorge and its river. These accommodations often feature their own hot spring baths, allowing guests to relax while immersed in nature's beauty. A stay here is also ideal for those wanting to ride the famous Kurobe Gorge Railway, which departs from Unazuki Station and takes you on a breathtaking journey deep into the gorge.
The beauty of the Kurobe is best enjoyed with a guide that can help you find the best picture spots and translate the announcements on the trolley train. Join us for a tour below!
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen
- Spots:
- KanazawaKurobe Gorge
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
Nanto City - Gokayama Villages
In Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visitors can stay in traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are often family-run guesthouses known as minshuku. These unique lodgings offer an authentic cultural experience, with tatami mat floors and a shared hearth, and often include local meals. For those seeking modern amenities, there are also inns and hotels in the area, such as Gokayama Onsen Gokasansou, that provide comfortable stays with features like hot spring baths.
It can be difficult to visit this area, so joining a tour is often a great way to get there. See the woodcarving village of Inami, the paper making of Gokayama's Ainokura village and the famous Shirakawago townscape. Click below if you're interested!
Best Selling
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
Tateyama Town - Tateyama
Tateyama Town offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), and guesthouses. Notable choices include Tateyama Prince Hotel, which features natural hot springs, and the more budget-friendly Toyama Manten Hotel, which also has an open-air bathhouse. For those seeking a unique experience, there are also private cottages and a high-altitude lodge, Hotel Tateyama, located at 2450m on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
The way up to the top can be difficult to figure out so come with us! Coming from the Toyama side you can see a shrine that was a traditional stop on the pilgrimage to the top in Ashikuraji, the massive Snow Walls and walk around a winter paradise in the middle of spring on the Murodo Plateau. If you're in Japan from May to mid-June, feel free to join the tour.
Recommended
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa or Toyama: Tateyama Alpine Route Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley
25 Things to Do Around Toyama
Located nearby Toyama Bay, Takaoka and Toyama prefecture are known throughout Japan for its fantastic seafood – best enjoyed at a coastal market or at one of the city’s many restaurants. The city itself is modern and energetic and an ideal launching point from where to access the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, Takayama, the Kurobe Gorge and the North Alps. For tips and suggestions of what’s on offer, see our ’25 Things to Do Around Toyama’ page.
How to Get to Takaoka
As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Tsuruga, Takaoka is easy to reach from the capital and beyond. Our ‘How to Get to Takaoka’ page has directions for many popular starting points including from the capital and its airports, Kanazawa, Nagano, the monkey park, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to go to Takaoka?
The best time to visit Takaoka is during the spring and autumn, as the weather is pleasant and there are several major events, including the famous Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival on May 1st and the cherry blossoms at Takaoka Kojo Park in April.
Why is Takaoka a good place to stay?
Takaoka is an excellent base for travelers due to its central location in western Toyama, offering easy access to its own rich cultural heritage and nearby attractions like the Amaharashi Coast. Furthermore, its connection to the Hokuriku Shinkansen line at Shin-Takaoka Station makes it a convenient hub for exploring other major cities in the region, including Kanazawa.
How long should I stay here?
For a visit focused solely on Takaoka's main attractions, one or two days is sufficient. However, if you plan to use it as a base for day trips to nearby areas like the Amaharashi Coast or Gokayama, a stay of two to three days or more is highly recommended.
Is there food readily available in the city?
Yes, Takaoka is a great place for food, offering a wide variety of dining options from casual eateries to high-quality sushi restaurants that serve fresh seafood from Toyama Bay.
What is there in Toyama Prefecture?
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.
