Five days in Toyama: day trips or one night in Gokayama
Choose separate day trips to Murodo, Suganuma and the coast while staying in Toyama, or a night in Gokayama. The same-base itinerary has four nights in Toyama. The village stay uses two nights in Toyama, one in Gokayama and one back in Toyama. Check cottage availability and luggage arrangements first if choosing Gokayama.
Choose an itinerary for 5 days / 4 nights
A day each for Murodo, Suganuma and the coast
Stay four nights at the same accommodation near Toyama Station and give Murodo, Suganuma and the Takaoka coast a day each. Return to the same Toyama accommodation every day. Murodo's operating season and connections vary; check travel-day timetables and ticket sales conditions.
A day each for Murodo, Suganuma and the coast →5 days / 4 nights BOne night in Gokayama
Stay two nights in Toyama, one in Gokayama, then return to Toyama for the final night. Choose this to spend more time in a gassho-style village instead of visiting Murodo. You can stay in a cottage near Gassho no Sato (合掌の里) stop; if choosing another property, get off at the stop for its address. Check meal preparation and whether the bus can carry your large luggage before booking.
One night in Gokayama →A day each for Murodo, Suganuma and the coast
Stay four nights at the same accommodation near Toyama Station and give Murodo, Suganuma and the Takaoka coast a day each. Return to the same Toyama accommodation every day. Murodo's operating season and connections vary; check travel-day timetables and ticket sales conditions.
Day 1 · Kansui Park walk
Walk along the canal and waterside at Kansui Park, north of Toyama Station.
- Toyama Station, north exit → Kansui Park
Walk from Toyama Station's north exit to the park. The official estimate is about nine minutes. Allow extra time for station walking and crossings.
- Kansui Park → Toyama Station, north exit
After the free waterside walk, retrace your route to the station, then go to your booked accommodation. The towers open 9 am–9.30 pm, separately from the park. Shorten the walk for a late arrival, heavy rain or strong wind.
Shorten the walk if you arrive late.
Day 2 · Change at Tateyama and Bijodaira for Murodo
See the mountain scenery at Murododaira today. Travel from Toyama by local train, cable car and highland bus; choose walks according to the weather and on-site restrictions. Check your booked Tateyama cable car time together with return connections through to the local railway.
- Accommodation, then Dentetsu-Toyama Station → Tateyama Station
Take a local train bound for Tateyama from Dentetsu-Toyama Station, which uses different platforms from JR Toyama Station. Connect your travel-day train arrival with the Tateyama cable car departure, allowing time for ticketing and platform access. The time specified on a WEB ticket is the cable car departure from Tateyama Station. In busy periods, check the operator's conditions to arrive 30 minutes before the cable car and collect tickets 15 minutes before departure. The standard adult return fare of JPY 10,220 covers the train, cable car and highland bus via Dentetsu-Toyama–Tateyama–Bijodaira–Murodo, without crossing to Kurobe Dam or Ogizawa. Special or reserved seats, meals and accommodation cost extra.
Timetable valid 15 April–3 November 2026WEB ticket guideOfficial fare PDF from 15 April 20262026 Alpine Route timetableReturn timetable for 4–30 November
- Tateyama Station cable car → Bijodaira
Take your booked cable car from Tateyama Station and get off at Bijodaira. After leaving the local train, collect your tickets and go to the cable car boarding area. Follow operator information for your reservation time and the day's services.
- Bijodaira highland bus boarding area → Murodo Terminal
Change at Bijodaira to a Murodo-bound highland bus. After the cable car, go to the bus boarding area and wait as directed. Recheck later connections if services are delayed.
- Murodo Terminal → Rooftop exit and Murododaira, then the terminal
After the bus, first find your return boarding area in the terminal. The rooftop leads out to Murododaira; restaurants and shops are inside. Explore nearby areas according to weather and on-site restrictions, then return to the same terminal for your bus. Meals and shopping cost extra. If long walks are difficult, stay near the terminal rather than taking hiking trails or a full circuit of Mikurigaike.
- Murodo highland bus boarding area → Bijodaira
Take the highland bus from Murodo to Bijodaira. Return to the terminal boarding area before departure, and check onward connections to the Bijodaira cable car and Tateyama local train. The last mountain bus alone does not establish that you can return to Toyama city.
Return timetable for 15 April–3 November2026 Alpine Route timetableReturn timetable for 4–30 November
- Bijodaira cable car → Tateyama Station
Take the cable car down from Bijodaira to Tateyama Station. Walk from the highland bus to the cable car boarding area; recheck local train connections after changes or delays.
Return timetable for 15 April–3 November2026 Alpine Route timetableReturn timetable for 4–30 November
- Tateyama Station local railway → Dentetsu-Toyama Station, then the same accommodation
Take a local train from Tateyama to Dentetsu-Toyama. Allow time after leaving the cable car to reach the platform and wait. Weekday and weekend services may differ; check your travel-day timetable and return to the same accommodation on arrival.
Return timetable for 15 April–3 NovemberHotel access2026 Alpine Route timetableReturn timetable for 4–30 November
First check your Tateyama cable car reservation and travel-day operating notices. Shorten mountain walks for weather or restrictions and prioritise return connections through to the local railway. If bookings are unavailable or services suspended, do not follow this mountain itinerary unchanged.
Day 3 · Change at Takaoka for Suganuma
See Suganuma's gassho-style houses and mountain village lanes today. Take the World Heritage Bus from Takaoka and get off at Suganuma (菅沼). Walk around the village in daylight, then return to the Takaoka-bound boarding point in time for your bus.
- Toyama Station → Takaoka Station, bus stand 7 outside
Take a westbound ordinary Ainokaze Toyama Railway train from Toyama to Takaoka, rather than Shin-Takaoka Shinkansen station. The adult single fare is JPY 390. For the World Heritage Bus, go to stand 7 outside the station and leave time between leaving the train and boarding the bus.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesToyama–Takaoka faresKaetsuno World Heritage Bus guide
- Takaoka Station, bus stand 7 outside → World Heritage Bus to Suganuma · 菅沼
Take the World Heritage Bus from stand 7 outside Takaoka Station and get off at Suganuma (菅沼). First check travel-day services and unreserved versus reserved-seat conditions. Follow the access path on the village's official area map; do not enter residents' homes. Explore the lanes, and check opening and separate admission fees if visiting individual exhibition buildings.
Currently linked World Heritage Bus outbound timetable: revised 1 April 2025Bus stops and area map on the village's official access pageOfficial village access guide
- Suganuma village → Walk and meal, then Takaoka-bound Suganuma (菅沼) stop
Village visiting hours are 8 am–5 pm from April to November. Walk in daylight and have a meal or break at an open business. Use the village area map to find your Takaoka-bound boarding point in time for the return bus. The walk between Suganuma stop and the village is about one minute. Check the return stop location on the official map; ask the village in advance if you need a route without stairs.
Official Suganuma tourism guideBus stops and area map on the village's official access page
- Suganuma (菅沼), towards Takaoka → Outside Takaoka Station
Take the World Heritage Bus from Suganuma's Takaoka-bound stop. Check travel-day return services and suspension notices, including the onward Ainokaze connection to Toyama. The JPY 2,800 adult Gokayama pass is for ordinary unreserved seats. It cannot be used with a reserved-seat ticket and does not guarantee a seat.
Currently linked World Heritage Bus inbound timetable: revised 1 April 2025Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideAinokaze 2026 station timetables
- Outside Takaoka Station, then railway ticket gates → Toyama Station, then the same accommodation
After the World Heritage Bus, enter Takaoka Station and change to an eastbound ordinary Ainokaze Toyama Railway train towards Toyama. The adult single fare is JPY 390. Allow time after leaving the bus for station walking, ticket purchase and reaching the platform. If the bus is delayed, check station information for the next Toyama-bound train.
Ainokaze full-line timetable: revised 14 March 2026Toyama–Takaoka faresHotel access
Check travel-day bus schedules, notices and unreserved-seat availability. Indoor exhibitions cost extra. Ask the village in advance if you need a route without stairs.
Day 4 · Zuiryuji Temple and Amaharashi Coast
See Zuiryuji's National Treasure buildings, then the sea and rocky island at Amaharashi Coast. Temple admission is paid; the coastal walk is free. Change at Takaoka to the JR Himi Line, and check return trains that connect with Ainokaze Toyama Railway for Toyama.
- Toyama Station → Ainokaze Takaoka Station
Take a westbound ordinary Ainokaze Toyama Railway train from Toyama to Takaoka, rather than Shin-Takaoka Shinkansen station. The adult single fare is JPY 390.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesToyama–Takaoka faresAinokaze full-line timetable: revised 14 March 2026
- Takaoka Station south side → Zuiryuji Temple, then Takaoka Station
Walk about 10 minutes from Takaoka Station's south side to Zuiryuji. Visit after its 9 am opening; standard adult admission is JPY 500. Retrace your route to the station and allow time for lunch and JR tickets. The JR Himi Line at Takaoka has a different operator from Ainokaze Toyama Railway.
- JR Takaoka Station → Amaharashi Station and coast
Take a JR Himi Line train towards Himi from Takaoka and get off at Amaharashi. The adult single fare is JPY 240; walk about five minutes to the coast. Mountain views depend on the weather. Choose your return Takaoka-bound train first and leave time to walk back to the station.
Takaoka City: JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDFOfficial tourism coast guide
- Amaharashi Station → Takaoka Station
Return from the coast to Amaharashi Station and take a JR Himi Line train to Takaoka. Check travel-day timetables and suspension notices. Choose both return sections, as you will change at Takaoka to Ainokaze Toyama Railway for Toyama.
- Ainokaze Takaoka Station → Toyama Station, then the same hotel
Change at Takaoka to an eastbound ordinary Ainokaze Toyama Railway train towards Toyama. The adult single fare is JPY 390. Leave time after the JR Himi Line to buy an Ainokaze ticket and reach the platform. If delayed, check station information for the next Toyama-bound train.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesHotel accessLuggage storage FAQ
Cloud may hide the mountains from the coast. Choose return trains before fitting in both Zuiryuji and the coastal walk, and distinguish JR tickets from Ainokaze tickets.
Day 5 · Museum collection, then depart Toyama
See the collection at the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, then return to Toyama Station.
- Toyama Station, north exit → Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design entrance
Walk from Toyama Station's north exit to the museum entrance; the official estimate is about 15 minutes. Leave in time for the 9.30 am opening, allowing extra for crossings and station walking. Check travel-day temporary closures and exhibition changes.
Official access guideMuseum visiting guideHotel accessLuggage storage FAQ
- Museum entrance → Collection exhibition rooms
Standard adult collection admission is JPY 350. The museum closes at 6 pm, with last admission at 5.30 pm; special exhibitions cost extra. Return towards the same station after viewing the collection.
- Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design → Toyama Station, north exit
After your visit, retrace your route to Toyama Station's north exit. Add crossing waits and station walking to the roughly 15-minute walk when choosing your departure. Buses cost extra if used.
Check museum closures and rooftop access, and leave time to reach the station after your visit.
Included: Standard return Dentetsu-Toyama–Tateyama–Bijodaira–Murodo JPY 10,220 (train, cable car and highland bus) Return Toyama–Takaoka ordinary trains on the village day: JPY 390 × 2 = JPY 780 Gokayama pass JPY 2,800 (unreserved seats; valid for two days from first use) Return Toyama–Takaoka ordinary trains on the coast day: JPY 390 × 2 = JPY 780 Return Takaoka–Amaharashi JR Himi Line: JPY 240 × 2 = JPY 480 Standard Zuiryuji Temple admission JPY 500 Standard museum collection admission JPY 350
Extras and conditions: Four hotel nights, meals, travel into and out of Toyama, indoor village exhibitions, special exhibitions and limited-express or reserved-seat supplements cost extra. The pass-based calculation does not apply with a bus reserved-seat ticket.
This partial total uses the Gokayama pass, which cannot be combined with a reserved-seat ticket. Standard Murodo return fares apply from 15 April 2026. Check travel-day return connections and seasonal WEB ticket sales conditions. Toyama–Takaoka return journeys on the village and coast days are separate trips on different days.
You can buy ordinary tickets separately for Takaoka and Amaharashi. The Hokuriku pass covers ordinary JR Himi Line trains and a complete ordinary-train journey between Toyama and Takaoka on Ainokaze. Getting off at other Ainokaze stations falls outside this exception. The adult pass costs JPY 7,000 for four consecutive days. Ordinary return rail fares for the coast total JPY 1,260, or JPY 2,040 with the village day's rail travel, so there is no need to buy the pass for these journeys alone. Add any JR travel to other regions when comparing. A passport issued by a government other than Japan and Temporary Visitor status are required. Gokayama buses, Murodo mountain transport, accommodation and admission are excluded from the Hokuriku pass. See the cost inclusions and exclusions above.
Official fare PDF from 15 April 2026Toyama–Takaoka faresKaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideTakaoka City: JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDFOfficial temple guideMuseum visiting guideJR West Hokuriku pass coverage, price and eligibilityOfficial JR West Hokuriku pass route map
One night in Gokayama
Stay two nights in Toyama, one in Gokayama, then return to Toyama for the final night. Choose this to spend more time in a gassho-style village instead of visiting Murodo. You can stay in a cottage near Gassho no Sato (合掌の里) stop; if choosing another property, get off at the stop for its address. Check meal preparation and whether the bus can carry your large luggage before booking.
Day 1 · Kansui Park walk
Walk along the canal and waterside at Kansui Park, north of Toyama Station.
- Toyama Station, north exit → Kansui Park
Walk from Toyama Station's north exit to the park. The official estimate is about nine minutes. Allow extra time for station walking and crossings.
- Kansui Park → Toyama Station, north exit
After the free waterside walk, retrace your route to the station, then go to your booked accommodation. The towers open 9 am–9.30 pm, separately from the park. Shorten the walk for a late arrival, heavy rain or strong wind.
Shorten the walk if you arrive late.
Day 2 · Zuiryuji Temple and Amaharashi Coast
See Zuiryuji's National Treasure buildings, then the sea and rocky island at Amaharashi Coast. Temple admission is paid; the coastal walk is free. Change at Takaoka to the JR Himi Line, and check return trains that connect with Ainokaze Toyama Railway for Toyama.
- Toyama Station → Ainokaze Takaoka Station
Take a westbound ordinary Ainokaze Toyama Railway train from Toyama to Takaoka, rather than Shin-Takaoka Shinkansen station. The adult single fare is JPY 390.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesToyama–Takaoka faresAinokaze full-line timetable: revised 14 March 2026
- Takaoka Station south side → Zuiryuji Temple, then Takaoka Station
Walk about 10 minutes from Takaoka Station's south side to Zuiryuji. Visit after its 9 am opening; standard adult admission is JPY 500. Retrace your route to the station and allow time for lunch and JR tickets. The JR Himi Line at Takaoka has a different operator from Ainokaze Toyama Railway.
- JR Takaoka Station → Amaharashi Station and coast
Take a JR Himi Line train towards Himi from Takaoka and get off at Amaharashi. The adult single fare is JPY 240; walk about five minutes to the coast. Mountain views depend on the weather. Choose your return Takaoka-bound train first and leave time to walk back to the station.
Takaoka City: JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDFOfficial tourism coast guide
- Amaharashi Station → Takaoka Station
Return from the coast to Amaharashi Station and take a JR Himi Line train to Takaoka. Check travel-day timetables and suspension notices. Choose both return sections, as you will change at Takaoka to Ainokaze Toyama Railway for Toyama.
- Ainokaze Takaoka Station → Toyama Station, then the same hotel
Change at Takaoka to an eastbound ordinary Ainokaze Toyama Railway train towards Toyama. The adult single fare is JPY 390. Leave time after the JR Himi Line to buy an Ainokaze ticket and reach the platform. If delayed, check station information for the next Toyama-bound train.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesHotel accessLuggage storage FAQ
Cloud may hide the mountains from the coast. Choose return trains before fitting in both Zuiryuji and the coastal walk, and distinguish JR tickets from Ainokaze tickets.
Day 3 · Suganuma walk and one night in Gokayama
Travel to Gokayama, explore Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village and stay overnight.
- Toyama accommodation, then Toyama Station → Ainokaze Takaoka Station
Take a westbound ordinary Ainokaze Toyama Railway train from Toyama to Takaoka, rather than Shin-Takaoka Shinkansen station. The adult single fare is JPY 390. For the World Heritage Bus, go to stand 7 outside the station and leave time between leaving the train and boarding the bus.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesHotel accessLuggage storage FAQAinokaze full-line timetable: revised 14 March 2026Toyama–Takaoka faresKaetsuno World Heritage Bus guide
- Takaoka Station, bus stand 7 outside → World Heritage Bus to Gassho no Sato · 合掌の里
Take the World Heritage Bus from stand 7 outside Takaoka Station and get off at Gassho no Sato (合掌の里), rather than the village's Suganuma (菅沼) stop. Check travel-day buses, cottage check-in time and large-luggage conditions together. The Gokayama pass cannot be combined with a reserved-seat ticket.
Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideCurrently linked World Heritage Bus outbound timetable: revised 1 April 2025
- Gassho no Sato (合掌の里) stop → Your booked cottage
Go from the stop to your accommodation's address. The official guide gives about one minute on foot from Gassho no Sato (合掌の里) stop to the example property, Gassho no Sato Cottage. For another property, recheck the correct stop and access first. Check meals with your booked property as well.
- Gokayama cottage → Separate Suganuma village, then the cottage
Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village is a separate village about 800 m from the example cottage. Check the walking route and time from your accommodation. The village's official tourism guide lists visits from 8 am–5 pm in April–November and asks visitors to avoid arriving after sunset. Match your bus arrival, hotel check-in and village walk accordingly.
Official tourism body cottage informationOfficial Suganuma tourism guide
Explore the village in daylight. The cottage is self-catering; bring your own ingredients and seasonings. Arrange your meals in advance.
Day 4 · Return from Gokayama to Toyama
Return from Gokayama to Toyama via Takaoka today.
- Gokayama cottage and village → Check out, then Gassho no Sato return boarding point
If exploring remaining village areas in the morning, wait until the official visiting hours. After checking out and moving your luggage, return to the Takaoka-bound boarding point at Gassho no Sato (合掌の里).
Official tourism body cottage informationOfficial Suganuma tourism guide
- 合掌の里 → Outside Takaoka Station
Take the World Heritage Bus from the Takaoka-bound Gassho no Sato (合掌の里) stop and get off outside Takaoka Station. Choose a travel-day bus that allows time for check-out and reaching the stop, then check the onward Ainokaze train to Toyama.
Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideCurrently linked World Heritage Bus inbound timetable: revised 1 April 2025
- Ainokaze Takaoka Station → Toyama Station, then your booked Toyama hotel
Change at Takaoka to an eastbound ordinary Ainokaze Toyama Railway train towards Toyama. The adult single fare is JPY 390. Allow time after the World Heritage Bus to reach the station, buy the other operator's ticket and reach the platform. If buses or trains are delayed, check station information for the next Toyama-bound service.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesHotel accessLuggage storage FAQ
Check your return bus from Gassho no Sato (合掌の里) and its connection with Toyama-bound trains at Takaoka.
Day 5 · Museum collection, then depart Toyama
See the collection at the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, then return to Toyama Station.
- Toyama Station, north exit → Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design entrance
Walk from Toyama Station's north exit to the museum entrance; the official estimate is about 15 minutes. Leave in time for the 9.30 am opening, allowing extra for crossings and station walking. Check travel-day temporary closures and exhibition changes.
Official access guideMuseum visiting guideHotel accessLuggage storage FAQ
- Museum entrance → Collection exhibition rooms
Standard adult collection admission is JPY 350. The museum closes at 6 pm, with last admission at 5.30 pm; special exhibitions cost extra. Return towards the same station after viewing the collection.
- Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design → Toyama Station, north exit
After your visit, retrace your route to Toyama Station's north exit. Add crossing waits and station walking to the roughly 15-minute walk when choosing your departure. Buses cost extra if used.
Check museum closures and rooftop access, and leave time to reach the station after your visit.
Included: Return Toyama–Takaoka ordinary trains on the coast day: JPY 390 × 2 = JPY 780 Return Takaoka–Amaharashi JR Himi Line: JPY 240 × 2 = JPY 480 Standard Zuiryuji Temple admission JPY 500 Return Toyama–Takaoka ordinary trains on the village trip: JPY 390 × 2 = JPY 780 Gokayama pass JPY 2,800 (unreserved seats; valid for two days from first use) Standard museum collection admission JPY 350
Extras and conditions: Three Toyama hotel nights, one Gokayama cottage night, meals, travel into and out of Toyama, indoor village exhibitions and special exhibitions cost extra. The pass-based calculation does not apply with a bus reserved-seat ticket.
This partial total uses one Gokayama pass for travel out on day three and back on day four. It is valid for two days from first use and cannot be combined with a reserved-seat ticket. Accommodation prices depend on your booked cottage and group size and are excluded. The detached-cottage reference price in the accommodation guide is per cottage, not per person. Check availability, check-in/out and bus luggage conditions before booking.
You can buy ordinary tickets separately for Takaoka and Amaharashi. The Hokuriku pass covers ordinary JR Himi Line trains and a complete ordinary-train journey between Toyama and Takaoka on Ainokaze. Getting off at other Ainokaze stations falls outside this exception. The adult pass costs JPY 7,000 for four consecutive days. Ordinary return rail fares for the coast total JPY 1,260, or JPY 2,040 with the village day's rail travel, so there is no need to buy the pass for these journeys alone. Add any JR travel to other regions when comparing. A passport issued by a government other than Japan and Temporary Visitor status are required. Gokayama buses, accommodation and admission are excluded from the Hokuriku pass. See the cost inclusions and exclusions above.
Toyama–Takaoka faresTakaoka City: JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDFOfficial temple guideKaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideMuseum visiting guideOfficial tourism body cottage informationJR West Hokuriku pass coverage, price and eligibilityOfficial JR West Hokuriku pass route map
Frequently asked questions
When should I use the two-day pass for a night in Gokayama?
Start using it on day three when travelling to the cottage, and it covers the bus back the next day. The Gokayama pass lasts two days from first use and cannot be combined with a reserved-seat ticket. Toyama–Takaoka trains and accommodation cost extra.
Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideCurrently linked World Heritage Bus outbound timetable: revised 1 April 2025Currently linked World Heritage Bus inbound timetable: revised 1 April 2025
Can I use the Hokuriku pass throughout a five-day trip?
The Hokuriku pass lasts four consecutive days, so it does not automatically cover an entire five-day trip. For the Gokayama overnight option, check that rail travel on the coast day and to and from Gokayama falls within its validity. Gokayama buses use a separate two-day pass; accommodation also costs extra.
JR West Hokuriku pass coverage, price and eligibilityKaetsuno World Heritage Bus guide
Sources and dates checked
- Hotel access ·
- Luggage storage FAQ ·
- Toyama City Tourism Association park guide ·
- Museum visiting guide ·
- Official access guide ·
- Official temple guide ·
- Official Toyama tourism PDF ·
- Official tourism coast guide ·
- 2026 Alpine Route timetable ·
- WEB ticket guide ·
- Return timetable for 15 April–3 November ·
- Return timetable for 4–30 November ·
- Official village access guide ·
- Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus guide ·
- Ainokaze 2026 station timetables ·
- Toyama–Takaoka fares ·
- Takaoka City: JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDF ·
- Timetable valid 15 April–3 November 2026 ·
- Official Suganuma tourism guide ·
- Official tourism body cottage information ·
- Official fare PDF from 15 April 2026 ·
- Currently linked World Heritage Bus outbound timetable: revised 1 April 2025 ·
- Currently linked World Heritage Bus inbound timetable: revised 1 April 2025 ·
- Bus stops and area map on the village's official access page ·
- Murodo Terminal, rooftop and restaurant guide ·
- Ainokaze full-line timetable: revised 14 March 2026 ·
- JR West Hokuriku pass coverage, price and eligibility ·
- Official JR West Hokuriku pass route map ·