Four days in Toyama: mountains or village, plus the coast
For mountain scenery, visit Murodo and Takaoka on separate days. For a gassho village, visit Suganuma and Takaoka on separate days. Both routes use Toyama Station as a base, with the park on day one and the museum on your final day.
Choose a 4 days, 3 nights itinerary
Mountain and coast on separate days
Stay three nights at the same hotel near Toyama Station. Visit Murodo on day two and Takaoka/Amaharashi on day three, keeping mountain and coast separate. Murodo services and connections vary seasonally; check your date’s timetable and ticket sales conditions.
Mountain and coast on separate days →4 days, 3 nights BVillage and coast on separate days
Stay three nights at the same hotel near Toyama Station. Visit Suganuma on day two and Takaoka/Amaharashi on day three, without using Murodo mountain transport.
Village and coast on separate days →Mountain and coast on separate days
Stay three nights at the same hotel near Toyama Station. Visit Murodo on day two and Takaoka/Amaharashi on day three, keeping mountain and coast separate. Murodo services and connections vary seasonally; check your date’s timetable and ticket sales conditions.
Day 1: Kansui Park walk
Walk the canal and waterfront at Kansui Park north of Toyama Station.
- Toyama Station north exit → Kansui Park
Walk to the park using the official nine-minute estimate and enjoy the free waterfront walk. The museum is on the final day. If closed then, swap the order: museum on day one and park on the final day.
Toyama city tourism association park guideMuseum visitor guide
- Kansui Park → Toyama Station area, then the same hotel
Return towards the same station and check in. Eat near the station and spend the first night at your booked hotel.
Shorten the walk for a late arrival.
Day 2: Tateyama and Bijodaira transfers to Murodo
Explore the high mountain landscape at Murododaira. Travel up from Toyama via train, cable car and Highland Bus, choosing your walking area around weather and on-site restrictions. Check the Tateyama cable car reservation time alongside connections through to the return local train.
- Hotel to Dentetsu-Toyama Station → Tateyama Station
Take a Tateyama-bound Toyama Chiho Railway train from Dentetsu-Toyama, which has a different boarding point from JR Toyama. Match the train arrival to your Tateyama cable car departure, allowing time for ticket collection and reaching the platform. The WEB ticket’s specified time is the cable car departure from Tateyama. During busy periods, the operator advises arriving 30 minutes before the cable car departure and collecting tickets at least 15 minutes before it. The JPY 10,220 ordinary adult return covers the train, cable car and Highland Bus between Dentetsu-Toyama, Tateyama, Bijodaira and Murodo, returning the same way. It does not continue to Kurobe Dam or Ogizawa. Special or reserved seating, meals and accommodation cost extra.
Timetable effective April 15–November 3, 2026WEB ticket guideOfficial fare-table PDF effective April 15, 2026Alpine Route 2026 timetableReturn timetable November 4–30
- Tateyama Station cable car → Bijodaira
Take your booked cable car from Tateyama to Bijodaira. After leaving the local train, collect your ticket and reach the cable car boarding point. Follow operator guidance for your reservation time and the day’s service.
Timetable effective April 15–November 3, 2026WEB ticket guide
- Bijodaira Highland Bus boarding point → Murodo Terminal
At Bijodaira, change to a Murodo-bound Highland Bus. Leave the cable car, reach the bus boarding point and wait according to on-site guidance. If transport is delayed, recheck onward connections.
- Murodo Terminal → Rooftop exit and Murododaira, then the terminal
After alighting, first find your return boarding point in the terminal. The rooftop opens onto Murododaira; restaurants and shops are inside. Explore a nearby area around weather and on-site restrictions, then return to the same terminal for your bus. Meals and shop purchases cost extra. For less walking, stay near the terminal instead of taking hiking trails or circling Mikurigaike Pond.
- Murodo Highland Bus boarding point → Bijodaira
Take a Bijodaira-bound Highland Bus from Murodo. Return to the terminal boarding point before departure and check all return connections through Bijodaira’s cable car and Tateyama’s train. Catching the last mountain bus alone does not guarantee a connection back to Toyama city.
Return timetable April 15–November 3Alpine Route 2026 timetableReturn timetable November 4–30
- Bijodaira cable car → Tateyama Station
Take the cable car down from Bijodaira to Tateyama. After the bus, reach its boarding point. For service changes or delays, recheck the local train connection.
Return timetable April 15–November 3Alpine Route 2026 timetableReturn timetable November 4–30
- Tateyama Station local railway → Dentetsu-Toyama Station, then the same hotel
Take the Dentetsu-Toyama-bound local train from Tateyama back to Toyama. Allow platform movement and waits after leaving the cable car. Weekday and weekend services can differ; check your date’s timetable, then return to the same hotel after arrival.
Return timetable April 15–November 3Hotel accessAlpine Route 2026 timetableReturn timetable November 4–30
Check the Tateyama cable car booking and travel-date notices first. Shorten mountain walks around weather and restrictions and prioritize return connections through to the local train. Do not follow this mountain itinerary unchanged if booking is unavailable or services are suspended.
Day 3: Zuiryuji and Amaharashi Coast
See Zuiryuji’s National Treasure architecture, then Amaharashi’s sea and rocky island. The temple charges admission; the coast walk is free. Transfer to the JR Himi Line at Takaoka and check return trains connecting to Ainokaze for Toyama.
- Toyama Station → Ainokaze Takaoka Station
Take a westbound Ainokaze Toyama Railway local train from Toyama to Takaoka, distinguishing Shinkansen-served Shin-Takaoka. Adult fare is JPY 390 one way.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesToyama–Takaoka fareAinokaze all-line timetable revised March 14, 2026
- Takaoka Station south side → Zuiryuji, then Takaoka Station
Walk about 10 minutes from Takaoka Station’s south side to Zuiryuji. Visit after the 09:00 opening; ordinary adult admission is JPY 500. Retrace your route to the station and allow lunch and JR ticket preparation. The JR Himi Line has a different operator from Ainokaze.
- JR Takaoka Station → Amaharashi Station and coast
Take a Himi-bound JR Himi Line train from Takaoka to Amaharashi. Adult fare is JPY 240 one way; walk about five minutes to the coast. Mountain views depend on weather. Choose the Takaoka-bound return train first and allow time to walk to the station.
Takaoka city’s JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDFOfficial coast tourism guide
- Amaharashi Station → Takaoka Station
Return to Amaharashi Station and take a Takaoka-bound JR Himi Line train. Check your date’s timetable and suspension notices. At Takaoka, transfer to Ainokaze for Toyama, choosing both return sections together.
- Ainokaze Takaoka Station → Toyama Station, then the same hotel
At Takaoka, change to an eastbound Ainokaze Toyama Railway local train towards Toyama. The adult fare is JPY 390 one way. Allow time after leaving the JR Himi Line to buy your Ainokaze ticket and reach the platform. If delayed, check station information for the next Toyama-bound service.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesHotel accessLuggage storage FAQ
Cloudy weather can hide the mountains from the coast. Choose return trains before including both the temple and coast, and distinguish JR tickets from Ainokaze tickets.
Day 4: museum collection, then departure from Toyama
See the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design collection, 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, officially about 15 minutes. Leave for the 09:30 opening. Traffic-light waits and station movement take extra time. Check temporary closures and exhibition changeovers for your date.
Official access guideMuseum visitor guideHotel accessLuggage storage FAQ
- Museum entrance → Collection gallery
Adult ordinary collection admission is JPY 350. The museum opens until 18:00, last admission 17:30; special exhibitions cost extra. Afterwards, return towards the same station.
- Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design → Toyama Station north exit
After visiting, retrace your route to Toyama Station’s north exit. Add traffic-light waits and station movement to the 15-minute walk when choosing your departure. Buses cost extra.
Check museum closures and rooftop access and allow time to return to the station after visiting.
Included: Dentetsu-Toyama–Tateyama–Bijodaira–Murodo ordinary return JPY 10,220, including rail, cable car and Highland Bus / coast day Toyama–Takaoka local rail return JPY 390 × 2 = JPY 780 / Takaoka–Amaharashi JR Himi Line return JPY 240 × 2 = JPY 480 / Zuiryuji ordinary admission JPY 500 / museum ordinary collection JPY 350
Extras and conditions: Three hotel nights, meals including Murodo, transport to/from Toyama, special exhibitions and limited express or reserved-seat supplements.
The Murodo return uses ordinary fares applicable from April 15, 2026. Check your date’s return connections and seasonal WEB ticket sales conditions, including the Tateyama cable car reservation time. Park and coast walks are free.
Buy separate ordinary tickets for Takaoka and Amaharashi. Hokuriku Area Pass covers JR Himi Line local trains and Ainokaze local travel across the entire Toyama–Takaoka section. Alighting at an Ainokaze station other than those two excludes this coverage. The adult pass costs JPY 7,000 for four consecutive days; ordinary coast return rail fares are JPY 1,260, so this trip alone does not require a pass purchase. For JR travel to other regions, add those fares to the comparison. A passport issued by a government other than Japan and Temporary Visitor status are required. Murodo mountain transport, accommodation and admission are excluded. See the listed budget’s inclusions and exclusions above.
Official fare-table PDF effective April 15, 2026Toyama–Takaoka fareTakaoka city’s JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDFTemple’s official guideMuseum visitor guideJR WEST Hokuriku Area Pass coverage, price and eligibilityJR WEST official Hokuriku Area Pass route map
Village and coast on separate days
Stay three nights at the same hotel near Toyama Station. Visit Suganuma on day two and Takaoka/Amaharashi on day three, without using Murodo mountain transport.
Day 1: Kansui Park walk
Walk the canal and waterfront at Kansui Park north of Toyama Station.
- Toyama Station north exit → Kansui Park
Walk from Toyama Station’s north exit to the park, officially about nine minutes. Allow station movement and traffic-light waits separately.
- Kansui Park → Toyama Station north exit
After the free waterfront walk, retrace your route to the station, then travel to your booked hotel. Tower hours are 09:00–21:30, separate from park access. Shorten the walk for a late arrival or strong wind and rain.
Shorten the walk for a late arrival.
Day 2: transfer at Takaoka for Suganuma
Explore Suganuma’s gassho-style houses and mountain-village lanes. Take the World Heritage Bus from Takaoka to Suganuma (菅沼). Walk in daylight and return to the Takaoka-bound boarding point for your bus.
- Toyama Station → Bay 7 outside Takaoka Station
Take a westbound Ainokaze Toyama Railway local train from Toyama to Takaoka, distinguishing Shinkansen-served Shin-Takaoka. Adult fare is JPY 390 one way. Reach bay 7 outside the station for the World Heritage Bus and allow time between train arrival and bus boarding.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesToyama–Takaoka fareKaetsuno World Heritage Bus guide
- Bay 7 outside Takaoka Station → World Heritage Bus to Suganuma · 菅沼
Take the World Heritage Bus from bay 7 outside Takaoka Station to Suganuma (菅沼). First check your date’s timetable and unreserved versus reserved-seat conditions. Follow the village’s official area map to enter; do not enter residents’ homes. Walk the village lanes; for individual exhibition buildings, check opening and admission separately.
Currently linked outbound World Heritage Bus timetable, revised April 1, 2025Stops and area map on the village’s official access pageOfficial village access guide
- Suganuma village → Walk and meal, then Takaoka-bound Suganuma stop
Village visiting hours are 08:00–17:00 April–November. Walk in daylight and eat or rest at an open restaurant. Check the Takaoka-bound boarding point on the area map for your return. The village is about one minute on foot from Suganuma stop. Check the return stop on the official map; for a step-free route, contact the village in advance.
Official Suganuma tourism guideStops and area map on the village’s official access page
- Suganuma (菅沼), Takaoka-bound → Outside Takaoka Station
Board the World Heritage Bus at Takaoka-bound Suganuma (菅沼). Check your date’s return and suspension notices alongside onward Ainokaze trains to Toyama. The JPY 2,800 adult Gokayama free pass is for ordinary unreserved seating, cannot be combined with a reserved-seat ticket and does not secure a seat.
Currently linked inbound World Heritage Bus timetable, revised April 1, 2025Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideAinokaze 2026 station timetables
- Outside Takaoka Station to the rail ticket gates → Toyama Station, then the same hotel
After the World Heritage Bus, enter Takaoka Station and take an eastbound Ainokaze Toyama Railway local train towards Toyama. Adult fare is JPY 390 one way. Allow station movement, ticket purchase and platform access after alighting. If the bus is delayed, check station information for the next Toyama-bound service.
Ainokaze all-line timetable revised March 14, 2026Toyama–Takaoka fareHotel access
Check your date’s bus timetable, notices and unreserved-seat availability. Indoor exhibitions cost extra. For a step-free route, contact the village in advance.
Day 3: Zuiryuji and Amaharashi Coast
See Zuiryuji’s National Treasure architecture, then Amaharashi’s sea and rocky island. The temple charges admission; the coast walk is free. Transfer to the JR Himi Line at Takaoka and check return trains connecting to Ainokaze for Toyama.
- Toyama Station → Ainokaze Takaoka Station
Take a westbound Ainokaze Toyama Railway local train from Toyama to Takaoka, distinguishing Shinkansen-served Shin-Takaoka. Adult fare is JPY 390 one way.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesToyama–Takaoka fareAinokaze all-line timetable revised March 14, 2026
- Takaoka Station south side → Zuiryuji, then Takaoka Station
Walk about 10 minutes from Takaoka Station’s south side to Zuiryuji. Visit after the 09:00 opening; ordinary adult admission is JPY 500. Retrace your route to the station and allow lunch and JR ticket preparation. The JR Himi Line has a different operator from Ainokaze.
- JR Takaoka Station → Amaharashi Station and coast
Take a Himi-bound JR Himi Line train from Takaoka to Amaharashi. Adult fare is JPY 240 one way; walk about five minutes to the coast. Mountain views depend on weather. Choose the Takaoka-bound return train first and allow time to walk to the station.
Takaoka city’s JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDFOfficial coast tourism guide
- Amaharashi Station → Takaoka Station
Return to Amaharashi Station and take a Takaoka-bound JR Himi Line train. Check your date’s timetable and suspension notices. At Takaoka, transfer to Ainokaze for Toyama, choosing both return sections together.
- Ainokaze Takaoka Station → Toyama Station, then the same hotel
At Takaoka, change to an eastbound Ainokaze Toyama Railway local train towards Toyama. The adult fare is JPY 390 one way. Allow time after leaving the JR Himi Line to buy your Ainokaze ticket and reach the platform. If delayed, check station information for the next Toyama-bound service.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesHotel accessLuggage storage FAQ
Cloudy weather can hide the mountains from the coast. Choose return trains before including both the temple and coast, and distinguish JR tickets from Ainokaze tickets.
Day 4: museum collection, then departure from Toyama
See the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design collection, 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, officially about 15 minutes. Leave for the 09:30 opening. Traffic-light waits and station movement take extra time. Check temporary closures and exhibition changeovers for your date.
Official access guideMuseum visitor guideHotel accessLuggage storage FAQ
- Museum entrance → Collection gallery
Adult ordinary collection admission is JPY 350. The museum opens until 18:00, last admission 17:30; special exhibitions cost extra. Afterwards, return towards the same station.
- Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design → Toyama Station north exit
After visiting, retrace your route to Toyama Station’s north exit. Add traffic-light waits and station movement to the 15-minute walk when choosing your departure. Buses cost extra.
Check museum closures and rooftop access and allow time to return to the station after visiting.
Included: Village day Toyama–Takaoka local rail return JPY 390 × 2 = JPY 780 / Gokayama free pass JPY 2,800, valid two days from first use with unreserved seating / coast day Toyama–Takaoka local rail return JPY 390 × 2 = JPY 780 / Takaoka–Amaharashi JR Himi Line return JPY 240 × 2 = JPY 480 / Zuiryuji ordinary admission JPY 500 / museum ordinary collection JPY 350
Extras and conditions: Three hotel nights, meals, transport to/from Toyama, village indoor exhibitions and museum special exhibitions. This free-pass subtotal does not apply with reserved-seat bus tickets.
This subtotal assumes the Gokayama free pass on the village day. Valid for two days from first use, it cannot be combined with a reserved-seat ticket. Choosing two one-way tickets changes the amount. The following day’s coastal Ainokaze and JR tickets are separate from the bus pass.
Buy separate ordinary tickets for Takaoka and Amaharashi. Hokuriku Area Pass covers JR Himi Line local trains and Ainokaze local travel across the entire Toyama–Takaoka section. Alighting at any other Ainokaze station excludes this coverage. The adult pass costs JPY 7,000 for four consecutive days. Ordinary coast return rail costs JPY 1,260, or JPY 2,040 with the village day’s rail, so these journeys alone do not require buying a pass. For JR travel to other regions, add those fares to the comparison. A passport issued by a government other than Japan and Temporary Visitor status are required. Gokayama buses, accommodation and admission are excluded. See budget inclusions and exclusions above.
Toyama–Takaoka fareKaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideTakaoka city’s JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDFTemple’s official guideMuseum visitor guideJR WEST Hokuriku Area Pass coverage, price and eligibilityJR WEST official Hokuriku Area Pass route map
Frequently asked questions
Can the Gokayama bus pass take me to Amaharashi?
The Gokayama two-day pass is for the World Heritage Bus. It does not cover the JR Himi Line or Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka; rail fares are separate. If using another JR pass, check that specific pass’s coverage.
Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideToyama–Takaoka fareTakaoka city’s JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDF
Do I need a Hokuriku Area Pass for Takaoka and Amaharashi?
No. You can buy ordinary tickets for each journey. Return rail travel from Toyama to Takaoka and Amaharashi costs JPY 1,260, or JPY 2,040 when you add the rail journeys on the Gokayama visit day. The adult Hokuriku Area Pass costs JPY 7,000 for four consecutive days, so there is no need to buy it solely for these short rail trips. If you have JR journeys to other regions, include those fares and covered routes in your comparison.
JR WEST Hokuriku Area Pass coverage, price and eligibilityToyama–Takaoka fareTakaoka city’s JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDF
Sources and check dates
- Hotel access ·
- Luggage storage FAQ ·
- Toyama city tourism association park guide ·
- Museum visitor guide ·
- Official access guide ·
- Temple’s official guide ·
- Toyama official tourism PDF ·
- Official coast tourism guide ·
- Alpine Route 2026 timetable ·
- WEB ticket guide ·
- Return timetable April 15–November 3 ·
- Return timetable November 4–30 ·
- Official village access guide ·
- Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus guide ·
- Ainokaze 2026 station timetables ·
- Toyama–Takaoka fare ·
- Takaoka city’s JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDF ·
- Timetable effective April 15–November 3, 2026 ·
- Official Suganuma tourism guide ·
- Official fare-table PDF effective April 15, 2026 ·
- Currently linked outbound World Heritage Bus timetable, revised April 1, 2025 ·
- Currently linked inbound World Heritage Bus timetable, revised April 1, 2025 ·
- Stops and area map on the village’s official access page ·
- Murodo Terminal, rooftop and restaurant guide ·
- Ainokaze all-line timetable revised March 14, 2026 ·
- JR WEST Hokuriku Area Pass coverage, price and eligibility ·
- JR WEST official Hokuriku Area Pass route map ·