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 an itinerary with one night in Gokayama. The first option keeps you in Toyama for all four nights. The village overnight option has two nights in Toyama, one in Gokayama and a final night in Toyama. Check cottage accommodation and luggage arrangements before choosing the Gokayama stay.
Choose a 5 days, 4 nights itinerary
Separate days for Murodo, Suganuma and the coast
Stay four nights at the same hotel near Toyama Station and give Murodo, Suganuma and the Takaoka coast a day each. Return to that hotel after each visit. Murodo’s services and connections vary seasonally; check your date’s timetable and ticket sales conditions.
Separate days for Murodo, Suganuma and the coast →5 days, 4 nights BOne night in Gokayama
Spend two nights in Toyama, one in Gokayama, then your final night back in Toyama. This suits more time in the gassho village instead of Murodo. Stay in cottages around Gassho no Sato (合掌の里) stop, or use the stop matching another hotel’s address. Check meal preparation and whether large luggage can travel on the bus before booking.
One night in Gokayama →Separate days for Murodo, Suganuma and the coast
Stay four nights at the same hotel near Toyama Station and give Murodo, Suganuma and the Takaoka coast a day each. Return to that hotel after each visit. Murodo’s 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 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: 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: 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 4: 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 5: 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 / 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: Four hotel nights, meals, transport to/from Toyama, village indoor exhibitions, special exhibitions and limited express or reserved-seat supplements. This free-pass subtotal does not apply with reserved-seat bus tickets.
This subtotal assumes the Gokayama free pass, which cannot be combined with a reserved-seat ticket. The Murodo ordinary return uses fares applicable from April 15, 2026. Check your date’s return connections and seasonal WEB ticket sales conditions. Toyama–Takaoka returns on the village and coast days are two separate travel days.
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, Murodo mountain transport, accommodation and admission are excluded. See budget inclusions and exclusions above.
Official fare-table PDF effective April 15, 2026Toyama–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
One night in Gokayama
Spend two nights in Toyama, one in Gokayama, then your final night back in Toyama. This suits more time in the gassho village instead of Murodo. Stay in cottages around Gassho no Sato (合掌の里) stop, or use the stop matching another hotel’s address. Check meal preparation and whether large luggage can travel on the bus before booking.
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: 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 3: a Suganuma walk and one Gokayama night
Travel to Gokayama, explore Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village and stay one night.
- Toyama hotel to 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. Reach bay 7 outside the station for the World Heritage Bus and allow time between train arrival and bus boarding.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesHotel accessLuggage storage FAQAinokaze all-line timetable revised March 14, 2026Toyama–Takaoka fareKaetsuno World Heritage Bus guide
- Bay 7 outside Takaoka Station → World Heritage Bus to Gassho no Sato · 合掌の里
Take the World Heritage Bus from bay 7 outside Takaoka Station to Gassho no Sato (合掌の里), distinguishing Suganuma village’s 菅沼 stop. Check your date’s bus, cottage check-in and large-luggage conditions together. The Gokayama free pass cannot be combined with a reserved-seat ticket.
Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideCurrently linked outbound World Heritage Bus timetable, revised April 1, 2025
- Gassho no Sato · 合掌の里 stop → Your booked cottage
Travel from the stop to your booked hotel address. The example Gassho no Sato Cottage is officially about one minute on foot from 合掌の里 stop. For a different hotel, recheck the alighting stop and approach first. Check meals against your booked accommodation’s conditions.
- Gokayama cottage → Separate Suganuma village visit, then cottage
Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village is a separate village about 800 m from the example cottage. Check the walk and time from your hotel address. Official village guidance lists visits 08:00–17:00 April–November and asks visitors to avoid coming after sunset, so fit the village walk around bus arrival and hotel check-in.
Official tourism body’s cottage informationOfficial Suganuma tourism guide
Visit the village in daylight. The cottage is self-catering; bring your own ingredients and seasonings. Plan meals in advance.
Day 4: Gokayama back to Toyama
Return from Gokayama to Toyama via Takaoka today.
- Gokayama cottage and village → Checkout, then Gassho no Sato return boarding point
For remaining village areas in the morning, visit after official opening. Finish checkout and luggage transport, then return to Gassho no Sato’s Takaoka-bound boarding point.
Official tourism body’s cottage informationOfficial Suganuma tourism guide
- 合掌の里 → Outside Takaoka Station
Take the World Heritage Bus from Takaoka-bound 合掌の里 to the stop outside Takaoka Station. Choose a travel-date service allowing checkout and reaching the stop, then check the connecting Ainokaze train for Toyama.
Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideCurrently linked inbound World Heritage Bus timetable, revised April 1, 2025
- Ainokaze Takaoka Station → Toyama Station, then your booked Toyama hotel
At Takaoka, change to an eastbound Ainokaze Toyama Railway local train towards Toyama. The adult fare is JPY 390 one way. Allow time to walk from the bus to the station, buy a ticket for this separate railway operator and reach the platform. If the bus or train is delayed, check station information for the next Toyama-bound service.
Ainokaze 2026 station timetablesHotel accessLuggage storage FAQ
Check the return bus from 合掌の里 and Ainokaze connection at Takaoka for Toyama.
Day 5: 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: 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 / village travel 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 / museum ordinary collection JPY 350
Extras and conditions: Three Toyama hotel nights, one Gokayama cottage night, meals, transport to/from Toyama, village indoor exhibitions and special exhibitions. This free-pass subtotal does not apply with reserved-seat bus tickets.
This subtotal uses one Gokayama free pass for day-three departure and day-four return. It is valid two days from first use and cannot be combined with a reserved-seat ticket. Accommodation depends on booked rooms and group size and is excluded. The whole-cottage reference rate is per cottage, not per person. Check rooms, check-in, checkout and bus luggage conditions before booking.
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 village travel’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 fareTakaoka city’s JR Himi Line 2026 timetable and fare PDFTemple’s official guideKaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideMuseum visitor guideOfficial tourism body’s cottage informationJR WEST Hokuriku Area Pass coverage, price and eligibilityJR WEST official Hokuriku Area Pass route map
Frequently asked questions
When should I start the two-day pass for an overnight stay in Gokayama?
Start it on day three, when you travel to the cottage, to cover the return bus the following day. The Gokayama pass lasts two days from first use and cannot be combined with a reserved-seat ticket. Toyama–Takaoka rail travel and accommodation cost extra.
Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus guideCurrently linked outbound World Heritage Bus timetable, revised April 1, 2025Currently linked inbound World Heritage Bus timetable, revised April 1, 2025
Can I use the Hokuriku Area Pass throughout a five-day trip?
The Hokuriku Area Pass lasts four consecutive days, so it does not automatically cover your whole five-day trip. Check whether the coastal visit day and the rail journeys to and from Gokayama fall within its validity. Gokayama buses use a separate two-day pass, and accommodation costs extra.
JR WEST Hokuriku Area Pass coverage, price and eligibilityKaetsuno World Heritage Bus guide
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 tourism body’s cottage information ·
- 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 ·