  Things to See
Mountains
The eastern half of the prefecture has stunning alpine scenery. Lovely rivers, waterfalls, rugged peaks, gorges, hot springs, and, of course, winter sports grace the Kurobe and Tateyama mountains, the northernmost of the Japan Alps. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route traverses this "roof of Japan."
Seashore
The eastern shore of Toyama Bay is nicknamed the "Jade Coast" because of the jade pebbles to be found there. Seen from the Himi coast across Toyama Bay, the mountain backdrop is a breathtaking sight in winter.
Toyama city
Now an industrial city, the old castle town of Toyama was headquarters of itinerant medicine peddlers (SEE STORY 2), who wandered the entire country selling their red paper packets of medicines and bringing news to remote areas. The Toyama City Folkcraft Village contains information about this fascinating aspect of Japanese history. And, the medicines are still being made, but the wandering peddlers are part of the past.
Takaoka
Traditional metal casting is the speciality of this city. Among the many items made, bronze Buddhist temple bells are the most spectacular.
Tonami has built a reputation for itself as a "tulip kingdom" (SEE STORY 1). A visit in spring will convince one why this is true.
Oyabe
The late mayor of this town had a penchant for reproducing famous architectural monuments and structures. Such delights as Philadelphia's Independence Hall, St. Paul's (in the Vatican), the Statue of Liberty (of course), etc., etc., usually scaled down considerably, may all be found here and there throughout the township.
Toga Village
One of the most vigorous and interesting villages in Japan. There is a major international drama festival here every summer, and contemporary architecture is part of the rural setting. A must.
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites
Taira and Kamitaira villages have numerous gasshozukuri houses extant. These immense folk houses resembling giant A frames have been designated World Cultural Heritage sites by UNESCO.
 Crafts
Metal
Long tradition of copperwork and bronze casting in Takaoka.
Wood
The town of Inami is famous for its wood carving. Shogawa is known for its wood turnery, made as the cores for lacquering.
Lacquer
Takaoka Lacquer has a vigorous tradition dating back to the 17th century.
Paper
Etchu paper, a once widespread paper industry, is now concentrated mainly in the town of Yatsuo. Decorative papers are a specialty.
 Festivals
| Jan. | Japan Sea One-Pot Festival (Takaoka)
Tummy-warming stew for the depth of winter. A food festival? |
| Apr., 2nd weekend | All Japan Chindon Concours (Toyama)
The country's remaining chindonya (costumed and noisy "music" makers used to advertise store openings, etc.) meet and compete. Very jolly. |
| late Apr.-early May | Tonami Tulip Fair (Tonami)
Tulips and tulips and tulips and.... |
| May 1 | Mikurumayama (Float) Festival (Takaoka)
Flowery floats and period costume procession. |
| late July-early Aug. | Toga Festival (Toga Village) (Toyama)
Drama groups and troupes from throughout the world perform. |
| Aug. 7-9 | Tatemon Festival (Uozu)
The festival for the sea deity. 15-meter poles carrying 80 lighted paper lanterns are paraded through the streets. |
| late Aug.-early Sep. | Toyama Stage Performance Festival (Toyama)
Performances by theater groups from around the world. |
| Sep. 1-3 | Owara Kaze no Bon (Yatsuo Town)
A graceful and famous Bon Dance through the town streets. |
| Sep. 14-15 | Joana Mugiya Festival (Joana)
Enactment of the tale of the defeated Heike forces (in the Battle of Dan-no-ura, 1185). A man's dance. |
| Sep. 25-26 | Kokiriko Festival (Taira Village)
A performance of unique music and dance having ancient origins. |
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