Our final day in Toyama was a fun fusion of art—through glass, food and clothing! Unforgettable experiences that left us with lasting memories.
First Stop: The Toyama Glass Museum🪷 We began our day at the stunning Toyama Glass Museum, a haven for both local and international artists. The museum’s impressive collection showcases a variety of glassworks, including breathtaking pieces by the renowned artist Dale Chihuly. His intricate designs and vibrant colors truly captivated our senses.
The Toyama Glass MuseumThe Glass Museum is also occupied by the Toyama City Public Library Main BuildingToyama Reeds, 2015(Chihuly)Toyama Float Boat, 2015 (Chihuly)Toyama Mille Fiori, 2015 (Chihuly)
Lunch: An Exquisite Teppanyaki Feast🥢 Next, we indulged in a culinary adventure featuring teppanyaki, where skillful chefs prepared the most succulent fillet we had ever tasted. The meal began with a warming bowl of soup, followed by a savory medley of fresh vegetables, and then the expertly grilled steak.
Cultural Touchpoint: Kimonos! 👘 To wrap up our day, we participated in a traditional kimono experience. It was fascinating to learn about the evolution of this beautiful garment; while modern kimonos typically feature just three layers, centuries ago, they boasted an impressive twelve layers, each serving its own purpose and signifying status. Adorning ourselves in these elegant fabrics allowed us to connect with Japan’s rich cultural heritage, making for a truly immersive experience. They also styled our hair!
Kimono – ki means “to wear” and mono means “thing”—literally translating to “thing to wear”. Kimonos are worn for special / ceremonial occasions.Kimonos are worn left side wrapped over right (unless the wearer is deceased)Kimono colors have different meanings. For example, bright colors are associated with spring or youth, while the darker colors (black and navy) are used for formal occasions and winter. Red and purple used to be reserved for the elite.🪭💜🌸Obi knot – the large knot of the Obi (sash)
After soaking in all that Toyama had to offer (including the hot springs), we embarked on the return journey aboard the bullet train🚄. The two-hour ride back to Toyoko was spent writing this post!
My friends married in the Japanese city of Toyama. I was fortunate to attend and witness the beautiful cherry blossoms 🌸 that spring. After close to 30 years, we are heading back to that part of the country. 🗾
Where is Toyama on the map? It is across Japan’s main island of Honshu, nestled between the Japanese Alps on one side and the Sea of Japan on another. This picturesque city of approximately 400,000 people is starkly different from the other locations on this trip. In 2025, The New York Times ranked Toyama #30 on their annual “52 Places to Go” list.
Ueno Station in Tokyo
The day began at Ueno Station (Tokyo), where we boarded the train for a scenic two-hour ride across the island and through the Japanese countryside. The changing landscapes, with lush greenery and quaint villages, set the perfect tone for our soon-to-be adventure.
The city of Korube in the Toyama Prefecture is home to the Korube Gorge, important Dams, and the Unazuki Onsen, a natural hot springs resort.
One of our friends met us at the Kurobe station and carted us away to our first stop—Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train tour. The starting point for this ~2 hour round trip tour is Unazuki Onsen, a charming hot spring town. Due to an earthquake in 2024, the trolley train goes as far as Nekomata station (fun fact—this station is the only one in Japan with a “neko”/cat in its name).
The Trolley Train took us on a scenic journey through beautiful gorges, deep valleys, and snow capped mountains, showcasing the dramatic beauty of the area. The leaves are just starting to change—another week and the colors will peek. The views were breathtaking and each picture was postcard-worthy.
Dashidaira DamThe leaves 🍁 are starting to change colors.Train with a view! The Shin-Yamabiko (Mountain Echo Tree Spirit) BridgeKurobe Gorge is Japan’s deepest V-shaped gorge. There is a bridge that crosses the gorge that is used solely by monkeys! (There is a nearby town where the monkeys relax in the hot springs).Construction on the railway began in 1923 and completed in 1937. Sightseeing began in 1953…and today the trolley is nicknamed the “Torokko Electric Train”The Yanagibashi Station Shin-Yanagawara Power PlantIn 💚 with the trees!View of the Lake Unazuki – Komen Bridge from our hotel lobby. Yes, the water really is that green due to due to blue-green algae.
After the train ride, we checked into our charming hotel, Unazuki Yamanoha. The traditional Japanese style rooms and ambiance made me feel part of the culture.
The lobby of the Unazuki Yamanoha Hotel Our bedroom
As the evening approached, I was eager to experience something quintessentially Japanese: an onsen. So, I slipped into my yukata (like a robe only better!) and made my way to the female side of the onsen. Relaxing in the natural hot spring baths was blissful as the warm waters eased the tension in my tired legs and provided a moment of true peace as we gazed at the mountains. And yes, you are wearing your birthday suit in the water. (Tattoos must be covered, if even allowed, and we washed thoroughly before entering the water.)
Dinner was next on the agenda, and I was excited to indulge in local cuisine—still wearing my yukata! The hotel buffet featured fresh seafood and seasonal produce, and rice that Toyama is famous for.
To cap off this incredible day, I treated myself to a 90-minute massage in the traditional Japanese style (fully clothed in my yukata). It was an experience I would highly recommend.
Stay tuned for more adventures in this beautiful part of Japan! I am too relaxed (and exhausted😴) to write anymore tonight.
Christina’s Journey Journal 