Toyama Castle Park was built on the site of Toyama Castle, which became the centre of the development of Toyama. It is a relaxing place where the locals gather. The moat and the castle keep are impressive and the castle was selected to be part of the “100 consecutive castles in Japan” in 2017. The appearance of the castle keep and castle gate when lit up are also beautiful. Along with its convenient location near Toyama station, it is a must see spot for sightseeing in Toyama.
Toyama Castle History and Remains
Toyama Castle is said to have been built in 1543 by a Bushō (a Samurai army commander) named Jinboushi. Even though it was once burnt down by a large fire, it was reformed as a full-fledged castle by Toshitsugu Maeda, the first feudal lord of the Toyama clan. Since then, most of the castle has been lost due to damage from war and urban development, and Toyama Castle Park is estimated to be around one-sixth of the original castle area. The ruins of the castle’s stone walls and earthen walls still remain now.
A noteworthy item here is a huge stone called Kagamiishi, which is used in here and there in the stone walls. These stones symbolize the power of the feudal lords. Furthermore, at the east entrance of the park is the "Chitose Gomon" Gate, the palace’s main gate built as a retreat. The castle gate is the same style as the “Akamon” Gate at the Tokyo University, and it is very valuable.
Toyama Municipal Folk Museum
In 1954, the castle keep was built as a symbol of the recovery after the war and became a national registered tangible cultural property. It is currently being used as the “Toyama Municipal Folk Museum”. In the museum, the history of Toyama Castle spanning over 400 years from the Middle Ages to the Meiji period and beyond is introduced. Toshinaga Maeda’s “Ginna Mazu Onari Kabuto” is exhibited here, and as its name suggests, it has a rather unique shape. It is definitely worth seeing.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Toyama Municipal Folk Museum
- Address: 1-62 Honmaru, Toyama-shi, Toyama 930-0081 Japan
- Opening hours: 9: 00-17: 00 (Last entry 16:30)
- Holiday: 12/28-1/4 when the exhibition is replaced
- Wi-Fi：Available
- Language：Japanese only
- Credit cards：No credit cards accepted
- Access: Toyama Station → city loop train (centrum)] 6 minutes → Kokusaikaigijo-Mae Station ... 2 minutes on foot.
Sato Memorial Art Museum Toyama
The “Sato Memorial Art Museum Toyama” located in the park should not be missed. It has a collection of works focusing on oriental antique art, such as paintings, bokuseki (calligraphy), ceramics and introduces them at special exhibitions about four times a year. You can also visit traditional Japanese teahouses called “Jōan” and “Ryūteian”.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Sato Memorial Art Museum Toyama
- Address: 1-33 Honmaru, Toyama-shi, Toyama 930-0081
- Opening hours: 9: 00-17: 00 (Last entry 16:30)
- Holiday: 12/28-1/4 when the exhibition is being changed over
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: Japanese only
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
- Access: Toyama Station → [city loop train (centrum)] 6 minutes → Kokusaikaigijo-Mae Station ... 2 minutes on foot.
Cherry Blossom Viewing on a Sightseeing Boat
From “Matsukawa Teahouse” in the park, you can get on the “Matsukawa River Cruise” and go around the river that once protected Toyama Castle. It is a 30-minute history cruise with captains who are very unique. Particularly, at beginning of April, it is possible take the boat through the cherry blossom tunnel, which was selected as one of the “100 Best Sakura Spots in Japan”. The elegant atmosphere of the tunnel is popular.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Matsukawa River Cruise
- Address: 1-34 Honmaru, Toyama-shi, Toyama 930-0081 (Matsukawa Teahouse)
- Opening hours: From late March to the end of November from 10:00 to 17:00 (Hours may vary depending on the season)
- Holiday: Mondays (excluding public holidays), winter (December to March), stormy weather, etc.
- Wi-Fi：Available
- Language：Japanese only
- Access: Toyama Station → [city loop train (centrum)] 6 minutes → Kokusaikaigijo-Mae Station ... 2 minutes on foot.
Access to Toyama Castle Park
Toyama Castle Park is located next to Toyama Station. If you use the Hokuriku Shinkansenfrom Tokyo Station to Toyama Station, you will arrive in around 2 hours and 8 minutes. It takes 10 minutes from the station to the park on foot. If you are tired, you can take the local train from the station. The trip is much smoother by airplane. It takes around 1 hour from Haneda Airport to Toyama airport. There is a connecting bus from the airport to Toyama Castle Park, so you can arrive at the park with one transfer without having to walk.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Toyama Castle Park
- Address: 1 Honmaru, Toyama-shi, Toyama 930-0081
- Holiday: Openyear-round
- Wi-Fi：Available
- Access: Toyama Station → [city train loop line (centrum)] 6 minutes → Kokusaikaigijo-Mae Station ... 2 minutes on
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