Toyama

Hiking

For experienced hikers there are some breathtaking vistas from the top of Mt. Takayama and other peaks in the area; however, adequate planning is necessary and maps in English are hard to come by.

From Keyakidaira you can proceed on foot to two rotemburo (open-air spas) nearly 100 years old: Meiken Onsen is a 10- to 15-minute walk; Babadani Onsen, 35 to 40 minutes.

If you're a serious hiker, trails from Keyakidaira can lead you to the peak of Shirouma-dake (Mt. Shirouma), more than 9,810 feet high, in several hours. Nearby Tate-yama (Mt. Tate) also rewards experienced hikers with stunning views. You can also hike to Kurobe Dam and to the cable car that leads up to a tunnel through Tate-yama to Murodo. If you have several days to spare, camping gear, and a map of mountain trails and shelters, you can go as far as Hakuba in Nagano.

The National Parks Association of Japan in Tokyo is a good source of help on hiking and camping around Toyama. Toranomon Denki Bldg., 4th fl., 2-8-1 Toranomon, Tokyo, 105-6002. From Toranomon Station on Ginza subway line, take Exit 2 and walk 2 blocks straight before taking a right. The Toranomon Denki Building will be on left in 3rd block. 03/3502-0488.