Toyama Prefecture sits on the Sea of Japan coast of central Honshu, framed by the dramatic Tateyama mountain range and the deep waters of Toyama Bay. Home to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, one of the world's great high-mountain crossings, and the UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri thatched-roof villages of Gokayama, Toyama pairs alpine scenery with a coastline famous for firefly squid and glass shrimp, plus a proud tradition of glassmaking and sake brewing in its historic port town of Toyama City.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people warmly and learn a few local phrases.
- Respect religious and historic sites.
- Dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
- Ask permission before photographing individuals.
Don't
- Raise your voice in public — it's considered rude.
- Touch people on the head or point with your feet in religious settings.
- Refuse hospitality without a polite explanation.
- Wear revealing clothing in conservative areas.