Spring in Toyama: Great Walls of Yuki-no-Otani and Other Fulfilling Experiences

Yuki-no-Otani (“Snow Canyon”): Giant Snow Walls That Approach 20 Metres

Yuki-no-Otani is a spring attraction of the world-famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The sight of buses driving between giant snow walls nearly 20 metres high is simply spectacular. Visitors are not only able to view the scene from inside bus windows; from 17 April to 10 June, about 500 metres is specially open to pedestrians in the “Yuki-no-Otani Walk,” allowing you to feel the grand scale of the snow walls from up close.

Yuki-no-Otani is located in Tateyama Murodo-daira, at 2,450 metres high. This area receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, and winter brings approximately 8 metres of snow. Snow is especially likely to accumulate in the “Otani” area due to the wind, sometimes reaching 20 metres per second.

The “walls” that are created by removing snow on the road here become what is called “Yuki-no-Otani.” There is so much snow that walls of snow almost 10 metres high remain into late June.

Creating the Yuki-no-Otani

Wooden poles that are placed in autumn to mark both sides of the road are sought out using GPS, and snow removal operations begin. The road, buried in snow, is slowly dug out using a large bulldozer to create the “Yuki-no-Otani.”

Springtime in Toyama also has wonderful food. Hotaruika (firefly squid) has a distinctive texture and sweetness, and Toyama Bay shiroebi (white shrimp) is known as the “jewels of the sea” from its glistening white appearance. Delicious dishes that make ample use of these ingredients are sure to satisfy you.

Also highly recommended is Toyama Bay sushi, which has some of the best fish and shellfish in Japan.

Get out and enjoy spring in Toyama!

Spring in Toyama: Fields of Tulips and Rows of Cherry Blossoms

Toyama cultivates the most tulip bulbs in Japan.

In the Tonami region, you can see vast fields of tulips blooming in the spring. At the Tonami Tulip Fair, held from 25 April to 6 May, you can enjoy the sight of a million tulips.

The Tulip Gallery, located within the fairgrounds, is a botanical garden that focuses on tulips. Tulip related exhibits, a café, and a gift shop are available. It is the only facility in the world where it is possible to enjoy flowering tulips all year round.

From early to mid-April, Toyama’s cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The cherry blossom trees along the Matsukawa (River) in Toyama City is a perfect place to hanami (flower-viewing party). You can ride the boat for a refined cherry blossom appreciation experience. Also, Takaoka Kojo Park boasts 27,000 cherry blossom trees. These two places are both listed in “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.”