The capital is the city of Toyama.
Borders: with Ishikawa (west), Gifu (south), Nagano (east), and Niigata (northeast).
Nature and landscape: Toyama is known for its dramatic nature: the steep Northern Japanese Alps (with the Tateyama range reaching 3,000 m) on one side and the deep Toyama Bay (deeper than 1,000 m) on the other — all within a relatively small area.
It is part of the "snow country" with harsh winters, but also rich in rivers, waterfalls, gorges (such as Kurobe Gorge), and hydroelectricity.
Popular attractions: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route — spectacular mountain route with snow walls, buses, cable cars, and hikes.
Gokayama (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with thatched roofs in the mountains.
Kurobe Dam and onsen (hot springs) such as Unazuki Onsen.
Fresh seafood (e.g., firefly squid in the spring) and rice fields.
Economy and culture: Toyama is the most important industrial prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast, thanks to cheap hydroelectricity.
Key sectors: pharmaceuticals (Toyama has been the "medicine city" for centuries), chemicals, machinery, metal, and electronics.
Additionally, agriculture (rice) and fishing.
Traditional crafts such as glassware, bronze, and woodcarving are also popular there, along with festivals and temples such as Zuiryu-ji.
In short: Toyama combines impressive mountain and sea scenery, outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, onsen), UNESCO sites, and fresh gastronomy with a quieter, authentic Japanese character than the major tourist hotspots.
Ideal for nature lovers and anyone wanting to get away from the crowds!
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