Toyama is a small prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan. It has mountainous borders inland with wonderful natural views, hiking trails, hot springs and even a glacier! The port capital has an international history and a rich seafood culinary tradition, and of course, Toyama is home to the UNESCO site "Ecchu Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village" with it's perfectly preserved thatched-roofed houses. This prefecture may be tiny (only 50km across) but it has many hidden gems to offer the adventurous traveler.
Gokayama Historical Village
In December 1995, this village was registered as an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Visitors can see thatched-roof (gassho-zukuri-style) houses here, examp