Toyama’s climate hits the just-right point around September and October, when it’s less busy, too. But, it does look rather enchanting in January, when it’s often covered in glittering sheets of snow.
Getting there
Planes
There are two domestic hubs serving the region: Toyama and Komatsu airports, both within a 45-minute drive of the centre. International travellers can connect via Tokyo; the flight should take around an hour.
Trains
While we enjoyed the leisurely, scenic bus route through this historic prefecture, for punctuality there is a train that runs through it – Toyama Station is the city stop.
Automobiles
Self-driving is fairly easy here and will give you the autonomy to stop and explore as you wish, although there are some vertiginous roads in more mountainous parts.