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Toyama City isn’t the biggest city in Japan, which makes the decision on where to stay here rather simple, so here’s where we suggest…
In my opinion, the best area to stay in in Toyama city is by the station. The reason for this is simple, most of the things people come to Toyama to do require using the train – riding the Kurobe Gorge railway, heading off to start the Tateyama Alpine route, or taking day trips to nearby Takaoka all start from Toyama Station.
And, even if you’re exploring Toyama city itself, positioning yourself by the station gives you easy access to the trams that carry you to most sights.
If you prefer to explore by foot, you’re always halfway between the sights in the south which include the Hie shrine and the pretty glass museum, and the sights around the river like the famous Starbucks, the art gallery – and, the boat which will take you to nearby Iwase the scenic way.
You’re also surrounded by restaurants selling Toyama’s famous dishes like black ramen and white shrimp. See, why wouldn’t you stay here?
Where to Stay Near Toyama Station
So the next question is which hotel to pick. I admit, I’m not sure I made the best choice here.
Toyoko Inn Toyama Eki Shinkansen-guchi 2
I stayed at this snappily named establishment, as it was a good basic business hotel directly opposite the station. The location was fantastic, the price was right but two things put me off wholeheartedly recommending it.
The Toyoko chain has a 4pm check in time – and, while that might not sound a problem when you’re planning an exciting day of adventures from afar, when the day actually comes around and it’s raining, regret sets in.
You can check in earlier if you are a member of the Toyoko club and book with them direct, or, if you pay an extra 1000 yen. I was fully prepared to do that on my trip, but the rain stopped and I ended up staying out until after 4pm.
The bed though was more of an issue. Japanese hotel beds can be firm – very firm – but this was the hardest so far. It was literally like sleeping on a plank. The benefit of this was that I didn’t spend much time relaxing in my room and I actually took in a few extra sights.
When night finally came around, sleeping on the comforter and a towel took the hard edges off enough for me to get a full night’s sleep with no issues, but, if you need a softer bed I wouldn’t suggest this as the best choice for you.
If you like a firm bed, are looking for a clean room at an excellent price – which even includes breakfast, give it a try.
Doubletree by Hilton at Toyama Station
If you’re looking for some home comforts during your stay, this is where to look as the comfy Western beds and marble bathrooms are a notch above the other hotels in the area.
It’s very new, views are spacious and the higher floors have excellent views. There’s a full gym if you’re not racking up the steps sightseeing – and a public onsen in case you are!
Daiwa Roynet Toyama Ekimae
Scores highly for all the important things – cleanliness, location, friendly staff and, while the rooms aren’t huge they are comfortably furnished.
The hotel does have smoking rooms, so make sure you book a non-smoking room if that’s important to you.
Staying in Toyama City
If you’d prefer to stay closer to some of the sights in Toyama, then base yourself in the area around the Glass Museum and the ruins of the castle where a small cluster of hotels will see you in the middle of things.
If I was staying here my picks would be…
Onyado Nono Toyama Natural Hot Spring
If you’re here to explore Toyama city, rather than jump on trains to places outside it, then this would be the hotel to pick.
It’s a Japanese business chain, but, with a more traditional feel. Rooms combine Western beds with tatami mat flooring and, the hotel has an onsen for a relaxing end to a day’s sightseeing.
It’s a 15-minute walk away from the station, but the Glass Museum and other sights of Toyama City are on your doorstep – and the handy trams will take you everywhere else you want to go.
Dormy Inn Toyama City
The onsen in this hotel actually has a tree in it! That would be enough to convince me to stay here!
Rooms are snug but comfortable and extra touches like free ice cream and noodles at dinner can help keep the costs down further.
Again, there are smoking rooms at the hotel so make sure you book non-smoking if you want to ensure you don’t end up in a smoking room.
So, there’s my guide to where to stay in Toyama. If you haven’t quite planned your itinerary yet, the next post to read is how long to stay in Toyama as, there’s potentially more to do here than you might think.
Don’t Miss This Perk
If you stay in a hotel in Toyama City they will give you a pass that gives you two free rides of the very useful trams. Don’t forget to ask for it when you check in.
If you’re heading off to Nagano after Toyama, then you might want some ideas of where to stay there too – and you could pick the hotel with the comfiest bed of my last trip! Find it, and some other ideas, in our guide to the best places to stay in Nagano city.
