About Toyama

Toyama Prefecture is renowned for its stunning mountain ranges, abundant waterways, and a harmonious blend of tradition and culture. Situated along the Sea of Japan, Toyama boasts diverse natural landscapes, including the Tateyama Mountain Range, Kurobe Gorge, and Toyama Bay, attracting numerous visitors from both Japan and abroad. Notable attractions include the Gokayama Gassho-style village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kurobe Dam, and Shomyo Falls, all of which showcase the seasonal beauty of nature and are highly popular among tourists.

For those planning a trip to Toyama, here are three carefully selected luxury hotels that promise an exceptional stay in this remarkable region.

Top 3 Luxury Ryokan in Toyama Prefecture

1. Unazuki Onsen Enraku 

出典：宇奈月温泉　延楽　公式HP

 ■ Highlights of Unazuki Onsen Enraku

Located in Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, Enraku is a traditional inn renowned for its breathtaking views of the Kurobe Gorge and its exceptional hospitality. Below are its key attractions:。

　1. Open-Air Baths Overlooking the Kurobe Gorge 

Enraku’s open-air bath, Hana-no-Yu, is a luxurious space crafted entirely from 400-year-old cypress wood. Designed by master artisans specializing in traditional Japanese architecture, the bath offers stunning views of the majestic Kurobe Gorge, known as Japan’s deepest V-shaped gorge. The sheer scale of the gorge leaves visitors in awe.

While soaking in the bath, guests can enjoy the changing seasonal scenery: vibrant greens in spring, lush foliage in summer, brilliant autumn colors, and a snow-covered wonderland in winter. The bath uses a continuous flow of hot spring water directly from the source, providing a silky texture that soothes and warms the body.

　2. Panoramic Views of the Gorge from Every Room 

All guest rooms at Enraku face the Kurobe Gorge, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its breathtaking vistas directly from their accommodations. The large windows, which seem like framed paintings, provide unforgettable views, particularly during sunrise or sunset.

The rooms are designed for maximum comfort, featuring high-quality bedding and a harmonious blend of modern and traditional furnishings. Spacious and thoughtfully appointed, the rooms offer a choice of Japanese-style or Western-style layouts to suit individual preferences.

　3. Seasonal Kaiseki Cuisine Showcasing Toyama’s Delicacies 

Enraku follows the philosophy of its founder, Takejiro Hamada, who aspired to let guests enjoy the finest local flavors of Toyama. The inn serves kaiseki cuisine crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally.

The meals highlight Toyama’s bounty, including seafood from Toyama Bay and mountain delicacies from the Tateyama Range. Spring brings firefly squid and wild mountain vegetables, summer offers sweetfish and rock oysters, autumn features matsutake mushrooms and red snow crabs, and winter showcases yellowtail and white shrimp. Every dish is meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate. 

　4. A Blend of Tradition and Modern Comfort 

Enraku has a long history, having been visited by renowned personalities during the Showa era for its fine cuisine and picturesque views of the gorge. The inn combines the warm hospitality of a traditional Japanese ryokan with modern conveniences.

Guests will appreciate the thoughtful service provided by the staff, ensuring a memorable stay. The inn also features contemporary amenities such as an aromatherapy salon and a spacious lounge, catering to today’s travelers seeking relaxation and comfort.

 ■ Access Information for Unazuki Onsen Enraku

• Official Website: https://enraku.com/
  
• Access: 20 minutes by car from JR Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station
  
• Address: Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, 938-0282, Japan
  
• Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/JYQ4fkBpt1hXxXax9

 

 

 

 

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2. River Retreat Garaku 

出典：リバーリトリート雅樂倶　公式HP

• Official Website: https://www.garaku.co.jp/
  
• Access: Approximately 60 minutes by car from Tateyama Station
  
• Address: Kasuga 56-2, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, 939-2224, Japan
  
• Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/WwyUDB4HcftBQWD3A

3. Shogawa Onsen Fūryū Midō Zashiki Yumetsuzuri 

出典：庄川温泉風流味道座敷　ゆめつづり  公式HP

 ■ Highlights of Shogawa Onsen Fūryū Midō Zashiki Yumetsuzuri

Nestled along the Shogawa River in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture, Shogawa Onsen Fūryū Midō Zashiki Yumetsuzuri is a ryokan that seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with the beauty of nature. Here are its key features:

　1. A Variety of Open-Air Baths and Beautifying Hot Springs 

At Yumetsuzuri, guests can enjoy a range of thoughtfully designed open-air baths. Options include a soothing hinoki cypress bath, a rustic rock bath, a unique jar-shaped bath, and a reclining bath. In spring, guests can soak in these baths while admiring cherry blossoms, making for a truly seasonal experience.

The hot spring water is rich in sodium chloride and bicarbonate ions, known for its excellent moisturizing and heat-retaining properties. Referred to as "beautifying water," this hot spring is renowned for its ability to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. 

 

　2. Elegant Japanese-Style Guest Rooms 

The ryokan offers a variety of room types, such as twin rooms overlooking the Shogawa River and rooms inspired by the "Orii Blue" motif, a reference to Takaoka’s traditional copperware. Each room blends traditional Japanese design with modern comfort, creating a relaxing space where guests can enjoy walking barefoot on tatami flooring.

The premium "Shion" rooms feature private hinoki open-air baths, allowing guests to take in stunning views of the Shogawa River and surrounding nature. Equipped with massage chairs, these rooms provide the ultimate relaxation experience.

 

　3. Seasonal Kaiseki Cuisine Showcasing Local Ingredients 

Yumetsuzuri’s dining experience highlights the best of Toyama’s seasonal bounty, including fresh ayu (sweetfish) from the Shogawa River, firefly squid and crab from Toyama Bay, and other regional specialties.

The winter-exclusive crab kaiseki course is a must-try, featuring luxurious dishes made with tagged snow crabs from Shinminato Port. These beautifully presented dishes not only please the palate but also delight the eyes.

Breakfast is served buffet-style, featuring homemade dishes prepared with local ingredients, ensuring a delightful start to the day. 

 

　4. Well-Equipped Facilities and Services 

The ryokan offers a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. The Yumekagari Lounge is a popular spot for guests, providing complimentary access throughout the stay. Guests can enjoy high-quality welcome drinks paired with handmade warabimochi, a traditional Japanese sweet.

The property also features an expansive Japanese garden, offering picturesque scenery year-round. Guests can take leisurely strolls while enjoying the changing seasons.

 

　5. Heartwarming Hospitality 

The ryokan is renowned for its meticulous attention to hospitality. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed in the lobby with freshly whisked matcha and handcrafted warabimochi, creating a sense of luxury and special treatment.

Hallways and guest rooms are lined with tatami mats, encouraging guests to walk barefoot for a home-like and relaxed experience. This thoughtful design enhances comfort and relaxation throughout the stay.

 

 ■ Access Information for Shogawa Onsen Fūryū Midō Zashiki Yumetsuzuri

• Official Website: https://yumetsuzuri.com/
  
• Access: Approximately 35 minutes by shuttle bus from Shin-Takaoka Station
  
• Address: 3531 Kanaya, Shogawa-machi, Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture, 932-0305, Japan
  
• Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/W69CA6FAtQky1Wj36