It is impossible not to get swept up in the beauty of Japan. Wherever you look seems to be an interesting or pretty sight to see. Sometimes with so many places to look and so many places to go sightsee, it's hard to know what to really focus on, and sometimes the appreciation you have for what you're seeing lessens due to your attention being spread thin among all the amazing sights. Here we've created a list of our top things to see in Toyama to act as a guideline and recommendation as to not get overwhelmed by all that there's to see in Toyama.

1.) Firefly Squid of Toyama

A popular attraction of Toyama is to go and see the firefly squid of Toyama Bay. Bioluminescent squid light up the waters in bright, glowing blues due to photophores, special organs on that the squids possess on their tentacles. Usually the squids are found deep under the sea, but due to the structure of the environment, the current pushes the squid into the bay, making the appearance of these squids a relatively rare sight. Fishermen usually harvest the squid from March to June, and there are many tourist boats that take people over to watch the event happen. The fishermen's boats are said to look like they're glowing due to the squid on the boat's floor. This is an interesting phenomenon to watch. 

2.) Look at the Glass Art at Toyama Glass Art Museum

The Toyama Glass Art Museum is a very popular location to check out for those who visit Toyama. Visitors can observe many different exhibits, both temporary and permanent, and be amazed at some of the intricate detailings found in the glass sculptures on display. The building itself is interesting to look at and is in itself an art piece, designed by the well-known architect, Kuma Kengo. This is a worthwhile place to see when in Toyama.

3.) The Gohyaku-rakan, the 500 Buddhas of Chokei-ji temple

At Sotoshu Chokei-ji temple, there is an amazing sight to behold. Visitors of Toyama should go and see the 500 statues of Buddhist disciples. People there call the statues gohyaku rakan. Each of the statues have an unique expression on their face, and it seems like there are subtle differences between them all. A spiritual place for many, this is a place where seeing the statues may also bring comfort or peace to you.

4.) Tonami Tulip Gallery

Tonami Tulip Gallery is a sightseeing spot due to vast amounts of pretty tulip flowers that surround the place. Essentially a flower garden with a nearby tulip museum, the main attraction are the bright colored bulbs. This is a great spot for taking pictures and relaxing, it's hard not to feel happy with all of the beautiful colors surrounding you. They also have a pink tulip ice cream that you can enjoy while taking in the sight.

5.) Visit and see Gokayama

One of the final things you should try and go out and see in Toyama if you have the opportunity is Gokayama, little mountain villages in the Toyama area. The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site is located within the mountains and valleys of Toyama and are a series of houses built in an old, traditional style called gassho-zukuri. The houses are designed in a way as to prevent snow from building on top of it. This is a place worth seeing due to the cultural and historical significance, and is a beautiful sight when the buildings are snowcapped. 

These were just five of the top places to go see when in Toyama. There are plenty of other things to go see, as Toyama has many beautiful spots. For those who enjoy cool looking sights, the snow wall at tateyama is a fun one to discover. There are also beautiful shrines, and other historical buildings like the Toyama Castle, so don't feel limited to this short list! For things that combine activity and viewing, check out our list of the top five things to do in Toyama.