Living in Toyama, Japan: A Budget Backpacker's Guide to Traveling Across Asia

About barefoot surfer travel blog

Hi, I’m William. The traveler behind The Barefoot Surfer Travel Blog.

I created this blog to share the experiences, insights, and practical tips I’ve gathered over the years while exploring the world.

- In 2023, I spent eight unforgettable months backpacking across parts of Europe and Asia.
- And in 2024, I began a new chapter by living in Toyama, a beautiful rural city in Japan.
- Now in 2025, I’m focused on sharing stories and travel advice about these hidden gems in Toyama as well as nearby areas like Kanazawa and Tateyama.

Whether you’re planning your next adventure, looking for budget travel tips, or simply here for the stories. Welcome.

Toyama: Japan's nature and seafood resort

Plan for your backpacking trip through Asia

The perfect stop between Tokyo and Kyoto

Toyama prefecture is an amazing prefecture that makes a perfect stop for food and nature lovers

-Between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka

– 2 Hour bullet train from Tokyo

– 3 Hour Train from Kyoto

– 30 minute Train from Kanazawa

–Toyama hosts Japan’s most unique and fresh Seafood including Firefly Squid, White Shrimp, and a unique “Black Ramen“

– About 1/3 of the prefecture is a National Park, hosting one of Japan’s three Holy Mountains, Tateyama

Traveling on a Budget

Plan for your backpacking trip through Asia

Travel is affordable

Most are under the illiusion that you have to be rich to travel.

In some ways, this is true. Rich in freedom.

But I’ve backpacked for as cheap as $4ooUSD a month.

I’ve met others who work while traveling. What are you willing to sacrifice?

Backpacking budget traveling

Backpacking is a travel style that’s usually associated with either poor, smelly, dorms sharing travelers wanting to explore, or a bunch of teens trying to party for cheap.

Do it how you will, but my way shows how it’s done in a way to discover that there is more than just one way to live life. You’re only limited by your mind.