Best Time to Visit Toyama: Seasonal Guide to Weather, Festivals, and Local Highlights

Toyama can be miserable if you visit during the wrong time! It can also be your highlight of visiting Japan. Make sure to check which month suits your needs the best before making any plans.

Toyama is one of Japan’s most underrated gems. Nestled between the dramatic Japan Alps and the calm Sea of Japan, it’s often overlooked for big names like Tokyo or Kyoto. But Toyama is a treasure trove of incredible seafood, stunning natural beauty, unique cultural festivals, and warm hospitality—all without the tourist crowds.

Whether you’re a backpacker, foodie, nature lover, or photographer, this guide will help you find the best time to visit Toyama. You’ll get everything from weather by month to the top seasonal events and activities to enjoy in each season.

Hey, I’m William, a resident of Toyama. I ended up arriving at the end of a long backpacking trip around Asia, and I’ve been living here for a few years now. I’ve found the gem of Japan for nature lovers and foodies, and I’m here to share it with you in a more personalized way that steers away from the official government tourism websites. 

If you want more information on Toyama, visit the Toyama Japan guide

If this is your first time traveling, read this to have go over a full packing checklist 

Quick Look: Best Time to Visit Toyama

Of course it depends on what you’re going to do in Toyama, but for ideal weather, activities, and food, Toyama is best enjoyed in April and September. I find the weather to be perfect in a t-shirt, and without the rain. 

In April, the seasonal food, Firefly Squid is fresh caught and can only be eaten in this season. One of Japan’s most beautiful cherry blossom locations is in Toyama in April, and the biggest Tulip fair festival in Japan, the Tonami Tulip Fair happens in April!

In September, the hiking weather is perfect with cooler air that you won’t sweat in, but won’t make you freeze. The leaves change colors for beautiful scenery. And, Japan’s famous festival of Kaze no Obon occurs. A unique festival that is mysterious and quiet compared to many other lively festivals in Japan. It’s definitely my favorite festival.

If you want to be able to do hikes, but also keep your packing minimal, check out the best shoes for traveling Asia. 

• Spring (April to June) – Perfect for cherry blossoms, floral festivals, and the epic snow wall over the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. March to April is also peak season for the Firefly Squid or Hotaruika (ホタルイカ) !

Read more about Toyama’s seasonal delicacies: Firefly Squid and White Glass Shrimp!

Read more about 3 Best Flower Events in Toyama

• Summer (July to September) – Ideal for hiking in the Alps, enjoying festivals, and summer seafood. The rainy season is in June and July! But, this also makes hiking cooler weather wise, and a chance to see the famous Raicho 雷鳥 Raichyo / Grouse that only comes out in bad weather.

Read more about Hiking in Toyama at Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route

If you’re coming to hike, read this to chose the best size backpack to travel with. 

• Autumn (October to November) – Great for fall foliage Koyo (紅葉), cool weather, and the famous Kaze no Obon Festival! The Toyama Marathon, as well as some fall harvest festivals happen.

Read more about the unique, can’t miss, Kaze no Obon Festival

• Winter (December to March) – The ultimate season for snow scenery, hot springs, and fresh seafood.

Read more about Skiing and Snowboarding in Toyama

Toyama in Spring

April to June

Spring in Toyama is absolutely magical. Cherry blossoms bloom across the riversides, tulips explode in color, and the Tateyama Mountains still shimmer with snow. This is also when the famous Snow Wall Walk opens—a unique path carved through 20-meter high snowbanks.

Spring is one of my favorites in Toyama with the amazing seasonal seafoods, flowers, and snow finally melting away. 

Toyama’s Temperature and Climate in Spring

Toyama sits around 20c / 70f in the daytime, and 10c / 50f at night in the spring time. It’s the perfect time to visit without being layered in clothes, but don’t forget your allergy medicine if you are prone to hay fever. My eyes always end up in tears from my pollen allergies in the spring time. 

Highlights:

• Toyama Cherry Blossom Season – Matsukawa River and Takaoka Park bloom from early to mid-April, offering picturesque views of pink petals along serene waterways. The best location in Toyama and one of the best in Japan is the Asahi Spring Quartet, where you can see cherry blossoms, tulips, and the mountains all in one location.

Read more for Top 3 Cherry Blossom locations in Toyama

• Tonami Tulip Fair – Japan’s largest tulip celebration with over 2.5 million tulips in every imaginable shape and color. It’s said that some of the first tulips brought to Japan were grown here w hen tulips were seen as a luxury.

Read more about The BIGGEST Tulip Festival in Japan: Toyama’s Tonami Tulip Fair

• Snow Wall Walk – Open from mid-April to late June along the Alpine Route, it’s a surreal walk between towering snow walls. I’d recommend going as soon as it opens mid-April as the snow wall is the highest at the time.

Read more about the World’s Highest Snow Wall at 20Meters Tall: Yuki No Kabe Snow Wall Toyama, Japan.

Toyama in Summer

July to September

Summer brings heat, humidity, and vibrant energy. While it’s warm in the lowlands, the mountains offer cooler air, lush greenery, and perfect hiking weather. Plus, this is when the most unique and beautiful Toyama festivals take place.

The summers in Toyama make me feel like I’m back in Florida. It’s hot and humid, the way that I’m used to, but you may not be. Bring a lot of sunscreen and deodorant. 

Toyama is also filled with nature and outdoor activities. If you’re traveling, you need a travel insurance. 

Toyama’s Temperature and Climate in Summer

Between 30-40c with some of the highest heat and humidity in Japan, summer is not the best time to visit Toyama. I would avoid it unless you want to see the famous Thunder Bird of Tateyama. The Thunder Bird, called Raicho in Japanese, or a grouse in English, is the prefecture bird of Toyama. It only comes out in bad weather, so during the rainy season of June and July, you’ll have a great chance of seeing them.

Festivals happen all throughout Summer, and Toyama is not shy of festivals.

Highlights:

• Tatemon Festival (early August) – Towering wooden floats adorned with hundreds of lanterns are paraded through Uozu in a spirited celebration of craftsmanship and courage.

Read more about The 10 Best Festivals in Toyama

• Owara Kaze-no-Bon (September 1–3) – This atmospheric festival features hauntingly slow traditional dances under lantern light, said to appease the winds. Held in the historic Yatsuo town. The dancers finish their main dance after 10pm, but it only gets better from there with anyone allowed to join in afterwards!

Read more about Japan’s most mysterious festival: Kaze-no-Obon festival in Owara Yatsuo, Toyama

• Kurobedaira Panorama Terrace – Located high above sea level, this mountaintop terrace offers panoramic views of the Japan Alps from July to September. A must for any scenic photo lover.

Toyama in Autumn

October to November

If you love crisp air and stunning foliage, autumn is your season. The mountains, valleys, and historic villages like Gokayama become painted in warm red, orange, and gold. It’s also the beginning of the seafood season, so the food scene is at its best.

Fall or Autumn is when I first arrived in Toyama, and for a born and raised Floridian, seeing mountains with snow and fall leaves changing colors was enough to change my visit into a home. 

Toyama’s Temperature and Climate in Fall

Back to 10-20c or 50-70f, Fall is the perfect weather for Toyama. You can still wear short sleeves, but not be dying of heat. The mountains will start with snowfall, so I would recommend doing your hikes in September and the beginning of October.

Highlights:

• Kurobe Gorge Fall Colors – Take a scenic trolley ride through a dramatic gorge bursting with colorful foliage. Best viewed from late October to mid-November.

Read more about The Famous Kurobe Gorge Train Ride

• Toyama Light Art Festival – From mid-October to mid-November, public spaces and buildings are lit with glowing projections and interactive art installations.
• Gokayama Fall Colors – Visit this quiet UNESCO World Heritage village as it’s surrounded by fiery mountain scenery. Perfect for peaceful strolls and photos.

Toyama in Winter

December to March

Winter in Toyama means deep snow, peaceful towns, and rich seafood. If you’re wondering when does it snow in Toyama, December marks the beginning, and it peaks in January and February. It’s the coziest time to enjoy hot springs and seasonal dishes.

The autumn weather pulled me in, but the winter snowboarding is what kept me in Toyama. 

Toyama’s Temperature and Climate in Winter

Toyama sits around the 0C or 32f mark all winter. It’s sometimes a little warmer or a little colder, but it’s not short of snow. Toyama has one of the highest rainfalls in all of Japan, which means it snows a lot during the winters. It’s fun to visit, but not amazing to live in. The snow is more wet than the prefectures above of Nagano and Niigata, which is why it isn’t as popular of a ski and snowboard location.

But to avoid the crowds, you can have a great time visiting Toyama for a Ski or Snowboarding trip. The wintersports are still fun, and the people who get stuck on the close train lines from Tokyo get the bad crowds. Avoid the crowds in Toyama!

Highlights:

• Gokayama Snowscape – A true winter postcard, this traditional village turns magical under deep snow. Thick-roofed gassho-zukuri houses sparkle in silence.

Read More about Shirakawago without the crowds: Gokayama Village, Toyama

• Tateyama Ski Resorts: The best local ski resorts in Toyama for skiing and snowboarding are at Tateyama at either Sanroku ski park, Raicho Valley, or next door at Awasuno Ski park. Half the prices of Hakuba, of course not world class, but you beat the crowds, and you’ll still have great powder days and wide open fun.

Read more about 5 Best Ski Snowboard locations in Toyama Japan

• Winter Seafood Season – Toyama Bay offers fresh catches like firefly squid and yellowtail, best enjoyed in cozy local restaurants.

Toyama Weather by Month + Monthly Things To Do

January

• Skiing & Snow Views – Less crowded slopes and snowy alpine views.
• Unazuki Onsen – Soak in thermal baths surrounded by snow.
• Glass Art Museum – Explore modern Japanese glass art indoors.

February

• Gokayama Winter Village – Experience a magical snow-covered UNESCO site with peaceful village charm and no crowds.
• Raicho Ski Valley– Take the time to enjoy skiing or snowboarding at a ski park with a train ride and bus straight from Toyama’s train lines. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, they have a school to learn at!
• Seafood Delights – Savor local yellowtail, served fresh and grilled in winter hotpots.

March

• Blossoms Begin – Plum and early sakura blossoms start showing.
• Historic Town Walks – Visit old merchant streets in warmer weather.
• Spring Skiing – Late-season runs at higher elevation.

April

• Cherry Blossoms – Full bloom across Toyama’s rivers and parks.
• Snow Wall Walk Opens – A surreal highlight of spring.
• Matsukawa Boat Rides – Drift under the cherry blossoms.

May

• Tonami Tulip Fair – A rainbow field of 2.5 million tulips fills the air with color and sweet scent. This iconic event in Tonami is Japan’s largest tulip display and a must for flower lovers.
• Perfect Hiking Weather – Lush trails with clear skies.
• Yotaka Matsuri – Takaoka’s float-fighting festival lights up the city in mid-May.

June

• Last Snow Wall Days – Final weeks for this unique alpine walk.
• Himi Banya Festival – Celebrate Toyama’s fishing culture with seafood, music, and boat parades.
• Tateyama Wildflowers – Early blooms make the hike spectacular.

July

• Climbing Season Begins – Hike Tateyama with clear weather.
• Toyama Fireworks Show – Massive display over the Shinminato River.
• Kurobe Dam Release – Watch thunderous water rush from Japan’s tallest dam.

August

• Highland Trails – Cool mountain air is ideal for hiking.
• Himi Beaches – Swim and snack on seafood by the sea.
• Sunflower Fields — Visit Sunflower fields in Tonami and Kurobe city.

September

• Early Fall Leaves – Especially at Mikurigaike Pond.
• Harvest Markets – Try chestnuts, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes.
• Owara Kaze-no-Bon – Slow, haunting dances fill the streets of Yatsuo during this beautifully spiritual event.

October

• Peak Fall Colors – Tateyama and Kurobe Gorge at their best.
• Mikurumayama Festival (Oct 1) – Historic floats and ceremonial costumes parade through Takaoka’s streets.
• Fresh Seafood – White shrimp returns to menus.

November

• Tateyama Snow Returns – First snowfall at the peaks.
• Light Art Festival – Toyama City station becomes a glowing canvas.
• Gokayama Colors – Late foliage with cozy village charm.

December

• Silent Snowy Streets – Beautiful and calm.
• Gokayama Snowfall – The classic winter postcard.
• Onsen Season – Nothing beats a hot bath in the cold.

FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Toyama

When does it snow in Toyama?

Snow begins in December and gets heavy in January and February. Mountain areas stay snow-covered through March. If you’re looking for snow villages, onsen views, and snow hikes, come during these months.

When is cherry blossom season in Toyama?

Early to mid-April. Some top places include the riverside of Matsukawa and Takaoka Kojo Park.

What’s Toyama weather like by month?

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Snowy and cold.
• Spring (Mar-May): Blooming and mild.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Warm and humid.
• Autumn (Sep-Nov): Crisp air and colorful landscapes.

Is Toyama good for solo backpacking?

Absolutely. Safe, quiet, affordable, and full of beautiful natural places. Perfect for thoughtful

What makes Toyama different from other prefectures?

It’s raw and real. With some of the best seafood in Japan, lesser-known UNESCO villages, and a mountain-meets-sea lifestyle, Toyama offers a slower, more intimate experience than the big tourist cities.

Final Thoughts: Why Toyama Should Be on Your Japan Bucket List

Toyama is where you go to slow down, breathe mountain air, and eat sushi so fresh it still sparkles. It’s authentic, underrated, and absolutely worth your time—especially if you’re looking for something different from the usual Tokyo–Kyoto circuit.

Whether you’re into epic hikes, cozy onsen, vibrant festivals, or budget solo adventures, Toyama delivers year-round.

No matter what time of year you visit, Toyama will leave a lasting impression. The best time to visit Toyama depends on what you’re looking for—cherry blossoms, mountain adventures, seafood feasts, or snowy serenity. It’s the kind of place that feels like your own private piece of Japan.

Start planning your trip now! And don’t forget to check out my Toyama food guide, hiking spots, and local travel hacks here on Barefoot Surfer!