Higashi-Iwashe, Toyama City: A Leisurely Stroll Through a Historic Port Town's Timeless Charm and Rich History.
Hello everyone who is fascinated by Toyama Prefecture and explores its profound charms daily! This is 〇〇, your writer.
This time, we'll introduce Higashi-Iwase, a hidden gem of an area in Toyama City. It was featured in a YouTube short video titled "[Toyama City] A Stroll through Higashi-Iwase: Experiencing the Charm and History of a Port Town," and even from that brief clip, you could feel its captivating atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Higashi-Iwase, with its unique port town atmosphere and history thriving from Kitamaebune trade, feels as if time has stood still. It's sure to leave you with an unforgettable impression once you visit. So, why not join us in delving deeper into the charms of Higashi-Iwase and add it to your next travel destination?
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Tracing the History Woven by Kitamaebune Ships! Glimpses of a Quaint Port Town
Higashi-Iwase's greatest charm lies in its historic townscape, which vividly preserves the remnants of its prosperous era fueled by Kitamaebune (North-bound) shipping trade. These ships, which once traversed the Sea of Japan, used Toyama Port (Iwase Port) as an important stopover, bringing in a wealth of goods and culture. The groups of shipping agent's houses built by wealthy merchants of the time now tell the story of that prosperity.
- Former Mori Family Residence:
This is a shipping agent's house built in the late Edo period, now designated as a cultural property by Toyama City. It's a valuable building that strongly retains the appearance of its time, with exhibits inside showcasing the lifestyle of merchants from that era. The spacious earthen floor, magnificent beams, and beautiful garden invite visitors to imagine the prosperity of days gone by.
[[MAP: 旧森家住宅/富山県富山市岩瀬大町93]]
🌐 関連リンク: [富山市 旧森家住宅](🔗 https://www.city.toyama.lg.jp/kankoubunka/bunkazai/kyumorike/index.html)
- Shipping Agent's House, Former Baba Family (Kyubabake):
Alongside the Mori family residence, this building also retains the atmosphere of its era, exuding the dignity of the Baba family, who were active Kitamaebune shipowners. The impressive structure and the historical aroma emanating from it are among the true pleasures of strolling through Higashi-Iwase.
Around these historic buildings, narrow alleys and houses with black walls line the streets, making you feel as if you've slipped back in time. Why not take a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone paths and reflect on the bygone era when seafood and culture freely exchanged?
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Explore with Toyama Light Rail! A Retro-Modern Stroll Recommendation
For access to Higashi-Iwase, we recommend using the Toyama Light Rail (Portram) from Toyama Station. The Portram, which connects Toyama Station North Exit to Iwasehama Station, is a nostalgic yet modern streetcar linking the city and the port town. From its windows, the scenery of Toyama City gradually changes, building anticipation for your destination.
Once you alight at Iwasehama Station, you'll find yourself in a retro port town. It's a compact area perfect for walking, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
- Iwase Canal Hall:
This is a multi-purpose facility located right by Iwasehama Station. It serves as the departure and arrival point for the Fugan Canal Cruise, and inside you'll find exhibits on the history of Toyama Port, shops selling local souvenirs, and a cafe offering light meals. It's a great place to stop for a break during your walk.
[[MAP: 岩瀬カナル会館/富山県富山市岩瀬古志町59-1]]
🌐 関連リンク: [富山観光ナビ 岩瀬カナル会館](🔗 https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/?p=268)
- Toyama Port Observation Deck:
Located near Iwase Canal Hall, this observation deck offers panoramic views of Toyama Port. On clear days, you can even see the Tateyama Mountain Range. By viewing the ships coming and going in the harbor, the distant sea, and the historic townscape from above, you can grasp the full picture of Higashi-Iwase.
- Fugan Canal Cruise:
This is a cruise ship that connects Iwasehama to Fugan Canal Park near Toyama Station. Cruising along the beautiful canal and passing through the historic Nakajima Lock Gate is truly an extraordinary experience. The cityscapes viewed from the water reveal a different charm than those seen from land. It's not just a mode of transport, but a wonderful sightseeing activity in itself.
[[MAP: 富岩水上ライン岩瀬カナル会館発着所/富山県富山市岩瀬古志町59-1]]
🌐 関連リンク: [富岩水上ライン](🔗 https://fugan-suijo-line.jp/)
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Port Town Flavors! Exquisite Gourment and Souvenirs to Enjoy in Higashi-Iwase
When visiting a port town, sampling local delicacies is a must. Higashi-Iwase offers a variety of dishes made with fresh seafood, traditional Japanese sweets, and perfect souvenirs.
- Masuzushi from "Masuzuya":
Masuzushi (trout sushi) is a famous specialty of Toyama, and Higashi-Iwase is home to the long-established "Masuzuya." With over 100 years of history, this shop's Masuzushi features an exquisite balance of thick-cut trout and specially seasoned sushi rice. Enjoy it during your trip or take it home as a souvenir—either way, savor Toyama's delicious flavor to the fullest.
[[MAP: 満寿屋/富山県富山市岩瀬大町106]]
🌐 関連リンク: [満寿屋](🔗 https://masuzuya.co.jp/)
- Kombu-jime (kelp-cured seafood) and more from "Otsukaya":
Toyama is deeply rooted in kelp culture. At Otsukaya, you'll find a wide selection of local specialties, including "kombu-jime," fresh seafood cured in kelp. You're sure to find the perfect dish, whether for a snack with drinks or as a side for rice.
[[MAP: 大塚屋/富山県富山市岩瀬大町114]]
🌐 関連リンク: [大塚屋](🔗 http://otsukaya.biz/)
- Retro coffee shops and cafes:
Within the historic townscape, you'll also find traditional coffee shops and stylish cafes renovated from old folk houses. We recommend stopping by during your stroll to enjoy local coffee or sweets and spend some relaxing time.
Through the local flavors, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of Higashi-Iwase's culture and the lives of its people.
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Enhance Your Higashi-Iwase Stay! Accommodation and Nearby Tourist Information
While Higashi-Iwase can certainly be enjoyed as a day trip, why not combine it with sightseeing spots within Toyama City and its surroundings to plan a multi-day stay?
Recommended Accommodation in Toyama City
Around Toyama Station, there's a wide range of accommodations, from business hotels and city hotels to charming ryokan. Since Higashi-Iwase is conveniently accessible from Toyama Station by Toyama Light Rail in about 20 minutes, we recommend making the area around Toyama Station your base.
- Recommended Accommodation Websites:
- [じゃらんnet](🔗 https://www.jalan.net/)
- [楽天トラベル](🔗 https://travel.rakuten.co.jp/)
- [Booking.com](🔗 https://www.booking.com/)
Please use these websites to find a hotel that suits your travel style and budget.
Sightseeing Spots Around Toyama City
We'll also introduce spots within Toyama City that you might want to visit along with Higashi-Iwase.
- Fugan Canal Park:
This beautiful park is within walking distance from Toyama Station and is famous for its Starbucks, often called the most beautiful in the world, and the "Tenmon-kyo Bridge" with an observation deck. Since it's connected to Higashi-Iwase by the Fugan Canal Cruise, a combined sightseeing trip is smooth and enjoyable.
[[MAP: 富岩運河環水公園/富山県富山市湊入船町]]
- Toyama Glass Art Museum:
It features a beautiful building designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, and its collection of contemporary glass art is truly impressive. Here, you can experience a modern side of Toyama, contrasting with the retro atmosphere of Higashi-Iwase.
[[MAP: 富山ガラス美術館/富山県富山市西町5番1号]]
🌐 関連リンク: [富山ガラス美術館](🔗 https://toyamaglass-art-museum.jp/)
- Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art:
Located right next to Fugan Canal Park, it exhibits artworks related to Toyama Prefecture, as well as masterpieces by artists like Picasso and Chagall. From the rooftop, you can also enjoy spectacular views of the Tateyama Mountain Range.
[[MAP: 富山県美術館/富山県富山市木場町3-20]]
🌐 関連リンク: [富山県美術館](🔗 https://tad-toyama.jp/)
By visiting these spots, you'll discover the multifaceted charm of Toyama City. Toyama Light Rail, city trams, and buses are convenient for getting around.
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Summary
We hope that your interest in Higashi-Iwase, sparked by the YouTube short video, has grown into concrete travel plans through this article. With its historic townscape that prospered from Kitamaebune ships, retro-modern strolls accessible by Toyama Light Rail, and exquisite port town cuisine, Higashi-Iwase is a special place that offers many discoveries and profound impressions to its visitors.
On your next trip to Toyama, please do visit Higashi-Iwase and experience its atmosphere, the weight of its history, and the warmth of its people. It is sure to become an unforgettable memory deeply etched in your heart.
We will continue to introduce more charming spots in Toyama. Please look forward to them!
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[PR] 🚌 To Toyama by highway bus! (Rakuten Travel) → [Search for buses](🔗 https://travel.rakuten.co.jp/bus/)
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