Hotel Kureha Plaza Toyama

... design!

I was told that each room of the hotel is uniquely designed. Each room reflects a theme. Unfortunately, their website doesn't show any of their rooms. Only hotel guests have a privilege to see them.

There is a library on the second floor of the building, where you can take a look at books on art and architecture.

I really wish to come back for lunch and spa!

Soba restaurant "Takano" that stands on the half way of the two main streets of Yatsuo, I heard, is famous among soba manias. Soba plant is cultivated by Yatsuo farmers, so there are many soba restaurant that serve locally made soba noodles.



You cannot leave Yatsuo without having soba!!

Kamaboko is one of the specialties in Toyama. It used to be a must for festive occasions such as weddings and betrothals. FIsh shaped kamaboko is the most popular one. Kamaboko is made from fish meat. Fish meat is kneaded and shaped into a fish shape, which I think is quite ironic...

We visited "Kamaboko Museum" annexed to Umekama kamaboko factory. A president of the company came to see us and the ...

... means you can lay down to see the stars!

I have never actually seen this kind of huge telescope before. You can spot a star even in the daylight. At night you can see stars and moon in details. I really want to come back to see stars and moon at night! The staff told me that one of the stars that is the most popular is Saturn as you can often see the rings!! It must be pretty exciting to see it!!

... as a side dish of curry & rice.

There was a museum of old checking station in Inotani. It's too bad that Inotani checking station no more remains. It could be a great sightseeing spot if we are actually able to see the station.

The hightlight of the day was viewing Tokoniji Falls. Although I've never heard about the place, I thought it ...

... they preserved a traditional architectural style. A man in a yukata was showing how they used to make medicine traditionally. He was using a uniquely shaped wooded machine to round pieces of medicine.


There are many different types of medicines on sale at the store. They are nicely packaged for souvenirs.

Mori Residence (the town of Iwase, Toyama)
It is a home of Kitamae-bune trade vessel agency. Up until the Edo era, the town of Iwase was thriving with kitamae-bune trade. The town is reminiscent of those times. Mori Residence is one of those houses that you can accually go ...

... especially with sushi!

Iwase is a harbor town which was once prosperous with Kitamae-bune trade vessels during the Edo Era. The streets with shipping agencies are reminiscent of the past. Many luxurious houses still remain on this street.

Hokuriku Bank in Iwase


It is renovated when LRT (Light Rail Train) was opened. Their exterior matches with the streetscape of Iwase. It's so neat!

... in the downtown. If this were in Canada, no one would help out but they would certainly steal the shovels!" I guess that is a bit cynical on my part but I'm certain that a set up like this would not last at home -- the shovels would be stolen and the box vandalized. Our time in Toyama is slowly winding down. After a brief trip to an onsen this weekend, we will be making our way back to Tokyo for our last few days.

... took the bullet train from Echogo-Yuzawa to Tokyo, with the help of Kei, the guy I was sitting next to. We decided that we wanted to stay in a capsule hotel in Tokyo but Barry, the professor was kind of being a dick and told his son and nephew he wanted to get off at a sooner stop so i went along with it. We ended up walking around the red light district of tokyo for about 3 hours without being able to find a room. I decided around 1 am ...