This trip is one that, if you are in Toyama City, would be absolutely crazy if you didn't go. Kansui Park also known as Canal Park is the place where Toyama used to receive all of its shipments by ship before the advent of truck logistics and modern road systems.
After the need was not there anymore for a port in the middle of the city, the kind people of Toyama decided to remodel the area into Toyama's most well known park. It is extremely beautiful, full of nature, and has great architecture. The park is also conveniently located only a short walk from the north exit of Toyama Station. I go there at least four to five times a week, just to enjoy the scenery and nice atmosphere. I wouldn't describe many parks as fancy but this one certainly fits the bill. On the other side of the station we will explore Toyama Castle, and the surrounding park.
The park is fantastic in all seasons. In the winter it is illuminated with Christmas lights.
In the spring the park is full of cherry blossoms, and the people of Toyama head there in droves to celebrate the beautiful scenery. Summer is great for walking and kids can play in the fountains. There are even fireworks, during August. Fall comes alive with beautiful seasonal grasses and the fall colors accentuating the beautiful architecture. The air is cool and seems peaceful before the cold winter sets in.
For this particular stroll around the park we were fortunate to have perfectly clear brisk fall weather. The mountains could be seen in all their glory from a distance. Giant snow capped peaks off in the sky. There were no clouds in sight, as the sun glistened on
the canal and shimmered off of the Intec building in the city scenery. Women were with their children, enjoying walks. Birds were singing and flying about. It was a really fantastic day as we enjoyed the fall colors and beautiful weather. The waterfall located at the beginning of the park was particularly beautiful as the light reflected in the mist. There are boat tours available on weekend that go to the ocean if you want the full experience.
The focal point of the park would have to be the rather giant bridge in the center of
the park. There are two observation towers on each end, and really good views of the city can be seen on nice days. You can even communicate across the bridge on an old school style can phone. It has concrete steps and a full wooden bridge stretching across. From the top of the bridge, it overlooks the Toyama landscape. A city with staggering mountains arising in the background. Many couples can usually be seen on the bridge and around the park. If there is a romantic park Kansui park would be it.
The park is really great at night in my opinion as well. There are small lights everywhere, including some colored lights shining on the tress. It becomes a really great ambience and atmosphere. Many walkers, couples, and runners can be seen every night it is not raining. If it is night time or day time you will not be disappointed by this beautiful park. It also holds many different events on the weekends, if you are lucky to catch one. I would also recommend checking out the city gym right in the park. It also is really beautiful and modern as everything in this area seems to be. This park definitely takes a break from all of the nature and country side of Toyama. It is a beautiful, modern, in the city, and yes I will say it fancy park. If somebody is in Toyama they have to go here. It is free, there is just
a short walk required. It is just a really cool park to be, whether you want to go for twenty minutes or three hours.
Let us venture to the other side of the Toyama Station. If you head out of the South Exit and make your way towards the tall ANA hotel, the tallest hotel in the area clearly marked by the large ANA, you will easily find the Toyama Castle. The castle while not original is
a located in a large traditional style japanese park and while not modern stays beautiful with its tradition Japanese style. If anyone is interested in the samurai era history of Toyama, or classic traditional Japanese art this is a fantastic place to go. I also often visit this park to exercise at the playground in the spring, summer, and fall.
The castle itself was destroyed a long time ago by rivaling families in the area. Toyama was in the center of very powerful Dynasties. What stands today is a reconstruction. According to the tour guide, the castle was once much larger and more area encompassing of
the general area. What is left is simply a model and a tribute to Toyama's long ago history. On the outside, Toyama Castle, while not as large as other prefectures, looks very beautiful in its white color and fits into the city landscape with ease. There are lakes out front of
the castle with fountains, and at night the castle is illuminated in different colors, a scene on the local news. During the warm seasons, there are also often festivals held in the area if you are lucky to catch one. In winter, the front of the lakes have a nice illumination that looks beautiful in Toyama's frequent snows. The park is big and open and a wonderful place for a stroll on a nice day.
This was the first time I had actually been into the castle. Inside are two floors of exhibits about Toyama's royal history and also on the third floor an observation deck. The cost to enter was about 500 yen and it was well worth it. We enjoyed learning about the rivaling families in the area that Toyama was in the center of. There are many ruins and artifacts also found from extensive excavating on display. I was surprised how deep they were finding the things, from a very long time ago. There are exhibits showcasing famous Toyama historical figures, and politicians. One piece of history showcased a extremely tall hat I could not figure out how someone could possibly wear. There were also scale models of how big the royal grounds used to be. I was stunned to see just how big of an area it used to occupy. The coolest thing I thought in the castle museum was a 3d projection mapping display that told the history of Toyama, I could not understand everything it said by any means, but the presentation, lighting, and atmosphere the display conveyed was second to none.
There is also an under construction Japanese garden coming in the spring. There is an art museum close to there that you can enjoy a really great deal. There is a special tea room where you can enjoy Matcha for only 500 yen with an extremely delicious Japanese sweet, I was really shocked because the room where you drink the tea is just pure Japanese beauty with a view into the new garden. There is also a house in the room, if you want to drink your Matcha in a traditional tea house. This is one of the best deals in Toyama for doing something fancy. Also if you have not tried Matcha it is a bitter green tea, with lots of green flavor. It is finely whipped and just really delicious. If you are just in Toyama for
a day or two, do not miss out on Kansui Park and Toyama Castle, one is very modern and one is very traditional, but both are great.