It was off to visit the most celebrated scene in Toyama. Once again it was rainy and I was not sure how the day would play out. I love the ocean but cold rain and big waves can be intimidating to the best of ocean lovers. The places name is Amaharashi Beach. It is accessed by going to Takaoka Station and from there taking the Himi Line to
the Amaharashi Station. I think the cost will be around 500 yen one way. The beach is world renowned for amazing scenery. There is a beautiful beach and off in the distance is a small island with a singular tree growing from the top of the small island. It has been there as long as anybody remembers and remains a symbol of Toyama beauty. On cold mornings, there is a famous scene of mist arising from the ocean, and as the sun rises over the Tateyama Mountain range, the island is in it's full glory. This picture is often seen everywhere in Toyama. I did not get the chance to see this, but something even more special and rare in my opinion.
We arrived at the beach and as I mentioned it was a rainy day with high winds. I was cold at this point and seriously wondering how long we would stay and if we could even see
the famous island. It was close but at points and time in the day, it was a straight downpour. Sure enough, as soon as we headed to the island the rain stopped as if god was smiling. I was no prepared for what was next. I gazed out to the choppy ocean, and sure enough a rainbow shot out of the sky like magic, and I could see Amaharashi, the famous Toyama Scene, with a vivid rainbow in the background. This was no ordinary rainbow, it was a ocean storm rainbow, with colors like candy, I stood dumbfounded by the beauty.
I had never seen this particular image of the island. Usually rainbows would be short lived, but this lasted well over 30 minutes until we left. It increased in vividness so much at times, I was overwhelmed with rainbow power happiness. I even saw a DOUBLE RAINBOW! While this was a rare phenomenon that many people won't get the chance to see, I still recommend going, as the island on its own is simply beautiful.
We were next off to the botanical garden of Himi, the name Himi-shi Kaihin Shokubutsu En. Continue on the Himi line to Himi Station. From there there are rental bicycles or taxi would be preferable. There are clear maps of how to arrive, only about a five minute bike ride right on the sea side. It is a particular shaped concrete building and hard to miss. I recommend this botanical garden. It is right on the ocean, and the plant species and setup varies greatly from Toyama City's botanical garden. Also if the weather is bad, the majority of things here are exhibited indoors. The staff was really friendly and did their best to accommodate me in English. I believe the entrance fee was 500 yen. There are lots of things outdoors as well during warmer seasons, unfortunately it was rainy and late fall on this particular day so we did not get the chance to see it.
This particular garden seems to specialize in more tropical type plants atmosphere.
There was a also a fantastic cactus section with about forty different cactuses is had never seen and never want to touch. The greenhouse was fully dedicated to tropical fruits and plants and was warm and toasty indoors. There are pineapples, dragon fruit, and many other tropical species including coffee. The whole garden heads in a circle and everything is extremely clean and modern. I remember seeing some type of flower that looked bigger than me. It also smelled fantastic in there. We also tasted, a Okinawa style chili pepper that gave me the feeling I was going to pass out from intense spice. I had a great time as
the tour guide told us a little about each plant and where it was from with lots of humor. We then went into the display room, which showed how ocean pollution, hurts plants and wildlife. People really need to stop throwing garbage in the ocean. Doing this really helps no one, it only damages our earth and pollutes our beaches. Keep garbage out of
the ocean is what I learned. It should be a priority for everyone. We then saw the gardens largest pumpkin. It was an awkward 50 kg and I picked it up because I am a man's man and that pumpkin needed lifted. I had a great time at the botanical garden, if you ride the Himi Line, it would make a great addition to your trip. Upstairs, is a beautiful restaurant, offering lunch with a fantastic ocean view. It was Italian and easily one of the best dining environments I have seen in Toyama. The view of the ocean was truly spectacular. The Himi line is full of interesting things to do. It would make an amazing day trip for anyone interested in a seaside adventure.