Himi(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Itoigawa, the top choice for sea views is Himura Port View Hotel, located directly on Itoigawa Port. Its floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies offer panoramic vistas of the Toyama Bay sunrise and fishing boats returning at dawn. The hotel blends traditional Japanese design with modern comfort, featuring tatami rooms and a rooftop garden. For a more immersive experience, Matsukaze Ryokan offers private onsen baths overlooking the sea, perfect for tranquility and scenic relaxation.

The Itoigawa Port area is ideal for hotel stays due to its proximity to Itoigawa Station and the bustling harbor. Most accommodations here provide free shuttle services to local attractions like Itoigawa Shrine and Toyama Bay Walking Path. The area is also home to numerous seafood restaurants serving fresh catches daily, making it both convenient and rich in local flavor for travelers seeking authenticity and ease of access.

Visitors should not miss the daily morning fish auction at Itoigawa Market, where freshly caught seafood is bid on by local chefs and traders—an authentic glimpse into Japan’s vibrant fishing culture. Additionally, try handmade washi paper workshops at local studios, where you can craft traditional Itoigawa washi lanterns. These activities highlight the town’s heritage in natural materials and craftsmanship.

Must-try dishes include fresh Itoigawa tuna sashimi, known for its rich marbling and buttery texture from the pristine waters of Toyama Bay. Snow crab (kani) is especially delicious in winter, often served steamed or as sushi. Visit Kaiten Yokocho or Sakana no Hana, renowned local eateries that serve seafood caught that very day, ensuring peak freshness and flavor.

Yes, Itoigawa Onsen is highly recommended, with natural hot springs classified as simple water—ideal for sensitive skin and muscle recovery. Matsukaze Ryokan and Itoigawa Port Onsen Spa offer both public baths and private soaking tubs with ocean views. Some facilities feature open-air baths (rotenburo) facing the bay, allowing guests to soak under the stars while listening to waves—a truly serene experience.

The Itoigawa Harbor Walkway, a 2-kilometer seaside path, features playgrounds, observation decks, and scenic viewpoints perfect for families. Nearby, Itoigawa Aquarium showcases unique species from Toyama Bay, including sea urchins and deep-sea fish, with interactive exhibits appealing to children. Itoigawa Municipal Park also offers picnic areas and a small zoo, making it an excellent spot for relaxed outdoor time.

Every January, Itoigawa New Year Festival features traditional kagura dances and spectacular fireworks over the bay. In summer, the Itoigawa Night Light Festival transforms the port into a glowing wonderland with illuminated stalls and music. During autumn, the Itoigawa Autumn Festival celebrates rice harvests with paddy field planting demonstrations and sake tastings, offering a deep dive into rural Japanese life.

Take the Toyama Chihō Railway Itoigawa Line from Toyama Station, which runs every hour and takes about 30 minutes to reach Itoigawa Station. Alternatively, board a Toyama Chihō Railway bus from the station’s main terminal, passing through the Tateyama Tunnel for scenic mountain and bay views—perfect for travelers who appreciate beautiful landscapes during transit.

Evening highlights include strolling through Itoigawa Night Market, where vendors sell grilled octopus, sea urchin rice balls, and local sake. For a peaceful retreat, visit Matsukaze Ryokan’s night-time rotenburo, where you can soak in a private onsen with views of the moonlit bay. The Itoigawa Lighthouse also lights up at dusk, casting a gentle glow across the water—ideal for romantic walks or quiet reflection.

The Itoigawa Lighthouse, with its striking white tower and sea backdrop, is a prime photography spot, especially during golden hour. Itoigawa Shrine’s vermilion torii gate framed by autumn maple trees creates a classic Japanese scene. Don’t miss the Itoigawa Harbor Walkway, where waves and fishing boats form dynamic compositions. Matsukaze Ryokan’s wooden veranda and garden courtyard also offer serene, photogenic settings with traditional architecture.