Tokyo and Toyama are directly connected with each other by the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen. The one way ride takes approximately two hours, costs around 12,500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass.
The one way trip between Tokyo and Toyama by highway bus takes about seven hours and costs between 5,000 and 8,500 yen depending on the bus company and the date of travel. There are daytime and overnight buses. Discount bus operators, such as Willer Express, offer one way fares from around 4,500 yen. If used effectively, the Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost for the bus trip to around 3,000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online.
ANA operates several flights per day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Toyama Airport. Flight time is one hour. The regular one way fare is about 26,000 yen, however, discount tickets for around 13,000 to 14,000 yen are usually available. Buses connect Toyama Airport with Toyama Station (25 minutes, 420 yen one way).
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Toyama City is a modestly sized city with Toyama Station as its transport hub. The station is served not only by the shinkansen, but also by several other train lines, trams and buses. Toyama's downtown area is relatively compact, with many of the main attractions such as the castle and the glass art museum situated south of Toyama Station. The city is walkable for strong walkers; others will find the tram network convenient for getting around the city.
The tram network consists of six lines which all depart from or pass through Toyama Station. The fare is 210 yen per ride. Major IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo and Icoca can be used on trams in Toyama. There are also two local IC cards, ecomyca and passca, which are worth mentioning because they can be used to ride the trams for only 180 yen per ride. This discounted fare does not apply when using other IC cards.
Toyama Airport is located about five kilometers south of the city center and connected to Toyama Station by bus (25 minutes, 420 yen one way). The bus also stops at the castle park along the way.
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