Explore the seaside of Uozu, Japan, featuring coastal scenery, local landmarks, and relaxing spots by the sea.
Mirage
One of the Few Precious Locations for Mirage Viewing in the Country
Uozu has been known as a famous place for mirages since before the Edo period. A mirage is a natural phenomenon in which light is refracted and appears when conditions such as temperature and wind align; its form changes from moment to moment, and it is said that the same sight can never be seen twice. In spring (April–May), a “spring mirage” appears as a virtual image above the actual landscape, while in winter (November–March), a “winter mirage” appears below it. Spring mirages in particular occur infrequently, and Uozu is known nationwide as one of the few precious locations where they can be observed.
location
Muraki Teibowari, Uozu City, Toyama Pref. (Around Uozu Fishing Port)
transport
Uozu Community Bus (Loop): Get off at “Umi-no-eki Shinkiro” (Seaside Station “Shinkiro”).
Uozu Aquarium
Japan’s Oldest Aquarium
Uozu Aquarium exhibits approx. 330 species of aquatic life, mainly from Toyama Bay, under the themes “From the mountain streams of the Northern Alps to the deep sea of the Sea of Japan” and “Exploring Toyama Bay through science.” It marked its 100th anniversary in 2013 and is the oldest existing aquarium in Japan. Inside the facility is Japan’s first acrylic underwater tunnel, and diver feeding demonstrations in the large Toyama Bay tank as well as fish shows are held. Highlights also include hands-on pools and the sight of seals and penguins being fed in the outdoor pools.
location
1390 Sanga, Uozu City, Toyama Pref.
transport
Approx. 15-min walk from Nishi-Uozu Station on the Toyama Chihou Railway
Uozu Community Bus (Loop): Get off at “Suizokukan-mae” (Uozu Aquarium).
9:00am - 5:00pm
Closed: Year-end and New Year’s holidays, Every Monday from December 1 to March 15.
info
Admission: Adult (High school students or older) 1,000 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 500 yen, Preschoolers (3 years and older) 200 yen
The Uozu Buried Forest Museum allows visitors to learn about and experience the mysteries of nature known as “buried forests” and “mirages.” A major feature is that the buried forest, designated a Special Natural Monument of Japan, is preserved and exhibited at the very site where it was excavated. In the main exhibition hall, visitors can experience the buried forest, while in the dry exhibition hall they can touch it directly. On the second floor, the high-vision hall introduces mirages and the natural environment of Uozu through video presentations on one of the largest screens (300-inches) on the Sea of Japan coast.
location
Uozu Community Bus (Loop): Get off at “Uozu Maibotsurin Hakubutsukan” (Uozu Buried Forest Museum).
transport
Uozu Community Bus (Loop): Get off at “Uozu Maibotsurin Hakubutsukan” (Uozu Buried Forest Museum).
Open: 9:00am - 5:00pm (Admission until 4:30pm)
Closed: Thursdays from December 1 to March 15, Year-end and New Year’s holidays
info
Admission: Adult (High school students or older) 640 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 260 yen (Free admission for elementary and junior high school students on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Seaside Road with Spectacular Views of Sea and Mountains
Mirage Road is an approx. 8 km route running north–south along the coastline of Uozu City. Along the way stretches Toyama Bay, a member of the “The Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club” and on clear days visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Tateyama mountain range in the Northern Alps, including Mt. Sogadake and the Kekachi Three Peaks. Tourist attractions such as the Uozu Aquarium, Mirage Land, and the Buried Forest Museum are situated along the route, making it ideal for driving, cycling, and jogging. During the mirage season, many sightseers visit, and the road is also popular as a course for marathons and cycling events.
Ariso Dome
An Arena with Panoramic Views of Uozu’s Cityscape
The arena, equipped with a 46-meter-tall observation tower, serves as a community hub in Uozu City where industry, sports, and culture come together. Named after “Ariso,” an alternative name for Toyama Bay, it was developed as a multifunctional complex combining industrial exhibitions and sports facilities. Inside, visitors can enjoy a variety of indoor sports, while the training room and studios on the second floor offer programs tailored to individual goals under the guidance of professional instructors. From the observation tower, visitors can take in panoramic views of Uozu’s cityscape and natural surroundings, making the facility suitable for a wide range of uses including sightseeing, exercise, and events.
location
2898-3 Kitaonie, Uozu City, Toyama Pref.
transport
Uozu Community Bus (Loop): Get off at “Ariso Dome-mae.”
Weekday: 8:30am - 9:30pm, Sundays and holidays: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Closed: Tuesdays (When Tuesday is a holiday, the following weekday), Year-end and New Year’s holidays
Our information staff introduce not only Uozu City but also the attractions of the wider Niikawa region. In addition to the tourist information counter and the rental cycle service “Miracle,” a new rest area has been established. The facility is equipped with free Wi-Fi and power outlets, allowing visitors to relax comfortably while enjoying views of the Tateyama mountain range. Inside, large touch-panel digital signage has been installed, enabling easy searches for a wide range of information, including tourist spots in Uozu City, local specialties, events, and history. We invite you to use this facility as a convenient base for sightseeing.
location
1-1 Shakado, Uozu City, Toyama Pref.
transport
Close to Uozu Station on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway
Mirage Land, located within Uozu General Park, is the only amusement park in Toyama Prefecture and a popular spot enjoyed by families and children. From its 66-meter-tall giant Ferris wheel—one of the largest on the Sea of Japan coast—visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Toyama Bay and the Tateyama mountain range at the same time. The park also features a highly popular five-level wooden maze and a viking ride favored by couples, for a total of 16 attractions.
In addition, there are many free facilities, including an adventure playground and a fluffy dome, as well as a barbecue area with ocean views, a petting farm offering horseback riding experiences, free rest areas, and snack stands. During the summer season, a seawater pool opens, complete with a children’s pool and water slides, making the park enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
transport
Uozu Cummunity Bus (Loop): Get off at “Suizokukan-guchi” (Aquarium) and walk about 5 min.
hours
Mid March – end of November: 9:00am – 4:30pm
Mid July – end of August: 9:00am – 5:00pm *Closed every Wednesday
info
Admission: free
Rides: Buy some tickets and provide the required number of tickets at each attraction.
Seaside Station “Shinkiro” is a sightseeing hub located right by Uozu Port, where visitors can both eat and shop for seafood. The facility features Janto-koi Market, a direct sales market offering fresh seafood landed at Uozu Port, seasonal farm produce, Toyama’s famous sweets, and local handicrafts, as well as dining options where visitors can enjoy the local specialty bai-meshi (seasoned rice dish cooked with whelks) and other fish dishes. A morning market is held on the fourth Sunday of every month, with morning market set meals and grilled seafood being especially popular. The site also serves as a bicycle rental base and offers spectacular views of Toyama Bay, along with opportunities to observe mirages.
“Discover Uozu” is a website that disseminates tourism information and attractions of Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture.
Uozu Tourism and Town Development Co., Ltd.
〒937-0067 1-13-11 Shakado, Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture 3rd Floor, Niikawa Shinkin Bank Uozu Ekimae Branch https://uozu-machi.com/ *For visitors, please use the Uozu Station South Municipal Parking Lot.
