Toyama
The former castle town of Toyama serves as a gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Plenty of folkcraft villages, reconstructed castle towers and traditional medicine shops dot the landscapes of the city, set against a stunning backdrop of mountains.
Plenty of day trips can be done while you are based in Toyama. For instance, you can make a visit to Kurobe Gorge with a sightseeing train, or visit the UNESCO-listed mountain farmhouses such as Shirakawago and Gokayama.