Sogawa Shopping Street
A local shopping street in Toyama offering diverse dining, a charming grocery store, and a unique arcade seating experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience local life
Sogawa Shopping Street
Best Time
Experience local life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A local shopping street in Toyama offering diverse dining, a charming grocery store, and a unique arcade seating experience.
"This is an open dining space in Toyama. My favorite curry restaurant is here."
🎯 Explore the Arcade Seating
Enjoy the unique continuity of indoor/outdoor seating that blends with the city arcade. :cityscape:
🍦 Don't Miss the Melon Ice Cream
This sweet treat from the grocery store is a must-try for a refreshing delight. :ice_cream:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Curry Corner
A local favorite for delicious curry, offering a comforting and flavorful dining experience.
Grocery Store & Cafe
Discover a charming grocery store featuring a cafe, bakery, and yakiniku, plus delightful melon ice cream.
Unique Butcher Shop
Explore a butcher shop with tempting meat displays, though dining experiences can be inconsistent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Dining Delights & Potential Pitfalls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore the Arcade Seating
Enjoy the unique continuity of indoor/outdoor seating that blends with the city arcade. :cityscape:
🍦 Don't Miss the Melon Ice Cream
This sweet treat from the grocery store is a must-try for a refreshing delight. :ice_cream:
🧐 Check Restaurant Variety
Some visitors note fewer restaurant options than before; check current offerings. :information_desk:
💰 Cash for Local Trains
If venturing to nearby attractions like Kurobe Gorge, remember some local trains are cash-only. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore the Arcade Seating
Enjoy the unique continuity of indoor/outdoor seating that blends with the city arcade. :cityscape:
🍦 Don't Miss the Melon Ice Cream
This sweet treat from the grocery store is a must-try for a refreshing delight. :ice_cream:
🧐 Check Restaurant Variety
Some visitors note fewer restaurant options than before; check current offerings. :information_desk:
💰 Cash for Local Trains
If venturing to nearby attractions like Kurobe Gorge, remember some local trains are cash-only. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sogawa Shopping Street offers a local experience with some charming spots like its grocery store cafe and curry restaurants. However, visitors have noted a decrease in the variety of dining options and occasional inconsistencies in food quality and temperature. The unique arcade seating is a plus, but weekday evenings can be quiet with vacant stores.
"This is an open dining space in Toyama. My favorite curry restaurant is here. However, they used to have a much larger selection of restaurants. On a recent visit many of their restaurant rental spaces were closed. Hopefully that's temporary, though."
Theron Muller
"A cute grocery store with a cafe, bakery and restaurant options including Yakiniku.
We bought their melon ice cream that was delicious."
Saleem Butt
"good"
mo mo.987.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sogawa Shopping Street is accessible from Toyama Station. You can take a local train on the Toyama Chihou Railway to Unazuki Onsen station if you plan to visit the Kurobe Gorge Railway, which is a nearby attraction. For direct access to the shopping street itself, local buses or a short taxi ride from Toyama Station are recommended.
Yes, Sogawa Shopping Street is generally accessible by public transport. While specific bus routes may vary, it's often a short ride from major transit hubs like Toyama Station. Consider checking local transit apps for the most up-to-date information.
To reach Sogawa Shopping Street from Tokyo, you'll typically take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Toyama Station. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. From Toyama Station, you can then use local transport to reach the shopping street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sogawa Shopping Street is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. You are free to wander and explore the shops and dining establishments.
The general opening hours for the shopping street itself are typically during daylight hours, but individual shop and restaurant hours can vary. It's advisable to check the specific hours for any establishment you plan to visit, especially on weekdays.
While the street itself is free to enter, individual shops and restaurants will have their own pricing for goods and food. Some nearby attractions, like the Kurobe Gorge Railway, do have separate ticket prices.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Sogawa Shopping Street features a mix of local businesses, including a grocery store with a cafe and bakery, a butcher shop, and various dining options. You might also find unique local goods and snacks.
Popular food choices include curry restaurants, a grocery store cafe with baked goods, and a butcher shop offering set meals. Visitors have also enjoyed the melon ice cream.
Information on specific vegetarian or vegan options is limited. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurants at Sogawa Shopping Street about their menu offerings.
While not a primary souvenir destination, you might find local snacks or goods at the grocery store or other shops that could serve as unique mementos of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The street itself offers a glimpse into local Japanese life, with its arcade seating and shopfronts providing interesting photographic opportunities. Look for unique architectural details and the general atmosphere of the arcade.
Photography is generally allowed in public areas of Sogawa Shopping Street. However, always be respectful of private businesses and individuals; it's good practice to ask permission before taking close-up photos of people or inside shops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Kurobe Gorge Railway
To access the railway, visitors often start from Toyama Station, taking the Shinkansen to Shin-Kurobe station, then a local train to Unazuki Onsen station, which is the starting point for the gorge railway. Be aware that some local trains might be cash-only, so it's wise to have some yen on hand. The train journey itself is an experience, winding through tunnels and over bridges with stunning views of the rugged landscape, waterfalls, and the emerald green river below.
While the railway is spectacular, the weather can impact the experience. Some visitors have noted that even on a rainy day, the views can be impressive, though a sunny day is ideal for maximizing the visual splendor. Planning your visit during the shoulder seasons can help avoid the largest crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The Alpine Route is an adventure in itself, requiring multiple modes of transport, including cable cars, buses, and even a trolleybus, to traverse the mountains. Murodo, at 2,450 meters above sea level, is a highlight, providing stunning panoramic views and a welcome escape from summer heat. It's a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts who want to experience the raw beauty of the Japanese Alps.
Reaching the starting points of the Alpine Route is relatively straightforward from Toyama. A bullet train can get you to Toyama in about 2.5 hours from Tokyo, and from there, local transport can take you to the various access points for the route. While the snow walls are a major draw in spring, visiting in summer offers a different kind of beauty with lush greenery and cooler temperatures, making it an excellent alternative for those seeking a mountain escape.




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