Sogawa Shopping Street - Image 1
1 / 10

Sogawa Shopping Street

3.8
·308 reviews·Toyama, Japan

A local shopping street in Toyama offering diverse dining, a charming grocery store, and a unique arcade seating experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Experience local life

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Sogawa Shopping Street - Image 1

Sogawa Shopping Street

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Experience local life

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A local shopping street in Toyama offering diverse dining, a charming grocery store, and a unique arcade seating experience.

3.8
(308 reviews)

"This is an open dining space in Toyama. My favorite curry restaurant is here."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Curry Corner

Curry Corner

A local favorite for delicious curry, offering a comforting and flavorful dining experience.

Reddit
Grocery Store & Cafe

Grocery Store & Cafe

Discover a charming grocery store featuring a cafe, bakery, and yakiniku, plus delightful melon ice cream.

Reddit
Unique Butcher Shop

Unique Butcher Shop

Explore a butcher shop with tempting meat displays, though dining experiences can be inconsistent.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Sogawa Shopping Street offers a taste of local life with diverse dining and unique shops. Arrive during peak hours for the liveliest atmosphere, but be aware that some spaces might be vacant, especially on weekday evenings. Reddit

Dining Delights & Potential Pitfalls

While known for its curry and a cute grocery store with a cafe and bakery, some visitors have noted a decline in restaurant variety and issues with food temperature or preparation. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Experience local life
Crowd
Low
When
Lunchtime
Why
Potentially busier dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Toyama,Japan It is a spectacular spot where you can see the valley surrounded by the mountains of Toyama in Japan. This is a secret spot that is not listed in the tourist book. If you want to go please send me a DM. #japannature #japantravelguide #naturelife #beautifulriver #絶景スポット #死ぬまでに行きたい日本の絶景 #富山おすすめ #国内旅行 #田舎の風景
@i_saw_this__
287.9K likes • 1.3M views

🎯 Explore the Arcade Seating

Enjoy the unique continuity of indoor/outdoor seating that blends with the city arcade. Reddit :cityscape:

🍦 Don't Miss the Melon Ice Cream

This sweet treat from the grocery store is a must-try for a refreshing delight. Reddit :ice_cream:

A hidden gem in Japan you must see with your own eyes <3! Mt Tateyama is in Toyama prefecture and is said to be the Switzerland of Japan! It’s so beautiful and if you love hiking it’s a must visit for sure!! The whole Tateyama Alpine Route requires you to take 6 different transportations throughout the journey (I believe it’s also possible to hike instead of taking some of the transportations) but...
@mariseki
110.2K likes • 474.9K views
Jizo Dori Shopping Street is a lovely street with plenty of local culture and great photo opportunities. Head over around mid morning and spend a couple of hours strolling around and sampling some of the locally made snacks. You could even buy some red underwear for good luck from the famous Maruji store! Bonus points if you spot the Sugamo duck mascot:) Jizo Dori Shopping Street Sugamo Toshima k...
secondhandtokyo
396 likes • 12K views

🧐 Check Restaurant Variety

Some visitors note fewer restaurant options than before; check current offerings. Reddit :information_desk:

💰 Cash for Local Trains

If venturing to nearby attractions like Kurobe Gorge, remember some local trains are cash-only. TikTok :moneybag:

Explore this shopping street gem in Tokyo with @japancrate 😍✨ Tag someone you want to go shopping with in Tokyo!❤️ 📍Yanaka, Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
tokyo.explores
3.3K likes • 127.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Explore the Arcade Seating

Enjoy the unique continuity of indoor/outdoor seating that blends with the city arcade. Reddit :cityscape:

🍦 Don't Miss the Melon Ice Cream

This sweet treat from the grocery store is a must-try for a refreshing delight. Reddit :ice_cream:

🧐 Check Restaurant Variety

Some visitors note fewer restaurant options than before; check current offerings. Reddit :information_desk:

💰 Cash for Local Trains

If venturing to nearby attractions like Kurobe Gorge, remember some local trains are cash-only. TikTok :moneybag:

What Travellers Say

3.8
(308 reviews)

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. Reddit+2

"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

Local atmosphere
Melon ice cream
Unique seating

What People Dislike

Fewer restaurants
Food quality issues
Quiet evenings

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. TikTok For direct access to the shopping street itself, local buses or a short taxi ride from Toyama Station are recommended. TikTok

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. TikTok Consider checking local transit apps for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

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. TikTok From Toyama Station, you can then use local transport to reach the shopping street. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🍽️ 🛍️ 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. Reddit+2 You might also find unique local goods and snacks. Instagram

Popular food choices include curry restaurants, a grocery store cafe with baked goods, and a butcher shop offering set meals. Reddit+2 Visitors have also enjoyed the melon ice cream. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The street itself offers a glimpse into local Japanese life, with its arcade seating and shopfronts providing interesting photographic opportunities. Reddit Look for unique architectural details and the general atmosphere of the arcade. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sogawa Shopping Street can be a pleasant stop for families, especially if you're looking for casual dining options. The grocery store with its cafe and bakery offers a variety of treats, including the highly recommended melon ice cream, which kids are sure to enjoy. Reddit The open dining space with shared seating also provides a relaxed environment for families to eat together. Reddit While the street might not have dedicated play areas, the novelty of exploring local shops and trying different snacks can be engaging for children. Consider visiting during less crowded times to ensure a more comfortable experience for everyone. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Sogawa Shopping Street offers budget-friendly options for travelers. While some restaurants might have mixed reviews on value, the grocery store cafe and bakery provide affordable choices for snacks and light meals. Reddit Exploring the street itself is free, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere without spending money. Reddit If you're planning to visit nearby attractions like the Kurobe Gorge Railway, remember that local trains can be cash-only, so carrying some yen is advisable. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Kurobe Gorge Railway

A short journey from Sogawa Shopping Street, the Kurobe Gorge Railway offers a breathtaking scenic train ride through Japan's deepest gorge. This iconic attraction is a must-do for nature lovers and photographers, especially during autumn when the foliage is vibrant. TikTok The railway operates from April to November, with the autumn colors typically peaking in late October and early November. TikTok

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. TikTok Be aware that some local trains might be cash-only, so it's wise to have some yen on hand. TikTok 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. TikTok

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. TikTok Planning your visit during the shoulder seasons can help avoid the largest crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. TikTok

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

For those seeking grand mountain vistas, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a spectacular option accessible from the Toyama region. Often referred to as the 'Switzerland of Japan,' this route offers a unique journey through diverse alpine landscapes, including dramatic snow walls in spring and refreshing cool air in summer. TikTok+1

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. TikTok Murodo, at 2,450 meters above sea level, is a highlight, providing stunning panoramic views and a welcome escape from summer heat. TikTok It's a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts who want to experience the raw beauty of the Japanese Alps. TikTok

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, TikTok and from there, local transport can take you to the various access points for the route. TikTok 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. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2