Toyama Prefecture Facts for Kids

Toyama in Japan-sea coast

Map of Toyama Prefecture.

Flag of Toyama Prefecture

Symbol of Toyama Prefecture

Toyama Prefecture (富山県 (Toyama-ken)) is a special area in Japan. It is called a prefecture. You can find it in the Chūbu region on the big island of Honshū. The main city, or capital, of Toyama is Toyama City.

History of Toyama
Geography and Nature
- Industry and Economy
- Natural Parks to Explore
Important Shrines and Temples
Related Information
Images for kids
See also

History of Toyama

The land that is now Toyama Prefecture used to be known as Etchū Province a long time ago.

Around the 1950s, a health problem called the Itai-itai disease happened in Toyama. This was caused by water that had become dirty with a metal called cadmium. This pollution came from mining activities. It was a serious issue that taught people about protecting the environment.

Geography and Nature

Toyama Prefecture is surrounded by other prefectures and the sea. To its west is Ishikawa Prefecture. To the northeast, you'll find Niigata Prefecture. Nagano Prefecture is to the southeast, and Gifu Prefecture is to the south. To the north, Toyama touches the Sea of Japan.

One of the most famous mountains in Toyama is Mount Tate. It is a very tall and beautiful mountain.

Toyama is well-known for its amazing mountains and for having lots of fish from the sea. Some famous foods from Toyama include Trout sushi (ますずし, masu-zushi) and firefly squid (ほたるいか, hotaru-ika). Toyama is also famous for growing many tulip flowers.

Industry and Economy

Toyama is an important place for factories and businesses. Companies like YKK and Sankyo Aluminum are here. They use cheap electricity that comes from the many rivers flowing down from the high mountains. This makes Toyama a strong industrial area.

Natural Parks to Explore

About 30% of Toyama Prefecture's land is protected as natural parks. This helps keep the beautiful nature safe. One of these big parks is the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park. It's a great place to see mountains and wildlife.

Important Shrines and Temples

Toyama has many old and important religious sites. Some of the main Shinto shrines, called ichinomiya, are Takase taisha, Keta jinja, and Oyama jinja. These are special places for local people.