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【2025 Latest】Limited Operation “Burikani Bus” Ride Experience Report! Complete Guide to Reservations, Boarding Points, and Tips

toyama burikani bus

“In winter in Toyama, I want to enjoy seasonal gourmet food and stunning scenery!”
The ultimate answer to this wish is the Burikani Bus.

This bus provides direct access from Toyama Station to port-town gourmet spots—no complicated transfers or driving required.
By reading this article, you’ll understand everything: how to reserve, boarding points, fares, important tips, and an actual ride report so you can plan the perfect Toyama trip.

 

▼What is the Burikani Bus (as of November 2025)
・Much easier than trains! Direct access to your desired spots.
・Amazing views from the bus—don’t forget your camera.
・“Free Pass” (1-day / 2-day) makes getting on and off even more cost-effective.

Note: Features may vary depending on which bus you ride.

 

What Is the Toyama Burikani Bus?

ぶりかにバスチラシ

The Toyama Burikani Bus is a convenient seasonal sightseeing bus connecting Toyama Station ↔︎ Shinminato Area ↔︎ Himi Area.
It operates during the prime seasons for Benizuwai crab (fishing opens each year on September 1) and Himi Kanburi yellowtail, which is at its best from late November to around February.

For 2025, the bus runs on specific dates from Friday, October 3, 2025, to Monday, March 30, 2026.
Please note that there is no service from Tuesday to Thursday.
For details, please check the official operating calendar:https://www.chitetsu.co.jp/?p=78577

【Travel Tip】
If you are heading from Himi Banya-gai toward Wakura Onsen, transferring to the Waku Liner is very convenient.
Also, from November 2025, 16 seats on each bus can now be reserved. The fare is the same as non-reserved seating, so booking your seat in advance is highly recommended. You can make reservations here.
 

How to Use the Toyama Burikani Bus

The Toyama Burikani Bus requires advance reservations.
ぶりかにバス
On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the first departure from Toyama Station was almost full.
If seats are still available on the day, you may board without a reservation (cash payment upon getting off).
However, after the “Himi Kanburi Declaration” is announced by the Himi Fish Brand Promotion Council—usually from late November to late January—the buses are expected to be very crowded.
 
To avoid the disappointment of “I woke up early but couldn’t get on the bus…,” it’s best to reserve in advance using one of the options below.

How to Reserve the Toyama Burikani Bus

There are two ways to make a reservation. Booking online is the most convenient.
On the day of travel, simply show your ticket or the ticket screen on your smartphone.
 

❶ Online reservation via “Japan Bus Online” (Recommended)

https://japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/11801010008

❷ Phone reservation via Toyama Chitetsu Ticket Center

TEL: 076-442-8122 (9:00–18:00)

 
If seats remain, same-day reservations are also possible.
Payments onboard are cash only, but if you reserve in advance, you can complete the payment quickly on your smartphone—very convenient!

The “Toyama Burikani Bus Free Pass” – Convenient & Great Value!

富山ぶりかにバスふりーきっぷ
I used the 2-day pass during my trip!

The Toyama Burikani Bus is already convenient on its own,
but for those who want to make the most of it, there are two excellent passes:

1-Day “Shinminato Free Pass” – Unlimited rides between Toyama ↔︎ Shinminato
2-Day “Burikani Bus Free Pass” – Unlimited rides between Toyama ↔︎ Shinminato ↔︎ Himi

Both passes include a ¥500 shopping voucher and a small gift, making them incredibly good value depending on how you use them.
However, the usage rules can be a little confusing, so checking the following in advance will help your trip go smoothly:

❶ Make online reservations (via JapanBusOnline) for all the routes you plan to ride by the day before

11118068121
November 16, 2025 – One-way, 1 person
Toyama Buri-Kani Bus (Kawanoeki Shin-Minato 15:05 → Toyama Ekimae 15:55)
11118068001
November 16, 2025 – One-way, 1 person
Toyama Buri-Kani Bus (Himi Banya-gai 12:30 → Kawanoeki Shin-Minato 13:05)
11118067601
November 15, 2025 – One-way, 1 person
Toyama Buri-Kani Bus (Shin-Minato Kitto Kito Market 13:00 → Himi Banya-gai )
11118067361
November 15, 2025 – One-way, 1 person
Toyama Buri-Kani Bus (Toyama Ekimae 10:00 → Kaiomaru Park 10:35)
Those are my reservation details I made.
Even with a free pass, you may not be able to board if your seat is not reserved.
Make sure to reserve all the routes you plan to ride in advance.

❷ Purchase the Free Pass at the Ticket Center on the Day

富山地鉄乗車券センター
When you arrive at Toyama Station, go to the Toyama Chitetsu Ticket Center on the 1st floor of the Dentetsu Toyama Station Building ESTA to purchase your free pass.
Only cash is accepted, so prepare money in advance.
If you forgot cash, there’s a ATM inside the Omiyage-dokoro Toyama store, right outside the South Exit of Toyama Station—very convenient.

❸ Board the Bus by Giving Your Name

Since your seat is already reserved, simply tell the driver your name when boarding.Seats are unassigned (free seating).

❹ Show Your Free Pass When Getting Off

When you get off the bus, show your free pass to the driver
Keep your pass safe—don’t lose it!

Don’t forget to redeem your shopping coupon and small gift.

It’s best to use them early rather than leaving it for later, so you don’t forget.
Originally 1,774 yen, reduced to 1,274 yen. Very cost-effective!
I bought souvenirs at Shinminato Kittokito Market and received a small gift.

Access to the Burikani Bus Stop

The Burikani Bus departs from Toyama Station South Exit, Stop No. 1.
Exit Toyama Station from the South Exit.
You’ll see the bus terminal in front of you.Walk to the left side, to the stop marked “1”, and wait there.

Bus Facilities

Note: Features may vary depending on the bus.

◼︎Luggage

Small bags: place on the overhead racks or hang on seat hooks.

Large luggage (suitcases, etc.): ask the driver to store it in the bus trunk.


Important: Most sightseeing spots do not have storage for large bags.If returning to Toyama Station, you may consider using coin lockers at the station.If staying overnight at a sightseeing location, send luggage ahead if possible.


◼︎Seats

Bus has 4-seat rows.
Some buses have power outlets or USB ports—useful for charging devices.
In winter, the Tateyama Mountain Range is stunning, so your camera battery may run out quickly. Charging on the bus is reassuring.
To get off, press the stop button above your seat. Even if your seat is reserved, the bus will pass by unless you press the button.

◼︎Other Facilities

No onboard restroom

My Ride Experience

I arrived at Toyama Station at 9:08 a.m. for the 10:00 Burikani Bus.
Time passed quickly while withdrawing cash, buying the free pass, and using the restroom.
At Stop No. 1, there were many people in line, both domestic and international travelers.
I would not have been able to travel if I hadn’t made a reservation in advance on Japan Bus Online.
The 10:00 a.m. bus from Toyama Station is especially crowded, according to the driver.
The first stop was Kaiwomaru Park, where about one-third of passengers got off.

3 Must-See Scenic Spots Accessible by Burikani Bus!

Toyama is not only famous for yellowtail fish, crab, and white shrimp, but also for winter-only scenic views.

◻︎Kaiwomaru Park – White Sailing Ship × Tateyama Mountains × Shinminato Bridge

At Kaiwomaru Park, a seaside park in Toyama, you can enjoy the sight of the pristine white sailing ship Kaiwomaru against the backdrop of the majestic Tateyama Mountain Range and the Shinminato Bridge, one of the largest cable-stayed bridges on the Sea of Japan.
 
The beauty changes depending on the time of your visit, making it one of Toyama’s must-see, most photogenic spots.
Other highlights:
Observation Deck with panoramic views of Toyama Bay
Kaiwo Bird Park: A hidden gem for birdwatching!
Peering through the wall openings, you can see a paradise for wild birds, almost like looking at a painting. You’re sure to lose track of time, completely captivated by the view.
 
◎Basic Information: Kaiwomaru Park
Hours

Park: Open 24 hours
Observation Plaza / Kaiwo Bird Park:
March–June: 9:00–17:00
July–August: 9:00–18:00
September–October: 9:00–17:00
November–February: 9:00–16:00
Closed Park: Open daily
Observation Plaza / Kaiwo Bird Park:
Every Monday (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
New Year Holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Note: The Observation Plaza may close during severe weather.
Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/XGW4JgCr1eiGJT7T6
Phone 0766-82-5181
Official Website https://www.kaiwomaru.jp/

◻︎Uchikawa — “The Venice of Japan”

Uchikawa is affectionately called “the Venice of Japan,” a nostalgic port town with a unique atmosphere.
Fishing boats are moored directly along both sides of the river, creating a charming scene where daily life and tradition flow together.
In winter, the snow-capped Tateyama Mountain Range can also be seen in the distance.
The many unique bridges add to the picturesque landscape like roofed bridges, bridges decorated with art, and more than ten creatively designed bridges built by artists associated with Toyama.
The stained-glass bridge shown in the photo turns beautifully vibrant when illuminated by sunrise or sunset.
Be sure to see it yourself!
 
◎Basic Information: Uchikawa
Hours ー
Closed ー
Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/6DJ25x2zD3uHaU8F7
Phone ー
Official Website https://www.imizu-kanko.jp/special/uchikawa/index.html

◻︎Himinoe Park Observatory — A Panoramic View of the Changing Toyama Bay

Located just steps away from Himi Banya-gai, the Himinoe Park Observatory is the symbolic viewing spot of Himinoe Park.
The observatory offers a sweeping view of Toyama Bay, and on clear days, the Tateyama Mountains appear beyond the water.
The scenery changes dramatically between morning, afternoon, and evening.
In the photo, the small island on the left is Karashima, an uninhabited island about 300 meters offshore from Himi Fishing Port.
Karashima is worshipped as the guardian deity of the port.
Who knows seeing it may bring you a little good fortune.
 
◎ Basic Information: Himinoe Park Observatory
Hours Open 24 hours
Closed ー
Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/UBssGCjD3LKcf4qM6
Phone ー
Official Website ー

The Toyama Burikani Bus — A Must-Ride for Winter Travel in Toyama

The Toyama Burikani Bus is an essential and convenient sightseeing bus for winter trips in Toyama.
Winter brings the very best seafood and seasonal delights, so make the most of your trip by using the bus wisely.

And don’t forget to reserve your seats in advance!
https://japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/11801010008

 
If you want to make a reservation for an expressway bus, Please go to “Japan Bus Online”. The information in this article is current at the time of writing. It may differ from the latest information.    

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Bus Repo Editorial Department

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