“If I ever move somewhere, Toyama might be the place.”
This is the kind of trip you’ll experience with the sightseeing　Bus, “Burikani Bus”, a route filled with snow-covered mountains, stunning bays, and unforgettable seafood.

In this article, I’ll introduce the ultimate 2-day model I took experienced on the Burikani Bus.

▼Trip Overview (as of November 2025)

Let’s set off on a winter trip to Toyama!

 

9：30　Pick up the Burikani Bus 2-Day Free Pass

The bus requires an advance reservation, so be sure to book online before you go.
Walk-up boarding is possible only if seats are available (cash payment on board), but from late November to late January—after the “Himi Kanburi Declaration”, so buses become extremely crowded. Make sure to reserve in advance.

 

10：00　Depart from Toyama Station, Bus Stop No.1

I arrived 10 minutes early and was shocked—a long line was already forming!
This specific departure is especially popular, so reservations really are essential.

The bus was completely full, and I shared a seat with another passenger. With excitement, we headed toward today’s first stop: Kaiwomaru Park.

On the way, we crossed the massive Shinminato Bridge, offering spectacular views of Toyama Bay.

 

10：35　Kaiwomaru Park: A Perfect Trio of Tall Ship, Mountains, and Bridge

We arrived at 10:35, and about a third of the passengers got off here.
The view was breathtaking with the pure-white tall ship Kaiwomaru, towering Tateyama Mountain Range, and the elegant Shinminato Bridge.

The Kaiwomaru ship can be boarded (400 yen for adults), but the vessel was under maintenance that day, so I enjoyed photographing it from every angle.

My personal favorite spot is the Observation Plaza, a short but steep climb up the stairs.

Another hidden gem is the Kaiwo Bird Park, tucked quietly in the woods on the way to the next stop. 

The lower observation area offers a unique peek into a calm natural habitat of wild birds—a serene and almost magical experience.

◎Kaiwomaru Park – Basic Information

Opening Hours	Park:Open 24 hours Observation Deck & Kaio Bird Park: March–June: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM July–August: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM September–October: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM November–February: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed Days	Park:None (open year-round) Observation Deck & Kaio Bird Park: Every Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday) Year-end & New Year holidays (December 29 – January 3) Note: The observation deck may be closed during severe weather or other conditions.
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/XGW4JgCr1eiGJT7T6
Phone	+81-766-82-5181
Official Website	https://www.kaiwomaru.jp/

 

12：00　Souvenir Shopping at Shinminato Kittokito Market

From the bird park, it’s about a 7-minute walk to the lively Kittokito Market.

Shinminato is one of the region’s top fishing ports. Because the fishing grounds are extremely close, a rare midday auction is held at 12:30. Visitors can watch the auction for just 100 yen with advance phone reservation, but it’s very popular. I called two weeks early and still couldn’t get a spot!

While waiting for the next bus, I used my free pass coupons, 500-yen shopping voucheand and a small “petit present” ticket.
I bought souvenirs at “Omiyage-dokoro Marutoku” and received a discount using the voucher. The petit present from the information counter was a bonus!

◎Shinminato Kittokito Market – Basic Information

Opening Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Hours may vary depending on the season.
Closed Days	None
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/EgZtLZ7CcrTBQXXz5
Phone	+81-766-84-1233 (Please call this number to make reservations for the lunch auction.)
Official Website	http://kittokito-ichiba.co.jp/index.html

 

13：00　Board the Burikani Bus Again and Head to Himi Banyagai

Time for the second ride of the day.
Compared to the packed morning bus, this service was quiet and spacious.

By 13:45, we arrived at Himi Banyagai, today’s final main destination, a seaside roadside station packed with local restaurants, shops, a footbath, and fresh seafood straight from Himi Port.

 

14：00　Finally, the Long-Awaited yellowtail at Banyatei

I hadn’t eaten anything all day for one reason.

I was saving myself for Himi’s winter yellowtail!
Only fish that pass strict quality inspections after the “Himi Kanburi Declaration” can be labeled “Himi Kan-buri.” The rich, fatty flavor comes from the unique underwater terrain and nutrient-rich waters of Toyama Bay.

At the popular restaurant Banyatei, yellowtail dishes are available from late November to around February. Some dishes require advance reservation at least 3 days prior, including the yellowtail set.

I ordered the the yellowtail set (5,000 yen):
Sashimi
Buri-daikon (yellowtail simmered with white radish)
Fisherman’s soup
Rice and sides

Banyatei also offers meals featuring the deep-sea snow crab caught at 1,000m depth—also by reservation only. If you come to Himi, tasting yellowtail or crab is a must!

◎A Restaurant, Banyatei – Basic Information

Opening Hours	11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last order: 4:30 PM) Banya Breakfast 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM(Last order: 9:00 AM)
Closed Days	None
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/8VwuGaQQsknmkkAE8
Phone	+81-766-72-3400(For reservations, please call this number.)
Official Website	https://himi-banya.jp/banyatei/

 

15：00　Drop Off Luggage at the Hotel

Following this itinerary means you’ll need to carry your luggage through the day.
If possible, send your suitcase in advance to make the trip easier.

 

16：00　Sunset Viewing at Himinoe Park

Just across the street from Banyagai is the peaceful Himinoe Park, perfect for watching the colors of Toyama Bay at dusk.

From the park’s small observation tower, you can see the small uninhabited Karajima Island, known as a guardian deity of the port.

A photo frame featuring Ninja Hattori-kun (Himi’s hometown manga hero)

◎Himinoe Park – Basic Information

Opening Hours	24hours
Closed Days	None
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/eFGdUCwwMg6WPdS69
Phone	None
Official Website	https://www.city.himi.toyama.jp/gyosei/soshiki/hishokoho/1/3/1555.html

 

17：00　Dinner at Himimae zushi: Savoring Koshi no Akagani

The final stop of Day 1 is Himimae Zushi, located inside Himi Banyagai.

The snow crab marked with a red tag is the real deal.
Koshi no Akagani, known for exceptional freshness thanks to the short distance between fishing grounds and port.

The crab was unbelievably sweet and juicey! ad it was one of the best crabs I’ve ever had. I also tried yellowtail shabu shabu for the first time, which was light, tender, and perfectly balanced.

I also tried yellowtail shabu shabu for the first time, which was light, tender, and perfectly balanced.

◎Himi Mae Zushi – Basic Information

Opening Hours	10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Closed Days	January 1
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/rTU7KpNrGNn1fpRh8
Phone	+81-766-50-8838
Official Website	https://www.himimaesushi.com/

18：00　End of Day 1

After a day full of stunning landscapes and unforgettable flavors, Day 1 comes to a satisfying close.
Day 2 begins tomorrow—more winter magic awaits.

 

Explore Toyama’s Winter Wonders on the Burikani Bus!

Explore Toyama’s Winter Wonders on the Burikani Bus!

The Burikani Bus operates only during the winter season, aligned with the snow crab fishing period (from September 1) and the peak season of Himi Kan-buri (late November–February)
It provides direct access to both Shinminato and Himi, areas difficult to reach by train.

For 2025:
Operation Dates → Oct 3, 2025 – Mar 30, 2026 (selected days only)
Note: No service Tuesday–Thursday.

 

Check the official operation calendar for details.
https://www.japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/11801010008