Designed by Kengo Kuma, Toyama's crystalline glass museum is one of Japan's great contemporary buildings — and its collection of international glass art is world-class. Pair it with the adjacent Starbucks (Japan's only one with a direct mountain-canal panorama) and the KITOKITO food hall for the city's finest local produce.
What to expect
Enter through Kuma's signature latticed timber façade and ascend through galleries showcasing luminous blown-glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly and leading Japanese artists. Spend time on each floor as the mountain light shifts through the glass walls. Afterwards, walk two minutes to the Fugan Canal for the iconic mountain-reflected-in-canal view from the Kansui Park promenade, then descend to the KITOKITO market for premium Toyama kombu, white shrimp crackers, and craft confections to take aboard.
Good to know
The museum is a 15-minute tram ride from the pier on Toyama's scenic City Tram — itself a pleasure. Open 09:30–18:00 (closed Wednesdays). No advance booking needed for general admission; special exhibitions may require timed entry reserved online.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Toyama — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.