Welcome to Imizu

Nestled between the Shō River and the Jinzu River, Imizu is the third largest city in the prefecture, with views of the Tateyama Mountain Range to the east and the Noto Peninsula to the west.
Facing Toyama Bay, the Seaside Area is rich with the atmosphere of a historic port town, long supported by fishing and maritime trade. Inland, the Countryside Area features towns flourishing along the old Hokuriku Road, where history and culture linger, along with abundant opportunities to enjoy local produce and nature-based experiences.
Conveniently located between the prefecture’s two major cities, Imizu is easy to access. Within its compact landscape, a wide variety of attractions come together in one place.

Toyama Bay, often called a “natural fish tank”, is known for its incredible abundance of fresh seafood. At Shinminato Fishing Port, located right by the fishing grounds, you’ll find exceptional freshness and a wide variety of fish caught through diverse fishing methods. An auction known as the "Noon Auction" is also held here. Selling a variety of fresh fish, it's a rare sight unique to Imizu City.
Across the fertile Imizu Plain, nourished by rich waterways and soil, a variety of crops are grown, including rice, edamame, white leeks, pears, and persimmons. Seasonal delights from the mountains, such as bamboo shoots and wild vegetables, are also part of the local cuisine.
Alongside traditional dishes passed down in each area, new food culture is emerging, including creative local styles like “Imizustan Curry”.

Traditions Passed Down for Over a Thousand Years.
For more than a millennium, traditions have been carefully passed down through generations. In every era, those who carry them forward have devoted themselves to refining their skills, shaping unique expressions, and bringing excitement to their communities. These vibrant festivals continue to thrive across Imizu today.
From one of the oldest and largest lion dance traditions in the prefecture, to the spectacular Hikiyama Festivals featuring 20 ornate floats — the most in the region — and the Hydrangea Festival where 20,000 blossoms fill a vast landscape, unforgettable moments await at every turn.

The Seaside Area, long shaped by fishing and maritime trade, is home to many poems from the Man'yōshū composed by Ōtomo no Yakamochi, as well as a unique chapter of history in which an exiled shogun established a government here during the Kamakura period. Around the Uchikawa River, now gaining attention in recent years, the townscape still retains a nostalgic charm.
Meanwhile, the Countryside Area flourished as a key post town along historic routes since the Warring States period. Historic buildings remain throughout the area, and the town is adorned with artistic plaster reliefs called "Kote-e" created by Kosugi plasterers, a craft that reached its peak during the Edo period.

Located between Toyama City and Takaoka City, Imizu is well connected by major roads, making it easy to reach from across the prefecture and beyond. Along the coast runs the Manyō Line tram extending from Takaoka, while inland, the Ainokaze Toyama Railway crosses the region.
Within the city, community buses and the AI-powered on-demand service “Knowroute Imizu” connect the main areas. In parts of the Seaside Area, you can also explore using unique mobility options such as electric carts.
Getting around Imizu is not only convenient — it’s part of the experience itself.