Sushi Chef on Rails: Japan’s Best-Kept Gourmet Secret — Toyama
- Shinya Yamada
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Freshly Handcrafted Sushi, Made by a Chef — While You Glide Through Japan’s Best-Kept Gourmet Secret
Imagine embarking on a journey that few travelers have yet to discover — a journey where breathtaking mountain vistas stretch before you, while a sushi chef prepares delicate Toyama Bay sushi right before your eyes aboard a beautifully crafted sightseeing train.
This is not just another sightseeing experience.
This is a gourmet adventure through Japan’s Best-Kept Gourmet Secret — Toyama.
Luxury, tradition, and extraordinary flavors converge here, offering one of Japan’s most unforgettable (and most delicious) hidden gems:
The Belmonta, affectionately known as “Belles Montagnes et Mer.”
Curious what it's like to ride the Belmonta? Here's my firsthand experience.
The Belmonta Experience: Sushi, Mountains, and Traditional Art
After exploring the vibrant Johana Hikiyama Festival on May 5, I boarded the Belmonta from Johana Station to Takaoka Station. At first glance, Belmonta’s exterior hinted at something special, but stepping inside was like entering a moving art gallery.
The interior is decorated with elements inspired by Inami woodcarving and Takaoka copperware, two traditional crafts from the region. Elegant hanging ornaments swing gently with the train’s motion, immersing you in the local culture even before the journey begins.
And the highlight? A professional sushi chef rides along, crafting fresh sushi right before your eyes. Imagine savoring exquisite Toyama Bay sushi while gazing at the stunning Tateyama Mountain Range, its peaks still draped in shimmering snow. The experience was so surreal — the soft warmth of freshly pressed rice, the coolness of delicate fish, and the crisp air filled with the scent of melting snow.
How Much Does It Cost?
Surprisingly, this luxury is highly accessible:
Reserved seat ticket: ¥530 for adults / ¥260 for children
Sushi set: ¥2,500 (Includes 5 pieces of sushi, one Toyama specialty dish, and barley tea from Himi)
Local sake is also available for purchase, perfectly complementing the fresh seafood.
Compared to typical sightseeing trains, Belmonta offers exceptional value — a hidden gem even among Japanese travelers.
What Makes Toyama's Seafood So Exceptional?
After arriving at Takaoka Station, I continued to Toyama City and dined at the popular izakaya Gingyo Goshiki, part of the highly acclaimed Gingyo Group.
What makes Toyama’s seafood so extraordinary?
A “natural fish tank”: Toyama Bay is unusually deep for Japan’s coastal waters, providing an ideal environment for marine life.
Freshwater nutrients: Snowmelt from the 3,000-meter-high Tateyama Mountains flows into the bay year-round, enriching it with minerals and oxygen.
Harsh conditions: Strong currents and waves toughen the fish, giving them firm flesh and rich flavor.
At Gingyo Goshiki, the menu changes daily depending on the morning’s catch. Instead of frozen imports, you’ll savor whatever the Toyama fishermen bring in — prepared with care and served alongside an outstanding selection of locally brewed sake such as "Haneya." Freshness, craftsmanship, and heartfelt hospitality: that’s the magic of dining in Toyama.
A Perfect Two-Day Getaway — And the Beginning of a New Journey
In just two days:
Explored historic Takaoka
Experienced the lively Johana Hikiyama Festival
Rode the unforgettable Belmonta
Enjoyed a feast of the freshest seafood and sake in Toyama City
It was a trip filled with beauty, flavor, and surprise at every turn.
And here’s the exciting part: Our company is preparing exclusive tours that connect Tokyo’s refined Kagurazaka district — famous for its traditional cultural experiences — with the gourmet treasures and authentic traditions of the Hokuriku region (Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui).
Stay tuned. Your next great Japanese adventure is just beginning.
Book Each Experience
How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
Comments