Toyama

Toyama features a steep topography ranging from the Northern Alps' Tateyama mountain range (elevation class of 3,000 m) to Toyama Bay, making a large elevation difference its geographical characteristic. It belongs to the Sea of Japan climate zone, with heavy snowfall in winter and an annual snowfall volume among the highest in Japan. From spring to summer, this accumulated snow becomes meltwater that irrigates the Toyama Plain through multiple Class A rivers (5 river systems). The annual average temperature is about 14℃, and the annual precipitation is about 2,300 mm, providing abundant water resources. Agriculture centers on paddy rice, and brand rice varieties such as Koshihikari (rice) and Fufufu (rice) are known, but vegetable cultivation of Turnip, Daikon Radish, and Taro is also conducted as secondary crops or through crop rotation in rice paddies. In the alluvial fan of the Tonami Plain, fruit tree cultivation utilizing well-drained soil is seen, and Nyuzen Jumbo Suika (Watermelon) is produced in Nyuzen Town, while Kureha Nashi (Japanese Pear) is produced in the Kureha Hills.

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics (Reiwa 5 / 2023), JMA historical weather data

Toyama has a strong impression as a rice-producing region, but there are also unique vegetables produced as secondary crops and through crop rotation in rice paddies. Although many items do not rank high in national rankings, a characteristic is the existence of regional brand agricultural products rooted in the local area, such as Nyuzen Jumbo Suika and Gokayama Aka Kabu. The meltwater from the Tateyama mountain range is said to affect not only agricultural water but also the quality of the vegetables. Particularly in the cultivation of Watermelon and Turnip, the combination of well-drained alluvial fan soil and clear water creates a region-specific taste. Toyama's agriculture has strengths in the depth of its regional brands and food culture, which are difficult to see from national ranking figures alone.