Uozu Mirage: Fantastical Scenery Appearing over Toyama Bay

Japan's Top Mirage Observation Site

The Toyama Bay coastline in Uozu City, Toyama is known as Japan's most mirage-observed location. Mirages occur frequently spring to early summer (March-June), often observed on sunny, calm afternoons.

How Mirages Work

Toyama Bay mirages are called "superior mirages," where the opposite shore scenery appears stretched or inverted. This phenomenon occurs due to light refraction when there is a large temperature difference between near the water surface and higher air, with Toyama Bay's terrain creating an optimal environment.

Uozu Buried Forest Museum

Uozu has another attraction, the Uozu Buried Forest Museum. About 2,000-year-old submerged cedar primeval forest preserved on the seabed can be viewed at the museum. It is a sightseeing spot to visit combined with mirage observation.