Fugan Unga Kansui Park – Dog-Friendly Stroll

Autumn twilight stroll with my dog along Fugan Unga Kansui Park — The world’s most beautiful Starbucks and a walk by the water

On the evening of September 2nd, I took a stroll with my beloved dog through Toyama City’s Fugan Unga Kansui Park. This place is globally renowned for being home to “the world’s most beautiful Starbucks.” It’s easily accessible from central Toyama City, located about 1 km from Toyama Station’s North Exit—a 10-15 minute walk. This park is like an urban oasis where waterfront and greenery harmonize. If you’re staying at a hotel near the station, I highly recommend taking an early morning walk here.

On this day, enveloped in the crisp autumn air and soft evening sun, we spent about an hour walking around the entire park. We revisit the journey through the expansive water surface, the lawn plaza, the fountain, and the path around the iconic Tenmon Bridge, accompanied by photographs.

Rest stop along the tree-lined road

Under the shade of the trees, a circular rest area has been set up, where people could be seen relaxing on benches. It’s the perfect spot to take a break while gazing at the lawn and fountain, offering a quiet moment to forget the daily grind.

My happy dog

Today I’m taking my beloved dog for a walk. My dog, walking with the wind blowing through his fur, wears a look of pure joy. The walking path, where the green of the grass and the stone-paved road complement each other beautifully, is an ideal environment for walking with a dog. Seeing him stop occasionally and flash me a smile was deeply soothing.

The spray of the fountain plaza

At the fountain plaza popular with children, powerful jets of water arched high into the air. Except during winter, the fountain regularly provides enjoyment. Just watching it evokes a refreshing coolness, making it an essential, soothing sight for strolls from summer through autumn.

Tenmon Bridge as seen from the front

As you proceed, the park’s symbol, the “Heavenly Gate Bridge,” appears before you. The observation towers rising on either side and the arch-shaped bridge welcome visitors with their imposing presence. Seen under the blue sky, its form combines strength and beauty, symbolizing the heart of the park. Look closely, and you’ll notice a thin thread-like line stretched horizontally across the top of the observation towers. It’s actually a string telephone. This string telephone allows people to talk to each other.

My beloved dog gazing at the canal

After walking a short distance, my beloved dog stopped and stared intently at the water’s surface. A sightseeing boat was just passing by, and the dog watched it with keen interest. The calm water and the gentle sway of the boat overlapped, creating a moment where time seemed to flow slowly. You might be wondering about the dog’s back—actually, it was injured recently, and the vet shaved the fur there. The building visible beyond the sightseeing boat is Starbucks. It’s surprisingly empty today.

Tenmon Bridge seen across the flowerbed

Here and there, flower beds like these delight the eye. Viewed through these vibrant flower beds, Tenmon Bridge reveals a different expression. Red and yellow blooms add color to the waterside scenery, and enjoying the harmony of nature and artifice is a unique charm of Kansui Park.

Water Curtain

Stepping inside the water curtain, I was enveloped by the sound of water and the shimmering light, and strangely, my mind calmed. It was a space where I felt protected by the water, an ideal spot to escape the heat.

Tenmon Bridge reflected on the water’s surface

Gazing at the Tenmon Bridge spanning the canal’s center from afar, the observation towers rising on either side stand out even more prominently. Their reflections on the water seemed to symbolize the passage of time, making it a fitting finale to our stroll.

My beloved dog taking a break by the water

My beloved dog climbs up to the observation deck for a little rest. A pleasant breeze blows through, soothing our tired bodies from the walk. These moments, too, are an important part of our stroll.

Tenmon Bridge and Starbucks as seen from the lawn plaza

This view from the spacious lawn plaza of Fugan Unga Kansui Park shows the symbolic Tenmon Bridge and Starbucks. The soft evening light vividly illuminates the grass, while people relaxing and dog walkers stroll by, creating the peaceful atmosphere typical of a park. This place, where waterfront, greenery, and architectural beauty harmonize, reveals a different expression each time you visit.

In front of the world’s most beautiful Starbucks

One of the park’s highlights is the “world’s most beautiful Starbucks.” Its glass exterior reflects light and blends naturally into the waterside scenery. People with dogs relax on the lawn, each enjoying their own time, making it a spot where you can feel the park’s liveliness.

The Harmony of Lawns and Starbucks

The sight of the lawn’s greenery harmonizing with the modern Starbucks building is unique to this spot. People enjoying coffee outdoors while feeling the breeze created a very pleasant atmosphere. By the way, the Starbucks at Kansui Park allows dogs—though only on the terrace. It can be tough to find a seat when it’s crowded, but if you wait a while, you often find an open spot. The terrace is tough in the dead of winter, but a warm café mocha in the cold is the best.

Tenmon Bridge bathed in the evening glow

At the end of my stroll, I gazed once more at Tenmon Bridge illuminated by the evening light. The orange glow coloring the sky, the drifting clouds, and the bridge’s silhouette all overlapped, creating a beauty that made me stop in my tracks. The park’s charm lies in how it reveals a different, fantastical expression after dark, distinct from its daytime appearance.

Summary

Fugan Unga Kansui Park is an urban oasis where waterfront, greenery, and sophisticated architecture blend together. With wide promenades and grassy plazas where you can walk comfortably with your dog, strolling at dusk was a truly luxurious experience. Since the park reveals different faces depending on the season and time of day, I hope to visit again in the morning or during winter to discover new charms with my beloved dog.