立山の土産物
立山の歴史や文化、自然環境など、さまざまな側面を表現した特産品はお土産に最適だ。木工品、はちみつ入り石鹸、山菜を使った香り高いハーブティーなど、地元商店の品揃えは豊富だ。立山駅周辺では、駅舎内に最大の土産物店があり、様々なお菓子、衣料品、立山にちなんだ記念品などを豊富に取り揃えている。
これらの商品の多くが、富山県の鳥であるライチョウをモチーフにしている。「雷の鳥」と呼ばれ、主に日本アルプスで繁殖し、民間信仰では神の使いとして崇められ、火事や雷から身を守ってくれると信じられてきた。そのため、ライチョウをモチーフにした文房具や置物、ぬいぐるみなどが広く販売されている。
立山駅の近くにある「五十嶋商店」では、富山県の日本酒を含む厳選されたお土産を買うことができる。1830年創業の立山酒造の「立山」もそのひとつで、現在では富山県内最大の生産量を誇る。「立山」の酒は辛口で、押しつけがましくない口当たりと奥行きのある味わいが特徴で、どんな料理にも合う。
Tateyama Souvenirs
Local products expressing various aspects of the town’s history, culture, or natural environment make excellent souvenirs of Tateyama. Local shops offer a wide selection, including wooden handicrafts, honey-infused soap, and aromatic herbal teas made from wild plants. In the Tateyama Station area, the largest souvenir shop is located inside the station building and stocks an extensive selection of savory and sweet snacks, clothing, and Tateyama-themed memorabilia.
A recurring decorative motif on many of these products is the ptarmigan, the official bird of Toyama Prefecture. Known locally as raicho (lit., “thunder bird”) and breeding mainly in the Japanese Alps, the elusive bird is revered as a divine messenger in folklore and is associated with protection against fires and lightning. Its spiritual significance has made the raicho a popular emblem on various items, such as stationery, and ptarmigan figurines and plush toys are widely available.
Near Tateyama Station, a curated selection of souvenirs can be perused at Isojima Shoten, a small shop where particular attention is devoted to a lineup of sake from around Toyama Prefecture. This includes the Tateyama brand by Tateyama Shuzo, a brewery that was established in 1830 and is now the largest producer by volume in the region. Tateyama brand sake is dry (karakuchi) and distinguished by its unintrusive mouthfeel, depth of flavor, and compatibility with any cuisine.
