Historically, Toyama was the capital of Etchu Province. The modern city was incorporated on April 1, 1889.
The city was nearly destroyed on the night of 1 August 1945-2 August, when 173 B-29 bombers of the American 73rd Bomber Wing dropped incendiary bombs on the city. 1.87 square miles, or about 99.5 percent, of the urban center was destroyed. At the time of the bombing, the city was a center for aluminum ball-bearing and special steel production. The city during that time had a population of around 150,000.
As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 420,804 and a density of 338.85 persons per km². The total area is 1,241.85 km².
Toyama is served by Toyama Airport and Toyama Station of West Japan Railway Company.