The city of Takaoka 高岡

Takaoka City is the second-largest city in Toyama Prefecture, which thrived on the citadel of the Daimyo of the Maeda clan in the 17th century. Short-lived, only from 1609 to 1615, this period ended with the death of Toshinaga Maeda, then head of the clan. His successor built another castle in Komatsu.

The city developed the craftsmanship of copper and bronze work, which has been perpetuated to the present day by coppersmiths from father to son.

Going a little further, take the JR Himi line which runs along the coast. In Amaharashi-kaigan, between beach and rocks with lonely pines on the edge of a cliff, you will have a magnificent view of the chain of the Japanese Alps beyond the blue horizon.

Activities and places to visit in Takaoka

Zuiryu-ji

A Buddhist temple was founded in 1614 to honor Toshinaga Maeda by his successor Toshitsune Maeda. It has been classified as a National Treasure since 1997 for its exceptional Zen Shûyô architecture.

Easy to access as it is located just 10 minutes walk from Takaoka station. It is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm (Adult: 500 yen, students: 200 yen, children: 100 yen).

• Address: 35 Sekihonmachi, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0863

Takaoka Daibutsu

The great Takaoka Buddha has been a symbol of the city since its construction in 1907. More than 15 meters high and weighing 65 tons, it replaced a previous wooden version destroyed by fire. The new statue was intended as a showcase for local craftsmanship, emblematic of the mastery of the city's coppersmiths; 95% of Japan's copper craftsmanship comes from Takaoka.

Visible from 6 am to 6 pm with free access, 10 min on foot from JR Takaoka station.

In 1933, the poet Akiko Yosano, passing through the city, affirmed that the Daibutsu of Takaoka was in her eyes more beautiful than that of Kamakura!

• Address: 11-29 Otemachi, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0039

Takaokakojo Park

This park is located on the site of the ruins of the old feudal castle of Takaoka, completely refurbished, with a gymnasium, a museum, a mini zoo, children's games, and a large walking area.

In spring, the flowering of the 1800 cherry trees is a delight during the hanami period, as well as in autumn when the trees are adorned with the beautiful shimmering colors of the kôyô.

• Address: 1-1-9 Kojo, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0044

The town of Doraemon with the Fujiko-Fujio Hometown Art Gallery

A place dedicated to art and especially to comics, honoring the famous character Doraemon. This Doraemon museum is less known than that of Kawasaki but conceals treasures for the amateurs of these mangaka Fujiko-Fujio.

• Read also: Doraemon Museum in Kawasaki

This mangaka duo grew up here in Takaoka, the creator of the blue cat from the future. A large pink door invites you to change the universe, as in the adventures of Doraemon, then you will discover the stages of their career, the roots of their artistic production. For example, their work from the age of 14 shows their immense talent, with the exhibition of many original plates as well as a letter from the great master Tezuka who dubs them in a letter in response to these beginners of the time.

• The Takaoka Art Museum is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm and is closed on Mondays. (Adult: 500 yen, students: 300 yen, children: 200yen, - 3 years old: free).
• Access by JR Ecchu-Nakagawa station 2 min on foot.

In the city, the hero Doraemon is everywhere, in statues in the streets, from JR Takaoka station with large effigies, and even with a tram from the Manyosen company which is entirely dedicated to him.