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Takaoka

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Takaoka

Takaoka (高岡) is a city located in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan. With a population of approximately 170,000, Takaoka is the second-largest city in Toyama Prefecture. It is renowned for its rich history, traditional crafts, and beautiful scenery.

Takaoka boasts a long history as a castle town, and remnants of Takaoka Castle can still be found in Takaoka Kojo Park. The city is particularly famous for its traditional crafts, such as Takaoka copperware, Takaoka lacquerware, and Takaoka Ramune, a type of carbonated soft drink.

Visitors can explore several historical landmarks, including the Takaoka Castle Ruins, dating back to the Edo period, and two National Treasures: Zuiryu-ji Temple and Kosho-ji Temple. Other notable attractions include the Takaoka Great Buddha, one of Japan’s three most famous Buddha statues, and the scenic Amaharashi Coast, listed as one of Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Beaches. The well-preserved traditional townscapes of Kanayamachi and Yamacho-suji, both designated Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, are also worth visiting.

In addition to its traditional crafts, Takaoka has a thriving aluminum industry. The city is also the birthplace of Fujiko・F・Fujio, the creator of the beloved manga character Doraemon. Visitors can find a recreation of the vacant lot from Doraemon and character monuments at Takaoka Otogi Forest Park.

The Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival, held annually on May 1st, is a major event featuring elaborately decorated floats and is recognized as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Takaoka is easily accessible from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen in about 2.5 hours, making it a convenient destination for those seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Hokuriku region.

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Attractions in Takaoka

Takaoka Daibutsu Takaoka Daibutsu (高岡大仏) is a large bronze statue of Buddha located in the city of Takaoka, Japan. The statue stands at 15.85 meters tall and is the third...
Zuiryuji Temple Zuiryuji Temple (瑞龍寺), located in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1659 by Maeda Toshitsune, the third lord of th...
Tonami Tulip Fair The Tonami Tulip Fair (となみチューリップフェア) is an annual event held in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan, usually during the months of April and May...

Getting there and around

By Shinkansen

From Tokyo:

  • Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka Station
  • Journey time: About 2 hours
  • Cost: Around 13,500 yen
  • Covered by Japan Rail Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass

From Kanazawa:

  • Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka Station
  • Journey time: About 15 minutes
  • Cost: 1,560 yen for unreserved seat

By Local Train

From Toyama:

  • Take the Ainokaze Toyama Railway to Takaoka Station
  • Journey time: About 20 minutes
  • Cost: 370 yen

By Bus

From Gokayama/Shirakawago:

  • Kaetsuno Bus operates services to Takaoka Station and Shin-Takaoka Station
  • Journey time: Varies depending on destination
  • Cost: 1,000-1,800 yen

From Takayama:

  • Infrequent highway buses operate to Takaoka and Shin-Takaoka stations
  • Journey time: 2-3.5 hours
  • Cost: 3,200 yen

Local Transportation

  • Takaoka has two main stations: Takaoka Station (city center) and Shin-Takaoka Station (shinkansen)
  • The stations are connected by the JR Johana Line (3 minutes, 150 yen) or bus (10 minutes, 160 yen)
  • A single tram line serves the city center from Takaoka Station
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