Take me to Toyama: Admiring Takaoka’s culture and history

Welcome back to part 3, the final part of our “Take me to Toyama” series. Previously, we shared about our visit to Wakatsuru Shuzo’s Sabunomaru Distillery as well as the scenic Toyama Bay. Today, we’ll be shifting the spotlight on Takaoka City (高岡市 Takaoka-shi), home to the world-famous Takaoka copperware. Rich in culture and history, we took a look at some of the city centre’s most attractive spots—including the famous Ohnoya confectionary store.
Ohnoya @ Yamachosuji
(Image credit: JR East / Sue Lynn)
When it comes to local confectionery of Toyama, Ohnoya (大野屋) is one of the region’s most well-known brands specialising in traditional Japanese confectionery, otherwise known as wagashi (和菓子). Ohnoya has been in the business for the past 180 years, and the current owner Ohno-san (大野さん) is the ninth-generation of this family-run business! The shop that we visited is Ohnoya’s main shop in the Yamachosuji (山町筋) area of Takaoka, famous for its stretch of preserved historic warehouses and buildings.
(Image credit: JR East / Sue Lynn)
The shop’s confectionery is inspired by the city’s heritage and history, with most of its sweets made using the wooden moulds as well as techniques that have been practised and cultivated throughout the century. Ohnoya also makes seasonal sweets that pay homage to the poems written by prominent Man’yo period poet Otomo no Yakamochi (大伴 家持) in the 8th century. One of Ohnoya’s well-loved products is the Takaoka Ramune (高岡ラムネ) made with refined Koshihikari rice and freshly-grated ginger (it comes in many other flavours too) produced locally. It has a soft, fluffy, melts-in-your-mouth texture, followed by the gentle fragrance of the ginger.
(Image credit: JAPAN RAIL CAFE)
Each ramune is handmade by craftsmen, and the shapes are created in accordance with Japan’s different seasons and events. We were given the rare opportunity to witness one of Ohnoya’s skilled craftsmen make the Takaoka Ramune from scratch. Throughout the demonstration, the ginger’s aroma was tempting enough for us to want to put one into our mouths, but first the sweets had to be baked in an oven.
(Image credit: JR East / Sue Lynn)
If you’re in the area and looking for a local omiyage (お土産) to buy for your family and friends back home, we highly recommend making a trip to Ohnoya!
Ohnoya Main Store (和果子 大野屋 本店)
Address: 12 Kifunemachi, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0929
Nearest station: Takaoka Station (高岡駅) / Kataharamachi Tram Station (片原町駅)
Access: 7-minute walk from Takaoka Station Kojokoen/North Exit or 3-minute walk from Kataharamachi Tram Station
Opening hours: 8:30am–7pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Tel: +81 766-25-0215
Doraemon Walking Road
(Image credit: JR East / Sue Lynn)
You might be wondering—why are there statues of Doraemon (ドラえもん) characters here in Takaoka? Well, that’s because Takaoka happens to be the hometown of Fujiko F. Fujio (藤子 不二雄), the creators of the popular and lovable manga and anime series Doraemon! Strike a pose with Doraemon and friends’ bronze statues when you’re in Takaoka, before starting a Doraemon tour of your own by riding on the Doraemon Tram on the Man’yo Line (万葉線 Manyo-sen). You can also take a stroll to the Takaoka Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Gallery (高岡市 藤子・F・不二雄ふるさとギャラリー) that’s located next to Takaoka Castle Park, where you can get a glimpse of the creators’ life story and past artworks.
Doraemon no Sanpo Michi (ドラえもんの散歩道)
Address: 1-8 Suehiromachi, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0023
Nearest station: Takaoka Station (高岡駅)
Access: Just across Takaoka Station Kojokoen/North Exit
Opening hours: 24 hours
Takaoka Old Castle Park
Spoiler alert—there are no (more) castles at Takaoka Castle Park. (Image credit: JR East / Sue Lynn)
As its name suggests, the Takaoka Old Castle Park (高岡古城公園 Takaoka kojō kōen) used to house the iconic Takoka Castle (高岡城 Takaoka-jō) that was built by Toshinaga Maeda (利長 前田) about 400 years ago. What remains since the late 19th century is a beautiful landscaped park that offers stunning views throughout the different seasons. The park is designated as a national cultural property, and sees thousands of visitors each year especially during the cherry blossom season. Locals frequent this park for their daily jogging route in the city.
(Image credit: JR East / Sue Lynn)
As it was right smack in the middle of shinryoku (新緑) season, we were treated to fresh greenery—most of these trees would turn to colourful hues of red and orange come autumn season in November. We also walked past a small zoo before being met with the beautiful red bridge over the moat of the former Takaoka Castle. Admission to the grounds is free so why not take a stroll if the weather permits?
Takaoka Old Castle Park (高岡古城公園)
Address: 1-9 Kojo, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0044
Nearest station: Etchū-Nakagawa Station (越中中川)
Access: 8-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, it’s a 15-minute walk from Takaoka Station.
Opening hours: 6am–5pm
Admission fee: Free
Tel: +81 766-20-1563
Great Buddha of Takaoka
Dubbed “Japan’s most handsome Great Buddha”. (Image credit: JR East / Sue Lynn)
Toyama is also known to be home to some of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites—one of which is the Great Buddha of Takaoka (高岡大佛 Takaoka Daibutsu). This symbol of Takaoka is one of the three famous Great Buddhas of Japan along with those in Nara and Kamakura. While it isn’t quite as big in size as its counterparts, one of the 15.85m statue’s key features is it is infused with the style and technique of Takaoka copper and bronze ware manufacturers—Takaoka is afterall home to the best bronze and copperware in Japan!
The statue is also deserving of its status as a symbol of Takaoka because it’s been said that even after being destroyed or burnt down on countless occasions prior to its latest reconstruction in 1907, the Great Buddha of Takaoka gets rebuilt with the support and funding of the city’s community. There’s even an annual festival in September where monks and temple staff will conduct a cleaning ritual (お身ぬぐい ominugui) of the statue. Located at an accessible yet secluded part of the city, be sure to pay respects to the statue while you’re in Takaoka.
Great Buddha of Takaoka @ Daibutsuji (高岡大佛 大佛寺)
Address: 11-29 Otemachi, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0039
Nearest station: Takaoka Station (高岡駅) / Suehirocho Tram Station (末広町駅)
Access: 8-minute walk from Takaoka Station, or a 4-minute walk from Suehirocho Tram Station.
Opening hours: 9am–6pm
Tel: +81 766-23-9156
Zuiryu-ji Temple
It feels so zen. (Image credit: JR East / Julia Yee)
Located just 10-minute walk away from Takaoka Station, you can arrive at one of Japan’s National Treasures: Zuiryu-ji Temple (瑞龍寺). This famous Soto-school Zen temple was built by Toshitsune Maeda (利常 前田), the third lord of the Kaga Maeda han (加賀前田藩). When you first arrive, you will feel blown away. The main gate, main hall, and Dharma hall stand in a line, and the temple buildings are laid out symmetrically left and right, interconnected by roofed passageways in a beautiful and powerful sight.
(Image credit: JR East / Julia Yee)
Walking around the temple, you will come across various deities—some of which are kept in the main hall, while you chance upon others while walking along the passageways. If you would like to know more, there are private tours that you can participate in. This tour includes a visit to Zuiryu-ji Temple, a Japanese heritage city, and colouring a copperplate.
(Image credit: JR East / Julia Yee)
Before you leave, be sure to snag your goshuin (御朱印) at ¥300 each. These are available at the entrance where you purchase your entrance ticket. There are 3 designs to choose from. If the exploring has made you slightly peckish, try their yummy Kirin-yaki (麒麟焼き) available just outside the temple as well! The Kirin-yaki has yummy sweet anko (あんこ red bean paste) filling that pairs well with both coffee and tea.
Zuiryu-ji (瑞龍寺)
Address: 35 Sekihon-machi, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0863
Nearest station: Takaoka Station (高岡駅)
Access: 10 minutes walk from Takaoka Station (Ainokaze Toyama Railway)
Opening hours: 9am–4:30pm
Admission fee: ¥500 (Adult), ¥200 (Middle school students), ¥100 (Elementary school students)
Tel: +81 766-22-0179
With that, our adventure in Toyama Prefecture came to an end. It was amazing how we managed to cover so many places in a single day, but there were still plenty more we wanted to check out—we've yet to other cities like Himi, Tonami, Imizu, Oyabe, and more! From the station to the city centre and sightseeing spots, there was so much to explore. We highly recommend visiting this often overlooked prefecture, as we really had a blast and would love to visit again soon.
Header image credit: JR East / Sue Lynn