Takaoka Travel Guide

Travel to Takaoka in Toyama and discover the best things to do, see, eat, and buy with this comprehensive guide. Explore cultural attractions, outdoor adventure spots, and more.


Introduction to Takaoka

Takaoka is a small city located in Toyama prefecture, in the Chubu region of Japan. It is best known for its traditional handicrafts, especially metalworking, as well as its beautiful gardens and parks. Despite being off the beaten path for most travelers, Takaoka has a lot to offer, from cultural attractions to outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Takaoka.

List of Places to Visit in Takaoka

Here’s a quick overview of the main places to visit in Takaoka:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Zuiryu-ji Temple: A beautiful Zen temple with an impressive wooden gate, statues of mythical creatures, and a serene garden.
  • Takaoka Castle Ruins: A historical site that was once a castle in the 17th century. There are some reconstructed walls and ruins to explore.
  • Takaoka Daibutsu: This is a huge bronze statue of Buddha, which is the third largest in Japan. It’s situated in the Daibutsu-ji Temple and is a must-visit place.

Natural Attractions of Takaoka: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mikurigaike Pond: This natural lake is located at a higher elevation, in the Toyama Prefectural Free Range Botanical Gardens. It offers a serene and calm environment, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Takaoka.
  • Yatsuo Owara Festival: This is a popular festival held in autumn, where visitors can marvel at the beautiful autumn foliage while also enjoying traditional Japanese dances and music.
  • Unazuki Onsen: This is a popular hot spring located in the city of Kurobe, just a short train ride from Takaoka. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of exploring the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Takaoka

Takaoka has some beautiful hiking and biking routes, both in and around the city. The following are some of the best:

  • Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: This is one of the most scenic routes in Japan, with beautiful views of the Japanese Alps. It’s a great place to go hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
  • Takaoka Greenery Hiking Trail: This is a beautiful trail that takes visitors through the forests and parks of Takaoka, with some beautiful views along the way. It’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon walk.
  • Kurobe River Cycling Road: This is a popular cycling road that offers some beautiful views of the Kurobe River and surrounding mountains. It’s a great way to explore the countryside while also getting some exercise.

Best Things to Do in Takaoka: Activities and Tours

  • Takaoka City Museum: A comprehensive museum that showcases the history and culture of Takaoka. It’s a great place to learn about the city’s traditional metalworking techniques and view beautiful crafts.
  • Shokawa River Cruise: This is a beautiful river that’s perfect for a leisurely boat ride. Visitors can enjoy the scenery and spot some local wildlife while also learning about the local history and culture.
  • Takaoka Walking Tour: A walking tour is the best way to explore the city and learn about its rich history and culture. There are several tour operators that offer guided tours of Takaoka.

Week-Long Itinerary for Takaoka

Here’s a possible itinerary for a week-long trip to Takaoka:

Day Activity
1 Visit Takaoka Castle Ruins, Zuiryu-ji Temple, and Takaoka Daibutsu
2 Hike the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
3 Take a leisurely stroll through the Takaoka Greenery Hiking Trail
4 Explore the city’s traditional metalworking scene at the Takaoka City Museum
5 Take a river cruise on the Shokawa River
6 Relax at the Unazuki Onsen hot springs
7 Visit the Yatsuo Owara Festival and enjoy traditional Japanese dances and music while admiring the autumn foliage

Food and Drink Scene of Takaoka

Takaoka has a great food and drink scene, with plenty of local specialties to try. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Shiroebi: These are small, sweet shrimp that are a local specialty in Takaoka. They are usually eaten raw or lightly boiled.
  • Tempura: Takaoka is famous for its tempura, especially its seafood tempura.
  • Himi Udon: This is a type of noodle dish that’s popular in the surrounding area. It’s made with a special type of flour that’s only grown in the region.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Toyama prefecture is known for its high-quality sake, and Takaoka is no exception. There are several local brands to try, including Shintakamatsu and Shichiken.
  • Beer: Takaoka is also home to one of Japan’s oldest breweries, the Takaoka Brewery. Visitors can sample some of their delicious beers at the brewery’s taproom.
  • Green Tea: Toyama prefecture is also known for its high-quality green tea, and there are several local tea farms where visitors can sample and purchase some of the best green tea in Japan.

Where to Stay in Takaoka: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Takaoka has several options for accommodation, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the best:

  • Takaoka Manten Hotel Ekimae: This hotel is located right next to the train station and offers comfortable and spacious rooms.
  • Guesthouse Akane-yado: This is a traditional Japanese guesthouse with clean and comfortable tatami rooms.
  • Dormy Inn Takaoka: This hotel is located a short walk from the train station and offers modern and spacious rooms.

What to Buy in Takaoka: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Takaoka is famous for its traditional handicrafts, especially its metalworking. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Copperware: Takaoka is known for its beautiful copperware, which is perfect for a unique and elegant souvenir.
  • Lacquerware: Another traditional craft in Takaoka is lacquerware, which is known for its durability and beautiful design.
  • Shiroebi: Visitors can also purchase dried shiroebi to take home with them as a delicious and unique snack.

Local Culture and Customs of Takaoka

Takaoka has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by its history as a center of metalworking. Visitors can see this influence in the city’s temples, shrines, and museums. It’s also important to respect local customs, such as taking off your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple and keeping quiet in public places.

Best Time to Visit Takaoka

The best time to visit Takaoka depends on what you want to do and see. For outdoor activities and hiking, the best time is in the summer or early fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful. For winter sports, the best time is in the winter, when visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Spring is also a great time to visit, with cherry blossoms and other flowers in bloom throughout the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Takaoka

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Takaoka:

Do:

  • Take off your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Be loud and disruptive in public places.
  • Ignore local customs and traditions.
  • Disrespect the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Takaoka

Takaoka is a safe city with low crime rates. Visitors should still take precautions, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and staying aware of their surroundings.

Health in Takaoka

Takaoka has modern medical facilities and hospitals, with English-speaking staff available. Visitors should have travel insurance and bring any necessary medications with them.

Getting to Takaoka: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Takaoka

The nearest international airport to Takaoka is Chubu Centrair International Airport, which is about a 2-hour train ride away. Domestic flights are available from Toyama Airport, located in the neighboring city.

Bus Stations Near Takaoka

There are several bus stations in Takaoka, including the Takaoka Bus Terminal, which is located right next to the train station. There are also several long-distance bus companies that operate in the area.

Other Options

The best way to get around Takaoka is by train or bus. The city is well-connected to other cities in Japan, making it easy to travel around the region.

How to Get Around in Takaoka

The easiest way to get around Takaoka is by foot or bicycle, especially if you plan to explore the city’s parks and gardens. There are also local buses available, as well as taxis.

Where to Go Next from Takaoka: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions from Takaoka, including:

  • Kanazawa: This nearby city is known for its beautiful castle, gardens, and traditional crafts.
  • Takayama: This historic town is famous for its traditional architecture and festivals.
  • Shirakawa-go: This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses.

Conclusion

Takaoka is a hidden gem in Japan, with a rich cultural history and beautiful natural scenery. Whether you’re interested in traditional crafts, outdoor adventures, or just relaxing in a hot spring, Takaoka has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive guide to plan the perfect trip to this little-known city in Japan.

Zuiryū-ji Temple Zuiryū-ji Temple Takaoka Great Buddha Statue Takaoka Great Buddha Statue