What to know
Takaoka (高岡) is Toyama Prefecture's second-largest city. Historically a center of metal casting, this industry remains vibrant today. Once a castle town, it lost its castle during the Edo Period due to a law limiting castles to one per province. Located on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Takaoka is a convenient stop for travelers heading to nearby attractions like Gokayama.
Activities and attractions
Tonami Tulip FairAnnual fair celebrating tulip flowers
Zuiryuji TempleZen monastery built for the city founder
Takaoka Castle ParkFormer site of the short-lived Takaoka Castle
Takaoka Great BuddhaOne of Japan's three great Buddha statues
Yamachosuji and KanayamachiFormer merchant and craftsman districts
Shirakawa-go and GokayamaMountainous region, known for its farmhouses
Noto PeninsulaRural peninsula with beautiful coastlines
ToyamaCapital city of Toyama Prefecture