Yamachosuji and Kanayamachi

What to know

Takaoka has long been an industrial hub, especially renowned for its metal casting industry, which today produces over ninety percent of Japan's bronze ware. Despite modernization, two areas retain a nostalgic charm: Yamachosuji Street and the Kanayamachi District.

Yamachosuji Street was once the main thoroughfare connecting Takaoka with Kyoto. Wealthy merchants lived here, and several old buildings still stand, showcasing the area's former prosperity. In the early 1900s, many houses burned down, so later buildings were constructed with brick firewalls and shachihoko statues—mythical lion-dolphin creatures believed to protect against fire—on their black-tiled roofs.

Today, the street has a modest number of preserved historic buildings, but it's worth visiting for the Sugano Residence, the most famous house. Once home to a wealthy merchant, it is open to the public and features lavish living quarters, an elaborate butsudan (home altar), and a pretty garden.

About a five-minute walk away is Kanayamachi District, Takaoka's former craftsman area and the heart of the metal casting industry. It was deliberately located across the river from the city to reduce fire risk from workshops. Today, its 150-meter main street boasts a high density of preserved wooden houses, though none are open to the public.

However, the Takaoka Casting Museum is a small museum documenting the city's metal casting history, displaying temple bells (for which Takaoka is famous), other bronze wares, and craftsmen's tools.

Note that neither neighborhood is closed to vehicular traffic. Kanayamachi District and Yamachosuji are in central Takaoka, a 15-25 minute walk from Takaoka Station. Alternatively, take the Manyo tram line to Kataharamachi Station (4 minutes, 200 yen one way), then walk three minutes to Yamachosuji or ten minutes to Kanayamachi.