Top Things to do in Takaoka
The 7 Best Free Things to do in Takaoka, Chubu
Discover the best top things to do in Takaoka, Japan including Amaharashi Coast, Imizu Shrine, Kanayamachi, Otogi no Mori Park, Takaoka Daibutsu Buddha, Takaoka Castle Ruins, Doraemon no Sampo Machi.
Restaurants in Takaoka
1. Amaharashi Coast
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By NigelG407 - Singapore, Singapore
Absolutely impressive coast line between Takaoka and Himi. Can be observed from the train or explored on foot by alighting at one of the stations. The journey by train does not last so long adjacent to the sea, but it’s certainly worth a ride. Remember the windows of the train carriage open upwards completely if you want to take photos. Makes for a nice half day excursion. Himi at the end of the train ride is generally uninteresting.
2. Imizu Shrine
3. Kanayamachi
4. Otogi no Mori Park
5. Takaoka Daibutsu Buddha
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 352 reviews
Reviewed By PeterthePauper - Ulsan, South Korea
In Toyama for 2-nights, with a couple of hours to spare before dinner; this proved to be sufficient time to make a detour to Takaoka to see the Great Buddha. It only takes about 17-mins to travel the 18.8km on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway and the helpful staff at the Tourist Information Office at Takaoka Station kindly provided a map and directions for the 10-min walk to the statue. The 15.85m tall bronze statue weighing 65 tons, was cast in-situ by the coppersmiths of Takaoka over 3 decades between 1907 and 1933 and is now referred to as one of the three 'Great Buddhas of Japan'. The statue was moved to its' present location in 1981 after the ground supporting it on the original site began to give way. Prior to the bronze statute, an original statue had been made of wood and gilded with gold leaf in 1745 but had burnt down on a number of occasions (lastly in 1900). The wooden head of the previous statue is enshrined within the modern statue which can be entered at the base. Although the Takaoka statue has neither the historical importance nor the artistic magnificence of the other two 'Great Buddhas of Japan' (located in Nara and Kamakura), it was nevertheless well worth spending a little time to take it all in. A worthwhile detour!
6. Takaoka Castle Ruins
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By NigelG407 - Singapore, Singapore
Once a grand castle that served the Samurai of the Sengoku Period and now a beautiful landscaped Park. The park contains the Municipal Museum and the Imizu Shrine in addition to a park which delights any artists with its sculptures. Honmaru Hiroba - The Forest of the Arts which is in the ruins of Takaoka Castle is an Interesting place and the residence at one time of Toshinaga Maeda - a Samurai from the Segoku Period. His time there was but a few years at the end of his reign. He was once a mighty samurai, but became depressed and withdrew from public life due to complications of syphilis and committed suicide on 27 June, 1614 aged 52. His magnificent equestrian statue is the largest in the garden, and throughout the garden one can see many sculptures from various 20th Century Japanese artists, on more joyous subjects. ‘Hen houses in the morning ‘ by Tadao Koga was my favourite. All had their own appeal and show immense artistry. It was a joy to walk about. The sky was blue and the sun was high, notwithstanding the temperature was 6 degrees! An ornithologists delight to for there are all kinds of birds and waterfowl to be seen in the moats. There is a children’s playground to keep them amused. Beautiful bridges the reflect in the water. A great place to stroll.
7. Doraemon no Sampo Machi
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Joy_Sinha - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
The character of Doraemon was created by Fujiko F. Fujio who hailed from Taksoka City in Japan. One of the highly popular Japanese Manga series characters across the world. In honour of the creator, Doraemon and his friends are depicted as statues right on front of the Takaoka station across the main road in front of the shopping mall. The statues are created to perfection and a very popular photography spot for locals as well as visitors. The statues are metal works. One can also see a large bronze statue of Doraemon in the Manyo tram line (Manyosen) Takaoka station waiting area. It is surprisingly a large post box. Fans of Doraemon consider it a pilgrimage to Takaoka. Definitely enjoyable.
