Exploring Takaoka City in Toyama: Home to the Great Buddha and Doraemon

Summary

This time, I took on a one-day trip to Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture! I got to the Japanese traditional craft experience of make sake cups, explored a park that showcases the world of Doraemon, and enjoyed a cafe with the view of Great Buddha! If you are planning to visit Toyama Prefecture, please refer to this page😊

*Please note that information and prices listed are subject to change.

Travel Itinerary

09:30am Shin-Takaoka Station

The trip starts from Shin-Takaoka station.

Located in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, Shin-Takaoka Station is mainly used by the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line of the West Japan Railway Company (JR West). It is also a convenient base for travelers, with a variety of transportation options available, including the Berumonta, sightseeing train, and buses. Commercial facilities and tourist attractions are located near the station, making it a bustling regional transportation hub, and it is highly regarded for its excellent transportation accessibility.

10:00am NOUSAKU

NOUSAKU is a longstanding traditional foundry with a history spanning over 100 years. This popular tourist destination offers visitors the opportunity to have craft experiences, take a factory tour, and enjoy the time in a charming cafe ☕️

Traditional Craft Experience

You can make your own sake cups, small plates, and more at NOUSAKU!

Please make a reservation for the experience either by phone call or online!

Let’s observe the crafting process of my very own sake cup 🙂

Make a mold

I hardened the soil and made a mold! It feels good to have a beautiful mold😊

Tin melting process

They say it melts at about 290 degrees Celsius… It was such an interesting sight to see a lump of metal melting!

This is final look:

I was supposed to put my name on it, and though it was a bit difficult, I worked hard on it and absolutely love the result 🤍

Cafe☕️

At the cafe inside the building, enjoying a seat with a lovely view of the garden✨

Lunch at the cafe

The dishes are served using tinware which makes me excited and the carbonara udon is delicious!

Factory shop

There were so many original products made of tin that I wanted them all😍

NOUSAKU is a complex facility located in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. NOUSAKU is a traditional foundry manufacturer that has been in business for over 100 years, and at this spot you can enjoy a variety of activities, including a cafe, shopping, factory viewing, and craft experience.

2:00pm Doraemon no Akichi (at Otogi no Mori Park)

I came to ‘Doraemon no Akichi’ at Takaoka Otogi no Mori Park! Takaoka City is the birthplace of Doraemon author, Fujiko F. Fujio! Take a picture with Doraemon, Nobita and other characters and make your memory ❣️

The Doraemon no Akichi in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, is a designated Doraemon area situated within Takaoka Otogi no Mori Park. Within this charming space, statues of Doraemon and his friends adorn the surroundings, creating a lovely and delightful atmosphere. Famous for a popular photography destination, it’s a great spot to capture memorable moments.

2:30pm Takaoka Great Buddha

The Takaoka Great Buddha is called “the most handsome great buddha in Japan” because of its excellent workmanship ✨If you visit to Takaoka, you must check it out 😊

The Takaoka Great Buddha (Daibutsu) is located in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, a 10-minute walk from the station. It is a 16-meter-high bronze seated statue of Amida Nyorai and is one of the three largest Buddha statues in Japan, along with the Daibutsu statues in Nara and Kamakura.

3:00pm amida coffee

Located just to the right of Takaoka Great Buddha, it is perfect for a short break! Stylish appearance:

Cafe 2nd floor seating

From the upstairs seating in the cafe, I could see the Great Buddha!

Sweet, drink and souvenir

I ordered a set of sweets with a souvenir! The souvenirs were also sweets😍

Located in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, amida coffee is a cafe spot. Located just to the right of Takaoka Great Buddha, it is the perfect place for a quick break during sightseeing. The stylish atmosphere allows you to enjoy a cup of coffee in a relaxed setting. From seats on the second floor of the cafe, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Takaoka Great Buddha statue.

4:00pm Takaoka Station

This trip ends at Takaoka Station! Please refer to this plan and enjoy exploring in Takaoka City!

Takaoka Station is a transportation hub in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. It is convenient for tourists to use various means of transportation, including the Shinkansen bullet train, local trains, and buses. The station itself is also magnificent and clean.