One of the gasshou-zukuri villages in the Gokayama region designated as a World Heritage Site. Over 20 houses with steep thatched-roof houses amid high mountains.

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Belonging to the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism and dedicated to Maeda Toshinaga, the 2nd lord of the Kaga domain and founder of Takaoka. The temple has three buildings designated as National Treasures in 1997: Sanmon Gate, Butsuden Buddha Hall, and Hatto Worship Hall.

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Near JR Takaoka Station is one of Japan's three Big Buddhas (after Nara and Kamakura). The statue was built by local coppersmiths in 1932, taking 30 years to complete. It stands 15.85 meters high, weighing 65 tons. Japan's largest copper statue. In 2007, it underwent major renovation.

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Other sights in Takaoka, Toyama.

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The castle was reconstructed in 1954 modeled after Hikone (in Shiga) and Inuyama (in Gifu) Castles for an industrial expo. It underwent a complete 2-year renovation in Nov. 2005. The castle tower is a local history museum. The inside is modern and looks very new. The castle is a 10-min. walk from Toyama Station.

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