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.

79 files, last one added on Nov 14, 2006
Album viewed 836 times

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.

67 files, last one added on Dec 04, 2007
Album viewed 979 times

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.

4 files, last one added on Dec 04, 2007
Album viewed 189 times

Other sights in Takaoka, Toyama.

8 files, last one added on Dec 04, 2007
Album viewed 196 times

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.

48 files, last one added on Nov 14, 2006
Album viewed 291 times