Takaoka, often overshadowed by neighboring Kanazawa and Toyama, provides a rich, walkable experience perfect for a full day of sightseeing, with its main attractions conveniently located near the station. The essential stop is the magnificent Takaoka Great Buddha, a picturesque, 16-meter bronze statue tucked away in the city's charming narrow streets. This iconic figure, revered for its visual appeal and surrounded by interesting local shops and eateries, is an excellent subject for photography and offers a memorable cultural experience.
Where is the Takaoka Great Buddha?
Zuiryuji Temple is located in Takaoka City, which is on the western side of Toyama Prefecture. Directly between Kanazawa and Toyama on both the local rail lines as well as the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, Takaoka is well situated but often skipped over. The region gets a decent amount of snow in the winter and summer is quite hot, not unlike other cities on the Sea of Japan coast. In the city, the Big Buddha lies in northeast of main Takaoka Station in a very walkable neighborhood.
About The Big Buddha
The current iteration was completed in 1933. The Takaoka Great Buddha is considered one of Japan’s three Great Buddha statues – along with the enormous state housed in Todaiji Temple in Nara along with the Kamakura Daibutsu. Cast from bronze, the statue speaks to Takaoka’s metal-working expertise, something for which the town’s craftsmen are known throughout Japan.
The history of the Big Buddha actually goes much further back in time than just 1933, though. In the 1300s a 5m tall Buddha with a small bronze Buddha inside was constructed. It was moved to the current location before finally being reconstructed in the 1700s due to wear and tear over the centuries. It was replaced by an even larger wooden gold-painted Buddha. This version wouldn't last even a century before burning down in a tragic fire that swept the city. It was this long absence of a Giant Buddha in the city that the current version would fill.
How To Get There
Accessible on-foot from Takaoka Station, only a 10-minute walk, the Takaoka Great Buddha is located nearby Takaoka Castle Park and the Takaoka Art Museum. The statue is located outdoors therefore always accessible.
Be careful when inputting Takaoka Station into your navigation app. There are two main stations, Takaoka Station and Shin-Takaoka Station. Takaoka Station is directly connected to Kanazawa and Toyama by local trains only. It is possible to take a 30-40 minute train to get there. Shin-Takaoka Station is where the shinkansen trains stop.
Things Near the Buddha
The Buddha is also around 20-minutes walk from Takaoka's famous Zuiryuji Temple. If you head in the other direction, you can walk to and through the historic and traditional districts of Yamacho and Kanayamachi. The architectural style of Yamacho reflects the Meiji Period(late 1800s through early 1900s) in a way that is rarely found in other cities. Kanayamachi looks more like most people would think of as a traditional Japanese street. It is home to many of the remaining small metalworking shops in the city. There is truly a large diversity of things to do and see in the area.
Top 25 Things To Do in Takaoka and Toyama
Stunning mountain landscapes in the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and Kurobe Gorge, historical temples throughout Takaoka, and traditional experiences in a UNESCO World Heritage site of Gokayama, Toyama has little bit of everything for travelers to Japan. The region doesn't just have things to se but things to eat and do. You can try your hand at wood-carving at Inami, metal working in Kanayamachi or even papermaking in Ecchu Yatsuo or Ainokura. The seafood in the area is one of Japan's best and freshest so you can't miss the sushi. Our "Top 15 Things to in Takaoka" and "Top 25 Things To Do Around Toyama" page explains just how everything works, what’s on offer and where to stay.
Takaoka City Tours
The western area of Toyama, especially Takaoka, is an area with a history that stretches back to the first formation of “Japan” with landscapes that inspired poets. Join us for a tour of Takaoka, the City of Japan Heritage Sites. We will see the large and impressive Zuiryuji Temple, the Big Buddha of Takaoka, trying metalworking and, finally, visiting the beautiful Amaharashi Coast!
It is a full day and you can experience the breadth of Japanese culture and landscapes. Check it out below!
If you are more interested in nature, we have a tour that focuses more on the beautiful Amaharashi Coast and the Shogawa River Cruise. The tour stops by briefly at the Takaoka Great Buddha and for lunch you can try some local food at the Himi Banyagai. Click the tour card below for more information!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Takaoka famous for?
Takaoka is famous for the Big Buddha, metalworking and Japan Heritage Site temples. There is a lot to do here!
How do you get to Takaoka?
It is about 15 minutes on the shinkansen from both Kanazawa and Toyama Station. If you want to take the local train it takes about 30/40 minutes.
How long should I spend in Takaoka?
There is a solid one full day of things to do in the city. Zuiryuji Temple, the Great Buddha, the festival museum, Kanayamachi Metalworking Street, Shokoji Temple, Amaharashi and so much more!
What else is there in Toyama Prefecture?
Our "Things to Do in Toyama" page has everything you need to get started! The city is located conveniently between the mountains and the sea, so there is easy access to either scenery. If you're looking for a skiing, check out our "Best Ski Resorts in Toyama" or if onsen are more your things check out "Best Onsen Hot Springs in Toyama!" Nature types might be interested in our "Best Spots for Autumn Leaves Around Toyama" guide for fall foliage photography! If it's not just museums, but shrines and temples that you're interested in, you should have a look at our "Best Goshuin near Toyama" to get more info about the red stamps that are growing in popularity as well as the general "Best Shrines and Temples in Toyama." Foodies can't miss out on our "Toyama's Famous Foods" guide - it'll help you learn more about the local food and where to eat it.
