Takaoka Station (Manyo Line)/The Doraemon tram

Take an enjoyable trip on the Doraemon tram

Adorned with Doraemon artwork, The Doraemon tram is a tram on the Manyo Line that connects Takaoka with Shinminato. Doraemon is the most famous work of Fujiko F. Fujio, a manga artist from Takaoka. Doraemon’s birthday is September 3rd 2112 in the manga. The train started its service in September 2012 to mark the 100-year countdown to his birthday. It is a very popular and much loved tram that welcomed its 100,000 passenger in May 2013.

Amaharashi Coast

A view that has captivated poets since ancient times

The iconic view of Toyama Bay against the dramatic backdrop of the snowy Tateyama mountains is unforgettable. The Amaharashi Coast is said to be the best location to enjoy the view, which has been celebrated by poets and writers since the eighth century. Like a scene from a painting, Onnaiwa Rock—a charming islet topped with pine trees—emerges from the sea in the foreground, and the mountains loom 3,000 meters high in the distance. Photographers often visit the area at sunset to capture the island and mountains silhouetted against the golden light of the setting sun. The Amaharashi Coast has sandy beaches lined with pine trees, and is popular for swimming in summer, thanks to its family-friendly shallows and breathtaking views.

Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-Style Village

A historical landscape that is picture-perfect in every season

Ainokura is the largest village of traditional thatched farmhouses in the Gokayama area, with around 20 houses. Along with Suganuma in Gokayama and Ogimachi in Shirakawa-go, it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. These so-called gassho-style villages with their distinctive thatched farmhouses are located along the Shogawa River, which stretches from Gifu to Toyama. Ainokura can be reached by bus from Shin-Takaoka Station in Toyama and Shirakawa-go in Gifu. The houses at Ainokura range in age from 100 to 350 years old and create a nostalgic atmosphere of a bygone Japan. While most of the houses are still private residences, some serve as cafes, museums, and even guesthouses. The village scenery is beautiful in each season, but especially in the winter when the houses are blanketed with snow. Staying overnight is the best way to enjoy the captivating sights which include seasonal illumination events.  Learn more about the area by visiting Ainokura Folk Museum, Ainokura Traditional Industry Center, and the Gokayama Washi Paper Making Experience Hall, which can be found in gassho-style houses. Visitors can try making washi paper and purchase paper-craft products at the Gokayama Washi Paper Making Experience Hall.