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.

Takaoka Daibutsu

One of the most beautiful bronze Buddhas in Japan

The Takaoka Daibutsu is a 16-meter-tall bronze statue of Amithaba Buddha at Daibutsuji Temple, in Takaoka City. The statue depicts the Buddha of Infinite Light in a seated position with his hands held in a meditative pose. It was completed in the early twentieth century after 26 years of work.  The current bronze Buddha is the latest in a succession of statues that have stood on Daibutsuji’s grounds. Its previous iterations were made of wood, with the first believed to have been built 800 years ago. Visitors can enter the pedestal upon which the Buddha sits, to see displays of Buddhist paintings and the wooden head of one of the former statues. The Takaoka Daibutsu exemplifies the metalworking techniques that Takaoka is famous for, and the splendid workmanship has earned this Buddha a reputation as one of the most beautiful bronze Buddhas in Japan.

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.