Shin-Takaoka Station is a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line. Both “Hakutaka" and some "Kagayaki" trains, including temporary services, stop at this station.
For efficient sightseeing, be sure to rent a car from one of the four car rental offices near the station. Reserve in advance for a smooth trip!

Shinminato Ohashi Bridge is the largest cable-stayed overpass on Japan’s Sea of Japan side. Its two-tiered structure stands tall over Toyama Shinko Port in Imizu City, with a roadway on the upper level and a bicycle and pedestrian pathway on the lower level.
On a clear day, the bridge offers a fantastic panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, the Tateyama Mountain range, and the Noto Peninsula.
The beautiful night view is also highly recommended!

Toyama Bay is known throughout Japan as a “natural fish tank”, bursting with abundant sea life. Even among steep local competition from other ports dotted along the bay, Shinminato Fishing Port in Imizu City is known as one of the best fishing ports in the prefecture.
Rich minerals from the Shogawa and Oyabe Rivers flow into the seas by Shinminato, all the way from water sources in the luscious untouched Hakusan and Hida mountains. This provides nourishment for the many fish and shellfish caught by local fishermen, who in turn work to protect and nurture the rich natural environment through maintenance of important fishery resources.

Fresh seafood auctions are held every day at the Shinminato Fishing Port. In addition to the early morning auction, a daytime auction is held from 12:30pm, which can be observed by visitors by advance reservation. Experience the lively market atmosphere up close, including intense exchanges between the auctioneers and buyers. The passionate auctioneer's shouts and the speed of the signs given by the middlemen provide fast-paced excitement like no other!

After working up an appetite watching the noon auction at Shinminato Fishing Port, why not tuck into some delicious snow crab?
There are plenty of tasty restaurants located around the fishing port. Visitors can’t go wrong with fresh sashimi and nigiri at a sushi restaurant, but for a special treat, try the crab lunches at a cozy ‘kappo’ diner.
Dishes vary from store to store, with sets such as Crab Sukiyaki and Crab Zanmai tasting platters.

A scenic 3.4km long river flows through the Shinminato district on the coastal side of Imizu City.
Old town-style houses line the glittering waterways, and fishing boats bob up and down on their moors on both banks, creating a nostalgic port town atmosphere.
More than 10 unique bridges span the river, which sightseeing boats pass under precariously without an inch to spare.
On a clear day, visitors can see the Tateyama Mountain Range rising up to the east.

*The 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake has damaged some roads, rendering certain sections impassable by car.

Newly designated National Treasure, Shoko-ji Temple, was the historic Etchu province head temple for the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism. Boasting unprecedented scale and style, the main temple, main hall, and ceremonial platform were all designated as National Treasures in December 2022.
The main hall was built in the late Edo period (1603-1868), modeled after the Amidado Hall of Hongwan-ji Temple, with building plans drawn up by the Hongwan-ji Temple’s famous carpenters.
Repairs known as the ‘Heisei Great Repairs’ were carried out over 23 years from 1998, restoring 12 buildings, including the main temple, main hall, and ceremonial platform, to their 18th century appearance.

Shoko-ji Temple is famous for the ‘Seven Wonders of Shoko-ji Temple’, such as the fruitless ginko tree, the stone that fell from the sky, and the pond that never dries. For more information on the 'Seven Wonders', see the ‘Featured Articles’ section.

The Amaharashi Coast is a scenic spot associated with the ancient Manyo Period of 710 - 794.
The beautiful scenery inspired famous Manyo poet, Otomo no Yakamochi, to compose numerous verses about the area. The timeless coastline has not changed since, boasting enduring views of reefs in the waters of Toyama Bay juxtaposed against the colossal 3,000-meter-high Tateyama Mountain Range.
The iconic sight of the dynamic Meiwa rock formation standing in front of the mountains has become a famous throughout Japan, and is a view beloved by many. It is said that there are few places in the world where it is possible to see 3,000-meter-high mountains from across the ocean.

The area has been selected as one of the ‘100 best beaches in Japan’, ‘100 best white sand and green pine tree beaches’ and ‘88 best swimming beaches in Japan’. Amaharashi is a popular summer spot with wonderful scenery and shallow waters. Why not visit this scenic spot that boasts reefs, white sandy beaches, and green pine trees?

Located along the Amaharashi Coast, ‘Roadside Station Amaharashi’ boasts modern, bright white architecture inspired by ships.
Convenient travel information is available on the first floor, with a café, store, and observation deck on the second floor, and multipurpose room and observation deck on the third floor.
The open-air café boasts a magnificent ocean view. Visitors can relax and enjoy a tasty lunch featuring locally caught seafood, meat, and vegetables, as well as desserts and drinks. The store also offers craft products made from Takaoka copperware and lacquerware, as well as local sake, local confections, and sundries that evoke Toyama tradition and culture.
Enjoy eating and shopping all under one roof. From the observation deck and café, visitors can view the Himi Line train running by the sea, making it a fun spot for train-lovers and children.

Himi Seaside Botanical Garden is located on Matsudae-no-Nagahama, a haven of white sand and green pine trees written about in the oldest collection of Japanese poems, the Manyoshu anthology. This newly renovated facility can be enjoyed rain or shine, thanks to the large roofed “playable exhibition garden” and spacious indoor area equipped with playground equipment and training rooms!
Enjoy coffee and cakes and a view of Matsudae-no-Nagahama at ‘seaside cafe Soratoki’, a café-restaurant with a view on the 4th floor.

Work up an appetite for dinner with a scenic walk in Himinoe Park. Depending on the angle, you may even be able to photograph the Tateyama Mountain Range rising over Karashima Island!

Stay overnight in Himi City. During the winter season, some inns offer yellowtail sashimi, yellowtail shabu-shabu hotpot, simmered yellowtail with daikon radish, grilled yellowtail, and other delicious yellowtail courses. Don’t forget to try Himi's famous ‘Himi Kanburi’ - winter yellowtail!

Himi Banya-gai is a bustling spot full of specialty stores and restaurants that showcase Toyama’s abundant local produce. Sample seafood direct from Toyama Bay, sushi from Himi Fishing Port, Himi udon noodles, Himi beef, and many other Himi specialty foods. There are also plenty of delightful Himi souvenirs for sale, such as fresh fish and luxury processed foods. Shop and dine to your hearts content!
From delicious fresh food and Himi-exclusive souvenirs to spectacular views and a refreshing atmosphere, Himi Banya-gai is the ultimate place to experience all of Himi's charms. Visit on an empty stomach!

Himi Shiokaze Gallery exhibits works by Himi-native manga artist Fujiko Fujio A., including original drawings and reproductions of his works. On the first floor, there are exhibits of the manger master’s most famous works, such as ‘Ninja Hattori-kun’ and ‘Kaibutsu-kun (The Monster Kid)’, as well as works depicting the Himi area. There is also a recreation of the legendary ‘Tokiwaso Room 14’ where Fujiko A. Fujio himself lived, and a corner selling character goods.
The second floor is home to a ‘Manga Library’, where visitors can choose from one thousand different Fujiko A. comics to read, and a ‘Digital Manga Screen’ that utilizes the latest technology – perfect for families to enjoy together. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the world of Fujiko Fujio A manga.

Himi is not just about seafood! Did you know that it is also the largest producer of beef cattle in Toyama Prefecture?
In Himi City, there are various restaurants where you can enjoy ‘Himi beef’ as yakiniku barbecue, shabu-shabu hotpot, or steak. Yakiniku is recommended for those who wish to try all the different cuts of Himi beef.

Takaoka City is popular among tourists for its historic townscapes. In 2012, Kanaya-machi, the oldest area of the city, became the first foundry town in Japan to be selected as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
In 1609, Maeda Toshinaga, the feudal lord of the Kaga Domain, invited seven metal casters from within his domain to Kanaya-machi to open metal foundries. He believed this would bring prosperity to his newly established castle town of Takaoka. The casting industry took root in Kanaya-machi, resulting in the flourishing Takaoka copperware industry.
Even today, intricately detailed ‘Senbon-goshi’ style houses from that time still line the streets, creating a striking picture that blends beautifully with the 500m long cobblestone road.
Stroll through the scenic town and keep an eye out for the heart- and star-shaped copper pieces scattered here and there on the cobblestone road.

Yamacho-suji was developed when Maeda Toshinaga, the second-generation head of Kaga’s Maeda clan, invited settlers to establish a merchant town along the Hokuriku Road in his new castle town of Takaoka. Takaoka developed as a hub for the distribution of goods from the 16th to 19th centuries, with Yamacho-suji in particular flourishing as a center of commercial activity.
The townscape that remains to this day is the result of the construction of fireproof storehouses during the recovery from the Great Fire of 1900. Alongside these storehouses, there are also Western-style red-brick banks and buildings that incorporate Western-style architectural design, creating a truly unique historical landscape.
The Takaoka City Dozo-zukuri Museum (former Murosaki Residence) allows visitors to tour a town house in Yamacho-suji, ideal for combining with a stroll around the town streets.

The majestic Zuiryu-ji Temple is the family temple of the second head of the Kaga Maeda clan and founder of Takaoka, Maeda Toshinaga. The temple was built by the third head of the Maeda clan, Maeda Toshitsune, to mourn the loss of his predecessor.
The grandiose beauty of the stately temple building is a true testament to the wealth and power of the Kaga domain, which boasted an unmatched yield of 1.2 million koku. Passing under the magnificent Sanmon Gate and through the Somon Gate, a beautiful and solemn space unfolds.
The Sanmon Gate, Butsuden Hall, and Hatto Hall are designated as National Treasures, while the Somon Gate, Zendo, Oguri, Kairo and Daisado are designated as Important Cultural Properties.
The temple is highly regarded for its classic 17th century Zen Buddhism architecture. There is plenty to see, including the lead-shingled roof of the Butsuden Hall, the lavish interior crafted from cypress and tomuro stone, the symmetrical corridors surrounding the Butsuden Hall, and the beautiful ceiling paintings.
National Treasure Zuiryu-ji Temple is truly impressive with its grand, beautiful and dignified appearance.

Ramen Jigen is located near Takaoka Station. The owner spent three years perfecting their ‘Black Soy Sauce Ramen’, a mellow black ramen that utilizes charred soy sauce and braised pork. The black pepper accent packs a strong punch, with many regulars hailing from as far as Osaka and Tokyo to get another taste of the delicious flavor.
The ‘Local Gourmet Set’ that includes a Takaoka croquette and a black grated yam rice ball is also popular. Although Jigen's black ramen has a strong flavor, it can be made lighter to suit any palette. The restaurant offers a wide variety of ramen, including ‘Garlic Ramen’, ‘Iwanori Salt Ramen’, and others, making it a great place for families to enjoy ramen together.
The restaurant is just a two-minute walk from JR Takaoka Station, so feel free to stop by while waiting for your train.

After returning the rental car, you will be ready to head home. You can purchase Toyama souvenirs before boarding the Shinkansen at ‘Souvenir Shop Takaoka’, attached to the 7-Eleven in front of the ticket gate at Shin-Takaoka Station!