From Wikitravel

Takaoka (高岡) is a port city in Toyama, Japan. While the prefecture's second-largest city, the main reason for travellers to visit is the ferry to/from Vladivostok, Russia.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By train

Central Takaoka is a minor rail hub, with JR Takaoka station located on the JR Hokuriku Main Line between Toyama (20 min) and Kanazawa (1 hr). There is no Shinkansen anywhere near Takaoka yet, although a line is under construction and may reach the area around 2014 or so. In the meantime, the fastest possible connection from Tokyo via Echigo-Yuzawa and Toyama takes 4:30, while travel time from Osaka along the Hokuriku Main Line takes over 3 hours.

[edit] By ferry

Fushiki-Toyama Port (伏木富山港 Fushiki-toyama-kō) is located a fair distance from central Takaoka. From the port, it's a ten-minute walk to JR Fushiki station, three stops away from Takaoka on the JR Himi Line (氷見線) — which, incidentally, means "Ice-Watching Line". While JR Rail Passes are valid for this trip, beware that if you're entering Japan this way, the passes cannot be validated at Fushiki station; the nearest station that officially accepts them is Kanazawa, over 100 km away.

The Far East Shipping Company [1], represented in Japan by Bisintour [2], has services roughly once a week between Takaoka and Vladivostok, Russia. The ferry crossing takes two nights and one day, leaving around 6 PM and arriving around 9 AM both ways. Fares start from US$360/person sharing a 4-berth cabin, with meals. Students can travel for US$330, while return tickets are US$600.

[edit] Get around

The Man'yōsen Tram Line [3] trundles through town, starting at JR Takaoka station. Fares are ¥150-350 depending on the distance.

[edit][add listing] See

There are a few sights of mild interest in Takaoka.

• Takaoka Great Buddha Statue (高岡大仏 Takaoka Daibutsu) (near tram Sakashita-machi (坂下町) stn). Claims to be one of Japan's Top 3 Buddhas, although it's actually only in the top three if the height of the halo is included. edit

• Zuiryū-ji Temple (瑞龍寺) (10 min from JR Takaoka south exit), [4]. Daily 9 AM-4:30 PM. A large Soto Zen temple, three of whose buildings have been designated as National Treasures. ¥500.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

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[edit] Contact

[edit] Get out

• Kanazawa — perhaps the best-preserved major Edo-period city in the country

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