Takaoka, Metalworking Experience & Toyama Bay Tour From Kanazawa

On this tour you will see temples, try your hand at metalworking, and enjoy the Amaharashi Coast with a view of the snow-capped Tateyama mountains in the background.

Highlights

• Visit the temples of Zuiryuji and Shokoji, Japan National Treasures
• Try your hand at metal-working by making your own drinking cup
• Explore Amaharashi with its beautiful views of the small island

Full Description

This tour will start at Kanazawa Station at 8:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Information Center near the Shinkansen Ticket Gates. Once you have left the inside of the station building, we will get on the shinkansen and take the short trip to Takaoka Station.

First, we will walk to Zuiryuji Temple, the 350-year-old temple built for the death of the second generation Maeda leader, Maeda Toshinaga. This temple is unique because, in place of a Buddhist god on the main altar, there is the o-ihai, or mortuary tablet, of Maeda Toshinaga. It was built as a grand tribute, with great wealth spent to create it in a continental temple style.

There is also a central altar of Buddha that used the highest quality Japanese timber and imported Chinese materials for the statues. Another interesting feature is the statue of the god of toilets, believed to be the only one in existence, as historically just the god’s name on a placard is used in bathrooms.

Next, we will return through Takaoka Station to visit the Takaoka Big Buddha. The current metal Buddha dates from the 1930s, following a fire that destroyed an earlier statue.

The tour continues through the old town area, where you will see culturally important buildings in Meiji modern style. The dark blue and white colors create a classic Japanese-Western atmosphere.

Then, enjoy the metalworking experience by designing, pouring, and cooling your own metal drinking cup—a memorable souvenir that easily fits in your luggage.

In the afternoon, we will take the Himi Line train towards Toyama Bay. After arriving near Shokoji Temple, another National Treasure originally built in 1471 and relocated in 1584, the tour continues.

The last stop offers a 30-minute break to admire a famous view of Toyama Prefecture: a small rocky island with trees, set against the majestic Tateyama mountain range.

Finally, we will return to Takaoka Station by train or bus, enjoying views of Toyama Bay and the mountains before heading back to Kanazawa and concluding the tour.

Pricing

From
¥24,800 per person

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Includes

• Transportation to and from Takaoka and between all destinations during the tour
• English-speaking guide
• Entry fees at Zuiryuji and Shokoji Temples
• Kanayamachi Metalworking Experience Fee

Meeting Point

The meeting point is outside the Shinkansen Ticket Gates, across the concourse and in front of the information center. Look for four large sumo wrestler statues under the information center sign. Look for the guide wearing the SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tag.

Kanazawa City Tourism Association
Japan, 〒920-0858 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Kinoshinbomachi, 1−1-1 金沢駅構内

Reviews

We had a full day. Garrett was a wonderful guide — knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating, and flexible. The temples, the metalworking, and ending at the shore made it a great experience. We learned a lot about the various sects of Buddhism and the political history of the area. We had a great noodle lunch that was very tasty. We feel it was a fulfilling day. Please make sure you have the energy to walk about 8 miles and change trains during the day.

Features

• Certified Staff
• English-Speaking Staff
• Expert Guide
• General Amenities
• Group-Friendly
• In-Person Consultation
• Services

Location