Uncovering the Craft and Design Traditions of Takaoka
Ancient Cultural Highways
Along the Sea of Japan, the “Hokuriku-kaido” and “Hokkoku-kaido” highways connect the western Sea of Japan region with the rest of the country. From antiquity into the present, people and supplies have traveled these busy highways and influenced the culture around it.
For hundreds of years, the traditions that blossomed along these historic roads nurtured the skills and craftsmanship of local artisans and contributed to the development of the region. To this day, this history continues to shape the region and its culture. Connecting past to present, the historic “Takumi-kaido” route runs from east to west, linking the areas of Echizen (Echizen City), Ecchu (Takaoka City), and Echigo (Tsubame City/Sanjo City) along the Sea of Japan.
Introducing Takaoka City
Takaoka can be accessed by direct Shinkansen from Tokyo in two and a half hours and from Kanazawa in 15 minutes.
Surrounded by the Japanese Alps and facing the sea, the picturesque city has a rich history of craft and design. Soon after the city’s founding 400 years ago, the local castle was decommissioned under the ‘One Castle per Province’ law. Despite this setback, Takaoka emerged as a city of commerce and industry thanks to the commitment and dedication of its citizens.
Today, Takaoka retains much of its traditional charm and culture. Visitors can visit well-preserved old town districts, take part in traditional events, and meet the area’s skilled artisans.
The Traditional Crafts of Takaoka
The traditional industries of Takaoka date back to the city’s founding. In more recent years, new designs have emerged from these ancient traditions, earning Takaoka artisans worldwide attention.
As part of the nationally sponsored ‘wonder 500’ project’, design and craft professionals selected 500 products that embody the pride of Japan. They ended up selecting more products from Takaoka than from any other city besides Kyoto – a testament to the city’s prominence in terms of skill and creativity.
The Great Buddha of Takaoka is another great example of the artisan skill, especially metalwork skill, present in the city. It is one of Japan’s three preeminent Buddha statues, on par with those in Nara and Kamakura. It was completed over a period of 30 years and was built thanks to the townspeople’s dedication, donations and most importantly, the exceptional metal casting skills of local craftsmen.
Takaoka is the ideal destination for travelers looking for unique designs and crafts rooted in traditional techniques.
Suggested Itinerary
NOUSAKU FOUNDRY
The Nousaku Foundry was established in 1916 and is known for its ‘bendable products’ made from 100% tin. At the factory, visitors can watch artisans carefully craft these products using metal casting techniques. The foundry also has a contemporary art museum, a restaurant (where you can dine using utensils made at the factory), a hands-on workshop, and a design store featuring its products.
YAMACHOSUJI
During the early Edo period, Daimyo Maeda Toshinaga invited townspeople from neighboring castle towns to live in Takaoka in an effort to develop the city. This tradition still lives on today. In Yamachosuji you can stroll through a picturesque, traditional area of Western-style brick houses and dignified, delicately designed townhouses.
BED & CRAFT
Located just outside of Takaoka, the historical town of Inami is home to 200 woodcarving artisans, an impressive number in a town of just 8,000 people. Bed & Craft offers travelers the chance to stay at one of its six high-end villa properties dotted around Inami. Each villa has been meticulously designed in collaboration with one of the town’s skilled artisans, so that each one showcases unique features and handiwork. Guests staying at one of the villas also have the exclusive opportunity to apprentice with a local craftsman for a few hours. They can choose from working with a woodcarver, a lacquerware artist, or a Buddhist sculptor.