Sea, Mountains, and Doraemon: Why Takaoka Is Japan’s Best-Kept Secret
- Shinya Yamada
- May 11
- 3 min read
Japan’s Best-Kept Secret: Discovering Amaharashi Coast’s Timeless Beauty
This is the second installment in my blog series on Takaoka City—often called Japan’s best-kept secret. Amaharashi Coast, located about 3 kilometers from the National Treasure Shokoji Temple, can be reached by bicycle in around 15 minutes.
As I mentioned in my previous post, this scenic stretch of coastline was deeply cherished by the poet Ōtomo no Yakamochi (c. 718–785), who composed many works inspired by its beauty. In fact, 473 of his poems—both long and short—are featured in the Man’yōshū anthology, accounting for more than 10% of the entire collection.
Where the Sea Meets the Sky: A View Like No Other
From Amaharashi Coast, you can enjoy a breathtaking and rare view: the sea in the foreground and the 3,000-meter-high peaks of the Tateyama Mountain Range rising dramatically in the distance. It’s a landscape rarely seen even in Japan.
The name “Amaharashi” (literally “clearing rain”) comes from a legend that the famous warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune once stopped here while fleeing north, waiting for a sudden rain to pass at a rock now known as “Yoshitsune Rock.”
Amaharashi Coast is part of the Noto Hantō Quasi-National Park and has been selected as one of the “100 Best Shores of Japan” and the “100 Best White Sand and Green Pine Beaches.” Additionally, Toyama Bay, which includes Amaharashi, is a member of the “World Most Beautiful Bays.”
From Coastline to Kabuki: A Surprising Connection
On May 7, I attended a kabuki performance at the Kabuki-za Theatre in Tokyo. It was the special name-succession event for the eighth-generation Onoe Kikugorō and sixth-generation Onoe Kikunosuke. One of the featured plays was Kanjinchō, a famous kabuki drama about Yoshitsune and his loyal retainer Benkei.
Coincidentally, the location I had just visited—Amaharashi, associated with Yoshitsune—connected perfectly with the theme of the play.Note: The setting of Kanjinchō is said to be Ataka in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
A View Worth Waiting For (Even If the Mountains Hide)
Unfortunately, on the day I visited (May 4), the sky was overcast and I couldn’t see the Tateyama mountains. However, I’ll include a photo from my 2022 visit, when the peaks were clearly visible.
The following day, May 5, was sunny, and the scenic train Belles montagnes et mer (“Bellmonta”) offered a stunning view of the mountain range—more on that in my next blog post.
Takaoka and Doraemon: A City of Culture and Nostalgia
Takaoka City is also known as the hometown of Fujiko F. Fujio, the beloved creator of Doraemon, one of Japan’s most famous manga and anime series. The city is home to the Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Art Gallery, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Doraemon.
Throughout the city, you’ll find many Doraemon-themed mailboxes, and when you post a letter or postcard in them, it will receive a special commemorative Doraemon cancellation stamp.
In addition, Takaoka Otogi-no-Mori Park features a replica of the open lot often seen in the Doraemon series—complete with the iconic cement pipes. It’s a must-visit spot for fans of the manga.
Ride with a Ninja: Local Culture on the Rails
Fujiko Fujio A, the co-creator of Doraemon and longtime creative partner of Fujiko F. Fujio, was born in Himi City, also in Toyama Prefecture. His famous work Ninja Hattori-kun is featured in the design of a special sightseeing train that runs along the Johana and Himi railway lines.
The train is decorated with illustrations of local attractions such as the Great Buddha of Takaoka, the Tonami Tulip Fair, the Gokayama Gassho-zukuri villages, and the Tateyama Mountain Range—all alongside Ninja Hattori himself. By chance, I spotted the Ninja Hattori train at Takaoka Station during my visit.
Coming Up Next: Sushi on the Rails
In my next blog, I’ll share my experience aboard the Belles montagnes et mer sightseeing train. On this unique train, a sushi chef prepares delicious Toyama-style sushi right inside the carriage. Don’t miss it!
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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