VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

Designated a National Treasure in 2022, Shoko-ji Temple is a prestigious temple of the Jōdo Shinshū Honganji sect of Buddhism, with a proud history spanning nearly 500 years. Known for its grand scale and formal layout, the temple is modeled after the head temples of the sect, making it one of the most important examples of a large Jōdo Shinshū temple in Japan.

Shoko-ji  flourished under the patronage of the powerful Kaga Domain during the Edo period, and as a result, its architecture reflects strong influences from samurai culture. Throughout the temple, visitors can admire intricate craftsmanship and refined aesthetics that have stood the test of time.

<Highlights>

• ◎Takaoka Dozō-zukuri Town Museum：A rare chance to step inside a traditional merchant townhouse. The museum showcases a classic three-row, three-section layout with an earthen-floor corridor, offering insight into the lives of merchants from the past.

• ◎Yamachō Valley:　A renovated commercial complex built inside historical buildings. This lively space brings together locals and tourists, with cafés, restaurants, and even massage salons in a cozy, community-oriented setting.

• ◎Takaoka Mikurumayama Museum:　Home to the grand Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival, held every year on May 1st, featuring seven elaborately decorated festival floats (mikurumayama), all designated as Important Tangible and Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan. Visitors can view the floats year-round and even try hands-on experiences like playing festival music or operating mechanical dolls (karakuri ningyō).

Located in the heart of Takaoka City, Yamachō-suji is a beautifully preserved Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. This historic street showcases rows of traditional “dozō-zukuri” storehouses—buildings with white plaster or black lacquered walls, designed to be fire-resistant and durable. Walking through this district is like stepping back in time.

The origins of Yamachō-suji date back to the early 1600s, when Lord MAEDA Toshinaga of the Kaga Domain founded the town of Takaoka. As a commercial hub along the historic Hokuriku Road, the district flourished. After a major fire in 1900, many of the buildings were rebuilt in the distinctive storehouse style, giving the area its current character. You'll also find Western-style architecture from the Meiji era, including red-brick buildings like old banks, adding to the district’s unique historical landscape.
(Image courtesy of Takaoka City Tourism Association)

Kanayamachi is a historic district in Takaoka City, founded more than 400 years ago under the command of MAEDA Toshinaga, the second lord of the Kaga Domain, as a center for the metalworking industry. One of its most iconic features is the “Senbon Kōji” rows of houses, with their unique and elegant latticework grilles.

The houses, with their beautifully arranged wooden lattices, form a striking harmony with the stone-paved streets, creating a serene atmosphere where time seems to stand still. Recognized as an Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings, Kanayamachi offers a rare glimpse into the past, preserving the lifestyle and craftsmanship of earlier times.
(Image courtesy of Takaoka City Tourism Association)

＜Highlights of Kanayamachi＞

• ◎Senbon Kōji Rows of Townhouses:
  The townhouses with their delicate and beautiful wooden latticework facades form an exquisite “walking art gallery” for visitors.

• ◎Metalworking Culture of Kanayamachi:
  Scattered throughout the town are workshops and galleries where visitors can experience traditional crafts, including the famous Takaoka Copperware.

• ◎Stone-Paved Streets:
  The historic streets are especially charming when wet from rain, evoking a deep sense of history and culture.

• ◎Townhouse Cafés and Shops:
  Many of the old townhouses have been converted into cafés and craft shops, making your stroll through the district even more enjoyable.

Quietly standing in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, Zuiryūji Temple is a prestigious Sōdō Zen temple built to honor the late MAEDA Toshinaga, the second lord of the Kaga Domain. Established in the early Edo period, the temple took nearly 20 years to complete, and its grand buildings represent the finest achievements of traditional Japanese architecture.

Due to its overwhelming beauty and historical significance, the Sanmon (Main Gate), Butsuden (Main Hall), and Hattō (Dharma Hall) have been designated as National Treasures. Several other buildings within the temple grounds are also designated as Important Cultural Properties. The symmetrical layout of the buildings and the serene atmosphere of the temple perfectly embody the spirit of Zen, offering visitors a peaceful and reflective experience.

<Highlights of Zuiryūji Temple>

◎Sanmon (Main Gate – National Treasure):

The main gate exudes a solemn and dignified presence. The characters for “Takaoka Mountain” were written by the famous Ingen, a Chinese monk from the Ōbaku sect of Zen Buddhism.

◎Butsuden & Hattō (Main Hall & Dharma Hall – National Treasures):

Admire the stunning craftsmanship of the ceiling paintings and the intricate wooden framework—excellent examples of Japan's architectural mastery.

◎The Beauty of the Cloister:

The corridor surrounding the main hall is beautiful year-round, offering a unique charm on rainy or snowy days. The quiet space exudes the peaceful spirit of Zen.