Takaoka Kojo Park 高岡古城公園

The castle itself is long gone, but the huge moats and rolling lawns still make this park Takaoka's prefered place to relax. During cherry blossom season, thousands of trees turn pink and white. Museums in the area add local culture to the mix. On-site dining options make Takaoka Castle Park an ideal place to spend a relaxing time.

Takaoka Castle Park is around 15-minutes walk from Takaoka Station.

Takaoka City is on the Hokuriku Line, making it easy to reach from Toyama City and other locations. To get from Shin-Takaoka shinkansen station to Takaoka Station you will need to change and take the Johana Line. For a more direct option from Toyama, take the Ainokaze Line to Takaoka Station (20 minutes).

Aerial photos of Takaoka Castle Park show a large, heavily wooded area. What you don't see is the castle itself, which was demolished by official decree only a few years after its construction in 1609. All that remains now is the stonework that once supported a mighty keep.

Where other cities have built ferro-concrete replicas of castle buildings (famously in Osaka and Nagoya), Takaoka chose to preserve the castle ruins as they had been left. The moats which once detered attackers now cover one third of the area.

From April 1 until the middle of the month, Takaoka Castle Park hosts a brilliant sakura cherry blossom festival. If you're lucky enough to be in the area around this time, make sure to see the 2,700 blooming cherry trees. It's free of charge, and festival stalls serve savory treats in designated areas.

Arched bridges provide great viewpoints for snapping photos of blossom-laden branches drooping toward the water. Expect 360 degrees of sublime springtime vistas everywhere you turn. Illuminations make nighttime viewing spectacular.

Fans of Doraemon, one of Japan's most beloved manga characters, should visit Fujiko . F . Fujio Hometown Art Gallery with its permanent exhibit on the creator of the Doraemon manga, Fujiko . F . Fujio. Located on the second floor, the exhibit showcases artwork from throughout Fujiko's career, giving context to his famous creation. An extensive manga library and information on the principles of manga also cater to more general interests in the medium.

If you're looking to stretch your legs after hours on a train or just want a quiet, scenic spot for a picnic, Takaoka Castle Park has you covered. You can also easily work it into a daytime walking tour of the city.