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With the vast expanse of the Sea of Japan to the north and the soaring 3,000-meter Tateyama Mountain Range to the west, Takaoka and its environs constitute a magnificent tapestry of natural beauty immortalized in a number of waka poems in the Man’yoshu, Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry. In winter, heavy snowfall turns the mountain landscape into a sparkling white spectacle for the eyes. Two rivers flowing across the edges of downtown into the sea complete the breathtaking scenery, which has changed little since the days it was celebrated by ancient poets more than a millennium ago.
In spite of its pristine natural beauty, the town once prospered as a trading center for rice and cotton after the construction of a railroad and a port positioned it as a transportation hub. Venerable merchant houses can still be seen in Takaoka, harking back to some of the city’s past glory and providing a glimpse into life in those days.
Today, the winds of change bluster through the city. A new large commercial complex consisting of a hotel, school, library, and an assortment of restaurants has emerged near Takaoka Station. The city is also planning to build a new Shinkansen train station as part of its redevelopment project.
Residents of Takaoka can always be seen exchanging friendly greetings as they pass each other on streets, even with strangers. Life in this town still preserves the small-town intimacy and spirit of old Japan, thereby further enriching its unique cultural tradition. |
