Takaoka Castle Park

Takaoka Castle Park (高岡古城公園, Takaoka Kojo Koen) in central Takaoka is a peaceful green space built on the former grounds of Takaoka Castle, which was taken down in 1615 under the one-castle-per-domain law of the Edo period. Today, the park features original moats where visitors can enjoy boat cruises, wide open lawns perfect for picnics, forested walking paths, and over a thousand cherry trees that bloom beautifully in early to mid-April.

Inside the park, Imizu Shrine stands where the old castle’s inner grounds once were, with a unique torii gate made from old Ise Shrine wood and bronze—a nod to Takaoka’s metal casting heritage. The Takaoka Municipal Museum in the park shares local history, and just outside the park, the Takaoka Art Museum highlights works by Doraemon creator Fujiko F. Fujio and other artists. Entry to both museums is free, though the municipal museum has no English explanations.