Visit Doraemon's Hometown! Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture

Takaoka: The Hometown of Doraemon's Creator

With the opening of the Hokuriku bullet train line in 2015, the Hokuriku region became a popular destination for many travelers.

Did you know that the city of Takaoka in Toyama prefecture is not only a great travel destination but also the hometown of Doraemon's creator, Fujiko F. Fujio?

Many places that appear in the popular manga and anime series have been recreated in Takaoka. The town is overflowing with Doraemon-related things and spots. It's a must-go place for Doraemon fans!

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Basic Information about Takaoka

Takaoka is located in the western part of Toyama prefecture, has an area of 20.57 km2, and a population of over 170,000. It is the second most populated city in Toyama after Toyama City.

Takaoka is famous for producing various types of copperware and has a Great Statue of Buddha that is counted as one of Japan's three major Buddha statues. Also, it is the hometown of Fujiko F. Fujio, the creator of the popular manga and anime "Doraemon" and many other series.

We will introduce the places in Takaoka where you can see things related to or inspired by Doraemon!

1. Doraemon's Walking Road

This is a small walking road in Wing Wing Takaoka Square, right in front of Takaoka Station. Twelve bronze statues of "Doraemon" characters can be found on both sides of the road.

Each statue has a cheerful expression and is unique. When you enter the station, the characters welcome you on both sides. Before you even realize it, you'll be in a happy mood.

At the end of the walking road, the characters are all lined up in a circle to see the tourists off. Everyone is dancing and they seem to be having fun.

Also, you can see the message left by Fujiko F. Fujio when he came here in July 1994!

Wing Wing Takaoka Square
Address: 1-7 Suehiro, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture
Access: 2-minute walk from Takaoka Station

2. Man'yo Line Doraemon Tram

Doraemon's birthday is on September 3, 2112. 2012 was exactly one hundred years before Doraemon's birthday, so various plans and events were held on this occasion. The Man'yo Line Doraemon tram was one of the projects. It started running in September 2012.

The Man'yo line Doraemon tram has two cars and the inside and outside of the cars are covered with images of Doraemon and his friends. The door is pink and designed in the shape of the "Dokodemo Door" ("The Door to Anywhere", one of Doraemon's tools). It's very cute.

The Man'yo line tram runs between Takaoka and Shinminato. Since it started running, it had over 100,000 passengers in a year. Its popularity is only growing!

It was originally supposed to operate for a limited time until the end of August 2013, but because of the great reviews it received, it was extended until the end of August 2018. All Doraemon fans who wish to ride on this tram should go to Takaoka before it stops running!

Recreations of Doraemon's Playground

Another place that you shouldn't miss is Takaoka Otogi Forest Park. Made with the theme "Play with nature, learn from nature, and connect with friends", this is a recreation of the vacant lot made into a playground that is the meeting place of Nobita, Jaian, and their friends.

Moreover, there are three statues of Doraemon and friends placed here, making it possible to interact with them from close.

For all of you who like Doraemon, visit Takaoka and its spots related to Doraemon!

Book the JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)