Takaoka

Takaoka (高岡) is the second largest city in Toyama Prefecture. It is historically known as a center of metal casting, and this industry still thrives in the city today. Takaoka is also an old castle town that lost its castle during the Edo Period due to a law that limited the number of castles to one per province. Because of its position on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Takaoka is a popular stop for tourists on their way to see other attractions in the area such as Gokayama.