Kanayamachi Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings

Overview

Kanayamachi is a district in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. In 1609, when Maeda Toshinaga, the lord of the Kaga domain, established Takaoka, he brought seven metal casters from within his domain to Kanayamachi and opened a metal foundry. This led to the establishment of the metal casting industry in this area, making it the birthplace of Takaoka casting and the center of the Takaoka copperware industry, where it thrived greatly. Today, the traditional townscape, reminiscent of that era, remains. Along the approximately 500-meter-long stone-paved streets, houses with beautifully intricate senbon-koshi (thousand-lattice) windows line the streets. Many of these buildings are storehouses built in the late Meiji period, showcasing the high fire-prevention awareness of the merchants of the time. Kanayamachi is home to numerous traditional metal casting workshops and traditional craft shops, allowing you to experience the tradition of Takaoka copperware firsthand. There are also workshops where you can try metal casting or make pewter accessories, making it a great opportunity to create a unique souvenir. When strolling through Kanayamachi, keep an eye out for the heart and star-shaped copper pieces scattered on the cobblestones – a unique Kanayamachi item that embodies the tradition of Takaoka copperware. Kanayamachi is a fascinating tourist spot where you can experience the history and culture of Takaoka. Be sure to visit!