🗺️ Kanayamachi

In the 16th year of the Keichō era (1611), the second lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Toshinaga, proposed a policy to encourage iron casting production to promote the newly established castle town. As a result, Kanayamachi quickly became the birthplace of Takaoka casting and flourished. As the oldest district in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, the 500-meter-long stone-paved road is lined with traditional lattice-style houses known as "senbon-goshi," creating a picturesque street scene. The landscape of Kanayamachi, reminiscent of the Meiji and Taisho periods, frequently appears in movies and television dramas, and it has been designated as a "National Important Traditional Building Preservation Area." Today, it remains a well-known casting region, featuring numerous workshops for iron casting and jewelry making, as well as galleries and shops that have been transformed from historical buildings, adding much enjoyment to strolls in the area. Additionally, on June 20, the anniversary of Lord Maeda Toshinaga's death, a local festival called "Oin Matsuri" is held to express remembrance, gratitude, and respect. Coupled with the "Yayoi Matsuri" held the night before, large crowds dance in the streets to the songs of the casting work, creating a lively atmosphere.

The birthplace of Takaoka cast iron. The charming street scenes often appear in movies and TV dramas. In the workshops within the district, you can experience the process of casting.