Exploring Toyama Prefecture.

#Takaoka.

Takaoka is home to Japan's third-largest Buddha statue, a 17th-century temple, and traditional streetscapes. The city is also the hometown of Fujiko・F・Fujio, the brainchild of the much-loved Doraemon manga series.

Highlights: Shoko-ji, Takaoka Great Buddha, Takaoka City Museum of Art, Fushiki Kitamae-bune Museum, Zuiryu-ji (pictured), Takaoka Fujiko · F · Fujio hometown gallery, 金屋町重要伝統的建造物群保存地区 (Kanayamachi Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings)
Transport: JR Line trains run directly between Toyama and Takaoka, taking under 20 minutes each way.
For those based in Kanazawa, JR Line trains run between Kanazawa and Takaoka (change: Shin-Takaoka or Toyama) with a journey time of around an hour.
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#Himi.

For a fun day out, consider heading to the City of Himi to check out its collection of manga characters.

Highlights: Fujiko Fujio A Art Collection, 忍者ハットリくんカラクリ時計 (Ninja Hattori-kun Trick Clock), Manga Road, Himi Seaside Botanical Garden, Himi Banya-gai.
Transport: JR Line trains run directly from Himi to Takaoka with a journey of around 30 minutes each way.
Those based in Toyama can take a JR Line train from Toyama to Himi (change at Takaoka) with a journey time of just over an hour each way.

#Imizu.

Centred around the Hojozuuchi River, the picturesque city of Imizu is an ideal day trip from Takaoka.

Highlights: Azumabashi, Nakashin Bridge, Shinminato Uchikawa (Venice of Japan), Ai-no-Kaze Promenade, Shinminato Bridge, Shinminato Kittokito Fisherman's Wharf, Lover's Sanctuary Monument - Kaiwomaru Park.
Transport: Direct trams run from Takaoka Eki tram stop to Shinmachiguchi in the heart of the Imizu district and take around 40 minutes each way.

#Ainokura.

The quaint mountain village of Ainokura is certainly one of Japan's underrated gems. Most noteworthy for its charming thatch-roofed houses, Ainokura serves as a perfect quieter alternative to the more popular Shirakawago.

Highlights: Ainokura Village Observation Deck, 民宿勇助 (Yusuke - one of the largest Gassho-zukuri style houses in Ainokura village), Ainokura Folklore Museum, Washi Paper Workshop, Ainokura Traditional Industry Centre.
Transport: From Takaoka Station, take the JR line train to Johana, then transfer to bus 世界遺産バス［高岡～白川郷]. The journey should take around 1.5 hours in total.