The creator of the popular manga "Doraemon," Fujiko F. Fujio (real name: Hiroshi Fujimoto), was born in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. As you stroll through Takaoka, you’ll come across galleries tracing the roots of his career as a manga artist, monuments you can only see here, and parks where Doraemon and his friends play. Be sure to also check out Doraemon souvenirs exclusive to Toyama. Even if it’s your first trip to Toyama, you can efficiently and comfortably tour the hometown of Doraemon’s creator, Fujiko F. Fujio, with this model course thoroughly covered by Nana Iwai, a writer from Toyama.
Why Toyama is a Special Place for Doraemon Fans
The reason Toyama is so special for Doraemon fans is because Fujiko F. Fujio was born in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture in 1933, and spent his years there until he moved to Tokyo at age 20 in 1954 to become a full-fledged manga artist.
Today, the "Doraemon Tram" runs on the Manyo Line connecting Takaoka City and Imizu City, and the Takaoka City Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Gallery has been opened in downtown Takaoka. The city is gaining popularity as a place where you can encounter Doraemon. Longtime fans and first-time visitors alike will be able to feel the charm of Doraemon and get excited.
Recommended Spot ① Takaoka Otogi-no-Mori Park
If you’re a Doraemon fan, you can’t miss "Takaoka Otogi-no-Mori Park" in Takaoka City. On the lawn, you’ll find Doraemon, Nobita, Shizuka, Gian, and Suneo all together. Monuments of Doraemon and his friends, as if they’ve jumped straight out of the world of the series, are installed here.
Gian sits on a concrete pipe in an empty lot, just like in the manga and anime of "Doraemon," and feels especially familiar, as if he’s stepped right out of the story.
The park is open 24 hours, so you can visit anytime you like, whether in the morning or at dusk, making it a perfect stop during your sightseeing.
Recommended Spot ② Takaoka City Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Gallery (2nd Floor of Takaoka Art Museum)
The "Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Gallery" on the second floor of the Takaoka Art Museum is a facility where you can trace the life and creative journey of Fujiko F. Fujio, and see original drawings and materials from works including "Doraemon," as well as personal items such as the beret he actually wore and the bag he is believed to have taken with him when he moved to Tokyo. The exhibits are sure to thrill any fan.
Photography is not allowed inside the exhibition rooms, but the Anywhere Door at the entrance, where photography is permitted, and the 10th anniversary commemorative photo panel at the end of the exhibition are perfect photo spots.
There is also a bronze statue of the early-design Doraemon made with Takaoka copperware, and its adorable form is sure to draw your gaze.
In the library space, you can take a break while immersing yourself in the works of Fujiko F. Fujio. Eating and drinking are not allowed here, but there is a rest area in the basement of the Takaoka Art Museum.
At the museum shop, you can find exclusive goods that are not available at station shops. There is a wide selection of original items, including senbei rice crackers that faithfully recreate Doraemon’s shape, as well as notebooks and pin badges.
- Address: 1-1-30 Nakagawa, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Shikino Junior High School-mae tram stop
- Opening hours: 09:30–17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday, closed the following weekday), New Year holidays (December 29–January 3)
- Admission: Adults/University students ¥500
Recommended Spot ③ Doraemon Tram (Streetcar)
Whether you’re a Doraemon fan or not, if you visit Takaoka, you’ll want to ride the Doraemon Tram at least once. This special streetcar, designed with a Doraemon motif, runs on the Manyo Line connecting Takaoka Station and Imizu City.
On the ceiling, you’ll see Doraemon and friends flying with the Take-copter, and inside the tram, you’ll find many of Doraemon’s secret gadgets coming out of his 4D Pocket, illustrated throughout the car.
Furthermore, even the hand straps feature motifs of Doraemon and Dorami, with Doraemon’s world incorporated into every detail, making your travel time an exciting experience in itself.
Since the number of runs is limited, it’s recommended to check the Manyo Line Doraemon Tram timetable in advance. Please note that the tram does not operate on Wednesdays due to maintenance.
- Operating hours: 06:00–19:00
- No service: Wednesdays
- Fare: Adults ¥200–¥350
Recommended Spot ④ Doraemon’s Promenade
When you arrive at Takaoka Station, the first place you’ll want to visit is “Doraemon’s Promenade,” where lively monuments of Doraemon and his friends are displayed. It’s located right outside the north exit (Kojo Park Exit) of Takaoka Station, just across the street.
If you access the location via the concourse on the second floor of the station, you can get there without getting wet even on rainy or snowy days, so you can enjoy your visit with peace of mind even in Hokuriku, where the weather changes frequently.
Since it is located outdoors, you can visit freely without worrying about the time, which is another appeal.
You can take your time admiring each character not only from the front but also from the back, allowing you to fully appreciate the cute sculptural details of their designs. It's a must-visit photo spot for fans, where you'll find yourself unable to stop taking pictures.
- Address: 1-8 Suehiro-machi, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture
- Access: About 1 minute on foot from Takaoka Station
Recommended Spot ⑤ Doraemon Post Box
The Doraemon Post Box, where you can not only view but actually post a message, is located right outside the ticket gates of Ainokaze Toyama Railway’s “Takaoka Station,” on the north-south free passage. It welcomes you with a presence that stands taller than the average adult.
This post box was created to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the birth of Fujiko F. Fujio. You can buy a postcard at a nearby souvenir shop and get a stamp at the convenience store inside the station, allowing you to write and send a message about your trip right on the spot. As a memento of your tour of Fujiko F. Fujio-related spots in Toyama, why not send a letter to someone special or even to your future self?
Mail sent from this post box receives a limited-edition postmark, so when it arrives, it will remind you of Fujiko F. Fujio’s hometown.
- Address: 6-1 Shimozeki-machi, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture (inside Takaoka Station)
Doraemon-Themed Souvenirs
We’ve picked out some recommended Doraemon-themed souvenirs, such as goods and sweets, that can only be purchased in Toyama Prefecture.
Doraemon Senbei
As a memento of your visit to the Takaoka City Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Gallery, be sure to pick up the “Doraemon Senbei.” These adorable rice crackers, a classic Japanese snack, are baked in the shape of Doraemon and are sure to catch your eye. They make a perfect Doraemon souvenir that captures the essence of Japan.
- Where to buy: Takaoka City Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Gallery Shop
- Price: 1,600 yen
*As of March 2026
Toyama & Takaoka Limited Doraemon Goods
Limited-edition envelopes and postcards, available only in the Toyama and Takaoka area, are compact and easy to take home as souvenirs. There are also unique items such as straps featuring a collaboration between Doraemon and Takaoka’s local specialty, Takaoka Croquette.
- Where to buy: Curun Takaoka (souvenir shop inside Takaoka Station)
- Price: Doraemon Tram Celebration Envelope 220 yen, Doraemon Toyama Postcard Set 500 yen, Doraemon Bead Mascot 550 yen
*As of March 2026
Toyama Specialty: White Shrimp Rice Crackers × Doraemon Collaboration Product
The Doraemon version of the classic Toyama white shrimp rice crackers, "Shiroebi Kikou," beloved by Toyama locals, is also very popular. Not only is the outer box adorable, but even the individual packages are cute, and each box comes with an original Doraemon sticker. This is a perfect souvenir that lets you enjoy both a Toyama specialty and Doraemon’s world at the same time.
- Where to buy: Curun Takaoka (Souvenir shop inside Takaoka Station)
- Price: Doraemon Shiroebi Kikou (Box of 2 pieces × 18 packs) 1,296 yen
*As of March 2026
Model Course for Sightseeing in Takaoka, the Hometown of Fujiko F. Fujio
The various spots related to Fujiko F. Fujio, scattered throughout the area, can be enjoyed in half a day to a full day. Here, we introduce two model courses for touring his hometown of Takaoka: one using public transportation and one using a car.
Model Course Using Public Transportation
This course starts at Takaoka Station and takes you around on foot, by tram, and by bus. Since there are many hotels near the station, staying the night before allows you to enjoy sightseeing at a more relaxed pace.
After seeing the Doraemon Promenade in front of the station, take the Manyo Line and get off at "Shikino Chugakko-mae" stop. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Gallery in Takaoka City.
It's about a 20-minute walk from the gallery back to Takaoka Station. Along the way, you'll find monuments of characters from Fujiko F. Fujio's works, created using Takaoka’s traditional bronze casting techniques, at the intersections—be sure to check them out.
After that, take the JR Johana Line for one stop to Shin-Takaoka Station, then walk about 15 minutes to Takaoka Otogi-no-Mori Park. Including time for meals or a café break, you can complete the course in about 3 to 4 hours.
Model Course by Car (Rental Car/Charter)
If you use a rental car or chartered taxi, getting around is smooth and easy. Starting from Takaoka Station or Shin-Takaoka Station, you can efficiently visit Takaoka Otogi-no-Mori Park and the Takaoka City Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Gallery. It's also easy to stop by nearby sightseeing spots like Himi or Tonami, making it perfect for a full day of sightseeing as well.
Access to Toyama
There are several ways to get to Toyama and Takaoka, including by airplane and Shinkansen. With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, access from the Tokyo metropolitan area and Kansai region has become very convenient, so you can choose the best route according to your departure point and schedule.
From Komatsu Airport
If you are heading to Toyama from Komatsu Airport, the gateway airport to Ishikawa Prefecture, you will combine bus and train travel. It takes about 12 minutes by bus from Komatsu Airport to Komatsu Station. From there, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka Station, which takes about 30 minutes. From Shin-Takaoka Station to Takaoka Station, it’s about a 4-minute train ride.
From Tokyo (Shinkansen & Available JR Pass Information)
The most convenient way to get to Toyama from Tokyo is by taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. The fastest trains reach Shin-Takaoka Station in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. For international visitors, the Japan Rail Pass, which allows unlimited rides on JR lines throughout Japan, is available.
From Osaka/Kyoto (Shinkansen & Available JR Pass Information)
If you are coming from the Kansai area, the standard route is to take the Limited Express "Thunderbird" from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto Station to Tsuruga Station, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The total travel time is about 2 to 2.5 hours.
In addition to the Japan Rail Pass, international visitors can also use the "Hokuriku Arch Pass," which allows unlimited travel between Tokyo, Hokuriku, and Osaka, making it convenient for sightseeing in Toyama, Kanazawa, and other nearby cities.
Enjoy a Stroll Through Toyama and Takaoka, the Hometown of Doraemon's Creator, Fujiko F. Fujio!
If you visit Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture, be sure to explore the places connected to Fujiko F. Fujio, the creator of "Doraemon." Trace his early footsteps up until he moved to Tokyo at the age of 20, and immerse yourself in the origins of his manga. Through galleries, trams, souvenirs, and more, you can experience the charm of his works in various ways, making your time in Japan all the more fulfilling.
There are also photo spots such as the monument in Takaoka Otogi-no-Mori Park, where you can feel as if you’ve actually met Doraemon and his friends. As you tour the city, enjoy a special time as if you are spending it together with Doraemon and his companions.
ⒸFujiko-Pro
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