Excursion

National Treasure Zuiryu-ji Temple and Traditional Culture in Historic Takaoka Course
Capacity: 36 participants
Itinerary:
• 13:00 Departure from Toyama International Conference Center (lunch on the bus)
• 14:00-14:40 (40 min) Zuiryu-ji Temple (National Treasure)
• 15:00-16:30 (90 min) Nousaku / Casting chopstick rest workshop and factory tour
• 17:30 Return to ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel
* Meal type: Boxed lunch


■History of Takaoka and Zuiryu-ji Temple
Takaoka is a historic castle town established by Toshinaga Maeda, the second lord of the Kaga Maeda clan. To this day, the city retains a rich atmosphere of tradition and culture.
Its iconic landmark, Zuiryu-ji Temple—a designated National Treasure of Japan—is a Zen temple built to honor Lord Toshinaga’s memory. The temple’s symmetrical layout and tranquil ambiance offer a serene experience for visitors.
As you walk through the temple grounds, you will encounter the refined architectural beauty of the early Edo period and the intricate craftsmanship of artisans, reflecting over 400 years of history and aesthetic sensibility. We invite you to spend a peaceful moment immersed in the spirit of Zen.
URL: https://www.zuiryuji.jp/custom15.html

■Casting Culture and Hands-on Experience
Takaoka has long been known as a center of metal casting, a tradition dating back to the Edo period. This legacy lives on through the skilled artisans who continue to breathe life into metal.
A leading example of this tradition is Nousaku, a casting manufacturer that blends time-honored techniques with modern innovation. During the factory tour, you can witness the transformation of molten metal into elegant vessels and art pieces.
In the hands-on workshop, participants can experience the joy of creating a one-of-a-kind item using soft tin, a uniquely malleable metal. This memorable activity offers a deep appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship and the warmth of monozukuri—the spirit of making things.
URL: https://www.nousaku.co.jp/en/

Autumn Leaves Viewing and Japan’s Tallest Waterfall - Shomyo Falls Course
Capacity: 40 participants
Itinerary:
• 13:00 Departure from Toyama International Conference Center (lunch on the bus)
• 14:00-14:40 (50 min) Tateyama Museum / Museum tour and autumn leaves viewing at Kyosanbo Garden
• 15:00-16:30 (80 min) Shomyo Falls tour / Autumn foliage viewing
• 17:30 Return to ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel
* Meal type: Boxed lunch

* Please note that it takes about 20–30 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the Shōmyō Falls Observatory along an uphill path, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
The area around Shōmyō Falls can be quite cool, so please be sure to bring a jacket.
 
■Tateyama Faith and the Tateyama Museum (The Concept of Simulated Death and Rebirth)
Since ancient times, Mount Tateyama has been revered as a sacred mountain rooted in the belief of simulated death and rebirth—the idea that one can symbolically experience death and be spiritually reborn. The rugged peaks of Tateyama represent the boundary between hell and paradise. Pilgrims would journey through the mountain to follow the path of death and rebirth, seeking purification of the soul.
At the Tateyama Museum, the history and spirit of this mountain faith are presented through engaging exhibitions, films, and hands-on experiences. By exploring the world of Tateyama faith—where nature and prayer are deeply intertwined—visitors can gain insight into Japanese views on life, death, and the natural world.
URL: https://tatehaku.jp/en/

■Shōmyō Falls: Japan’s Tallest Waterfall and the Autumn-Colored Mountains
Shōmyō Falls boasts a dramatic drop of 350 meters, making it the tallest waterfall in Japan. Its thunderous cascade is a breathtaking sight and a powerful symbol of Tateyama’s majestic nature. In autumn, the surrounding mountains are painted in vibrant reds and yellows, creating a stunning contrast with the waterfall’s white mist. On clear days, rainbows often appear in the spray, adding a magical touch to the scene.
Changing its appearance with each season, Shōmyō Falls is truly a masterpiece of nature crafted by the Tateyama landscape.

Gokayama World Heritage Course
Capacity: 40 participants
Itinerary:
• 13:00 Departure from Toyama International Conference Center (lunch on the bus)
• 14:10-15:20 (70 min) Gokayama / Walk through the Suganuma Village
• 15:30-16:30 (60 min) Iwase House / Tour of Gassho-style house and viewing of Japan’s oldest folk song “Kokiriko-bushi”
• 17:30 Return to ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel
* Meal type: Boxed lunch

 
■Gokayama’s Gassho-style Houses and World Heritage
Located in the southwestern part of Toyama Prefecture, Gokayama is a mountain village known for its traditional gassho-style houses.
The steep thatched roofs are a brilliant adaptation to the region’s heavy snowfall.
In the past, large families lived here, engaging in sericulture and handmade washi paper production, coexisting harmoniously with nature.
In 1995, the area's traditional architecture and cultural lifestyle were recognized and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As a “living cultural heritage,” Gokayama continues to captivate visitors to this day.