Doraemon's Home in Takaoka

Toyama prefecture north of Tokyo is famous for its alpine resorts and beautiful scenery, accompanied by a vivid history and a scenic winter land. Toyama prefecture among otaku is also famous for another thing, namely being the homeland of Fujiko F. Fuji, the genius author behind a series so well known worldwide, and one of Japan’s most iconic symbols: Doraemon.

Those of us in the Middle East will immediately recognize this round cat (yes, Doraemon is a cat!) from our childhood. It aired in Arabic televisions under the name عبقور, and was enjoyed by many children growing up in the 80s and beyond. For fans of Doraemon/عبقور, visiting Takaoka city in Toyama prefecture is like honoring that childhood while also exploring a new side of Japan little known to Arab travelers. Let us go see the sights!

1. Hopping on the Doraemon Tram

Right after arriving in Takaoka station, you can experience the Doraemon tram on the Manyo Line, a blue tram decorated with Doraemon and his friends. You can see it as it traverses the city and makes its way back to the station. When you board, the tram also places plush toys of Doraemon inside, as if the character is joining you on your journey.

The tram seems to have started operating in 2012 to honor the 100th anniversary of the character’s creation, and was originally slated to end service after a short run. However, it proved to be extremely popular, as you can tell seeing as it still operates in 2025!

Personally, one of the nice touches that stood out to me was the pink door opening for the bus, which accurately recreated the door Doraemon uses in the show to travel to different locations. This really goes to show the amount of care taken to recreate this portion of our childhood into reality. This tram, however, will not transport you anywhere beyond its limits, so fear not of falling into one of Doraemon’s antics!

Access Information Takaoka Station (Manyo Line)/The Doraemon tram Link: https://visit-toyama-japan.com/en/things-to-do/21137

2. Traversing the Doraemon Walking Trail

Right in front of the Takaoka Station is the Wing Wing Takaoka, which is quite easy to spot because it lives up to its otaku name- The Doraemon Walking Trail. Bronze statues of Doraemon characters line up the entrance to the plaza, welcoming you to Takaoka.

The walking trail also has a hidden secret- there is a message engraved from author Fujiko F. Fujiko hidden on Doraemon’s foot. It is a very touching dedication to the author’s homeland and his memories growing up as a child. According to his words, Takaoka might have changed, but that aspect of playing in nature still lingers, and that is part of the magic depicted in the Doraemon Walking Trail.

Access Information Doraemon Walking Trail Address: 1-8 Suehiromachi, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0023, Japan

3. Play with Doraemon at Takaoka Otogi-no-Mori

   
   

The Takaoka Otogi-no-Mori (roughly translating to the Takaoka Fairytail Forest) is a popular attraction for its Doraemon playground, which accurately recreates the area Nobita, Doraemon, and his pals played in. The park itself is huge and scenic, making it a perfect getaway in nature. There are many activities for children to engage in, including jungle gyms to play.

By the parking area, there is a newly opened Tully’s Coffee (Tully’s is a chain coffee store in Japan), which is incredibly fancy and the perfect place to take a break. In front of said Tully’s is another interesting Doraemon spot- a Doraemon sun dial!

Opposite the parking lot is a huge building with a drawing of Doraemon reading a book. This is actually the place where a series of Doraemon notebooks made for elementary school children is manufactured! This series is extremely popular among children in Japan. The building makes for a perfect photo that encapsulates the lasting magic of Doraemon, even amongst children of the new generation.

In the park there are also the Mori no Fureai Hall and Otogo no Mori Hall. You can pick up limited Doraemon merchandise here and enjoy many recreational activities for children. One of the selling points of this place is located on the highest floor- a viewing deck of the whole park! From this vantage point, you can see the beautiful scenery of Takaoka, from the mountains to the bullet train tracks and even Doraemon and his friends, who look so small from this high up!

Access Information Takaoka Otogi-no-Mori Address: 1342 Sano, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0826, Japan Opening Hours:  9:00-17:00 (Otogo no Mori Hall and Children's House), 9:00-22:00 (Mori no Fureai Hall), park is open all day Link: https://visit-toyama-japan.com/en/places-to-go/21102

4. The Doraemon Museum

   
   

Of course, no visit to Takaoka would be complete without stopping at the Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Art Gallery. This is the go-to for Doraemon lovers and fans seeking to relive their childhood. Photography in the exhibit was not permitted, so I took some shots of the entrance and the big Doraemon statue outside the hall. I wonder if it is life-sized?

The door leading to the exhibit was modeled after Doraemon's famous door once more, a nice touch and homage transporting you to the world of Fujiko F. Fujio.

The exhibit hall itself contains a history covering Fujiko F. Fujio’s childhood and his passion towards becoming a manga author. It is an inspiring visit, as you can see all the original manuscripts he wrote as well as the items he used, such as the suitcase he took with him to Tokyo upon leaving Takaoka. It is an inspiring journey that really shows how much love, care, and dedication was put into Doraemon, and really goes to show the author’s one wish: to make children happy.

At the end of the exhibit, there is a gift shop with items you can only buy in the museum as well as a room showcasing episodes of Doraemon, which are actually subtitled in English!

Access Information Takaoka Fujiko · F · Fujio Hometown Gallery Address: 933-0056 Toyama, Takaoka, Nakagawa, 1 Chome−1−30 Takaoka City Art Museum １F, Japan Opening Hours:  9:30-17:00 (Closed on Mondays) Link: https://fujiko-artgallery.jp/english/

5. The Doraemon Museum

   
   

As you bid farewell to Takaoka, there is one final destination you should check out, which is conveniently located in the station. That would be the bronze Doraemon mailbox, an actual mailbox the locals use! It’s a good place to take one final goodbye shot with Doraemon as you embark on your next journey.

Access Information Takaoka Station Address: 6-1 Shimozekimachi, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0021, Japan Link: https://ainokaze.co.jp/

Closing Thoughts

Doraemon has entertained children and adults worldwide for over a hundred years, spawning more than a hundred adventures filled with a thousand creative gadgets. Indeed, Doraemon remains one of Japan's most iconic characters alongside Hello Kitty and Pikachu, continuing to entertain generations to come. And just like author Fujiko F. Fujio wished for, his beloved hometown continues to attract visitors from near and far, all grateful to share the memory of this one beloved blue cat.