Dog-Friendly Walk at Taikoyama Land

— Exploring the Hills, History, and Beautiful Scenery of Imizu

On a sunny afternoon in late November, I took my dog for a short walk at Taikoyama Land in Imizu City. From central Toyama, the park is about a 30-minute drive straight along Route 62, and only about five minutes from the Kosugi Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway. It’s a place you can easily visit on a whim—and one of the largest recreational parks in the region.

I arrived at around 4 p.m. The sun was already sinking, and with the park closing at 5, I only had one hour to walk. Even so, the late-autumn scenery was beautiful. Fallen leaves covered the paths like a giant carpet, rustling beneath my feet as my dog and I began exploring one of the shorter trails through the hills.

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A Massive Park Surrounded by Natural Hills

Taikoyama Land spans 118.1 hectares—about the size of 25 Tokyo Domes.

The entire area sits on the Imizu Hills, a natural landscape of rolling ridges and shallow valleys. Instead of flattening the terrain, the designers preserved its original contours, allowing the park to offer:

• gentle slopes and varied walking paths

• scenic viewpoints on grassy hilltops

• a serene boat pond nestled in a valley

• forested trails perfect for quiet strolls

This kind of naturally undulating terrain is rare among large parks in Japan, and it’s ideal for walking energetic dogs, especially large breeds. One of the highlights is a 2-hectare open lawn, where visitors relax, picnic, or simply stretch out on the grass.

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Why Was a Park Built Here?

— The Story Behind the Taikoyama New Town Development

The origins of Taikoyama Land date back to Japan’s rapid economic growth in the 1960s. As the populations of Toyama and Takaoka expanded, the government recognized the need for large, well-planned residential areas.

In 1963, Toyama Prefecture introduced the “Toyama Taikoyama Development Plan ’63”, a master plan to create a new town that combined:

• residential zones

• commercial facilities

• public spaces

• transportation networks

• and a large public park

This approach was part of a nationwide trend in which large-scale new towns—like Tama New Town (Tokyo), Senri New Town (Osaka), and Kohoku New Town (Yokohama)—were being built throughout Japan.

At that time, Taikoyama was mostly untouched land: a mixture of forests, small farms, and irregular hills. While the slopes made it unsuitable for housing, the terrain was perfect for a park. By embracing the natural geography rather than reshaping it, planners created a recreational space with diversity, scenery, and a sense of openness that flat parks simply cannot match.

Taikoyama Land opened in 1983 and quickly became a beloved destination. The site even hosted major events, such as the Nippon Shinseiki Expo shortly after its opening and the 1992 “Japan Expo Toyama (JET).”

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About the Pool Area

The park’s large summer pool complex has long been one of its signature attractions.

Archived records confirm that it already existed by the early 1990s, suggesting it was built either shortly after the park opened or within the first several years. Even today, it remains one of the biggest leisure pools in the Hokuriku region.

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Enjoying Taikoyama Land Throughout the Seasons

Taikoyama Land offers different experiences throughout the year:

• Spring — Over 1,300 cherry trees bloom spectacularly

• Early Summer — About 20,000 hydrangeas in 100 varieties dominate the hillsides

• Summer — A lively pool area, water play zones, and boat pond

• Autumn — Brilliant fall colors and a blanket of fallen leaves across the park

The combination of hills, ponds, forests, and wide lawns creates scenery that never feels repetitive—great for both photography and dog-friendly walks.

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A Quiet End to Our Walk

As we finished our loop, the sun had almost set. Lights began to glow softly throughout the park, and the cool air carried the scent of autumn leaves. My dog seemed completely satisfied—he happily munched on fallen leaves along the way, and the gentle slopes gave him plenty of exercise.

A dog run has recently been added to the park, making it even more welcoming for pet owners. With its convenient location near the expressway, Taikoyama Land is an excellent destination for anyone visiting Toyama with their dog.

If you’re looking for a spacious, nature-rich place to enjoy a relaxing walk with your pet, this park is absolutely worth a visit.