Hirokoji Intersection and Manyo Line, Takaoka

The Hirokoji intersection

The view sits above the Hirokoji crossing in the Marunouchi area of Takaoka, one of the main junctions of the city centre. Here the tram route crosses National Route 156, so the frame shows a steady mix of cars, buses, cyclists and pedestrians at the crossings.

The Manyo Line tramway

The tracks in the middle of the avenue belong to the Manyo Line, a tram line of roughly 13 kilometres that links Takaoka Station with Koshinokata in neighbouring Imizu. Colourful low-floor trams run along it, including one decorated with Doraemon, whose creator Fujiko F. Fujio was born in Takaoka.

Around the camera

The avenue leads north towards Fushiki, the old port district on Toyama Bay, while the park around the ruins of Takaoka Castle lies a short walk away. The city is also known for its centuries-old copper and bronze casting tradition and for the Takaoka Daibutsu, a great bronze Buddha.

A local traffic camera

The stream is run by Takaoka Cable Network, the city's cable television station, as part of its live traffic information service, together with other cameras along Route 156. It offers a clear picture of road conditions in central Takaoka, which are especially worth checking during the region's heavy winter snow.