Tateyama: Gohyakkoku, History and Getting Around

Gohyakkoku connects local history with practical points of reference in present-day Tateyama. At Gohyakkoku Tenman Shrine, historical route connections meet an autumn festival with a set program. Gohyakkoku Station has a library and local bus services. A mirror designated by the town is also part of the area’s cultural heritage. When exploring Tateyama, you can distinguish between the history of the place name, getting your bearings locally, and different forms of local culture.

The Place Name and Historical Connections

The name Gohyakkoku dates back to a petition made toward the end of the Edo period. Village officials asked the Kaga domain for permission to cultivate land that was expected to yield 500 koku. The place name thus refers to a specific request made by the village administration at the time: to cultivate land with a defined yield. The historical connection to agriculture is also reflected in the area’s development, alongside another theme.

In the area around Gohyakkoku Tenman Shrine, a north–south route between Tateyama and Toyama Bay crossed an east–west route to what is now central Toyama. In addition to supporting agriculture, this intersection also encouraged trade. The name and the history of the routes offer two different perspectives on Gohyakkoku: one refers to the proposed use of the land, while the other points to connections between Tateyama, Toyama Bay, and what is now central Toyama.

The Station, Miraibu, and Getting Around

Gohyakkoku Station is on the ground floor of the three-story Tateyama Town Genki Exchange Station, also known as “Miraibu.” The library is also on the ground floor. The station and library are therefore in the same building and on the same level—a clear point of reference in the area.

Stops for the local Koko Bus and Odekake Wagon services are in front of the station. Both offer, among other things, rides to places of interest. The layout is easy to follow: the station and library are inside the building, and the bus stops are in front. If you plan to take a bus, check the latest service details before your trip.

The area in front of the Miraibu entrance also offers useful points of reference. Within walking distance along the streets are the town hall, banks and shops, the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry office, and the Yasundekareya exchange center. These facilities represent different functions in the area: administration, commerce, and community exchange. This makes it possible to describe the station area not only by its station, but also by its named facilities.

Autumn Festival and Local Culture

The Gohyakkoku Shimo-machi Shishimai lion dance takes place on September 25 during the autumn festival at Gohyakkoku Tenman Shrine. The procession dances through the torii gate, undergoes ritual purification in the shrine precincts, performs there, and then visits households in the area. The route thus leads from the torii gate through the shrine precincts and into the neighborhood; visits to households are part of the proceedings, as are the stops at the shrine. If you are planning to attend the festival, check the exact date before your trip.

Another aspect of local culture is the mirror “五百石天満社 立山御嫗尊御宝前鏡.” Tateyama Town designates it as a craft cultural property; the designation was made on March 29, 1984. Its specific name and the town’s classification identify the object and its category. The mirror and the lion dance offer different ways to experience local culture: a designated craft object and a ritual program associated with the autumn festival.

Discover more destinations: Nakaniikawa District, Kurobe, Himi, Asahi, Nanto, Toyama, Tonami, Uozu

For the broader travel overview: Toyama Prefecture.