Tateyama: Gohyakkoku, History and Lion Dance

Around Gohyakkoku, Tateyama reveals different facets of the area: the name offers a glimpse into the history of agriculture, a lion dance takes centre stage at the autumn festival of Gohyakkoku Tenman Shrine, and Miraibu by the station provides practical guidance. You can therefore choose different focuses for your trip, from historical connections to a specific cultural event and local bus services.

Gohyakkoku: Name and History

The place name Gohyakkoku dates back to a petition made near the end of the Edo period. Village officials asked the Kaga domain to reclaim land yielding 500 koku. The name thus refers to a specific request: land was to be developed for agricultural use. For travellers, this origin makes the place name a gateway to local history rather than just a name.

The area's history was also shaped by its routes. Near Gohyakkoku Tenman Shrine, a north–south route between Tateyama and Toyama Bay intersected with an east–west route to what is now central Toyama. In addition to agriculture, this crossroads encouraged trade. The name and the crossroads highlight different aspects: on the one hand, the development of land; on the other, exchange along important routes.

Lion Dance and Cultural Property

The Gohyakkoku Shimo-machi Shishimai lion dance takes place on 25 September as part of the autumn festival at Gohyakkoku Tenman Shrine. The procession dances through the torii gate, undergoes a ritual purification within the shrine grounds, and performs there. It then visits households in the area. The route therefore runs from the torii gate through the shrine grounds and into the area, connecting several stops. If you would like to plan your trip around the lion dance, check the specific date of the autumn festival in advance.

Another cultural connection 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 29 March 1984. While the lion dance can be understood through its route and date, the mirror is notable for its designation by the town as a cultural property. Both offer their own perspective on Tateyama's cultural history.

Getting Around Gohyakkoku Station

The Tateyama Town Genki Exchange Station, also known as Miraibu, is a three-storey complex. The ground floor houses a library and Gohyakkoku Station. Stops for the local Koko Bus and Odekake Wagon are located in front of the station. These services include routes to tourist attractions. If you plan to travel by bus, you can use the station as a landmark when looking for a holiday rental. Check bus service details before travelling.

Other facilities used in everyday local life are within walking distance of the Miraibu entrance: along the streets are the town hall, banks and shops, the local chamber of commerce and industry office, and the Yasundekareya exchange centre. The area around Miraibu thus offers several named points of interest in addition to the station and library. Together with the area's history and the shrine ritual, they provide a varied picture of Tateyama, without requiring you to focus your trip on just one thing.

More Destinations

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

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