Fushiki, Takaoka City, from the Edo period to the Taisho period, had about 30 large and small-cargo vessel wholesalers in its peak, and prospered as a port of call for Kitamae-bune. Kitamae-bune of Fushiki carried rice collected from all over Ecchu to Hokkaido and Osaka. They also sold products purchased from each area, and brought great wealth to Kaga. In addition, iron products such as “herring pots” and “salt pots” were made in Takaoka, where casting was prosperous, and copper products such as incense furnaces, vases and pottery were also transported to various parts of the country by Kitamae-bune. Takaoka copperware is still a traditional craft and has been handed down to Takaoka artisans.
ports of call
Cultural Properties of Takaoka City
Former Akimoto Family House (Fushiki Kitamae-bune Museum)
A house of the Akimoto Family, a small-cargo vessel wholesaler who made their wealth through Kitamae-bune. A boro (watch tower) that watched ships entering and leaving remains.
Former Fushiki weather station building / anemometer tower (Fushiki Meteorological Museum)
Japan's first privately-made weather station that Nozo Fujii, who came from a small-cargo vessel wholesaler, established to secure the safety of Kitamae-bune.
Fushiki Shrine
A stirring event which originates from making hikiyama (a float pulled by people) in order to protect the coast and maritime safety of Kitamae-bune.
Fushiki Shrine Spring Festival
A stirring event which originates from making hikiyama (a float pulled by people) in order to protect the coast and maritime safety of Kitamae-bune.
Fushiki mast-raising festive song
Preparation for departure begins with the raising of the mast.
This Funakatabushi (Japanese boatsman’s folk songs) was sung as a prayer of safety for Kitamae-bune voyage.
Shokoji Temple Karamon
This Karamon gate is thought to have been transported from Kyoto by Kitamae-bune.
Townscape of Yoshihisa
The Kaga clan’s directly owned rice store was built and grew along with Fushiki. The townscape reminiscent of the clan government’s glory days still remains.
The Sugano Family House
A house of the Sugano Family, a small-cargo vessel wholesaler who made their wealth through Kitamae-bune.
Production tools and products for Takaoka casting
Production tools used to make Takaoka castings and the products themselves, such as Shiogama (salt pots) and Nishingama (herring pots) that shipped from Takaoka to all of Japan through Kitamae-bune trade.
