This well-preserved district was founded in the 17C by feudal lord Maeda Toshinaga who invited craftsmen specialised in metalwork to set up shop here. Since then, this craft industry has developed, as has the reputation of the town of Takaoka in Japan. Take the time to wander down the paved street lined in old wooden houses, some of which are gallery-shops, while others are still metal workshops, which produce handmade copper and brass items.