Toyama City: My Manhole Art Revelation at the 12th Manhole Summit in Toyama

Some of you might find it a little surprising to hear, "I've awakened to the fascinating world of manholes." However, ever since the "12th Manhole Summit in Toyama" was recently held in Toyama City, more and more people are discovering the profound charm that manholes possess.

Once you realize that manholes, which you might have thought were just lids, are actually small canvases narrating local culture, history, and nature, and are hidden art pieces of the city, walking around town becomes many times more enjoyable. This time, inspired by the Manhole Summit, let's delve deeper into the new charms of the city that Toyama's manholes reveal.

The Profound World of Manholes Discovered at the "12th Manhole Summit in Toyama"

The "12th Manhole Summit in Toyama," held in Toyama City on January 20, 2023, was a valuable opportunity to rediscover the appeal of manholes, not only for manhole enthusiasts from around the country, known as "manholers," but also for those who usually don't pay attention to them. Various programs unfolded at the Toyama City Arts and Culture Hall (Aubade Hall).

• Manhole Covers from Across the Nation Gathered: The venue showcased unique manhole covers not only from Toyama Prefecture but also from various regions across Japan, with many visitors exclaiming in surprise at their diversity. From those featuring local characters to designs inspired by specialties or historical buildings, each cover tells a regional story.
• Talk Shows by Renowned Personalities: In talk shows by manhole enthusiasts, researchers, and designers, they discussed the history of manholes, the meanings embedded in their designs, and the joy of collecting them. Participants eagerly listened to these valuable stories, which are not typically heard.
• Exclusive Merchandise Sales and Manhole Card Distribution: The summit's exclusive merchandise sales corner saw long queues, and the manhole card distribution booth was also very popular. Manhole cards are collectible cards introducing design manholes from across Japan, and since they can only be obtained by visiting their respective regions, many "manholers" gathered in Toyama City.

This summit reaffirmed that manholes are not merely lids for sewage facilities but hold great value as the face of a region and as precious cultural assets. The sight of manholes from across Japan gathered in Toyama City was truly spectacular.

🌐 Related Links: Japan Sewage Works Association (About Manhole Cards)

Discover in Toyama! The Charm of Unique Design Manhole Covers

After experiencing the profound world of manholes at the Manhole Summit, why not try walking around Toyama City to find actual manholes? Toyama City is home to many wonderful design manhole covers that encapsulate the characteristics and charm of the region. Discovering these small hidden art pieces throughout the city is as enjoyable as a treasure hunt.

Manhole designs in Toyama City primarily feature the following:

• Tateyama Mountain Range and Rock Ptarmigan: Manhole covers designed with the majestic Tateyama Mountain Range, a symbol of Toyama, and the rock ptarmigan, a special natural monument inhabiting its alpine regions, express Toyama's rich nature.
• Yellowtail and Firefly Squid: Manhole covers depicting yellowtail and firefly squid, seafood representing the bounty of Toyama Bay, convey Toyama's appeal as a culinary city. Winter yellowtail and spring firefly squid are particularly enjoyable treats when visiting Toyama, aren't they?
• Streetcars (Portram/Centram): Manhole covers featuring the vehicles of Toyama Light Rail, often considered the face of Toyama City, symbolize Toyama's advanced public transportation system as a compact city. The colorful vehicles are particularly charming.
• Toyama Castle: Manhole covers depicting Toyama Castle evoke the history of Toyama as a castle town. You might be able to find them around Toyama Castle Park.

These designs are not just beautiful; they are important elements that narrate Toyama's nature, culture, industry, and history. As you walk through the city searching for manholes, you're sure to discover new aspects of Toyama that you might usually overlook.

Will You Become a "Manholer"? Growing Manhole Love in Toyama

The charm of manholes isn't limited to just looking at them. If you visit Toyama City, be sure to deepen your love for manholes in the following ways:

1. Collect Manhole Cards!

In Toyama City, "Manhole Cards" that introduce design manholes are distributed. Researching where and which designs of cards you can get beforehand is one of the joys of traveling. They are usually distributed for free at tourist information centers and city halls. Through collecting them, you can also learn about the local culture and history.

2. Capture Them in Photos!

If you find a favorite design manhole, be sure to take a picture with your smartphone camera. Posting it on social media with hashtags like "#ToyamaManhole" might even lead to interaction with other manholers. Getting the best angle can be quite deep—try squatting a bit or capturing it with the surrounding scenery.

3. Plan Your Sightseeing Route Based on Manholes!

It's also recommended to plan your sightseeing route starting from manholes, thinking things like, "There's supposed to be a delicious restaurant near that manhole," or "I want to visit the place that inspired this design." For example, you could savor fresh seafood near a yellowtail manhole, or if you see a Tateyama Mountain Range manhole, it would be wonderful to plan a trip to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route itself.

Besides manholes, Toyama City offers many attractive sightseeing spots. By combining a manhole hunt with visits to places full of highlights like the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art, Fugan Canal Kansui Park, and the Toyama Glass Art Museum, you can enjoy an even more fulfilling day.

Summary

It's understandable why voices saying, "I've awakened to the fascinating world of manholes!" are spreading, sparked by the "12th Manhole Summit in Toyama" held in Toyama City. Manholes are not just lids; they tightly condense Toyama's rich nature, history, culture, and people's lives.

On your next trip to Toyama, be sure to look down at your feet. Design manhole covers depicting Toyama's symbols, such as yellowtail and firefly squid representing the bounty of Toyama Bay, the majestic Tateyama Mountain Range, and the streetcars supporting the compact city, are sure to make your journey special.

Why not embark on a journey to discover the small art pieces hidden on Toyama's street corners? As you explore, searching for manholes, you'll surely grow to love Toyama even more.

📍 Toyama Sightseeing Guide (Around Toyama City)

Here is sightseeing information for the areas around the spots introduced in the article.

• 🚌 To Toyama by Highway Bus: Search for buses on Rakuten Travel
• 🎁 Order Delicious Specialties from Toyama City: See Toyama Gourmet on Rakuten Ichiba
• 📦 Search on Amazon: See Toyama Gourmet on Amazon
• 🎡 For Fun in Toyama: Find activities on Rakuten Travel Experiences