Toyama Takaoka | MAKANA PIZZA: A Hidden Gem for Authentic Neapolitan Pizza.
Address details at the end, map location included!
During my trip to Takaoka, I stumbled upon MAKANA PIZZA in Sakashitamachi. Located just steps away from the Manyosen Sakashitamachi Station, it has an unassuming exterior but is actually a local favorite. They specialize in authentic Neapolitan pizzas, freshly baked to order in a 500°C wood-fired oven.
I stopped by for dinner and ordered a classic Margherita and a Bolognese pasta. If you visit during lunch, their sets include an appetizer, salad, soup, and a drink, making for a very satisfying meal.
The pizza arrived smelling wonderfully of wood smoke. The crust is true Neapolitan style—puffy and charred around the edges, yet thin and chewy in the center. The tomato sauce has a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and with fresh buffalo mozzarella and basil, the simple ingredients really shine. It’s the kind of pizza that keeps you coming back for more.
As for the pasta, the tomato sauce was rich and flavorful, and the noodles were perfectly al dente. The meat sauce wasn't overly salty, giving it a cozy, Italian home-cooked feel—satisfying without being too heavy.
The interior features a minimalist industrial design with plenty of space between tables, making for a very relaxed dining atmosphere. While the prices are a bit higher than your typical pizza chain, I think it's well worth it given the quality of the wood-fired pizza and the generous lunch sets.
If you’re in Takaoka to see the castle ruins, Kanayamachi, or ride the Manyosen, and you're craving a high-quality Italian meal, this place is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
I went on a weekday evening and didn't need a reservation, though I'm not sure about weekends. If you're worried about crowds, it wouldn't hurt to book ahead.
Personal Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🍴 Recommended: Margherita, Lunch Set
💰 Average Spend: Approx. ¥2,000 – ¥3,000
📍 Sakashitamachi, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. About a 1-minute walk from Sakashitamachi Station (Manyosen Line). From Takaoka Station (Ainokaze Toyama Railway), transfer to the Manyosen Line. From Shin-Takaoka Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen), take the JR Johana Line to Takaoka Station first.
Pro-tip: Combine this with a visit to the Kaiwomaru Park and the hometown of the creator of Doraemon!
86-1 Sakashitamachi, Takaoka, Toyama 933-0038, Japan