Explore Komatsu

Explore Komatsu Komatsu City's official tourism page! Follow to learn more about this secret gem of Japan in Ishikawa

#5 Creating Kutani: ColorationOnce the piece is set in its shape, the process of coloration takes place. The first step...
26/01/2025

#5 Creating Kutani: Coloration

Once the piece is set in its shape, the process of coloration takes place. The first step is underglazing, where cobalt pigment is used to draw a design, and a transparent glaze is applied. The work is then fired at a temperature of about 1300°C to make the glaze transparent. After lines are drawn with ink, overglaze is applied. Finally, the work is fired at a temperature of about 750 to 1000°C and then fired another time if gold or silver is used.

Kutani is a true masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship.

Throughout this series we’ve uncovered the mysteries of Kutani porcelain, but the story doesn’t end here. Next week, we’ll have an exclusive interview with a Kutani master.

Don’t miss it!

🏞 Lake Kibagata 木場潟 🏞 One of Komatsu's most scenic spots - Lake Kibagata. Whether it be a warm summer's morning or a cri...
23/01/2025

🏞 Lake Kibagata 木場潟 🏞
One of Komatsu's most scenic spots - Lake Kibagata. Whether it be a warm summer's morning or a crisp afternoon in the winter, weather permitting, Lake Kibagata is an optimal place for a stroll, walk, cycle or jog! In the early months of the year, the visibility of Mt Hakusan is particularly remarkable and to top it all off, the peaks are covered in a blanket of snow to add to the dramatic scenery. I sometimes find myself wondering whether Kibagata is Kawaguchiko's undiscovered, distant cousin.

Make sure to check out the cafes, water sports and activities available here too!

Access: Car, bus, share cycle
Entrance: Free of charge
Opening hours: 24 hours
Website: https://kibagata.com/

#4 Creating Kutani: Shaping and FiringShaping:Once smooth, the clay is shaped using a wheel, hand building, molding of ...
17/01/2025

#4 Creating Kutani: Shaping and Firing

Shaping:
Once smooth, the clay is shaped using a wheel, hand building, molding of slab techniques. The shape is finished by means of detailed work including trimming of the foot and rim.

Firing:
Next, the gray clay is fired at approximately 800 degrees Celsius for an extended period, to increase its durability and convert it into a light-colored base.

Next week, we will talk about the coloration process.

#3 Creating Kutani: Stone Crushing, Clay makingThe first step for producing Kutani ware is finely crushing the Hanasaka...
15/01/2025

#3 Creating Kutani: Stone Crushing, Clay making

The first step for producing Kutani ware is finely crushing the Hanasaka porcelain stone, that nowadays is only obtained in Komatsu stone quarries.

The crushed stone is soaked in water, and then made into clay of just the right consistency.
The clay is then kneaded to get rid of air bubbles and make it smooth.

Next, we'll show you the process of molding, drying and trimming.

#2 Creating Kutani: Production StagesIn the production of Kutani ware, the clay is kneaded, shaped and decorated with r...
09/01/2025

#2 Creating Kutani: Production Stages

In the production of Kutani ware, the clay is kneaded, shaped and decorated with rich colors. Being a work of art, the production processes encompass the artist’s essence, making each piece unique.

The production stages of Kutani include:

- Stone crushing
- Clay making
- Kneading
- Shaping
- Drying and trimming
- Firing
- Glazing

Over the course of the next few posts, we will briefly explain each stage of Kutani ware production.

!! Less than 100 days until EXPO 2025 !!The futuristic excitement of the EXPO is closer than ever before! For this year’...
06/01/2025

!! Less than 100 days until EXPO 2025 !!
The futuristic excitement of the EXPO is closer than ever before!

For this year’s EXPO, the cities of Nanto and Komatsu will present a collaboration between Inami woodcarving (from Nanto) and Kutani ware (from Komatsu) at the following exhibitions:

1. Future Life Experience
Title: “Tourism of the Future: Experience Authentic Central Japan”
When: Tuesday, May 6th, to Monday, May 12th, 2025
Where: Future Life Village
2. Resolution of LOCAL JAPAN
Title: “A New Vision for Japanese Handicrafts: Komatsu Kutani Ware Meets Inami Woodcarving”
When: Monday, July 28th, to Thursday, July 31st, 2025
Where: EXPO Exhibition Center “WASSE”

See you there!

　 　 #大阪関西万博　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　
　

Nanto, Toyama and Komatsu, Ishikawa are collaborating to produce a work that introduces the beauty and artistry of Kutan...
06/01/2025

Nanto, Toyama and Komatsu, Ishikawa are collaborating to produce a work that introduces the beauty and artistry of Kutani ware and Inami woodcarving for EXPO 2025 in Osaka.

Now, we will be focusing on Kutani ware.

#1 Discover Kutani: What is Kutani?

Kutani ware is a type of Japanese porcelain made from Hanasaka stone and famous for its bold colors and intricate designs. Imagine rich greens, sunny yellows, sky blue, deep purples, and fiery reds - all painted onto delicate porcelain, creating stunning floral patterns, geometric shapes, and even beautiful landscapes.

Kutani-yaki is a type of Japanese porcelain made in southern Ishikawa Prefecture and is characterized by the colorful overglaze enameling known as Kutani Gosai, which includes rich green, bright yellow, sky blue, deep purple, and fiery red.
The name “Kutani” comes from the fact that a kiln was built and production began around 1655 in Kutani Village, located upstream from the Daishoji River in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
From graceful plates and bowls to lovely teacups and decorative objects, Kutani ware adds a touch of artistry to any space.

Throughout the next posts, we’ll delve deeper into the fascinating process of creating Kutani ware, step by step. See you!

How Are Inami Woodcarvings Made? (Part 4)This is the fourth and final installment in our four-part weekly series showing...
13/12/2024

How Are Inami Woodcarvings Made? (Part 4)

This is the fourth and final installment in our four-part weekly series showing you how Inami woodcarvings—the most sophisticated in Japan—are made! Today we’re bringing you:

Step 4: Finishing

Finishing is the final step in the process, in which the carver uses specialized chisels and finger planes to smooth out any rough or uneven areas left over from shaping. This is done entirely with chisels and other blades—no sandpaper!—which allows carvers to create a stunning contrast between sharp edges and areas of smoothness. Over the course of finishing, the carver will use a total of around 400 chisels!

Next week, we’ll be finishing off our series with an interview with an Inami woodcarver! Stay tuned!

　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　

How Are Inami Woodcarvings Made? (Part 3) This is the third in our four-part weekly series showing you how Inami woodcar...
07/12/2024

How Are Inami Woodcarvings Made? (Part 3)

This is the third in our four-part weekly series showing you how Inami woodcarvings—the most sophisticated in Japan—are made! Today we’re bringing you:

Step 3: Shaping

After roughing out, the piece is left to dry for around a month before shaping. Working inward from the contours created during roughing out, the carver makes additional cuts to add depth and three-dimensionality to the work. It takes around 70 different chisels to define the major features and, once those are done, over 200 to etch in the finer details.

Next week, we’ll show you the fourth and final step in the Inami woodcarving process: finishing!

　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　

⛩ Natadera Temple 那谷寺 ⛩Have you been able to pay a visit to Natadera as of recent? With the crimson leaves embellishing ...
06/12/2024

⛩ Natadera Temple 那谷寺 ⛩

Have you been able to pay a visit to Natadera as of recent? With the crimson leaves embellishing surrounding forests, autumn is arguably the best time of the year to visit Natadera. 300,000 years ago, floods, heavy rain and rivers trickling down from
Mt Hakusan formed the world-renowned Kigan Yuseki: the iconic and beautiful rock formations where Natadera was constructed. The Buddhist Monk Taicho chose these grounds after seeing the bodhisattva of compassion - Kannon, a widely revered deity in J
apanese Buddhism. He chose a great place, right? Make sure you pay a visit if you haven't already this autumn before the last of the beautiful red leaves disappear.

Access: bus, car, share cycle port next to the grounds
Entrance: 1000￥ (prices vary for large groups or young children)
Opening hours: 9:15 - 16:00
Website: https://natadera.com/

How Are Inami Woodcarvings Made? This is the second in our four-part weekly series showing you how Inami woodcarvings—th...
01/12/2024

How Are Inami Woodcarvings Made?

This is the second in our four-part weekly series showing you how Inami woodcarvings—the most sophisticated in Japan—are made! Today we’re bringing you:

Step 2: Roughing Out

After transferring a rough sketch of the final product to the wood (see last week’s post), the carver sends the piece to a machinist, who uses a band saw to remove any large chunks of unneeded material. Then it’s time to begin roughing out. The goal is to get rid of extra wood and start defining the contours of the work. The process uses around 15 or 16 chisels, a small fraction of the over 200 that will be used to complete the piece.

Using a hammer called a “genno,” the carver taps the chisels into the wood with a characteristic clacking sound. On Yokamachi Street in central Inami, where woodcarvers’ workshops line the road, the sound of carvers tapping away adds a one-of-a-kind auditory dimension to the rustic townscape of cobblestone streets and historic houses.

Next week, we’ll show you the third step in the process: shaping!

　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　

👹ハ二ベ巌窟院　Hanibe Hell Caves👹Is it time to brush up on your knowledge of Buddhism? A visit to Hanibe Hell Caves may be in o...
30/11/2024

👹ハ二ベ巌窟院　Hanibe Hell Caves👹
Is it time to brush up on your knowledge of Buddhism? A visit to Hanibe Hell Caves may be in order. Ornamented with the redness of the Autumn leaves Hanibe Hell Caves is not just a place where you can appreciate a beautiful nature walk with some amazing scenery, but it's also an excellent opportunity to learn about Buddhism and its beliefs with regards to the afterlife. In Buddhism, it is believed that after death you enter hell in order to repent for the sins you committed during your lifetime. Hell isn't a permanent state but a transitional phase before you continue in the reincarnation cycle. In this fascinating and unique display of art, you can learn what each individual punishment is for each sin committed. It may not be for the faint of heart but for those interested in culture and history, there is so much to be said about Hanibe. Additionally, the geology of the caves sustains and year-round consistent temperature so don't worry about being too cold in the caves!

Access: Bus, Car, Share Cycle
Entrance: 800¥
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00
Website: http://www.hanibe.com/

🍄 苔の里 Forest of Wisdom 🍄One of Komatsu's most iconic gems: the village nestled in the forests is cared for attentively b...
25/11/2024

🍄 苔の里 Forest of Wisdom 🍄
One of Komatsu's most iconic gems: the village nestled in the forests is cared for attentively by the residents. Admission fees go towards supporting these locals to tend to and preserve the beautiful moss that carpets the small village. Another spot that is blessed with beautiful colours throughout the autumn leaves period, you may want to consider dropping by next time you visit Natadera Temple or other close by attractions!

Access: Car
Entrance: 500円
Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:00
Website: http://forestofwisdom.org/en/

How Are Inami Woodcarvings Made? Over the next four weeks, we’ll show you how Inami woodcarvings—the most sophisticated ...
22/11/2024

How Are Inami Woodcarvings Made?

Over the next four weeks, we’ll show you how Inami woodcarvings—the most sophisticated in Japan—are made! Today we’re bringing you:

Step 1: The Rough Sketch

All Inami carvings begin as a rough sketch. On a piece of mulberry paper, the carver paints a sketch of the work in charcoal. The initial sketch may be the same size as the final product, or, for larger works, the carver may create a smaller draft (one-third the size of the actual work, for example) before painting a full-sized sketch.

The carver then transfers the completed sketch to the wood they plan to carve, and the rough sketch stage is complete!

Next week, we’ll show you the next step in the process: roughing out!

　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　

🏊 十二ヶ滝 Junigataki Falls 🏊 Enjoy a scenic picnic spot with the fresh breeze of Autumn and these small but beautiful water...
20/11/2024

🏊 十二ヶ滝 Junigataki Falls 🏊
Enjoy a scenic picnic spot with the fresh breeze of Autumn and these small but beautiful waterfalls. Although they're known for their beauty during the springtime and for being a great place to bathe during the hot summer in Komatsu, the kōyō (autumn leaves) make this an underrated spot for a quick breath of fresh air or a great stopover on a greater tour of Komatsu's amazing and wonderful sites.

- Access: car, share cycle, bike
- Entrance: free of charge
- Open 24 hours

#北陸

⛩ 本折日吉神社 Motoori Hiyoshi Shrine ⛩For non-Japanese visitors of Japan, especially those from outside of Asia, visiting sim...
20/10/2024

⛩ 本折日吉神社 Motoori Hiyoshi Shrine ⛩

For non-Japanese visitors of Japan, especially those from outside of Asia, visiting simple temples can be both a novelty and a rite of passage. Motoori Hiyoshi Shrine, just a stone's throw away from Komatsu's main train station, is a beautiful small shrine nestled within urban areas of the city with depictions of monkeys.
People visit shrines for various reasons, how do you feel when you visit quiet shrines like this?

Access: Foot, bus, train, bicycle
Entrance: Free of charge
Opening hours: 24 hours
Website: (Japanese) https://www.ishikawa-jinjacho.or.jp/shrine/j0685/

🎌どんどん祭り Dondon Matsuri🎌Did you manage to catch the celebrations on Sunday? A lot of amazing food and great celebrations ...
15/10/2024

🎌どんどん祭り Dondon Matsuri🎌

Did you manage to catch the celebrations on Sunday? A lot of amazing food and great celebrations going on, this is one of the busiest times of the year for Komatsu!

⛩兎橋神社 Uhashi Shrine⛩As autumn takes over, the weather has become much colder and the sun is setting much earlier. Ever c...
10/10/2024

⛩兎橋神社 Uhashi Shrine⛩
As autumn takes over, the weather has become much colder and the sun is setting much earlier. Ever considered visiting a shrine during the night? 😬

住所

Komatsu
Komatsu-shi, Ishikawa
923-8650

営業時間

月曜日 09:00 - 17:00
火曜日 09:00 - 17:00
水曜日 09:00 - 17:00
木曜日 09:00 - 17:00
金曜日 09:00 - 17:00

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🚲 Komatsu Share Cycle Tour Part 3: Junigataki Falls 🚲 Next up on our adventure with Global Citizenship (☝️see previous post), on Komatsu's own e-bike sharing service, is Junigataki Falls 🌊 While not a very tall falls, what's unique about Junigataki is its composition of 12 cascades, as the name "Twelve Waterfalls" alludes! 😮 Watching the 12 streams falling side-by-side is a refreshing sensory experience any time of year 😌 But just like the aforementioned Lake Kiba Park, spring is our favorite time to visit, when the falls gain a natural frame of sakura blossoms 🌸 for that perfect Insta shot 😍 🔎 Check explorekomatsu.com for a detailed guide on how you can leverage the Komatsu Share Cycle to explore hidden gems like Junigataki Falls

🚲 Komatsu Share Cycle Tour Part 2: Lake Kiba Park 🚲 Our next stop on this cycling adventure with Global Citizenship (☝️see previous post) is none other than the beloved park + Mt. Hakusan viewpoint 🏔️ of Komatsu locals @ Lake Kiba❣️ While the sakura tunnels 🌸 in early April are our favorite scene, as the only lake in Ishikawa maintaining it's original state, it's a nature sanctuary that will heal and amaze you anytime of year 😌 🔎 Check explorekomatsu.com for a detailed guide on how you can leverage the Komatsu Share Cycle to explore hidden gems like Lake Kiba!

🚅 Take the Shinkansen to Komatsu: And Explore on E-Bike! 🚲 Just 2 weeks until the Shinkansen Opening on 16 March!! 🥳 We've been introducing fun experiences you can enjoy near Komatsu Station, even with just a brief stop, but if you have time we definitely encourage lingering longer to truly immerse in the local culture and nature 😌 And a great way to venture further out is by Komatsu Share Cycle! 🚲 A convenient bike-share service with: ・All bikes electric-powered ⚡️ ・Easy station pick-up and drop-off at any port throughout the city ・Available 24/7 🕓 ・One-day passes purchasable in advanced online 📲 Steps: ①Purchase a 1-day pass online / on-site (Komatsu Station souvenir store counter) ②Look for a port: Komatsu Station, Awazu Station, Komatsu Airport, and many other sightseeing spots! ③Unlock the bikes using your smartphone / physical pass ④Set forth on your adventure! ⑤Return at any port ❗️Shinkansen Opening Weekend Campaign❗️ For just 16th and 17th March, first-time users of the share cycle service will get their first 30 mins FREE! 🤩 *Only for per 30-min use using the Docomo Bike Share app *Any time exceeding 30 mins will be charged the regular fee of 110 yen/30 mins It's not just convenient transportation, but a great way to soak in the scenery and enjoy your journey 🤗 Not to mention the Shinkansen coming just in time for sakura season 🌸 (☝️stay tuned for subsequent posts on sakura spots, all accessible by bike!) 🔎Check our article on https://www.explorekomatsu.com for a more detailed guide!

🚅 Take the Shinkansen to Komatsu for: A Taste of Local Passion 🚅 Continuing our Shinkansen Countdown, another hidden gem you'll find near Komatsu Station is the historical Hokkoku Toorimachi street 北國とおり町 The former commercial center of the city, it's where you'll find family businesses succeeded over generations and atmospheric shophouses preserved from generations before. But the biggest treasures of this street are really the passionate shop owners, who will happily be your personal guide, and share the proud heritage they have inherited ❤ (as Cheeserland can vouch for 🤗) *While this tour does not have an official booking channel yet, feel free to DM us and we'll see what can be arranged! 👍 *We recommend pairing this with a kabuki experience at MIYOSSA nearby! (see previous post) 1. Choboya Tea Shop 🍵 長保屋茶舗 Sample tea from the very first tea cultivator in Hokuriku, with a history of over 360 years and 12 generations! 🤯 2. Nakade Butchers 🍖 本格炭火焼豚　中出精肉店 Then snack on some karaage chicken or chashu pork at this well-loved local butcher 🍗 Using all-Ishikawa ingredients such as Komatsu miso and barley, and Noto pork. 3. If you're lucky they might just unveil their neighborhood's massive festival float! 🥳 If not, pop by MIYOSSA Gallery 小松曳山交流館 みよっさ next door where floats are displayed all-year (see previous post) 4. Takimoto Gozaten 滝本茣蓙店(たきもとござてん) Step into the oldest building of the street, a goza mat shop (thinner versions of tatami) built over 500 years ago. Where you can make your own unique tatami-reed coaster, with guidance from the 26th-gen owner. 🧵🪡 5. Cafe Machiya Bunko ☕ 町屋文庫 Tie it all together at this recycle book cafe housed in an over 90-year-old townhouse. With a cup of Choboya's tea 🍵 on your freshly-made coaster 🪢, alongside a bowl of Nakade's roast pork donburi 🥩! 🤩 (and as a souveni

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