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

Explore Komatsu

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

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!

　　　　　　　　　　

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/

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/

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!

　　　　　　　　　　

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

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/

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!

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? 😬

24/09/2024

⛩加須加美神社 Kasukami Shrine⛩

After visiting Hanibe Caves, you want to consider paying a quick visit to this modest but gorgeous shrine nearby. Kasukami Shrine is another mysterious shrine nestled in the mountains of Komatsu with little known about its origins however it can be characterised by the serene pathway leading up to the shrine itself, ornamented with a stone bridge, various statues and tori gates. The large staircase may be daunting but the view from the top is absolutely worth the trek. What's your favourite shrine in Komatsu?

Access: car, share cycle
Entrance: free of charge
Opening hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.ishikawa-jinjacho.or.jp/shrine/j0709/

20/09/2024

👹ハ二ベ巌窟院 Hanibe Hell Caves👹

One of Komatsu's most intriguing sites, a giant Buddha's head and shoulders can be found nestled in the forests of North-East Komatsu. The head of the Buddha was created as a call for world peace and marks the entrance to the caves. After you pass by the giant and head and make your way up the path you will be greeted with the entrance to the caves. The caves were originally stone quarries carved out to allow access to stone materials deeper within the mountains and now host a display of Buddhist artwork that serves as a striking insight into Buddhist interpretations of the afterlife. Some of the sculptures are graphic but each one was carefully and intricately designed to represent the Buddhist belief that hell is a temporary purgatory phase where one suffers until one's karma is purified. Hanibe Hell Caves is a must-see on your visit to Komatsu.

Thank you so much to for our warm welcome!

Access: Car, Bus (Hanibe Line), Share cycle
Entrance: ¥800 (adults), ¥500 children
Opening hours: 9am-5pm (Apr-Sep), 9am-4pm (Oct-Mar)
Website: http://www.hanibe.com/top.htm

19/09/2024

🚜🌾小松里山ファーマーズマーケット Komatsu Satoyama Farmer's Market🚜🌾

We hope to see you all at the Farmer's Market this Sunday!

09/09/2024

⛩ 日吉神社 Hiyoshi Shrine ⛩

Mysterious with little known about it, Hiyoshi Shrine was originally nestled at the foot of a mountain on the right bank of the Gotani River. When the shrine was relocated or its exact origins are unknown, the current shrine building was built in 1908 and was designed as the place of offerings for the shrine in 1920. The shrine's treasure is a sacred sword shaped like an iris leaf, made by Fujiwara Tomoshige, a swordsmith of the Warring States period. Although not necessarily a place you would spend a whole day visiting, you may want to consider paying a visit to the beautiful shrine nestled in the forests on your way to the Junigataki Waterfalls. The shrine sheds a tiny beam of light on the untouched beauty of Komatsu's culture.

Access: bus car
Entrance: free of charge
Opening hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.ishikawa-jinjacho.or.jp/shrine/j0678/

06/09/2024

🌃小松市中心部 Komatsu's City Center🌃

Komatsu's quiet and beautiful city centre is at the heart of all the cultural sites and activities. Enjoy a range of restaurants, izakayas, karaoke halls and much more less than a stone's throw away from Komatsu's Shinkansen station. What's your favourite restaurant near the station?

03/09/2024

⛵柴山潟の浮御堂 Ukimido Temple and Lake Shibayama⛵

Once the weather improves, a stroll around the nearby Lake Shibayama might be what you need. Ukimido Temple, located at the end of a pier that protrudes into the lake, was dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten who charmed a serpent said to be resident to the lake into a helpful Dragon King, Ryujin. The lake area offers a range of activities such as canoeing, cycle paths and a range of restaurants to enjoy. There is even an Onsen at Kaga Katayamazu City Spa. Other times the year the lake sees fireworks and a range of celebrations so why not enjoy it while it's quieter?

Access: bicycle, train and bus from Komatsu Center
Entrance: Free of charge
Opening hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.katayamazu-spa.or.jp/

31/08/2024

🎏安宅住吉神社 Ataka Sumiyoshi Shrine🎏
Established in 782, Ataka Sumiyoshi Shrine is the only Shinto Shrine in Japan dedicated to the guardian deity of overcoming adversity. Telling the story of a tragically ill-fated warlord, the shrine commemorates the story in the dramatic backdrop of the Sea of Japan with the sacred Mt Hakusan in sight. After being moved multiple times, the shrine has been in its current location since 1647 and Ataka Sumiyoshi's blessing, it is said you will have the divine power to overcome obstacles and difficulties in your life.

The shrine is an insight into Komatsu's rich history and the cultural significance preserved within it.

Access: bike, car, bus
Entrance: Free of charge
Opening hours: 8:30 to 17:00

#石川県 #北陸 #小松市

29/08/2024

🏖 安宅海岸 Ataka Beach 🏖

Maybe it was too soon to say the summer's heating is beginning to subside... in that case, why not enjoy an evening stroll by the beach? Easily accessible from Komatsu city centre by bike, car or bus, paying a visit to Ataka Beach in the evening is a peaceful experience with great sunsets! (Just be careful for jellyfish if you choose to enter the water).

Access: Bus, bike, car
Entrance: Free of charge
Opening hours: 24 hours

#小松市 #石川県 #北陸

27/08/2024

🗾 芦城公園 Rojo Park 🗾

As the summer heat begins to subside, you may want to revisit Kenrokuen in Kanazawa. However, Komatsu offers a beautiful, smaller alternative that isn't as busy - Rojo Park. Situated just outside of the City Hall, Rojo Park provides a calm experience with no compromise in beauty. The park will, in the new year, be ornamented with cherry blossom and plenty more to look forward to but make no mistake, a stroll around Rojo Park is warranted in any season.

Access: foot, bus, bike
Entrance: free of charge
Opening hours: open 24 hours

#小松市 #石川県

23/08/2024

⛩日用苔の里 Hiyo Koke no Sato Moss Garden⛩

Also known as the Forest of Wisdom, a simple but beautiful treasure located within the forests of Komatsu. Pristine and untouched, these gardens are the perfect place for a moment of peace in the chaos of daily life. Hiyo Koke no Sato Moss Garden is the point of convergence of mother nature and traditional Japanese culture. The site is a village tucked within a large carpet of moss that has been carefully preserved for generations. The admission fee for entry goes towards supporting the locals to preserve the moss.

Access: Bike, Car
Entrance: ¥500 (¥200 for children under 16 years)
Open from 9am to 4pm (closed in the winter)
Website: http://forestofwisdom.org/en/

#小松市 #石川県 #北陸

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

ウェブサイト

https://www.explorekomatsu.com/en/

アラート

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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