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Why Komatsu ?

Komatsu City sits upon the southwestern plains of Ishikawa prefecture. On one side lies the Sea of Japan, and on the other the sacred Mt. Hakusan. These natural resources contribute to the rich nature and have influenced the local history and culture. Symbolic of this culture are the living traditions of Kutani ceramics made from Komatsu stone, and children’s kabuki performed at yearly festivals.

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Puzzled by the snaking queues at every possible wa

Puzzled by the snaking queues at every possible wagashi shop today? 😮
That's because it's a special day in Ishikawa: Himuro Manju Day! 🤗

Himuro stands for "ice houses" used to store ice, back when fridges did not exist ❄️
Ice were precious goods then, and the lord of the Kaga Domain (as Ishikawa was known) would carry them to the Edo capital on 1 July every year, as an offering to the shogun ruler.
In turn, the townsfolk would make these steamed sake buns called Himuro Manju and offer them at shrines to pray for the safe delivery of the ice 🙏And of course eat them, since they are thought to ward off illness.

The eating part is pretty much the only aspect still practised, but it remains a great source of excitement for all.
They traditionally come in green, pink and white, and are filled with red bean paste, but have gotten more colorful in recent years, some even coming with sweet potato, matcha or chestnut fillings! 🤤

Almost every wagashi shop in Ishikawa offer their own versions, so we recommend having a tasting party with friends and family! 🥳 Here are just some of our Komatsu favorites from ①@tokuda_seikado ②@okashidokoro_marunishi & ③④@kouda__futaba

We know what we're manjing on later! 😋

Need some motivation to keep up your runs in this

Need some motivation to keep up your runs in this heat? The sight of these irises at Lake Kiba will do just the trick! 😋

Whether you choose to do the full 6.4km loop or cut straight to the irises at the park's south zone, remember to stay hydrated 🙌

🏗️Scaling New Heights🏗️ We don't blame y

🏗️Scaling New Heights🏗️
We don't blame you if you never realized that Komatsu Ltd. came from Komatsu City 🤯
That's what happens when you're the birthplace of such a world-famous machine-maker! 😋

But did you know that Komatsu Ltd's former headquarters, right behind Komatsu Station, was turned into a memorial park called Komatsu no Mori? And that just yesterday, this park was reopened in celebration of the corporation's 100th anniversary? 🥳

Accompanying the 930E giant dump truck (930 standing for it's weight of 930,000 pounds) as the park's icon is now the equally humongous PC4000 (400 ton) power shovel! 🤩 Both are the largest and only of their kind found in Japan (but of course active all over the world).

Not only do you get to witness these towering metal beasts up close, but even climb right on and let your imagination take you on a lil' expedition in the driver's seat! 🤠 Open to adventurers of all ages, Tues to Sat 10am-11am & 3pm-4pm.

Afterwards, cool down at the refreshed history museum, modelled after the original head office and detailing the company's milestones in English and high-tech panels!

What glows bright in summer?
Nope, not just the 🌞, but also the fireflies!
@kantaro0124 captures these dainty dancers beautifully against the Milky Way 😍
The kind of summer lights you can enjoy without a sweat 😆

💫 New Tradition 💫 Kutani ceramics have been

💫 New Tradition 💫

Kutani ceramics have been crafted in Komatsu for over 200 years 🤯 But if you were to ask what defines this traditional craft, the best answer is perhaps, it's ever-evolving definition.

Take CERABO KUTANI, a Kutani facility opened just 2 years ago, that transformed an over 60 year old clay factory into a futuristic ceramic laboratory (hence the name CERABO).
And CERABO's latest project: launching 2 new Kutani brands that incorporate our new ways of living into functional Kutani ware.

You can lay your eyes and hands on these fresh creations at CERABO's new exhibit launched just last weekend! 🤩 @kutani_ceramic_lab

The 2 brands:
1️⃣ 福LUCKY reimagines traditional Japanese lucky icons into Kutani motifs. For its first line of products, the hyotan gourd has been reborn as a cheeky mascot dancing across plates or even materializing as a gourd-shaped vase 🤪 @manjyuverymuch

2️⃣ On the other hand, ETHNI9 features simple yet elegant crockery for a new normal of home-based meals. Komatsu locals will be delighted to know its first product line caters specially to their love for Chuka Chinese cuisine 🤤 So ramen and gyoza can still be enjoyed in style and comfort at home 🥟🍜 @shingo_kurono

Exhibition until 28 Jun. CERABO is closed Wed, admission 300 yen.

🌹The Fellowship of the Rose 🌹 The roses of

🌹The Fellowship of the Rose 🌹

The roses of this garden bloom as resiliently as the friendship they commemorate:
with Vilvoorde in Belgium, our sister city of 47 years!

The "V" Road Friendship Rose Garden can be found at Komatsu Sports Park in Suehiro-machi.
V for the garden's V-shaped rose hedges, and yes, Vivoorde.

DM us if you need directions, but we're sure you won't miss these vivid beauties while they are in bloom! 😉

🌹Arosatherapy🌹 Behind every lovely garden ar

🌹Arosatherapy🌹
Behind every lovely garden are lovely people such as one staff at the NOA nursing home, who single-handedly tends to this floral sanctuary that changes with the seasons 🥰

Last month was shibazakura, now it's roses 💐

Tucked in the neighborhood of Yawata, next to the Ikoi no Mori Park.
DM us for directions!

(open to public 10am-4pm, but use it respectfully since it's next to the nursing home, and avoid private hours from 2-3pm!)

Staying indoors doesn't mean you can't enjoy the b

Staying indoors doesn't mean you can't enjoy the best of nature's offerings!
Introducing Komatsu's latest agricultural innovation:
Craft beer 🍺 made from local barley 🌾 dolled up in kabuki make-up! 😍
(psst Komatsu is the largest barley producer in Ishikawa! 🥇)

Choose between the Pale Ale (purple) to enjoy the pure fragrance of Komatsu barley,
or the Weizen (white) for extra creaminess with the addition of Komatsu wheat.
(we won't stop you from having both 😇)

The best of Komatsu nature & culture in a can.
Just in time for summer 🍻

Reposted from @komatsuguide

The weather's been a little gloomy, but after ever

The weather's been a little gloomy, but after every storm comes a magnificent sight of Junigataki Falls gushing with vigor! 🌊

And this sure is a maginificent shot by @imbang_mks 😍

We have been enduring tough times for a long while

We have been enduring tough times for a long while, and we know many have been going much struggle and despair 😔
Hope we can share even just a small bit of the comfort that the ever-present Hakusan and surrounding nature has brought for us 🤲

Thank you @kantaro0124 for brightening our hearts with this uplifting scene! ❤️

~Cancellation of Otabi Performance & Live Stream~

~Cancellation of Otabi Performance & Live Stream~
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, we regret to announce that the Otabi children's kabuki performances this weekend have been completely suspended. 😔
Note that this includes the online live stream.

We are truly sorry for the abrupt decision and disappointment caused, we are saddened as well! 💔

But we seek everyone's understanding that these measures are necessary for the safety of our children and citizens, as even staging the shows without an audience would involve personnel coming in from high-risk areas.

Postponement of the performances to July is being considered, but the exact date and details are undecided and subject to the changing circumstances. We will announce closer to date when things firm up! Until then, we hope for your continued support and interest, and more than anything your safety and wellbeing ❤️

Missed out on Monday's children's kabuki performan

Missed out on Monday's children's kabuki performance, or hyped for more?
Here's another chance coming up next weekend from 14-16 May! 🥳

At the Otabi Matsuri that has continued for over 250 years, children's kabuki plays are also performed.
But the Otabi plays are extra special: they feature girl-only casts and are staged upon grand festival floats known as hikiyama! 🤩

While the festival will be held much more quietly this year, without the floats and outdoor events, we are sure the performances will be no less passionate and empowering 🤗

5 shows will be staged at URARA Theater, and restricted to Hokuriku residents by prior ticket reservation at URARA
(TEL 0761-20-5500).
But we would again love for everyone else to join us for the LIVE STREAM, 15 May (Sat) at 4PM (Japan Time)❣️
Read more @
tinyurl.com/otabi2021

We can't recommend visiting the shaga irises at Yu

We can't recommend visiting the shaga irises at Yusenji enough! 😋

And local photographer @taichiyuna69 makes it all the more charming 😍

As a City of Kabuki, one of our enduring kabuki tr

As a City of Kabuki, one of our enduring kabuki traditions is the yearly reenactment of Kanjincho, a historical legend that took place right here in Komatsu, by none other than our elementary school children!

This year, witness this rare spectacle from wherever you are, through LIVE STREAM!
Simply tune in to Youtube for either shows at 11AM or 2pm (JPT) on 3 May 🤩

Check our latest article at explorekomatsu.com for video link & English synopsis!
tinyurl.com/22ndchildrenskabuki

Even from afar, we hope we can still convey some of our local spirit and history through our children's passionate performances 🥰

Come May, a blue carpet of flowers blankets the fo

Come May, a blue carpet of flowers blankets the forest floor.
Nope, in Komatsu it's not nemophilia, but a lesser known beauty: Iris japonica, known here as shaga!

Found at one of our favorite nature sanctuaries, the tranquil Yusenji Copper Mine memorial park @yusenjidozanato
Morning is the best time to visit, with these swaying irises illuminated by gentle rays filtering through the towering cedar 😌
It's so magical we almost expect to run into some woodland fairies! 😋