EXPLORE KOMATSU | The official Komatsu City travel guide!

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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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❄️Little Local Finds: Winter Wonderlands❄️

❄️Little Local Finds: Winter Wonderlands❄️

Dull and chilly may be the image winter conjures up for many of us 🥶
But for those willing to brave the cold and snow, it is actually a season with much worthy sights and tastes of its own! ☃️

From the spiritual sites of Natadera Temple @natadera_temple and Hanibe Caves @hanibegankutsuin in the mountains, to nearby nature sanctuaries such as Rojo Park, there are plenty of secret winter spots around Komatsu City that will whisk you into a magical white wonderland of your own 😌

If hunting blindly for these hidden sites in the snow is daunting, just check out our latest article on 👉explorekomatsu.com👈 for a guide to our recommended finds!
Including local winter treats to warm your tummy and soul after your adventures (think fried crab 🦀 duck noodles 🍜 and freshly-brewed sake 🍶)

Let us know in the comments if you have other winter gems to share, and DM us with any questions!

Here’s to a wonderful winter! 🤗

🦀 Seafood Feasts at Michelin-starred Matsuya by

🦀 Seafood Feasts at Michelin-starred Matsuya by the Sea 🐟

Sitting along the coast in Komatsu is the 100-year-old ryotei restaurant, Matsuya まつ家

Where you can not only delight your taste buds with kaiseki course meals of freshly-caught local seafood, but also feast your eyes on the exquisite local crafts used. And on window views of sunset over crashing waves 🌅

Since the ingredients depend on the catch of the day, you'll always be in for a fresh surprise. But we recommend paying a visit soon for winter-exclusive Ishikawa snow crabs! 🦀 Prepared at Matsuya the Komatsu way: stuffed in crab shells and deep fried till crisp! 🤤 (a local delicacy known as kora-age)

While making your way there, do also take the time to stroll down the surrounding streets of the Japan Heritage site of Ataka 🏘️The charming wooden houses of past fishermen and merchants will take you back to the sleepy town's old days as a bustling port! ⚓

For such a special experience, we certainly approve of the two stars awarded to Matsuya in the Michelin Guide Hokuriku 2021 🌟🌟

Check out Matsuya’s English page to learn more, and consider booking yourself a treat:
https://www.matsu-ya.jp/en/

*this post was adapted from an article generously featured on the JNTO Japan’s Local Treasures page @visitjapanjp
🔍Seafood Feasts at Michelin-starred Matsuya🔍

❗️KUTANism 2022 (Oct 15 - Dec 11)❗️ A cele

❗️KUTANism 2022 (Oct 15 - Dec 11)❗️
A celebration of Kutani Ware in Komatsu & Nomi City.

Have you been enjoying the colorful array of experiences offered at this year's KUTANism? 🤗 @kutanism_official
(see previous post on Oct 14)

The best way to learn about a craft is to feel it for yourself, and a few upcoming workshops offer just such an opportunity! 🤩

① Playing with KUTANI SEAL (26 Nov)
Design your own unique Kutani Ware using stickers made with Kutani paint!
10AM - 11.30AM / 1.30PM - 3PM
Venue: KAM (The Kutani porcelain Art Museum)
Fee: 3000 yen (excl. shipping fees)
*for children up to 18 years old, or parent and child pairs

② Mold a Maneki-neko Fortune Cat (27 Nov)
Make your own maneki-neko using a Kutani mold!
10AM - 11.30AM / 1.30PM - 3PM
Venue: CERABO KUTANI @kutani_ceramic_lab
Fee: 3000 yen (excl. shipping fees)
*for children between junior to senior high school, or parent and child pairs

Access the respective articles posted on the "NEWS" page on kutanism.com to register for these experiences!
*available only in Japanese, DM us if you need help navigating the page!

❗️GEMBA Open Factory Event 2022 (3-6 Nov)❗️

The second edition of Komatsu's very own open factory festival, GEMBA, kicks off tomorrow! 🥳 @gemba_komatsu
(see previous post on 17 Oct)

While registration has been closed for programs requiring reservation, feel free to hop around the participating studios, factories and shops that will open their doors to the public across the festival period 🚶‍♀️
(Check the GEMBA English page at
👉https://gemba-project.jp/gemba-program/en/👈
and scroll to the bottom for a timetable of places open for touring without reservation)

Swipe for a little sneak peek of the exciting hidden world of creation that you will get to explore over the next few days! We hope it gets you excited as we are 🤗
(Pottery studios, sake breweries, stone quarries, fabric factories, gallery cafes, sweet shops, high-tech farms etc etc 😍)

Hope to see you all around❣️

🍁Best of Autumn in Komatsu: A Preview🍁 We'v

🍁Best of Autumn in Komatsu: A Preview🍁

We've been feeling especially restless recently… 😤
For our favorite time of the year: when the rich greenery here turns to fiery reds❣️

If you've been waiting as eagerly as us, but aren't sure where Komatsu's autumn gems slumber, we've created a little guide for you, from our autumn adventures over the last few years! 😉

Featured are
@natadera_temple
@yunokuninomori
Hiyo Moss Garden
Aramata Gorge

Komatsu's autumn colors are expected to peak in early November, so we hope this guide can help you put the upcoming weekends to good use, and chase the colors before they fall 😋

Just check out our latest article on 👉explorekomatsu.com👈

As always, DM us with any questions and do share if you have other autumn spots in Komatsu to recommend 🤗

*photos in this post are from previous years

🌸The Biggest Cosmos Field in Ishikawa🌸 Koma

🌸The Biggest Cosmos Field in Ishikawa🌸

Komatsu's Tsubakura-machi may be a small neighborhood, but they have big dreams: To nurture the largest cosmos field in Ishikawa! 🥰

And they've succeeded. A local project started three years ago to bring new life to abandoned farm land, it has now grown into an over 12000 square meter plot, with almost a million seeds planted this year! 😍

What this little community has achieved is not just a record, however.
They've also brought so much joy to us and many others.
Getting lost amidst the sea of swaying pink and whites is the most magical and healing experience 😌
What's more, visitors are encouraged to bring home their own bouquet, with scissors provided on site! 💐

The cosmos are expected to stay in bloom until the end of October, but catch them as soon as possible before they find new homes 😝
(Photos taken 15 Oct, about half of the field was still in peak bloom!)

📍Search "Tsubakura Cosmos Field" on google maps, or DM us for the pin!

GEMBA Open Factory Event 2022 (3-6 Nov) @gemba_kom

GEMBA Open Factory Event 2022 (3-6 Nov) @gemba_komatsu

Starting with world-famous machine maker KOMATSU LTD., Komatsu has been a hub of creation where a vibrant range of creative industries, from traditional crafts to cutting-edge technologies, undergo constant evolution.

If you've often wondered about the people and processes behind such works of wonder, now's your chance to take a peek behind those usually closed doors, into the very sites of production!

Motivated by the desires of our creators themselves, to share the stories behind their creations with the people who would use them, GEMBA is Komatsu's very own open factory event where the public can take part in tours and workshops personally hosted by the creators.

This year, it will be held across four days from 3rd to 6th Nov (Thu - Sun), and the venues include high-tech farms, Kutani ceramic studios, sake breweries, wagashi sweet shops, fabric factories, and many many more! Also look out for cross-industry tie-ups such as sake or tea tasting sessions using Kutani ware, specially offered only during GEMBA!

Got you curious? Sounds like the perfect way to spend the long weekend? Spaces for tours and workshops are limited, so check out the official GEMBA page @https://gemba-project.jp/ and book your choice experience(s) as soon as possible!
(English page is also available but still under update)

As always, feel free to DM us if you require assistance in English!

KUTANism, a joint celebration of the vibrant craft

KUTANism, a joint celebration of the vibrant craft of Kutani ceramics by the Kutani-producing cities of Komatsu & Nomi, is happening again this year from 15 Oct to 11 Dec 2022! @kutanism_official

On top of the two exhibitions held in Komatsu and Nomi respectively, immerse yourself in a full sensory experience of the colourful world of Kutani, through workshops and food events! (swipe for more details and check for updates on kutanism.com OR explorekomatsu.com)

See the Exhibitions:
① NEXT Kutani vol. IV: Best selection of next-generation Kutani works
15 Oct - 11 Dec @ KAM, The Kutani porcelain Art Museum (Nomi)
② The Tools of Kutani
15 Oct - 11 Dec @ CERABO KUTANI @kutani_ceramic_lab (Komatsu)

Experience the Craft:
① Tea Session
Enjoy matcha in Kutani tea bowls crafted by people with disabilities
20 Nov (Sun) @ SARAI Wellness House (Nomi)
② Playing with KUTANI SEAL
Design your own Kutani ware with stickers made from Kutani paint
26 Nov (Sat) @ KAM
③ Mold a Maniki-neko
Shape your own maneki-neko fortune cat using Kutani mold-pressing techniques!
27 Nov (Sun) @ CERABO KUTANI

Explore the Area:
① Exhibition + Workshop Bundle Packages
② Model Course Recs by @kaaaana_stagram
③ Stamp Rally
Collect stamps at the exhibitions and nearby eateries and claim Kutani presents!

Savor:
① Kutani Food Street
Local street food on Kutani-design paper plates
15/16 Oct @ KAM
② KUTANI BASE @kutani_base
Adorn your Kutani plate with an array of local sweets
22/23 Oct @ CERABO KUTANI

Mountain Road to Recovery (Part 2) In part 2 of o

Mountain Road to Recovery (Part 2)

In part 2 of our special coverage of beloved places and people recovering from the recent floods, we feature the crafts and cafes leading up to the Nakanotoge mountain pass 🏞

Magatama workshops, homely meals prepared by mother & son in a cheery hut @akiradamari 🏡🍳, vegan creations by a former pro-drummer @vegan_heaven_hell 🥁🥗, or humble local delicacies like river fish tenderly grilled by the local grandmas 🥰

This tranquil country road will surprise you at every turn, with the healing warmth of both people and scenery 😌

Read our latest article on explorekomatsu.com to learn about these little gems and give your support! 🤗

Mountain Road to Recovery (Part 1) A serene and s

Mountain Road to Recovery (Part 1)

A serene and scenic road stretches from our city center, crossing the Kakehashi River all the way up to the Nakanotoge mountain pass ⛰️

Passing through places filled with the warmth of nature and people, that have given us much solace ❤️

In August, many of these areas were badly hit by record-breaking heavy rain and floods 😔

Two months on, we are relieved to find both the land and people of these areas recovering slowly but surely 🤗
and as our own little gesture of appreciation and encouragement, our latest article on Explore Komatsu is dedicated to them❣️

Part 1 features the first half of the road covering the riverside hamlets of Nakaumi, Yusenji and Ugawa.
(look out for part 2 soon, covering the second half of the road!) 🔍explorekomatsu.com

We hope you too can pay a visit to these humble hidden gems and give your support 🥰

*Photo 1 & 2 are the spider lilies currently blooming near Nakaumi along the Kakehashi River (taken 9/25)
While less than usual due to damage from the floods, they are still really pretty and we recommend catching them some time this week!
(scroll to the end for the photos taken last year!)
DM us for the exact pin!

Have a break, have some tea and sweets! 🍵🍡

Have a break, have some tea and sweets! 🍵🍡

Always been curious to join a tea ceremony, but nervous about all the rules and manners involved?

Here in Komatsu, where tea appreciation has long been a culture for the masses,
there are plenty of opportunities for even the uninitiated to take a sip into the world of tea! 🤗

A series of casual tea sessions are open to public each year, and the next one will be held on
Sept 25 (Sun), anytime between 10AM ~ 3PM.

You'll also get to experience the full ambience of a tea room, as it will be held at the Senso Yashiki and Gen’an Tea Houses, complete with a scenic view of Rojo Park within which the house is enshrouded 😌
(A little history tidbit: these teahouses were built in commemoration of Senso Soshitsu, the founder of the Urasenke school of tea, who served as tea magistrate in Komatsu for a time! i.e Komatsu was one of the early breeding grounds of tea culture! 😮)

While the actual tea ceremony procedures will not be performed,
you get to enjoy the same kind of carefully prepared matcha green tea 🍵 and wagashi sweets 🍡 usually served, for just 500 yen! 😋
And if you'd just like to take a look, you can tour the tea house freely at no cost too.

There is no dress code, but wear something comfortable for sitting on the tatami floor,
and socks are advised as you have to remove your shoes before entry 🧦
Registration is also not required! Drop by anytime you wish, 10AM~3PM ☝️

Catch ya, matcha! 🍵😉

*If you can't make this day, reservations to tour the teahouse, free-of-charge, can be made on other days as well.
Feel free to reach out to us for guidance on reservation!

*Photos here are from a recent English guided tour of the teahouse!

🌲🏡Escape to the Forest and Live with Nature🏡🌲

Tucked amongst cedar trees🌲 and rivers 💦 of Osugi in Komatsu is Denpaku, two guest inns transformed from kominka folk houses over 150 years old 🏠
The perfect place to take a breather far from society, and return to simple living amidst nature 😌
Fret not about having nothing to do, as an extensive selection of activities are offered so you can enjoy the rich nature to the fullest.

Such as catching river fish 🐟 and roasting it yourself over the inn's charcoal hearth 🔥
Or wandering through the surrounding forests on e-bike 🚵‍♀️ to encounter hidden cafes where you can mingle with locals.
Those looking for more excitement can even do canyoning down the nearby rivers, while artsy ones can join a flower arrangement or crafts workshop to make your own little local souvenir 🤗

While seasonal offerings using fresh local vegetables are available for breakfast, dinner is Do-It-Yourself, true to the concept of returning to self-sustained living in nature. Guests can use the shared kitchens freely, and enjoy their homemade meals around the cosy fireplace 🥰 (you have to source for your own ingredients too)
Or rent the inn's equipment to enjoy a BBQ on the outdoor deck, to the views and background music of the adjacent river

Opt for a single room in the shared inn, or reserve an entire inn for a more private stay.
More details and booking on Denpaku's official page:
https://www.denpaku-kogei.com/ (Japanese)
and Instagram
@denpaku_komatsu

The 3-day Ishinoko Matsuri, held in the farming ha

The 3-day Ishinoko Matsuri, held in the farming hamlet of Takigahara in Komatsu, is more than a music festival. It is a gastronomic experience for those with a love for food and fun. There will be various activities, from traditional taiko drum performances, DJ sets, and live music performances, to cooking workshops and sensory adventures, that will energize your heart and feed your soul.

For the more hardcore music lovers, the organizers promise a crystal-clear audio experience, provided by the Funktion One sound system, that will surround participants with every beat reverberating in the air at the foot of Mt. Kurakake.

Those who come to the festival will also have the opportunity to sample the many local restaurants that will be serving dishes from the most diverse cuisines from around the world.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can sleep in the tents that will be made available to all campers, free of charge. Otherwise, you can also opt for a stay at TAKIGAHARA CRAFT & STAY, a hostel located right at the event venue. There are also many traditional ryokan inns at the Awazu, Yamashiro, Yamanaka and Katayamazu hot spring towns, which are about 10 minutes away by car.

Ishinoko Matsuri
September 23 to 25, 2022
Takigahara, Ishikawa

For more information and ticket sales, visit the festival's website or Instagram @ishinoko.jp

http://ishinoko.jp

Cafe Restaurant HO GA: Personalized Meals in a Far

Cafe Restaurant HO GA: Personalized Meals in a Farming Town 🌾

Opened in May this year, a new gastronomical experience awaits you at HO GA @hoga_jp

Where you can select from a variety of local Ishikawa-grown rice 🍚, and from an array of dishware 🍽️ specially crafted by artisans from both Komatsu and around Japan, for the ultimate personalized meal 😌

Look forward to new rice varieties that are rotated seasonally, and feel the dishes for yourself to decide the one for you 🤲
Then sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful views of the surrounding fields and forests 🌲 as you savor the creative dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients.

Finish off with an experience of Komatsu's wagashi sweet culture 🍡
HO GA's unique dessert selection includes the "Gomadora", with sesame-flavored red bean paste from a local wagashi shop sandwiched in a brown-rice pancake. New on the menu is also a coffee jelly that is as pleasant to admire as it is to taste! 😋

After your rejuvenating meal, consider a stroll around Natadera Temple next door as well @natadera_temple
A beloved autumn spot 🍁 in Komatsu that is most beautiful around end-Oct to early-Nov! 🤗

HO GA
Hours: 11am- 6pm (closed Thu)
Access:
(By car) Park at Natadera's Carpark No. 2
(By bus) 35 min ride from Komatsu Stn to Natadera Temple, then 5 min walk.

🎉Back in Action: Ataka Festival (10-12 Sept)🎉

Another festival is coming back for the first time in 3 years! 🥳

Held in Ataka 10-12 Sept this year, the festivities celebrate the town's history as a flourishing port 🛳, a history that has been recognized as Japan Heritage.

Fittingly, one of the festival highlights is the parade of small boats called hikifune, in the day on 11th and 12th.
These boats were used back then to carry goods from ship to shore, and were often tugged through the streets with their sails up ⛵️
Witness the same scene recreated at this festival, and join in the locals as they recite the traditional chants passed down from their ancestors! 🎶

Another highlight is the ritual mass dance on the night of the 10th.
Be mesmerized by the young ladies dressed in red, moving gracefully in the twilight to the rhythm of ondo folk music 💃
Catch the opening dance at 6pm from Ataka Sumiyoshi Shrine, and follow them as they parade through town, or head directly to Ataka Community Center at 7pm for the main dance!

The town will also be liven up by lion dances and food stalls across all three days, so do join in and soak in the festive mood 😌

*While you are there, do consider exploring the Kanjincho Museum, where you can learn more about Ataka and Komatsu's kabuki tradition in English, and drop by the Ataka Cafe for lovely food and views 🌅. You will find both facilities side-by-side along the sea! 🌊

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