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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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Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu Side Venue ⑤: A

Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu Side Venue ⑤:
Ataka

The final side venue we will introduce is one not related to stone, but something quite different: the sea 🌊
That is, the coastal town of Ataka that once flourished as a port for the Kitamae-bune merchant ships that traversed the seas from Hokkaido to Osaka during the Edo period ⚓

Many of the former houses of the merchants still line the streets of Ataka today, making for a romantic stroll down memory lane 😌 During the summit, some of these wooden houses and their precious heirlooms will be open to public through guided tours!

After retracing the lives of the merchants, head to the opposite bank to the Ataka Sumiyoshi Shrine ⛩️ where you can pray for safe passage through life's challenges, just as the sailors of the past prayed here for safe voyage through rough seas.

Or gaze across the sea just as they must have done, from @ataka_cafe just by the beach.
Catching sunset over the Sea of Japan is the best way to end the day! 🌅

*Japan Heritage Summit Free Shuttle Buses (from Science Hills):
10:00, 11:40 & 13:30 (timed to align with the tours on both banks)
Return buses at 11:05, 12:50, 14:35, 15:40 from Ataka Cafe carpark
(5 mins later from Ataka bus stop on opposite bank)

Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu Side Venues ④:

Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu Side Venues ④:
Yusenji Copper Mine Park & Hanibe Caves

While Takigahara & Kanagaso are the only stone-mining sites in Komatsu that remain active, many former sites have not only been preserved, but transformed into beautiful spaces for contemplation of history & nature.

One such site is Hanibe Caves, where you'll be first greeted by an imposing giant Buddha head. @hanibegankutsuin
It may be hard to tell how this is a cave upon first glance, but round the back is actually a former quarry-turned-atelier, housing the sculptures of the first-generation master. The very same sculptor who endeavored to carve the giant Buddha as an expression for his desire for world peace 😌

And just a stone's throw away (15 mins on foot 😋) is the Yusenji Copper Mine Park. @yusenjidozanato
This unassuming memorial park is actually the birthplace of the world-famous machine-maker, KOMATSU Ltd.! 🏗️

That is, the owner of this former copper mine would go on to establish KOMATSU Ltd. in his endeavor to create his own mining machines. Today, vestiges of the former lively mining town remain, most notably a giant chimney that looks like something out of an adventure film! 🏚️ Indeed we would come here for a nature escapade, especially in May, when the tranquil cedar wood comes carpeted in a lilac sea of irises.

*Japan Heritage Summit Free Shuttle Buses:
10:00 from Science Hills
OR
10:25, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00 from CERABO KUTANI (check two posts back for CERABO bus timings)
Return buses at 11:05, 12:30, 13:30, 14:40, 15:20 from Yusenji Copper Mine Park
(10 mins later from Hanibe Caves)

Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu Side Venues ③:

Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu Side Venues ③:
Kanagaso & Takigahara Quarry

As introduced in the last post, Komatsu is an important producer of pottery stone.
But of course, our rich stone resource is also an important part of our streetscapes, not only in Komatsu, but throughout Japan.

Among the many quarries that used to abound in Komatsu, two have continued digging to this day: Takigahara and Kanagaso Quarry. Both are producers of nationally-prized stone used for all kinds of structures, with Kanagaso stone notably used for the National Diet Building.

During the summit, you get the rare chance of exploring these stone-producing sites, including the nature-rich surroundings which include @takigaharafarm and Kanagaso's Kannonyama, where a breathtaking view of the Sea of Japan can be accessed in just 583 (of course, stone) steps.

And a little visual treat for those adventurous enough to venture into the quarries: both are home to the intriguing sculptural works of British artist Julie Brook.
Within the cave of Takigahara Quarry is Parallel Space, a wall of hand-carved stone blocks built along the quarry wall, creating a narrow space throughwhich one can walk and experience the physicality of the quarry at an intimate level.

As for the open Kanagaso Quarry, a flight of hand-carved stairs lead the eye up to the towering wall of golden Kanagaso stone, to accentuate the massive scale of the quarry. From atop the steps is an expansive view of the idyllic town (a much shorter climb than the aforementioned Kannonyama)

You might be wondering: why would I visit a quarry? But we encourage you to keep an open mind and surprise yourself with the treasures of stone & nature to be discovered in Takigahara & Kanagaso.

*Japan Heritage Summit Free Shuttle Buses:
Kanagaso (from Science Hills)
Every 10~20 mins from 10:40-13:50
Return bus every 20 mins from 11:20-14:50

Takigahara
10:10 from Science Hills
OR
10:45, 11:30, 12:30 or 13:30 from Natadera (see two posts back for Natadera bus timings)
Return bus every hour from 11:15-14:15 & 15:00 (via Natadera)

Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu Side Venue ②: C

Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu Side Venue ②:
CERABO KUTANI @kutani_ceramic_lab

In continuation of our introduction to the side venues of this weekend's Japan Heritage Summit, we fast forward from the ancient Natadera Temple to the futuristic CERABO KUTANI.

Among Komatsu's rich stone resources, one particularly significant one is Hanasaka stone, essential as the raw material for the Kutani ceramics unique to Ishikawa. It's discovery in Komatsu catalysed the flourishing of Kutani production sites in the
vicinity, including a 60-year-old clay factory that was transformed into today's CERABO KUTANI in 2019.

An abbreviation for Kutani Ceramic Laboratory, this is where you can trace the entire Kutani production process from start to end. Observe the clay production process up close, admire the crafting process and completed works of up-and-coming artisans, and even try your hand at painting or shaping your very own Kutani ware!

The building itself is a work of art by famed architect Kengo Kuma, aptly representing the ever-evolving nature of Kutani.

*Japan Heritage Summit Free Shuttle Buses from Science Hills:
Every 30 mins from 10:40-13:40
Return bus every 30 mins from 12:10-15:10

Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu Side Venue ①: N

Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu Side Venue ①:
Natadera Temple

We are so excited for the Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu this weekend! (see previous post)
Komatsu City is a holder of two Japan Heritage assets: our history as a producer of gem & stone and as a Kitamae-bune ship port.

During the summit, guided tours will be conducted around the various heritage sites intertwined with these two historical tales. We will be introducing each of these sites as a countdown to the festivities!

First up is Natadera, a 1300-year-old temple established within the mountains, as a sanctuary for nature worship. Iconic structures include a vast rock formation shaped over centuries of wind and rain, and a cave symbolizing a mother's womb, where one
can perform a ritual of rebirth by walking through. They tell of the deep connection humankind has had with the surrounding rocky landscape since our ancestors' time.

History aside, Natadera Temple is also a well-known autumn spot. These shots were taken just last weekend, so we expect peak colors to align perfectly with the summit! 🤗

*Japan Heritage Summit Free Shuttle Buses from Science Hills:
Every 30 mins from 10:50-13:50
Return bus every 30 mins from 11:45-14:45

Big Event Announcement: Japan Heritage Summit in K

Big Event Announcement: Japan Heritage Summit in Komatsu!

Did you know that Komatsu City is hosting the Japan Heritage Summit this year?
A two-day event on 13 & 14 Nov, there will be fun activity booths, traditional performances, guided tours and food stalls!

The main events will be around Komatsu Station at Science Hills, Komatsu no Mori & URARA Theater, but there are also free shuttle buses to side venues like Natadera Temple, the coastal Ataka area and the CERABO KUTANI gallery, so if you’ve always wanted to visit some of these places, now’s the chance!

Participation is free, so feel free to drop by anytime on either day between 10am to 4pm.

Posters for the event schedule, shuttle bus timings, and list of activity booths have been uploaded to the event page on Explore Komatsu's Facebook page, so do check it out for more details!
Hope to see you there! 🥳

What marks the start of autumn? (Hint: There are t

What marks the start of autumn?
(Hint: There are two answers hidden in this lovely shot by @foresight.vr )
Yes, golden rice fields ripe for harvesting are one 🌾 But look up and you'll also notice a sky full of fascinating "fish scale clouds" (uroko gumo)☁️🐟, as they are adorably referred to in Japanese! 😋

We sure are excited for all the freshly harvested rice and beautiful fall scenery to come 😌

💖Launching Hope & Love into the Blooming Night

💖Launching Hope & Love into the Blooming Night Sky💖

That was the theme of the surprise fireworks launched by the Komatsu Seiun Lions Club, at Lake Kiba last Saturday 🎆
Amidst the pandemic, they wish to continue inspiring the children of Komatsu to widen their perspectives and imagine a bigger world out there, and this spectacular gift was a symbol of that 🥰

@gakuoo1 certainly captured those sentiments perfectly in this shot! 😍

Thank you for giving all of us renewed hope and excitement❣️
(Access the replay on youtube
https://youtu.be/VdxxRPYwxXM?t=10560
OR search 青雲花火大会in木場潟2021)

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! 🎉 @kutanism_official

This year as well, we deliver the colorful world of Kutani right to your desktop (or palm!): with an online exhibition! 🤩

Simply access kutanism.com/en/ ➡️ Click "EXHIBITION" in the top menu ➡️ Scroll down and click on the posters (gray & pink) to enter each of the two galleries! Both galleries feature the latest works from both veteran & up-and-coming artisans, so do take your time to tour them both!

Just as how the craft of Kutani ceramics is ever-evolving, we strive to find novel ways of sharing its charms with the world 🌍 Even though there's nothing like seeing these works of wonder in person, we hope this virtual exhibit inspires you to visit
in the near future and perhaps support our budding artisans with a purchase 🤗

The red sea of autumn 🍂 Leaves aren't the only

The red sea of autumn 🍂

Leaves aren't the only things to turn red in autumn 😮
Before that, river banks are swept by a sea of red...spider lilies! 😍

Extra reason to enjoy a nice morning stroll along the Kakehashi River 🤗
(psst locals recommend walking the whole stretch, but if you're short on time the best spot is the patch near Handeda-machi! DM us for exact location)

Thank you @floral_komatsu for the tip off❣️

🌸The cosmos at the end of the double rainbow🌈🌈

This lovely shot by @gakuoo1 is getting us excited for cosmos season 😍
We recommend this spot at Tsubakura-machi, a local effort at creating the prefecture's largest cosmos field❣️

Right next to the exit from Awazu IC (Tsubakura Higashi junction)
This p(l)ot of pink and white is a little hard to find so DM us for directions! 😉

If festivals are not your thing, here's something

If festivals are not your thing, here's something more chill to do near Ataka: Yoga by (or in!) the sea! 🌅🧘‍♂️

Nothing is more zen than yoga to the backdrop of sunset 😌

Now we really feel like joining one of @lys.yoga classes 😆 Thanks for sharing with us such soothing scenes!

📸: @lys.yoga

A serene end to the 3-day Ataka Festival! (see pre

A serene end to the 3-day Ataka Festival! (see previous post)

But the Ataka lighthouse shines on as it has for the past 30 years,
a beacon for the local residents and voyagers.

Hope to celebrate Ataka Matsuri with you all as well next year!
(keep 7~9 Sept in your calendars)

@kantaro0124 captures the mood perfectly as always 🤗

The local spirit burns on at the Ataka Festival! 🔥

The Ataka Matsuri (7-9 Sept) began as a local prayer for abundant catch and safe voyage, and continues today as a celebration of Ataka's romantic past as a flourishing port 🌊

This year is no exception, albeit on a more intimate scale with small performances around the neighborhood for the local folk.
But smaller certainly doesn't mean weaker, as we certainly felt the warm passion of the locals more keenly than ever 💪🥰

It is times like this that makes us all the more grateful to witness moments of community bonding 😌

Swipe to the end to catch some lively action! 🤩

Thank you for 65 years of memories, Sei-chan❣️

Thank you for 65 years of memories, Sei-chan❣️

It's been a week since 90-year-old Sei-chan closed the doors to his 65-year-old shop 🥺 The pioneer of Komatsu's locally beloved dish, shio yakisoba, and the first to bring gyoza to the Hokuriku region 🤯

We are sad but touched by the outpouring of love, as fans from near and afar rushed down to give their thanks and savor Sei-chan's dishes overflowing with both fragrance and passion 😌

It may be the end of his business, but his legacy lives on through the many shio yakisoba successors he's inspired, including younger brother Katchan! 🤗
So do visit them for the authentic Komatsu taste when you get the chance!
(we've compiled a list @explorekomatsu.com/gourmet/shio-yakisoba/)

Thank you @rnrt_takeshi for these lovely captures!