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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🎉 KUTANism 2023 (Oct 6 - Nov 5) 🎉 Happening

🎉 KUTANism 2023 (Oct 6 - Nov 5) 🎉

Happening again this year:
A festival celebrating Kutani Ware, one of Ishikawa Prefecture's representative crafts! 🥳
Jointly held by the Kutani-production centers of Komatsu and Nomi @kutanism_official

Three exhibitions will be held this year, but they are not your ordinary gallery tour! 😉
Think a moss garden 🌿, old townhouse 🏠, and space weaved from cloth 🌈
Spaces rooted in local community, that all are welcome to take a casual step into (for free!) 🤗

With this year's theme being "Tracing the Colors of Kutani",
workshops and open studio tours are also offered for a more immersive experience of the colorful world of Kutani 🤩

Swipe for more details and check for updates on kutanism.com OR explorekomatsu.com

Exhibitions:
① Kutani Ornaments
"Moss Garden X Ornaments"
@Hiyo Moss Garden (Komatsu)

② Living With Kutani
"How are Kutani Ware used?"
@Shoundo Gallery (Komatsu)

③ Wrapped in Kutani
"Immerse yourself in Kutani patterns"
@Nomi Furusato Museum

Upcoming Workshop:
🎨Design your own Kutani Plate with stamps!🎨
30 Sept (Sat)
1-2 PM / 3-4 PM
@Nomi Furusato Museum
*Check explorekomatsu.com for details and registration

🎁Bonus: Collect stickers and get a gift!🎁
Simply,
①Pick up a festival guidebook
②Collect stickers at each of the spots listed
③Decorate your guidebook
④Present your guidebook at a service counter to receive a gift!

🎉 Komatsu Nine: A Brand New Tourist Hub @ Komat

🏡Takigahara: A Sanctuary of Nature & Craft🏡

🏡Takigahara: A Sanctuary of Nature & Craft🏡

What sort of space will the ishinoko festival (see last post) take place at?
Since the venue is actually half the charm of this unique event, here's some background to the little hamlet of Takigahara! 🤗

A village tucked in the Komatsu mountainside, with a population of less than 200.
But Takigahara is anything but sparse.
Here, both the passionate locals striving to preserve and promote their way of living, and new dwellers mysteriously drawn from all over Japan and the world, have come together to create a new vibrant community fusing nature and craft in their everyday lives 💚

Visitors are invited to partake in this unique and refreshing way of living through regular farming clubs, community dinners and craft workshops.
(check @takigaharafarm for announcements of these events)

Even just a meal at the cosy Takigahara Cafe (pic 3-4), or the local canteen "Satoyama Shokudo", is sure to give you a taste of the simple yet magical charm of this place and its people 😌

Of course, the best way to really soak in the healing air is to book a stay, at:

1) Takigahara House (pic 5-7)
A cosy private inn, tastefully renovated from an old stone cellar.

2) Takigahara Craft & Stay (pic 8-9)
A hostel renovated from an old farmhouse, with affordable bunk bed options!
@craftandstay

The latter is available during ishinoko too, so do contact the organizers ishinoko.jp if interested!

And take the chance to explore this nature haven to your heart's content 😌

🎭🌱Ishinoko Festival 2023 (9/29-10/1)🌾🎉

🎭🌱Ishinoko Festival 2023 (9/29-10/1)🌾🎉
Music, Art and Feast in the Komatsu Countryside

If you visit the mountainside village of Takigahara this end-Sept, you'll not only find solace in nature, but a vibrant gathering of art, music and food! 🥳

The community-initiated ishinoko festival will be held over three days from 29 Sept to 1 Oct, bringing the sleepy village to life through a colorful mix of people and their diverse creations from all over the world 🌈

Whether you're seeking to party and dance 🎶, appreciate or create art 🖼, or forage and feast in the forest 🏕, all are welcome to join in this magical time and space for deep connection in nature 😌

Both three-day and one-day tickets are available 🎫
and accommodation plans (incl. the Craft&Stay hostel on site) are also on offer 🏨
so it's not too late to join the party!
*you can also choose to camp under the stars ⛺️
🔎Check @ishinoko.jp for details.

🚌 Access 🚌
As Takigahara is tucked in the mountainside area, it is usually accessible only by car or taxi, but shuttle buses will be provided during the festival period from Kaga Onsen Station!

🎉Ataka Festival (9-11 Sept)🎉 The Ataka Fest

🎉Ataka Festival (9-11 Sept)🎉

The Ataka Festival is happening again this year! 🥳

One of Komatsu's major festivals celebrating the heritage of the former port town of Ataka 🛳, 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 10th and 11th Sept.
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 circle dance on the night of the 10th.
Be mesmerized by the young ladies dressed in red, moving gracefully in the moonlight to the soothing rhythm of folk music 💃
Catch the opening dance at 6pm at Ataka Sumiyoshi Shrine, or the main dance from 7pm at Ataka Community Center!

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! 🌊

DM us for specific schedules!

🏔️Mountaintop Inn Ikumo🏔️ ☁️Stay Abo

🏔️Mountaintop Inn Ikumo🏔️
☁️Stay Above the Clouds☁️

If you're a fan of shukubo temple inns, or looking for a nature escape, then we highly recommend a stay at Ikumo❣️

The perfect place to heal with nature, and relive the spiritual connection that those ancient monks once experienced here 😌

This autumn (late Oct-early Nov) would be the perfect season, to enjoy both the surrounding mountain ranges and Natadera Temple in fiery red 🍁😍

For more details, check our previous post (caption),
or search 🔎"Ikumo Komatsu" for their English homepage!

🏔️Mountaintop Inn Ikumo🏔️ ☁️Stay Abo

🏔️Mountaintop Inn Ikumo🏔️
☁️Stay Above the Clouds☁️

If you're a fan of shukubo temple inns, or looking for a nature escape , then we highly recommend a stay at Ikumo!

Situated at the former site of a spiritual training dojo ⛩️,
this mountaintop inn offers you complete solitude in nature, as the name Ikumo = "Living in Clouds" suggests 😌☁️

Soak in breathtaking views of both sunset and sunrise over the mountains 🌄
or in a bath under the stars 🌠
Have a taste of nourishing meals, of nature's bounties from the surrounding sea and mountains 🍱
and even spiritual activities offered such as sutra copying 🪷 and a special prayer service at Natadera Temple just below @natadera_temple

The eco-conscious will also be glad to know that the inn relies on eco-friendly resources such as solar energy and rainwater, and limit their water and carbon emissions 💚

The perfect place to heal with nature, and relive the spiritual connection that those ancient monks once experienced here! 😌
And this autumn (late Oct-early Nov) would be the perfect season, to enjoy both the surrounding mountain ranges and Natadera Temple in fiery red 🍁

But do make your plans early,
as Ikumo is a private inn accommodating only one group at a time!
🔎Search "Ikumo Komatsu" for their English homepage!

📸Final Call: Komatsu Photo Campaign❗️📸

📸Final Call: Komatsu Photo Campaign❗️📸

The Komatsu Photo Campaign ends in just 3️⃣ days!
Don't let those wonderful photos hiding in your camera go to waste 😋

To those who have generously shared your photos,
thank you for giving us daily inspiration with your refreshing perspectives, and eye for the simple hidden beauties of our beloved Komatsu 🤗
We didn't think it was possible but we certainly treasure being in this city even more now 😇

For those still unsure whether to join in, here is just a sample of some submissions so far!
As you can see, you are completely free to convey the "Charms of Komatsu" from your own unique perspective, even a humble everyday scene from your stroll in the park! ❤️

Looking forward to receiving even more inspiration from all of you over the remaining three days! 🥰
👉See pinned post on how to participate and DM us if you have questions!

Photo Credits:
@gabrielamanfrinato (pic 1) -> Lake Kiba Park
@geovanayamamoto (pic 2) -> Junigataki Falls
@machizora (pic 3) -> Hiyo Moss Garden
@shashin_1111 (pic 4) -> Rojo Park
@simple.visual.pleasures (pic 5 & 6) -> Natadera Temple, Ikoi-no-mori Park
@carolmatsubara (pic 7) -> Otabi Festival
@kurarisu.mori (pic 8) -> Lake Kiba Park
@maccrow (pic 9) -> Barley fields in May
@justin_the_explorer (pic 10) -> Aramata Gorge

Thank you for your lovely contributions, and we will contact you soon if you are one of the 5 lucky winners of Komatsu goods! 🎉
(to be decided by lottery after 27 Aug)

🍅Little Local Finds: Tomato Treats 🍅 It's

🍅Little Local Finds: Tomato Treats 🍅

It's once again the season of our favorite Komatsu vegetable... 🤔
Yes, the humble tomato! 🍅🍅🍅
Our proud local specialty, for which we proudly hold the record as the largest producer in Hokuriku.

While certainly a delightful treat just eaten freshly-picked and raw (especially now in peak season), we also love how local shops have brought out the best of this often overlooked vegetable-fruit with 🍅 dishes, snacks and even desserts!?

In our latest article on Explore Komatsu, we introduce our favorites of the lot:
🍅 daifuku from @kouda__futaba, 🍅 taiyaki from @marichan.0603, 🍅 cake from Cafe Lotus 🍰, 🍅 jams, curry 🍛 & ketchup 🥫 for your own home creations, and even 🍅 soba from @furusato_sumigen ❣

Yes some of them may sound wacky, but as they say, you've got to try it to believe it 😉 Like us, you may never see this juicy sweet red gem the same way again 🥰

Read more in our latest article on 🔎explorekomatsu.com

🏔️Everyday Views of Mt. Hakusan🏔️ (Komat

🏔️Everyday Views of Mt. Hakusan🏔️
(Komatsu Photo Campaign Entry)

Since we celebrated Mountain Day in Japan over the long weekend, here's a post dedicated to our beloved Mt. Hakusan! 🏔️

One of Japan's Three Holy Mountains, that watches over us everyday ❤️
It is such a blessing to be greeted by breathtaking views of this "White Mountain" on a daily basis,
whether from the local go-to spot of Lake Kiba, or even just as we make our way along the street 😌

And it seems many of our friends agree, since we've gotten many Hakusan entries for our ongoing Komatsu Photo Campaign!
Thank you for sharing all your different and refreshing perspectives❣️
@carolmatsubara
@simple.visual.pleasures

Do you have a favorite spot or season for admiring Mt. Hakusan?
Share with us in the comments, or with your own entry for the Komatsu Photo Campaign! 🤗

*campaign ending 27 Aug, see pinned post for details 👆

🚶‍♀️Walk Down History Lane, With the Shop

🚶‍♀️Walk Down History Lane, With the Shop Owners!🚶

If you find yourself around Komatsu Station looking for something fun and meaningful to do, we encourage you to take a 5-min walk to the historical Hokkoku Toorimachi Street @hokkokutoorimachi
Where you'll find shops with centuries of legacy 😯
And encounter shop owners more than happy to be your personal guide and share their stories 🤗

Since we and our international friends have had the privilege of partaking in many tours led by this passionate bunch, we decided to dedicate our latest article on explorekomatsu.com to a walkthrough, on how best to enjoy this hidden gem of a street and its people! 🥰

*While this itinerary is not yet offered as a regular tour, feel free to reach out to the shop owners to discuss what is possible (they'd be thrilled!), or DM us and we'll see what can be arranged! 👍

1. Choboya Tea Shop 🍵 @chooboya
Get some tea from the very first tea cultivator in the Hokuriku region, with a history of over 360 years and 12 generations! 🤯
And roast your very own Kaga Bocha (Ishikawa-unique roasted green tea made from tea stems)! 🫖🔥

2. Nakade Butchers 🍖 @yakibuta_komatsu_ishikawa
Then snack on some karaage at this well-loved local butcher 🍗
A Komatsu-original version marinated with all-Komatsu ingredients such as barley miso!

3. If you're lucky the shop owners might just unveil their neighborhood's massive festival float! 🥳
If not, pop by MIYOSSA Gallery next door where floats of other neighborhoods are displayed.

4. Takimoto Gozaten @takimotogozaten
Step into the oldest shop of the street, an almost 250-year-old goza shop (thin mats using the same reeds as tatami).
Where you can make your own tatami-reed coaster, with guidance from 26th-gen owner Naoko 🧵🪡

5. Cafe Machiya Bunko ☕ @machiyabunko
Enjoy a cup of Choboya's tea 🍵, on your freshly-made one-of-a-kind coaster 🪢, alongside a bowl of Nakade's famous roasted pork 🥩! 🤩
At this cosy recycle book cafe in a traditional machiya townhouse 🏠
And for souvenirs pick up some of the cafe's homemade jams, from the shelves or the vending machine!? 🤯

Check our latest article on explorekomatsu.com for the full walkthrough!

🛖A Bird's Eye View of Ancient Japan🛖 The ne

🛖A Bird's Eye View of Ancient Japan🛖

The newly-revamped Kaga Kokufu Museum is where you can gain insights on ancient Japanese history, with a view! 😍

"Kokufu" were the regional governmental centers in ancient Japan 🏛️
And here in the Kokufudai neighborhood of Komatsu is just where such a center was located, for the rulers of the entire area of southern Ishikawa! 😲

It's high elevation made it a prime location for the rulers to oversee their land and people 👀 and today it affords us beautiful views of the idyllic countryside 🤗

Walkthrough the stories of ancient communities told through the museum's extensive array of artifacts,
including a restored model of an ancient tomb 🪦
then step into the shoes of the rulers as you look out over the land, and imagine the daily lives of the people.

Psst there's even an extra secret scenic spot:
Climb the steps winding up the hill next to the museum, for spectacular views of Mt. Hakusan 🏔️ from the site of a preserved tomb! (pic 4)
Yes, appreciation of this beautiful holy mountain continues from past to present 😌

🎉MIYOSSA Summer Festival🎉 There's no better

🎉MIYOSSA Summer Festival🎉

There's no better way to sweat out the summer heat, than joining in a Bon Odori communal dance with the local crowd! 💃

In Komatsu you get the chance to do just that this Saturday, at the MIYOSSA Summer Festival! 🥳

Just come down to the festival square in front of the Hikiyama Gallery Miyossa at dusk , and step right in to the dance circle (even better if you don a yukata 👘).
The moves are repetitive, so you'll be able to pick it up easily just by watching everyone else 😋
(and even if you don't, what's most important is just having fun 😉)

Early birds get to catch a taiko drum performance too, which is sure to energize you into festival mood 🥁

A street market will also be held along the adjacent shopping arcade, from day to night! 🍧🍢🍻

📅29 July 2023 (Sat)📅

Taiko Performance: 6 - 6.40PM
Bon Odori: 7 - 8.40PM
*Street market: 11AM - 9PM

📸: @kaga_no_kuni

📸Komatsu Photo Campaign Entry📸 The Ataka B

📸Komatsu Photo Campaign Entry📸

The Ataka Beach is a great location for some fun shots 🏖
as @tommysalsicha and @simple.visual.pleasures show us! 👻

Thank you for the creative ideas! 😋

Photo 1: @tommysalsicha
Photo 2: @simple.visual.pleasures
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Psst, there's a just a month left to join in the Komatsu Photo Campaign❗️😮
Participating is as easy as posting your photos of Komatsu City with the required hashtags, and you stand the chance to win some exclusive Komatsu goods! 🎉

Photos taken in the past are welcome, and the more you post the higher your chances 😉
👉Check our pinned post / link in bio for more info👈

🚲Komatsu Share Cycle🚲 Curious about the new

🚲Komatsu Share Cycle🚲

Curious about the new Komatsu share bikes but not sure how and where to use them?

Here's a little compilation of our own adventures for your reference! 🤗

Steps:
①Download the Docomo Bike Share app on Apple App Store/Google Play
OR purchase a 1-day pass online/at a service counter (Komatsu Stn / Komatsu Airport)
②Look for a port: Other than the Komatsu train stations and airport, you'll find them at many must-see spots such as
-Natadera Temple
-Lake Kiba Park
-Awazu Onsen
③Unlock the bikes using the app/1-day pass
④Set forth on your adventure!
With the electric-assist, getting anywhere from mountain to sea is a breeze.

It's not just a convenient way to get to your destination, but makes for a lovely journey 😌

Check our article on explorekomatsu.com for a more detailed guide
(link in bio)