Historical Sites
HISTORICAL SITES
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Kanjincho-no-sato
A memorial zone weaved around the tale of Kanjincho, a historical legend set in Komatsu’s very own Ataka-no-seki Barrier, involving the famous Kamakura period warriors Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Musashibo Benkei and Togashi Saemon. Contemplate Komatsu’s core values of Wisdom, Courage and Compassion as you gaze up at the statues of the three protagonists, then delve even further into history at the adjacent Kanjincho Museum.
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The surrounding Ataka area was also once a key port for Kitamae-bune, merchant ships that traversed the Sea of Japan from Hokkaido to Osaka between the 18th to 19th centuries, spreading diverse goods and cultures throughout Japan. Soak in this romantic past with a stroll through the town’s remaining merchant houses, and a visit to Ataka Sumiyoshi Shrine, where Japan’s one and only guardian deity of “breakthroughs” is enshrined, and where sailors of the past and devotees of today pray to overcome the rough waves of life!
The seaside Ataka Café is also the perfect place to reimagine the arrival of the ships while savoring sunset over the Sea of Japan.
Related Pages:
How to Explore Komatsu, Indoors! Komatsu Share Cycle: A New Way to Explore Komatsu! Official Kitamae-bune Page -
Natadera Temple
An ancient temple established in the mountains 1300 years ago, as a center of nature and Mt. Hakusan worship. Built into the rocky landscape of the area, carved over centuries of wind and rain, the temple grounds itself conveys the temple’s reverence for nature. Symbolic of that is the “ritual rebirth” that can be experienced at the main hall, housed within a natural cave. Caves are thought to be highly sacred places likened to a mother’s womb in Japanese spiritual belief, hence walking through one symbolizes a cycle of rebirth.
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While well-known as an autumn spot, when visitors get to enjoy a unique composition of fiery reds adorning the craggy rock walls and ancient temple buildings, it is also a breathtaking sight in winter when entirely blanketed in snow.
Related pages:
Best of Autumn in Komatsu: A Preview Little Local Finds: Winter Wonderlands Komatsu Share Cycle: A New Way to Explore Komatsu!
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Yusenji Copper Mine Remains
Once a flourishing mine town, it now serves as a memorial park rich in both nature and history… and the origins of now world-famous machine-maker, Komatsu Ltd.
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Specifically, the founder of Komatsu Ltd., Takeuchi Meitaro, was the owner of this mine before venturing into making his own mining machines. At the entrance lies a statue of this innovative pioneer, appropriately adorned with sakura trees in spring. And right beside is the Satoyama Mirai Museum, where the history of the mining town is retold through pictures.
Venture deeper to find a tranquil cedar wood which is covered in a pale lilac carpet of irises in May. If you’re up for the full historical and nature immersion, you can do the entire hike up the mining hill which takes you past remaining structures such as a giant chimney that looks like something out of an adventure film!
Related Pages:
Memoirs of May: Festivals, Flowers & Food Mountain Road to Recovery (Part 1) -
Archaeological Research Center
If you want an immersive learning experience of Komatsu’s stone heritage, this is the place! Apart from a gallery of stone artifacts, including the intriguing haniwa burial figurines, hands-on workshops such as magatama-bead making are regularly conducted…for free!
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Related Pages:
Mountain Road to Recovery (Part 2) -
Awazu Onsen
The oldest hot spring in the Hokuriku region, with a history of over 1300 years. Particularly of note is the famed Houshi Ryokan, registered in the Guinness World Records as one of the oldest hotels in the world, and where guests can stay in the same royal wing that hosted the Imperial Family of Japan
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Related Pages:
Komatsu Share Cycle: A New Way to Explore Komatsu! Houshi Ryokan