Nature
NATURE
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Natadera Temple
Natadera Temple was established by the great monk Taicho 1300 years ago in the year 717. Visitors to the temple grounds can admire the distinctive and craggy stones and cliffs; volcanic rocks eroded over the millennia by wind and rain. In addition, 7 buildings and sections within Natadera Temple have been designated nationally important cultural properties or sceneries, which ensures their preservation for future generations to enjoy.
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Best of Autumn in Komatsu: A Preview Little Local Finds: Winter Wonderlands Komatsu Share Cycle: A New Way to Explore Komatsu! -
Lake Kiba Park
Around Lake Kiba, the only lake in Ishikawa to retain its natural appearance, is a 6.4km loop abuzz with the energy of strolling, jogging and cycling locals, and surrounded with aquatic nature. You can enjoy a stroll through the sakura tunnels in spring, boating across the lake in summer, the fiery mountain range in autumn, and crisp views of Mt. Hakusan across the lake in winter.
As the national canoe training venue, you might just catch a glimpse of canoe athletes hard at training!
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Best of Komatsu Sakura: A Preview 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. 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.
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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!
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Takigahara
A once sleepy hamlet, now transformed by nature-lovers from all over the country and beyond into a vibrant community of farmers, musicians and artisans.
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Join in the daily farming routines at Takigahara Farm, run by young residents once hailing from the big cities, or savor the creative dishes spun from their produce at Takigahara Cafe: including galettes made from their own homemade soba buckwheat flour topped with freshly-harvested vegetables. The perfect place to recharge after a leisurely hike up the 478m-tall Mt. Kurakake, or around the Kurakake Dragonfly Sanctuary, both just a stone’s throw away!
For the full farmstay experience, bunk at Takigahara Craft & Stay hostel, where you can mingle with resident artisans. Or Takigahara House, a modern and cosy inn you can enjoy all to yourself with family and friends. If you are lucky, you might even get to join in some of their art and gourmet events!
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Aramata Gorge
One of the “8 Beautiful Views of Kaga”, and we can see why!
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A must-see in autumn when the gushing river is shrouded in fiery reds!
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Best of Autumn in Komatsu: A Preview -
Hiyo Moss Garden
Hiyo Moss Garden has received high acclaim both locally and from overseas, for their efforts in cultivating moss. Voted one of the best agricultural views of Japan, the garden is a shining example of people and nature working in harmony, affectionately called the Satoyama, and consists of the garden proper, a shrine and the majestic cedar trees that encircle the grounds. Learn about this wonderful place through a guided tour.
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Best of Autumn in Komatsu: A Preview -
Ataka Beach
One of the best spots in Komatsu to catch sunset over the Sea of Japan. Spread out your picnic mats for a breezy time, or dine at the Ataka Café where you can enjoy freshly-caught fish and homemade syrups in style, accompanied with panoramic sea views.
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Avid cyclists can also cycle down the well-maintained coastal route that extends both ways, towards Kaga or Kanazawa City!
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Junigataki Falls
Meaning “12 waterfalls”, for the 12 streams that compose it! Most beautiful in spring, when its beauty is accentuated ever more by the surrounding cherry blossom trees.
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Seiryo
One of Komatsu’s nature zones, where you can enjoy the satoyama agricultural landscape with both your eyes and tastebuds. At the Seseragi-no-sato Recreation Center, enjoy the surrounding harvests through a buffet spread of homely dishes. Or soak in the healing energies of the Seseragi-no-mori inn, where you can enjoy vegetarian meals along the river, dip in the footbath or onsen, and even stay the night under the stars!
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Rojo Park
Rojo Park is located within the original grounds of Komatsu Castle, the residence of the third Kaga Lord Maeda Toshitsune. A popular relaxing spot for the locals, the extensive grounds include several museums, a library and even a traditional tea house.
The park proper is in a traditional Japanese style, with ponds and miniature waterfalls and even a vermillion bridge. It is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.
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Ikoi-no-mori Park
Appropriately named a “Forest of Healing”, a popular recreation spot for locals hidden among the woods. While not easy to find, stepping into this sanctuary is like entering a different world: the sprawling park consists of two wide lakes, and a hiking ridge that leads past rustling bamboo groves and offers pleasant views of Mt. Hakusan and the surrounding mountain range.
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Nakaumi
Nestled among paddy fields, an agricultural neighborhood centered around a charming local goods store, Kinoko no Sato (“mushroom village”). After grabbing an amazake yogurt or kinako kurogoma soft-serve and stocking up on the neighborhood’s fresh harvests and snacks (we recommend their mochi crackers) admire the hillside shibazakura just across the road (late April), or make your way to Hanibe Caves or Yusenji Copper Mine (just a 5 min drive away!)
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