Komatsu: Best Things to Do
SIGHTSEEING
This beautiful city is surrounded by sacred mountain Hakusan to the east and sea of Japan to the west. It has several hidden natural beauty destinations. One of the worth visit places is The Ataka Barrier, a very popular spot for the first kabuki play in Japan. You can explore its history and enjoy the fresh air from its surroundings all at once. Another one is Hanibe Caves where you can reach by hiking to Komatsu hills. This place is famous for Buddhist statues and the parody of hell. When arrived here, a giant statue of Buddha's headstands at the entry gate.
The Ataka Barrier
Hanibe Caves
DOWNTOWN
Beside operates as the central business area of the city, the downtown of Komastu has great destination to visit. Head to Rojo Park to get the best cherry blossoms viewing spot in this city. Located within the original grounds of Komatsu castle, this park offers various stunning spots such as site of the castes, waterfall of Ro, and also tea ceremony room. You will also find Komatsu City Museum inside the area of Rojo Park. It was first established in 1958 featuring various materials of Komatsu ranging from nature, cultural exhibits, and history.
SHOPPING
Do not leave Komatsu city without buying its unique traditional things like yaki ceramics. These ceramics are made with an overgrazing painting style that shaped beautiful motifs ad texture. You can get those souvenirs from Kutani-yaki ceramics from Ana Festa shops inside Komatsu Airport. For shopaholic, the airport is a paradise since it offers several souvenirs stores to visit. Another place for hunting gifts is Aeon Mall Shin Komatsu. Besides offering a fashion store, you can also find gift shops here.
Aeon Mall Shin komatsu
ANA FESTA ゲート店
FOOD & DRINK
Due to its coastal location, Komatsu's staple food is made from fish and rice. Noodles or known as udon are also a favorite of Komatsu people. For beverages, Komatsu has its own unique sake wine (rice wine) made from waters of mount Hakusan. Another wine is Nihonshu, a sake drink made from fermented rice in a traditional Japanese method.
CULTURE
The name Komatsu means little pine since pine tree becomes the symbol of the city. Its culture was steeped the traditional of Japanese culture. A lot of cultural knowledge are represented through several famous festivals with Kabuki Children Play as its major culture.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Moderate temperature is the best season to explore Komatsu. It happens during late July to August.
HOTEL
When it comes to accommodation, do not miss to stay in Japanese traditional inn or called ryokan. Komatsu has several great ryokans to stay. One of them is Houshi Ryokan that placed in the Awazu Onsen. This 4 star Japanese hotel is founded in 718 and the oldest operating hotel in the world. They offer different types of onsen for women and men as well as a great view of Mountain Hakusan. Another option is Kitahachi that features a public open-air and indoor bath. You will have a great stay in the traditional woven straw floor and Japanese futon bedding.
Houshi Ryokan
Kitahachi
RESTAURANT
Going vacation will not be perfect without tasting its local cuisine. Go to Tsuzura restaurant to get the real flavor of Komatsu and Kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal). This restaurant also has a traditional interior design. Another great restaurant is Kajisuke. Serving local dishes too, this restaurant has a great option of delicious dinner and lunch menus.
Tsuzura restaurant
Kajisuke
CAFE
Take a short break during your trip to Takigahara Cafe. Its strategic location in the middle of nature makes this cafe a beautiful place to get relaxed. Rice fields, farms, rivers, and mountains are the view you can get when in Takigahara cafe. They serve good drinks and fresh food from their own farms. Or you can go to Komatsu Machiya Bunko, a coffee and second book shop to explore Japanese history. This retro style cafe also has a great taste of coffee and tea.
Takigahara Cafe
Komatsu Machiya Bunko
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
Bar Esmeralda is where you should go to enjoy the nightlife in Komatsu. This bar offers plenty of selection of wine, beers, and cocktails to drink. Another option is Kitchen ＆ Bar oluolu, a comfortable place to get drinks and delicious food. They serve various drinks and local dishes including the snacks.
Kitchen & Bar oluolu
Bar Esmeralda
INTERESTING PLACE
Once you are in Komatsu, don't leave without visiting Yunokuni no Mori Traditional Handicrafts Village. It is a crafts village located in the Southern of Ishikawa Prefecture. You can explore traditional Japanese houses which each of them displays traditional handicrafts of Hokuriku region. Do not forget to see the collection of World Class masterpieces and Domestic vehicles at Motorcar Museum of Japan. It is the oldest and largest automobile museum that has over 500 cars on the display.
Yunokuni no Mori Traditional Handicrafts Village
Motorcar Museum of Japan
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
If you are looking for nicest spot for photography, Natadera Temple is a good option. This is a historical Buddist Temple surrounded by rocky hills and greenery nature. Take a trip to this place during autumn, so you will have the best photos of yourself with a great red and yellow colour of Japanese maple trees. Also go to Kibagata Park to get another amazing photo with stunning cherry blossom trees and a lake.
Natadera Temple
Kibagata Park
