Overview
Komatsu is Ishikawa Prefecture's second-largest city, best known as the birthplace of the Komatsu heavy equipment company. The city lacks the obvious charm of nearby Kanazawa, but those who dig deeper find kutani-yaki pottery studios (including a Living National Treasure's workshop), the 8th-century Nata-dera Temple with its caves and autumn foliage, and the Motorcar Museum of Japan's 300+ vehicle collection.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Museums
Before you go
Culture
Komatsu is famous for kutani-yaki pottery. The Hoshi Ryokan in nearby Awara claims 1,300+ years of continuous operation by the same family.
Language
Japanese is the local language. Limited English at smaller establishments; train station signage and major attractions have English support.
Packing
Bring comfortable walking shoes for temple grounds and museum visits. Autumn visitors should pack layers for Nata-dera's spectacular fall foliage viewing.
Transport
Komatsu Airport has international flights to Taipei, Seoul, and Shanghai. JR Komatsu Station connects Kanazawa (north) and Fukui (south) on the Hokuriku line.
Weather
Humid summers (June-August), mild springs with cherry blossoms (April), colorful autumns (October-November), and cold snowy winters (December-February).
