'''Komatsu''' (____) is a city in Ishikawa prefecture, Japan. The construction equipment company of the same name was founded here and remains a major employer. Komatsu City has developed into the second largest city of Ishikawa Prefecture but at first glance has little to appeal to a casual tourist, unless you are a big fan of concrete.

Get in

By plane

'''Komatsu Airport''' (_______`, {{IATA|KMQ}}) [http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/k_air/index_e.html] is the main airport for Ishikawa prefecture. There are international connections from Seoul and Shanghai, and domestic services from Tokyo, Sapporo, Sendai, Fukuoka and Naha (Okinawa).

Komatsu Bus [http://www.komatsubus.jp/] services leave for JR Komatsu station every 20-30 minutes (12 min, ¥260). Hokutetsu [http://www.hokutetsu.co.jp/] also runs direct buses to Kanazawa (40-60 min, ¥1100), Fukui (1 hour) and Kaga Onsen (25 min, ¥500).

If time permits, there is an interesting and free aircraft museum [http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/aviation/index.html] just opposite the airport, a short walk from the arrivals hall. It houses several exhibits on the history of Japanese aviation, and about a dozen actual (small) aircraft. The souvenir shop sells some unique souvenirs, largely based on the Sixth Air Group that occupies Komatsu Air Base (Komatsu Kichi), which shares the runway with the civilian airport.

By train

Komatsu is on the busy JR Hokuriku Main Line from Osaka to Naoetsu via Fukui, Kanazawa and Toyama, with several normal and express trains every hour. Ordinary trains to Kanazawa take 32 minutes and cost ¥450.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen, currently under construction, is unlikely to reach the city until 2020 or so.

Get around

See

  • '''Nata-dera Temple''' (___J__). Popular on the Japanese tourist circuit this temple is noted for its extensive grounds, beautiful garden and natural caves. One of best times to visit is in late autumn when the colorful red foliage is spectacular. Nata-Dera`s history can be traced back to the 8th Century when it was founded in 717AD. Opening hours 08:30 - 16:45 (08:45 - 16:30 December to February). __500 for adults __300 for children. 36 minutes by Komatsu Bus bound for Natadera from JR Komatsu Station. Get off at the Natadera bus stop and follow the signs.
  • '''Motorcar Museum of Japan''' This large red brick building has an area of 3,500 tsubo (11,550m2) and displays in the region of 500 vehicles all in working condition. Collected from both inside and outside of Japan including a Ford Model T. The museum has a restaurant, a shop and an amazing collection of toilets from all over the world! Tel: 0761-43-4343 Opening hours 09:00 - 17:00 year round. __1000 for adults __500 for children.
  • '''Yunokunino Mori''' (___________X). A resort in the Kaga onsen district which has a village of multiple buildings of traditional construction, each showcasing a particular handicraft of the Hokuriku area such as lacquer, gold leaf, fabric dying, paper making, pottery, wood carving, etc. Numerous activities exist for children to try their hands at making their own souvenir, as well as ample high-end products. Multiple restaurants and snack kiosks exist throughout. Tel: 0761-65-3456. Open 08:30 - 17:00 (09:00 - 16:30 in winter) year round. __530 for adults, __420 for middle and high school students, __320 for children over 4 years.
  • Do

    Buy

    Eat

    '''Steak Ogawa'''

    ''2-111 Fukunomiya-Machi''

    ''0761-21-1829''

    A great place to eat a steak lunch or dinner. They cook the steak in front of your eyes and serve many delicious side items with the steak. Side items include vegetables, salad, rice, and miso soup. You'll also get ice cream for desert with your choice of tea or coffee. Lunch starts at 11:30 and 100 grams of steak with all of the side dishes costs 1800 yen. You can get a larger portion of steak if you wish, but it will cost more money.

    Drink

    Sleep

    Get out