Komatsu

Komatsu (小松) is a city in Ishikawa prefecture, Japan. The construction equipment company of the same name was founded here and remains a major employer. Komatsu has developed into the second largest city of Ishikawa but at first glance has little to appeal to a casual tourist, unless you are a big fan of concrete. If you take the time to look deeper, however, you'll find that this little city has a lot to offer.

Tourist Information Site
EXPLORE KOMATSU is the city's official multilingual guide site.

By plane


Hokutetsu Kaga Bus services leave for JR Komatsu station every 20-30 minutes (12 min, &yen;260). Hokutetsu also runs direct buses to Kanazawa (40-60 min, &yen;1100), Fukui (1 hour) and Kaga (25 min, &yen;500).

By train
The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs directly from Tokyo via Nagano and Kanazawa to Komatsu in under 3 hours.

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 from Kanazawa take 32 minutes and cost ¥480. While it's become more convenient for Tokyo travelers, the Shinkansen has made things less convenient for travelers from Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka as all direct trains to and from these cities were discontinued when the Shinkansen opened. Now, travelers from these areas can only take express trains as far as Tsuruga where they must then transfer to the Shinkansen to reach Komatsu.

See




Buy
Those looking for souvenirs might find a better selection in Kanazawa, especially in Kanazawa station or near Kenrokuen. The Komatsu Urara Concert Hall (near the station) offers some souvenirs in its gift shop, including items bearing Kabuki, the Komatsu mascot.

Komatsu city houses several kutani-yaki studios, including the workshop of one Living National Treasure. You can buy some kutani-yaki pottery in the station and at the Urara, or you can visit some of the art dealerships scattered throughout the city.

Go next

 * Kaga
 * Hakusan
 * Nomi
 * Kawakita
 * Nonoichi
 * Kanazawa
 * Awara
 * Sakai
 * Fukui