More than just "Kakumon! Traditional Crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture at Kanazawa Station Vol. 1

  • Ishikawa
  • Sightseeing
Kanazawa Station in Ishikawa Prefecture may leave a strong impression of the Kudomon gate located at the east exit of the station. However, in addition to the Kodo Gate, Kanazawa Station is also home to many wonderful spots where you can see traditional crafts from all over Ishikawa Prefecture at once! You can start your trip by experiencing the traditional crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture at the entrance, or you can enjoy the aftermath at the end of your trip. In this issue, we would like to introduce you to some of these hidden echinka spots!

(1) Pillar in the concourse

The concourse connecting the Kenrokuen (East) and Kanazawa Port (West) exits of the station has 12 pairs of 24 pillars. The pillars are made of Noto Hiba (Noto Hiba), a wood produced in the prefecture, and are gate-shaped in the image of a drum gate. Inside are plaques of traditional crafts, such as Kutani ware and Kaga Yuzen, created by artists representing Ishikawa Prefecture. 24 columns each show a different artist's work, and by comparing them, one can see that even the same "Kutani ware" has a completely different atmosphere depending on the artist. I think you will find that each artist has a completely different atmosphere. When you walk along the concourse, please go near the pillars and look up at the inside of the pillars.
Here are some of them! You can enjoy traditional crafts not only in Kanazawa but also in Wajima and Kaga area at one time!

Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center

Right in front of the Shinkansen ticket gate, you will see the golden Ishikawa Prefecture tourism PR mascot character "Hyakuman-san. This "Hyakuman-san" is often used as a meeting place or for taking commemorative photos, but did you know that its body is actually filled with traditional crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture? The eyebrows and body are covered with gold leaf, of which Kanazawa is the largest producer in Japan, the whiskers with Wajima lacquerware, and the body with Kaga Yuzen patterns of chrysanthemums and peonies in Kutani five-color (red, yellow, green, dark blue, and purple). Incidentally, since the motif of "Hyakuman-san" is "Kaga Hachiman Kigarashi," a lucky charm, it is often seen without arms and legs, but when it appears at events, etc., it walks by itself with arms and legs. However, when they appear at events, they walk on their own with arms and legs.
The best part is the back view! The back of the doll is filled with Ishikawa's tourist attractions, such as Kotji-doro lanterns and Noto's kiriko (lanterns). Please take a good look at it from the back!

The tourist information center has pamphlets not only for Ishikawa Prefecture, but for a wide area of the country. This is a great place to start your trip, as it has pamphlets on seasonal events and a variety of areas and facilities! In the back of the building, there is an "Event/Exhibition Corner," which is sometimes used for exhibitions of traditional crafts and handicrafts from the prefecture, so be sure to visit inside as well!
What did you think? In Vol. 2, we will introduce traditional crafts inside the Hokuriku Shinkansen ticket gates! Please look forward to it as well!
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