Off the beaten path in Ishikawa: Yu no Kuni no Mori

I've been writing a lot recently about my first stay in Komatsu. It was such a wonderful place to experience living in Japan for the first time. As I've been revisiting those memories, more and more stories keep coming back to me.

One place that immediately came to mind was Yū no Kuni no Mori, which translates as The Forest of the Hot Spring Country.

I first visited in 1997, during my early years in Japan, and what I expected to be an interesting day out turned into something much more memorable. Looking back, it was one of the places that deepened my appreciation for Japanese artisanship and aesthetics.

Photos by YunoKuniNoMori

Located between the cities Komatsu and Kaga, Yū no Kuni no Mori is a traditional craft village nestled among the trees. Visitors can explore workshops dedicated to ceramics, lacquerware, washi paper, woodcraft, gold leaf, and many other traditional crafts. Unlike a museum, where you simply observe, here you can watch artisans at work and often try the crafts yourself.

My favorite activity was making washi paper. I still remember carefully arranging dried Japanese maple leaves into the pulp before creating my sheet of paper. I was so proud of it that I kept it for years afterward. At the time it was just a souvenir, but looking back, it became a reminder of that first glimpse into the patience, skill, and beauty behind traditional Japanese crafts.

What fascinated me was the extraordinary attention to detail. Watching skilled craftspeople patiently create beautiful objects gave me a glimpse into a side of Japan that I had not yet fully understood. There was a sense of care, precision, and pride in craftsmanship that left a lasting impression on me.

Nearly 30 years later, I still find myself drawn to places like this. They remind me that some of the most rewarding experiences in Japan are not always found in the famous tourist destinations. Sometimes they are tucked away in forests, small towns, and workshops where centuries-old traditions are quietly being kept alive.

If you're planning a trip to Ishikawa and want to explore somewhere a little off the beaten path, Yū no Kuni no Mori is well worth a visit.

You can find more information here: https://yunokuninomori.jp/?lang=en