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The best places to eat and explore in Komatsu, a off-the-beaten-path destination in Japan with stunning nature
We love Japan's big cities and major destinations, but there's something irresistible and charming about its less-explored locales. Part of Japan's Ishikawa prefecture, Komatsu beckons with a beautiful natural landscapes, hidden culinary gems and traditional Japanese hospitality.
In this guide, we take you the world's second oldest hotel, gardens and shrines that look like something out of a Studio Ghibli movie, and roadside restaurants you won't find easily in your Google search.
Without further ado, here's how to spend 48 hours in Komatsu, Japan.
See also: How to spend 48 hours in Ishigaki, Japan
Day one
Check in at Houshi Ryokan
This quaint and unassuming ryokan is the second-oldest hotel in the world. Now in its 47th generation, the family-owned and operated Houshi Ryokan has been caring for its guests—which has included celebrities and royalty—since 718 A.D.
Stay in traditional tatami rooms, with sliding shoji doors that open to calming natural scenes. The hotel has both private and communal hot springs—and trust us when we say you'll have the best sleep of your life after a dip in these for mineral-rich, deeply healing waters.
For your first night, we recommend staying put at this charming ryokan and enjoying its exquisite kaiseki cuisine for dinner. Served in the restaurant or in the comfort of your room—proper ryokan style—the dishes showcase the best of the region's seasonal ingredients, and are presented like works of art.
Houshi Ryokan in Komatsu is the second oldest hotel in the world
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Day two
Lunch at 手打ち蕎麦 山桜
Located in a charming yellow house on the side of the road with no English name, this family-run restaurant specialises in handmade soba, perfectly light and crunchy tempura.
During warmer months, their cold citrus-based soba broth is wonderfully refreshing.
Above 手打ち蕎麦 山桜 serves some of the best handmade soba in Komatsu
手打ち蕎麦 山桜 serves some of the best handmade soba in Komatsu
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Natadera Temple
While Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is famous, Komatsu has its own spiritual sanctuary: Natadera Temple. This ancient temple was built to worship nature—so you can only imagine the stunning scenery that surrounds it.
From dramatic cliff faces and verdant forests to its peaceful caves—in ancient times, the caves at Natadera Temple were likened to the womb, and considered to be the places of Umarekiyomaru: the cycle of death, purification, and rebirth. People believed that by passing through these caves, spirits could be cleansed.
Above Natadera Temple in Komatsu is a sacred place where nature is worshipped
Natadera Temple in Komatsu is a sacred place where nature is worshipped
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Hiyo Moss Garden
Next to the Natadera Temple, the Hiyo Moss Garden is like something out of a Studio Ghibli movie. Perfectly imperfect, Hiyo embraces a natural, almost primordial beauty. Over 50 varieties of moss carpet the undulating landscape, creating a sea of soft, velvety shades of green.
Sunlight filters through the forest canopy, illuminating the delicate patterns and textures of the moss-covered rocks, trees, and pathways. The air is fresh and damp, carrying the subtle scent of earth and moss. It’s a great place to practice shinrin yoku, or forest bathing… the meditative act of becoming fully present in nature.
Above Hiyo Moss Garden in Komatsu
Hiyo Moss Garden in Komatsu
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Dinner at Teppanyaki-yu Kitchen
This gem, just a stone's through from Houshi Ryokan, is an intimate teppanyaki restaurant with the laidback vibe of an izakaya. They do a perfect okonomiyaki, and be sure to order the ridiculously moreish mentaiko pasta.
There's also an excellent sake selection.
Mentaiko pasta at Teppanyaki-yu Kitchen in Komatsu
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Day three
Bakery Ukigmo
Delicate but indulgent, with the use of quality seasonal ingredients... there's just something about Japanese baked goods that hits different.
Bakery Ukigmo is a beautiful bakery in Komatsu, specialising in savoury and sweet pastries that are baked fresh daily. Their bestsellers are shio pan (soft butter rolls with sea salt), crispy bacon epi and a delightful red bean bun. Be sure to look out for their sweet pastries inspired by seasonal fruits.
Kutani Pottery Village
Kutani ware, or kutani yaki, is unique to this part of Japan. At the Kutani Pottery Village, witness master artisans meticulously hand-painting intricate designs, a tradition that dates back centuries. For a hands-on experience, book a private workshop with a local potter.
Several smaller studios, often family-run for generations, offer intimate sessions where you can paint your own pieces.
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Hong Kong-based airline HK Express flies three times per week between Hong Kong and Komatsu. Inspired by this article? Book your flight to Komatsu here.
Coco Marett is a writer and editor who grew up between Hong Kong and Melbourne. She currently heads the travel section for Tatler Asia, and manages the Tatler Travel account on Instagram. She is known for her features on unique, under-the-radar properties and destinations. She's also known for her in-depth interviews that paint a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures across various industries —from artists to political figures, CEOs to celebrity chefs. Follow her on Instagram @cocomarett
