KAHOKU GUIDE BOOK

Keen wind, strong dreams: Kahoku
KAHOKU GUIDE BOOK
Welcome to our city, nestled between green splendor and the sea
Kahoku City Ishikawa Prefecture
CONTENTS
This is Kahoku
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2
Prominent people from Kahoku
Facilities and monuments
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4
6
Let’s have some fun! Parks & camp grounds
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Festivals & special events: See, feel, participate!
Tidings of flowers
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14
・・・17
23
Kahoku regional specialties and industries
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26
This is Kahoku City
Description of Kahoku
The city of Kahoku was formed on May 1, 2004 from the incorporation of three towns formerly known as Takamatsu, Nanatsuka and Unoke. It is currently
the ninth largest city in Ishikawa prefecture. Kahoku is located approximately in the center of Ishikawa and lies 20 kilometers north of the capital, Kanazawa.
The city is blessed with beautiful nature, such as facing the scenic Sea of Japan, the Hodatsu mountain range, the Kahokudai sand dunes, the Kahokugata
Lagoon, and the Omigawa River.
Natural Abundance
Sea of Japan: With a shallow coastline spanning 13 kilometers from north to south, many people come to swim in the summer. There are also those who
enjoy jet skiing and fishing. The sun setting on the Sea of Japan is stunning and a must-see. Sometimes local fishermen can be spotted setting up their
nets.
Mt. Hodatsu: The highest peak (637 meters in altitude) in the Noto region. The view from the top includes the brave figures of Mt. Hakusan and Mt.
Tateyama, Toyama Bay, and the horizon over the Sea of Japan. Late April is the best time to appreciate Kochidani Forest Road of Cherry Trees that leads
up to the top of Mount Hodatsu.
Omigawa River: Class B river with a total length of 13.52 kilometers. The source comes from Mt. Hodatsu in Tsubata town, passes through Kahoku,
and feeds into the Sea of Japan in Hodatsushimizu town. Being under nature protection since several years, the river has recently become home of Ayu
(Sweetfish) again.
Kahokugata Lagoon: Located on the northern part of the Kanazawa plains, this lagoon stretches from Kanazawa, Kahoku, Uchinada, and Tsubata. It
was reclaimed a long time ago and is now used as multipurpose farmland to produce agricultural products. Since the reclamation, the previously brackish
lake has transformed into a freshwater lake.
Kahokudai Sand Dunes: The sand dunes were formed at the beginning of the Meiji Era (1868-1912) as a wind deterrent and boast being the second
largest in Japan, next to the dunes in Tottori prefecture. A portion of the area has been used as a field for farming daikon radish and sweet potatoes, said
to be sweet and delicious.
2
From Traditional to High-Tech Industry
Various industries serve as the base supporting the city in a large manner: the textiles that have existed since olden times; the ironwork industry that creates
products and parts for everyday use, and also the electronics industry which will be responsible for the following generations.
Textile Industry: An industry with techniques that have been passed down as tradition. A wide variety of products are made which occupy a large share of
the national market. Products include items such as elastic rubber bands and lace.
Ironwork: In the city, there are family-run iron factories and ironsmith facilities where things of all shapes and sizes are made.
Electronics Industry: There are large firms dedicated to the production and development of computers and those related to the computer industry.
City mascot: Nyantaro
The tomcat “Nyantaro” is the mascot of Kahoku City since 2008.
Nyantaro was created as the mascot character of Kahoku, inspired by the fact that the city’s
most famous son, the philosopher Kitaro Nishida liked cats.
A second inspiration was Kahoku’s German sister city Messkirch and its traditional carnival
association “Die Katzenzunft” (“The Cats’ Guild”).
While Messkirch has its annual carnival in February/ March, Kahoku celebrates its Summer
Festa in August, including a carnival-like “Cats’ Festa” (see page 19) among others.
As Nyantaro is very popular in our city and on the spot at various events, you might spot him
at the one or other occasion throughout your stay in Kahoku.
3
Prominent people from Kahoku
Kitaro Nishida (1870-1945)
Kitaro Nishida was born in what was known as Mori in Kanazu town (now known as Kahoku) to the headman of a group
of villages. After graduating from Tokyo Imperial University, he went on to teach in his hometown before heading to
Myoshinji Temple in Kyoto to learn zen meditation in his quest for truth. His “Inquiry Into the Good” was published in
January, 1911. It drew attention for bringing about the unification of moralism and intuitionism in Eastern philosophy. The
book won the Order of Cultural Merit in 1940. His ashes are spread in his hometown of Mori, as well as Kyoto, and
Kamakura.
Fumi Takahashi (1901-1945)
Born in the former town of Nanatsuka (now known as Kahoku), the
niece of Kitaro Nishida majored in logic and philosophy at Tohoku
Imperial University and studied logic and philosophy abroad at
Berlin University and Freiburg University. After returning to Japan,
she received a position as an instructor at Tokyo Women’s
Kiyoshi Kubo (1895-1983)
Born in what is now known as Sashie in Kahoku, he was the second
son of doctor Nariyuki Kubo. Taking over the family-run Kubo
Hospital, he administered treatment to local residents. In addition,
he was very knowledgeable about archaeology and discovered the
Kamiyamada Shell Mound in November 1930, the first shell mound
University until she became ill and returned home. While
undergoing treatment, she conducted lectures in her area about
in Ishikawa and a national historic relic site. In 1932, he discovered
the Kiya relic. He has made great efforts, such as establishing the
Nishida’s “Problems of Japanese Culture.” She is famous for being a
pioneer as the first female student from Ishikawa to attend an
imperial university.
Ishikawa Archaeological Research Society, preserving cultural
treasures, and serving as a guide for those following in his footsteps.
4
Akira Tsuru (1909-1938)
Tsuru was born in Takamatsu, a part of Kahoku. At the age of 16, he
flourished as a budding poet of senryu (humorous) poetry. He
became aware of proletarian senryu and led a workshop concerning
the subject. Published in 1937, his work “Mr. Senryu” led him to be
arrested by the political police due to its antiwar content. He fainted
during a round of police interrogation in August of the following
Zensaku Azuma (1893-1967)
Born in what is now Nakanuma in Kahoku. In his days as a
newspaper reporter, he reported about acrobatic aviation and felt
drawn to it, so he flew to America by himself in 1916 at the age of
23. He was inspired by Lindbergh’s successful attempt at flying over
the Atlantic nonstop by himself in 1927. From June to August, 1930,
Azuma flew from Los Angeles to New York, crossed the skies of
year and was taken to the hospital. He died on September 14 at the
young age of 29. He became famous for standing up to authority, his
struggle to free the souls of powerless people through his senryu, his
efforts to elev ate senryu’s reputation as a respected art, and for his
staunch opposition to World War II.
Europe and Siberia and finally landed in Japan. He became known
as the “Lindbergh of Japan,” for crossing three continents in that
nonstop flight.
Akira Tsuru Stone Tablet in Takamatsu
with one of Tsuru’s poems inscribed.
5
Facilities and monuments
Facilities
Ishikawa Nishida Kitaro Museum of Philosophy
Known for his “Inquiry Into the Good,” Kitaro Nishida’s
achievements and other related items are on display here. In
addition to presenting philosophy in an easy to understand and
familiar manner, it’s a facility where one can physically
experience philosophical thought. The building was designed
by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando.
Kitaro Nishida’s Study Room
“Kossei-kutsu”
Kitaro Nishida’s study-room was
transported from Kyoto and
reconstructed.
Officially registered as a nationally
recognized cultural treasure, this
building from the Taisho era
(1912-1926) serves as a good example
of a western-style room.
Kamiyamada Shell Mound
(national historic site)
The shell mound was first discovered in 1930,
and is one of the relics found along the Sea of
Japan dating back to the middle of the Jomon
Era. The earthenware is known as Kamiyamada
earthenware and was a basic type of
earthenware. Its discovery gives a glimpse into
the lifestyle of long ago, where the Kahokugata
Lagoon itself was itself a part of the sea.
6
Umikkolando Sea and Coastal Museum
This is a facility where one can learn about and experience the daily lives
of fishermen and their tools. Furthermore, one can also think about the
significance of fishing knowledge and practices as they apply to modern
life. Additionally, there are campgrounds and barbecue facilities available
for use. Located right next to the Sea of Japan.
Kamo Shrine
The history of this shrine dates back to about 1500 years. This
village shrine protects all areas excluding the Osaki and Shiroo
areas, and receives many visitors who come to pray during New
Year’s and the festival day for young children.
Takamatsu Roadway Junction and Resthouse
This roadway junction is located on the Noto Satoyama Kaido (Seaside Freeway) and is the second
largest of its kind in the prefecture. At the restaurants here, one can enjoy a meal while gazing at
the sunset over the Sea of Japan. The grape-flavored ice cream, hamaguri (clam) rice bowl and
squid ink ramen are especially popular.
7
Shiroo Lighthouse
A lighthouse built in order to salvage and ensure safety for ships and fishing
vessels sailing on the Sea of Japan. It stands out for having been constructed on the
shallow seashore. A park has been built under the lighthouse and the view of the
sunset from here is spectacular.
Kanazawa Country Club
10,212 yards spread over three courses (east, middle, west), each
with 9 holes and a par of 108. Equipped with nine par 3 holes that
beginners can use.
Hokuriku Green Hill Golf
Golf course with 18 holes and a par of 72. Distinguished by its
abundance of rolling hills. There are plenty of carts that the elderly
can use to get around the course with ease.
8
Omi Nishiyama Yayoi no Sato Monument Park
An archaeological park featuring the reconstruction of a primitive pit
dwelling from the Yayoi Era. In the later part of the Yayoi Era amid the
tense times of frantic war, people built villages atop high mountains and
built deep moats around them. They came to be known as highland
settlements and the Omi Nishiyama relic is one such example.
Takamatsu Ground Golf Course
There are three courses sanctioned by the Japan Ground Golf
Association. Its layout of many rolling hills makes it easy for
people of all ages, from young children to seniors, to enjoy the
facility. The club house menu offers sanuki udon (wheat
noodles), shipped directly from Kagawa prefecture.
9
Across Takamatsu
An all-weather sports center fully furnished with facilities like an
astro-turf playing court, running course, craftwork room, and an
area for sumo. There is also a gym (Joy Across) equipped with a
training room and pool.
Ishikawa Prefectural Nursing University
This university was built in 2000 as a
university aiming to be a, “landmark in
nursing education, research, and training,” in
the community. The campus is very large and
blessed with a natural environment and new
facilities. There is also a graduate school.
10
Monuments
Birthplace of Azuma Zensaku
In 1930, he flew from Los Angeles Airport on the biplane Tokyo and
crossed three continents (America, Europe, and Asia) on a non-stop
flight by himself. The city hosts a paper airplane competition and a
rice porridge festival every year.
Birthplace of Fumi Takahashi
Birthplace of Kitaro Nishida’s niece and the first female student
from Ishikawa to attend an imperial university.
Akira Tsuru Stone Tablet
This stone tablet engraved with a poem was built to commemorate
Akira Tsuru, the senryu poet who expressed his anti-war sentiment
during Japan’s militaristic era. The inscription of his famous poem
reads, “Oh, dried-up grass; stick together and wait for spring.” The
city commemorates his achievements by holding a senryu contest
every year.
Bronze Statue of Saburozaemon Sakurai
Toward the end of the warring states period (1467-1568), when the troops lead by Sassa
Narimasa surrounded Suemori Castle and engaged in an exhaustive battle with the Maeda clan,
Sakurai guided the Maeda forces under Maeda Toshiie unnoticed by the Sassa forces along the
coastline and to victory.
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Birthplace of Kitaro Nishida
Birthplace of Kitaro Nishida, famous for his “Inquiry Into the Good.”
He was born in 1871 and lived here until he was 13 years old.
Bronze Statue of Kitaro Nishida
This bronze statue commemorates the achievements of the Eastern
philosopher Kitaro Nishida. Within city limits there are various
facilities, monuments, etc. relating to Dr. Nishida. Nishida’s
philosophy is kept alive through book clubs and philosophy courses
in order to promote a new cultural foundation.
Monument for Grape Origins
A monument built to commemorate the achievements
of Eijiro Ichimura and the flourishment of grape
cultivation on the sandy hills.
Brief Memo: Change in grape cultivation
The cultivation of grapes began in 1919 when Eijiro Ichimura moved from Kanazawa
and planted a 70-acre vineyard on the sandy hills. Afterward, as people contributed
to technological advancements, it earned a reputation for being a well-known
grape-producing area.
Stone Tablet of Kyoshi Takahama’s haiku
A haiku has been engraved on this tablet near the wharf of
Uchihisumi written by Takahama who visited the
prefecture in 1949. The wharf was used since olden times
when boats and travelers had to pass through the
Kahokugata Lagoon until 1898 when the Nanao Line was
opened.
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Stone Tablet of Hakusan Asano’s Haiku
The stone tablet was built in honor of Asano who was a favorite
pupil of Takahama and a leader of haiku enthusiasts in Takamatsu.
One of his most famous works is engraved on it.
Stone Tablet of Kenkichi Iwasa’s poem
This tablet was built to commemorate the short poem of Kenkichi
Iwasa who was not only a poet but also a doctor. His famous work is
inscribed on the tablet.
Shiroo in Kahoku
Nagara Water Reserve System Repair Monument
This monument was built to commemorate the canalization of the
Nagara Water Reserve System established in 1717.
Customs Area Remains
This was a post station that flourished in feudal times, located on the
road from Kanazawa Castle extending to the Noto region. This was
a place where travelers carrying goods would go through customs
and pay taxes accordingly. A monument was built under the same
name to serve as a memorial.
Birthplace of Flat Rubber Braids
In 1924, a man named Kichiji Takeda worked hard to conduct
research with Yamada Ironwork in Kanazawa to design a machine
that produced flat rubber braids and so this area became famous for
its production. Currently 65 percent of the nation’s supply of rubber
textiles are produced here.
Brief Memo: Nagara Water Reserve
With a total length of 6 kilometers, this water reserve provides
moisture to the grounds of the Nagara fields and extends to the
Omigawa River basin. It is equipped with the technology to
transport water, which weaves toward the foot of the mountain at a
steep slope of 1 in 230. The second tunnel known as “Miuchi
Tunnel” is where garbage disposal and mud extraction are located.
In the valley between the mountains, there is an embankment with a
height of 20 meters and length of 90 meters that allows the water to
cross. There is no other one like it in Japan, and it is the
distinguishing feature of the Nagara water reserve. It is currently
used as a water pipe bridge.
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Let’s have some fun! Parks & camp grounds
Parks
Nanatsuka Chuo Park
A municipal park overlooking the Sea of Japan on a site of 5.6
hectares. The park is very popular, boasting the longest slide in the
prefecture (83 meters) and a large playground built in the style of an
“underwater city” with seven forts.
Tani Park
A park equipped with a softball field, gymnasium, and multipurpose
grounds. There are lots of cherry trees planted around the park, and
this spot is highly recommended for flower viewing in the spring.
Located nearby is Kanazu Elementary School built by
world-renowned architect Tadao Ando.
Shiroo Shirayuri Park
Municipal park located on a site along National Highway 159. There
is an open grass field, a children’s play area, as well as facilities for
ground golf.
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Unoke Waterfront Park
This park marks the wharf that was needed in previous times for boats to
pass from Noto and Oyama (Kanazawa), before the train tracks were laid
down. One can enjoy bird watching from the watchtower, and there are reeds
and other aquatic plants in the vicinity.
Kizu Park
A park located among a neighborhood
of houses. The grass field is large and is
located in a quiet environment.
Shiomidai Park
This park boasts a beautiful view looking
onto the Sea of Japan. It is also used for its
ground golf area, which is recognized as an
official course by the Association of
Japanese Ground Golf.
Unoke Sogo Park
This general use park is Kahoku’s largest and has facilities for baseball,
track & field, archery, tennis courts, a gymnasium, and a children’s
playground. The weeping cherry blossoms are particularly known for
their beauty and the lit-up view reflecting on the pond at night during
blooming season is magical.
15
Fujigaoka Park
A park built on former school grounds. One
can play ground golf on a course officially
recognized by the Association of Japanese
Ground Golf.
Omi Nishiyama Yayoi no Sato Monument Park
A park featuring the reconstruction of a primitive pit
dwelling from the Yayoi Era (300 B.C. – 250 A.D.).
One can experience and see before one’s eyes how
people in the Yayoi Era lived on their highland
villages.
Takamatsu Exercise Park
A park with many facilities such as a baseball field, track & field
grounds, archery grounds, tennis courts, a gymnasium, and an open
grass field. There are cherry trees all around which are great for
flower viewing in the spring.
Camp Grounds
Takamatsu Historical Park
A park built where there was once a checkpoint that served as the
customs station along the road heading to the Noto region. The
vestiges of the post station of olden times still remain and can be
seen in the area.
Umikkolando Sea and Coastal Museum
Camp grounds located right off the Noto Yuryo Toll
Road Shiroo IC. There’s a barbecue site, event
stage, parking lot with 21 spaces, 16 sites to be
used freely, and hot water shower facilities.
Osaki Seashore Park
A seashore park with camp grounds,
barbecue pits, and a grassfield. The Sea
of Japan is a short walk away.
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Festivals & special events: See, feel, participate!
Seasonal festivals and traditional events
In Kahoku, we hold seasonal festivals throughout the year with the Kahoku Four Season Festivals
April
Cherry Blossom Festival (Kahoku Four Seasons Festival)
This event is held under the blooming cherry trees, which color the spring season.
Paper lanterns line the event grounds, and the atmosphere of the festival is taken up
a notch when lights illuminate the trees in the night. There are tenants that line both
sides of the cherry trees with tons of people walking through this pedestrian’s
paradise. On the passageways and stages, there are open-air tea parties and other
such small events. There are various famed places in the city with lined paths of
cherry trees and some drooping cherry trees over one hundred years old.
June
Sunshinki
On June 7 every year, a eulogy is read in remembrance of
Kitaro Nishida, whose Buddhist name was Sunshin, on this
day that the philosopher died. After the Buddhist service is
conducted in front of the memorial, there is a speech contest
held for schoolchildren each time.
Ayu Fishing Season (Omigawa River)
People can fish for ayu (sweetfish) and brook
trout in Omigawa River. For more information
about fishing licenses and no-fishing days,
please contact the Omigawa River Fishermen’s
Cooperative or the Agricultural Department of
Kahoku City Hall.
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July
Yoimiya Parade (Shiroo District)
Festival that takes place once every four years in the Shiroo district. The
parade takes place in front of the shrine where people carry a makeshift
portable shrine, the ‘Yakko’ (servant) parade, and the ‘Horahoi’ parade.
Brief Memo: Horahoi Parade
A parade where people march across the district raising and lowering 8-meter
long bamboo posts with streaming flags into the air while chanting in unison to
the ‘Horahoi’ chorus. ‘Horahoi’ is a tradition of singing among Hokkaido
fishermen. Fishermen in Shiroo once heard and learned it and arranged the
melody for the local district.
Torch Procession
Villagers gather and conduct this torch procession together to drive away crop-eating insects and their evil
spirits. In the evening, people gather around the outskirts of a shrine and bring homemade pine torches. They
visit rice paddies in the surrounding area and then gather around a large torch located on a high place
overlooking all the paddies. They sound drums and play flutes, light up the large torch, and the harmful
insects come to the large light, which colors the night sky red.
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August
Summer Festa in Kahoku (Kahoku Four Seasons Festival)
The largest event in Kahoku with lots to do and three gathering places: around the sea,
river, and city hall. There is a fireworks display at night.
Beach Festa
The shallow shores of the sea extend for about 13
kilometers in Kahoku, and the beach is a great spot for
Sillago fishing. Events such as the following take place
River Festa
Around the riverbed where the Natsuguri Bridge spans
the Omigawa River, there is an event held for
familiarizing people with the river. Activities include ayu
catching and bamboo leaf boat sailing that can be
enjoyed by young children and adults alike.
starting in the morning: competitions to see which
amateur fisherman can catch the most white Sillago; a
sandal-flinging contest, and beach seine netting.
Cat’s Festa
This carnival has people dressing up as cats. The
festival is inspired by the fact that Kitaro Nishida liked
cats and also because our German sister city of
Messkirch holds an annual feline costume parade.
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September
Nakanuma Fall Festival - Fireworks Display (Nakanuma District)
At the beginning of the Showa Era, a kind of fireworks called “Four-way Blowing Fireworks” unique to
the Nakanuma area began to be produced and excited crowds at festivals. The process of making the
hand-made fireworks up to the point where they blast off brilliantly has changed, but what has not
changed is how people still gather to see and enjoy the traditional fireworks as a fall tradition.
September 23 - Kizu Fall Festival
The lion dance of the cudgel wielder controlling two lions, one male and female, through his skillful
cudgel-wielding dance as performed by half-naked youths is an unusual sight even in the rest of the
country. Furthermore, when done as an offer to the shrine, the handmade fireworks are lit inside the
shrine grounds and the “grape-like fireworks” peculiar to Kizu draw much attention.
Brief Memo: Characteristics of the Lion Dance
The lion heads in Kizu (the male, black-lacquered and the female, red) are built rather small. This is so
that the heads are capable of turning as need in order to meet the strikes of the cudgel as well as the
rapid and fierce movements that are akin to vibrant dancing. The tradition is to not spread the mosquito
net (the body of the lion) but rather, rest the lion on one’s shoulders as if netted together.
*From August to October festivals are held in various districts. For further details, please contact the
districts.
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October
Osaki Fall Festival (Osaka District)
The Yakko (servant) Parade takes place as the forerunner
to the portable shrine being transported through town.
Two columns of 16 people march wearing happi coats
and aprons with red and white belts. It is characteristic of
the Osaki festivals to have the lion dance start while the
portable shrine is offered at the shrine itself.
*The Yakko Parade also is part of the festivities in the
Uchihisumi area held in August (picture).
November
Crab Battle - Seafood & Mountain Vegetable Festival (Kahoku Four Seasons Festival)
The fish broker in Kahoku deals with the most crabs than the rest of Ishikawa. Although there is no
fishing port, it is the “hidden crab town” with fishing boats and fishermen’s associations. This fall event
takes place soon after fishing season begins, with locally produced crab and other agricultural and
specialty products go on sale. Inside the grounds one can enjoy eating various things including crab rice
porridge, crab soup, crab boxed lunches, and grilled crab.
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January
January 15 – Persimmon Tree Harming
The monbei persimmon is a well-known city specialty. This is a strange custom where
the tree is harmed and then people pray for it to bear fruit. An elder person chants “Will
it bear fruit, will it not? If it doesn’t, we will cut it down!” and the tree trunk is chipped
at with a hatchet. Children answer “Yes, it will bear fruit” and circle the tree a number
of times, to seal the promise. Afterwards, sweet soft-bean soup is spread on the tree’s
wound to finish the ritual.
Mid January ~ Mid February – Winter Taste Test Competition
Kahoku’s Famed Rice Porridges Campaign (Kahoku Four Seasons Festival)
This event brings together ideas for rice porridge from various restaurants registered in the city.
Here you can eat grape porridge, monbei porridge, and philosophy porridge, which are some of the
original ideas that the restaurants came up with incorporating the specialty products of the town.
Please go around looking for the stands with flags with distinguishing marks confirming their
event registry.
February
February 5 – Fire Extinguishing Festival (Takamatsu District)
During feudal fief times, a major fire destroyed a major portion of the town in the Takamatsu area. It was decided to commemorate the
anniversary of the fire and distribute festive red rice to all households. However, around 1868, sake was distributed instead of red rice and another
large fire broke out the following day. And once again, the town suffered a huge loss due to the fire. Afterward, the original custom was brought
back and people were designated to take the day off from work to ensure fire safety. At the present, red rice is still distributed to each household.
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Tidings of flowers
Cherry blossom season:
April to early May
Kamiyamada Weeping Cherry Blossoms (City Designated Natural Monument)
A 13-meter tall drooping cherry tree with cherry blossoms that flow downward like a
waterfall. The tree is more than 100 years old and dates back to 1895 when a seed was
brought from Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa and planted in the area. The best time for
viewing is early April. One can enjoy the fantastical atmosphere in the night when the
blossoms are lit up.
Tani Park
Cherry trees are planted and integrated into the park’s
slanted slope. The trees are located next to the softball
field and look very beautiful when lit up for night games.
Unoke Sogo Park
The park has cherry trees planted everywhere, boasting different kinds of cherry trees
around the pond and other facilities. During the cherry blossom festival, paper lanterns are
used to decorate the park.
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Kanazawa Country Club
Here is a tunnel of cherry trees that have been
planted on both sides of about a 1 kilometer
stretch of land between the golf course entrance
and the clubhouse.
Fujitsu IT Products
There are a number of cherry trees of various kinds planted
around the company site and close to the parking lot.
Takamatsu Exercise Park
There is a long avenue of cherry trees
along the sidewalk heading from the
baseball field in the middle of the park
toward Takamatsu Hospital.
Nakamachi Street
This is a boulevard of cherry trees planted along the old Noto road and present day
Prefectural Takamatsu–Uchinada line. There are trees on both sides of the canal, which
are decorated with paper lanterns and lit up at night during cherry blossom festival
season.
Kochidani Forest Road of Cherry Trees
This is an avenue of cherry trees along a woodland path of 4 kilometers that leads up to the top of
Mount Hodatsu. Mainly double-flowered cherry trees have been planted and the best time to view
them is from the last week of April until Golden Week in May. There are two entrances into the
mountain: Nodera and Miuchi.
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Nishida Kitaro Museum of Philosophy
Oshima cherry trees have been planted which produce exclusively
white blossoms. There is a large variety of flowers that bloom and
change with the seasons along the philosophical path leading to the
museum, including cherry, plum, elm blossoms and more.
Sashie Community Center
Trees planted around the community center located in the Sashie
district enclosed in the mountains. The cherry trees viewed amongst
the tranquil and pastoral landscape provide for a profound
experience.
Azalea (May)
Azalea Garden in Myokyoji Temple (City Designated
Natural Monument)
Mostly Snow Azaleas have been planted in this 700
square meters slanted surface on the mountain behind
the temple. The size of a single stump is a sight to see.
Mid-May is the best time for viewing.
Unoke Sogo Park
The azaleas planted on this
park’s sloped surface resemble a
pink carpet that has been spread
out during blooming season.
Brief Memo: Municipal flower,
tree and bird
Municipal flower –
Rugosa Rose
Coastal Plants
Beach Sand Dunes
Scattered along the seashore within city limits, one can
find Rugosa Roses, beach sweet pea flowers, and beach
morning glories. Efforts have been mobilized to protect
the beach silvertop, which once approached extinction.
Municipal bird –
Kentish Plover
Municipal tree –
Cherry tree
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Kahoku regional specialties and industries
Monbei Persimmons
Ishikawa prefecture’s own type of astringent persimmon.
The fruit is about 240-300 grams, and perfectly round
when seen from the top. The skin shines, and the flesh is
Q&A
soft and of the highest quality. The bitterness is removed
by alcohol and they are shipped ready to eat.
Using dry ice and liquor with a high
alcohol percentage are the easiest ways.
How can the bitterness of the persimmon
be removed?
Grapes
The grapes produced in Kahoku are known for being relatively
large and sweet. Delaware is a representative seedless grape popular
for being easy to eat, especially due to its early picking time and
long availability for delivery. The grape is available at picking
farms and produce stands within the city.
Q&A
How are the mountain yams preserved?
The harshness is removed the longer they spend
in the refrigerator as the starch will turn into
sugar and they will become sweeter.
Please wrap each yam in newspaper to preserve
it.
Nagaimo (mountain yams)
These mountain yams are cultivated on sandy hills and
are chock-full of vitamins and fiber, recommended as a
healthy food to increase stamina. The yams have been
dried in the shade and not bleached, so their color is
slightly dark, but they are known for their stickiness.
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Watermelons
These watermelons have a nice, firm
texture and are very sweet. It is said that
eating watermelon may act as a diuretic
and fever reducer in addition to alleviating
heart disease, gallstones, and hangovers.
Daikon Radish
Various types of radish are grown on versatile
sandy hills. Shipments of daikon are made to the
Kansai (western) area of Japan and are used for
Sweet Potatoes
These potatoes grown on sandy
hills are as popular as they are
healthy, have a nice color and
shape, and are also very sweet.
The smaller ones are particularly
full of dietary fiber.
Japanese Whiting (Shirogisu)
This fish can be caught with a fishing
line or a net. Since the whiting live at
the bottom of the sea close to the
sandy hills, they have a fine color and
taste delicious.
daikon sushi and oden (cooked in broth).
Snow Crab
Fresh crab caught from local
boats goes on sale as soon as
crab season begins.
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Lace Embroidery
Embroidery lace is a kind of embroidered fabric used in clothes
and women’s underwear. Raschel lace is a type that is woven by
machine and can be used for curtains and other things.
Thin Rubber Fabrics
Kahoku is a major source of thin rubber fabrics exporting its
products all over the country and internationally as well. Such
items include elastic waistbands for underwear and shoulder
straps on bras for women, and waistbands on men’s underwear,
sweatpants, and pajamas.
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Transportation Guide to Kahoku (Estimated Times)
Via Airplane:
Via Car:
Via JR Train:
45 minutes away from Komatsu Airport by car
80 minutes away from Noto Airport by car
From Komatsu Airport: along the Hokuriku Expressway and Japan National Route 8
 get off Hokuriku Expressway at either Kanazawa-East IC or Kanazawa-Morimoto IC and take Japan National Route 8 in
Nanao direction
 from Kanazawa-East IC: 20 minutes
 from Kanazawa-Morimoto IC: 15 minutes
From Noto Airport: along the Noto Satoyama Kaido (seaside road)
 take the Noto Satoyama Kaido (seaside road) in Kanazawa direction
JR Kanazawa station  take Nanao Line to Unoke Station, 25 minutes
Kahoku City Ishikawa Prefecture
Kahoku City Hall
929-1195, Ishikawa-ken, Kahoku-shi, Unoke ni 81
Tel.: 076-283-1111, Fax: 076-283-4644
Website: http://www.city.kahoku.ishikawa.jp/www/
Information: Industry Promotion Division
Tel: 076-283-7105
Fax: 076-283-7108