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 ・・・ 2

Prominent people from Kahoku ・・・ 4

Facilities and monuments ・・・ 6

Let’s have some fun! Parks & camp grounds ・・・ 14

Festivals & special events: See, feel, participate! ・・・17

Tidings of flowers ・・・ 23

Kahoku regional specialties and industries ・・・ 26

2

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.

3

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.

4

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

University until she became ill and returned home. While

undergoing treatment, she conducted lectures in her area about

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.

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

in Ishikawa and a national historic relic site. In 1932, he discovered

the Kiya relic. He has made great efforts, such as establishing the

Ishikawa Archaeological Research Society, preserving cultural

treasures, and serving as a guide for those following in his footsteps.

5

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

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.

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

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

11

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.

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.

Birthplace of Fumi Takahashi

Birthplace of Kitaro Nishida’s niece and the first female student

from Ishikawa to attend an imperial university.

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.

12

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.

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.

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.

13

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

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.

Nagara Water Reserve System Repair Monument

This monument was built to commemorate the canalization of the

Nagara Water Reserve System established in 1717.

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.

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.

14

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.

15

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.

16

Camp Grounds

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.

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.

17

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

June

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.

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.

18

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.

19

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

starting in the morning: competitions to see which

amateur fisherman can catch the most white Sillago; a

sandal-flinging contest, and beach seine netting.

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.

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.

20

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.

21

October

November

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).

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.

22

January

February

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 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.

23

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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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.

Fujitsu IT Products

There are a number of cherry trees of various kinds planted

around the company site and close to the parking lot.

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.

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.

25

Azalea (May)

Coastal Plants

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 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.

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.

Brief Memo: Municipal flower,

tree and bird

Municipal flower –

Rugosa Rose

Municipal bird –

Kentish Plover

Municipal tree –

Cherry tree

26

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

soft and of the highest quality. The bitterness is removed

by alcohol and they are shipped ready to eat.

Q&A

How can the bitterness of the persimmon

be removed?

Using dry ice and liquor with a high

alcohol percentage are the easiest ways.

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.

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.

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.

27

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.

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.

Snow Crab

Fresh crab caught from local

boats goes on sale as soon as

crab season begins.

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

daikon sushi and oden (cooked in broth).

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.

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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.

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.

Transportation Guide to Kahoku (Estimated Times)

Via Airplane: 45 minutes away from Komatsu Airport by car

80 minutes away from Noto Airport by car

Via 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

Via JR Train: 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