Yokamachi St. of the Inami District in Nanto City ()
In the Hokuriku region, central northern part of Honshu, Toyama Prefecture is a treasure box of impressive unique traditional townscapes.
Exploring along stone-paved Yokamachi Street of Inami District in Nanto City, which is filled with dozens of woodcarving workshops, various wood-carved signboards, monuments and cute figures of cats, dogs and rabbits, will make you feel as though you stumbled into an open-air museum.
Let the sights and sounds transport you to a different time. The atmosphere of the district and the distinct sound of woodcarving heard here was even recognized for being one of the 100 best soundscapes by the Japanese government in 1996.
Take a walk along the uphill street towards Zuisenji, a majestic Buddhist temple, often referred to as the San Pietro Cathedral of the Hokuriku region. Zuisenji’s breathtaking woodcarvings have been compared to the likes of masterpieces by Rafael and Michaelangelo.
The temple was constructed in 1390, but in 1763 a fire destroyed it. However, after the fire, highly skilled carvers from Kyoto arrived to aid local carvers in the restoration of the beloved place of worship. In 2018, Zuisenji was registered as a Japan Heritage site by the government for its over 200 years of unique woodcarving tradition and history.
According to temple legend, the Kyoto carvers passed on their woodcarving skills and tradition to the local carvers, thus establishing Inami as a district dedicated to the craft.
Nearby, the award-winning Wakatsuru Saburomaru Distillery produces fine whisky with a rich, smoky aroma. The distillery has 160 years of history in the region and started producing Sunshine Whiskey in 1952. The spirit was sold to stimulate the local economy as Japan recovered from World War II. The whiskey took two awards at the World Whiskies Awards 2023, a global whisky competition organized by Whisky Magazine (UK).
Another beautiful townscape to visit in the region is Iwase Town in Toyama City, a stunning port town with impressive architecture. Throughout the Edo and Meiji Eras (1603-1912), Toyama was a thriving hub for cargo ships running from Osaka to Hokkaido.
For a blast of the past, take a stroll along Omachi Niikawamachi, the city’s main street. Here, there are no power cables or utility poles to obstruct the views, just traditional buildings to transport you back to old Japan. Grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants housed inside the traditional townhouses or check out the local craft shops and art galleries.
Masuda Shuzo, a sake brewery on Omachi Niikawamachi, crafts high-end sake that pairs well with the local produce and fresh seafood. Drop by the brewery to sample Masuizumi Junmai-daiginjo (top-quality sake brewed from pure rice grains that are carefully milled to 50 percent or less), the extremely refreshing aroma and smooth, mellow yet full-bodied texture sure will knock you out!
