Take Tour NANTABI

— The “Cathedral of San Pietro” of the Hokuriku Region —

Zuisenji Temple played a major part in the establishment of Inami and Inami woodcarving. The temple stands on a quiet plot of land surrounded by rich nature, where it continues to be a reliable mainstay of village life. Inami's artisans created all of the temple's carvings. Despite their rural location, the builders of this giant temple managed to create the fourth-largest wooden temple building in Japan (the main hall). At Zuisenji, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the long reach of history and the deep religious devotion of the local people who built the temple.

— One of Japan's Great “Craftsman Villages” —

In 1975, Inami woodcarving became a designated traditional craft at the national
level. Over 200 carvers are currently members of the tradition, which is among the foremost in the world. Your guide-interpreter will accompany you on a visit to a carving workshop. There, you’ll converse with the artisans, view the numerous tools, learn about the carvers' approach to life and work, and see the various techniques and traditions of the woodcarving trade.

— Don't just view the art—experience it —

During the experience portion of the tour, you’ll create your own handheld sake cup under the guidance of a local carver. No need for master-level skills—the instructor will guide you every step of the way as you use authentic tools like a chisel and wooden hammer. The carver will assist anyone who’s not comfortable with carving, ensuring that your experience is fun and safe. Once your cup is complete, you’ll take your cup back to Yokamachi Street for a visit to Wakakoma, a brewery founded in the Meiji era, where you'll enjoy a tasting of local sake.

Tour Itinerary

Time	Place/Description	Details
9:45 a.m.	Meet at Kotsu Hiroba Square, tour overview	Guide will be waiting at the meeting place.
10:00 a.m.	Tour of Yokamachi Street	How the town came to be, carvings along the street, etc.
	Carving workshop visit	The tour will visit one workshop.
	Zuisenji Temple tour	Learn about temple architecture, the essence of Inami woodcarving: 45 min.
12:00 p.m.	Matsuya Soba Kaiseki Restaurant	Guide eats with the tour: around 60 min.
1:00 p.m.	Kurokami-an Event Space	Carve-your-own sake cup workshop: around 60 min.
2:00 p.m.	Wakakoma Brewery	Local sake tasting: around 15 min.
2:30 p.m.	End of tour	Guide leaves the tour.

 

 

— Matsuya Soba Kaiseki Restaurant —

Matsuya offers soba and traditional kaiseki cuisine, upholding the same classic taste they’ve been dishing up since the shop was founded in 1912. In addition to its historic storefront, the 130-year-old building, repurposed from a private home, also contains a number of traditional transom windows and other carvings. The restaurant offers easy-to-eat soba made with thin noodles and delicious tempura made with seasonal vegetables.

*Vegetarian options available