Wajima City

Wajima (輪島) is a city located on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It is renowned for its traditional crafts, most notably Wajima lacquerware (Wajima-nuri), which are highly prized for their intricate designs and exceptional durability. This traditional craft has been passed down through generations since the 15th century and is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.

The city offers several cultural attractions, including the Wajima Kiriko Art Museum, showcasing the elaborate lantern floats used in the vibrant local Kiriko Festival. The museum also features exhibits on Wajima lacquerware and other traditional crafts, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the region’s artistic heritage.

Visitors to Wajima can also immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the Wajima Morning Market, held daily and featuring a wide array of fresh seafood, local produce, and handicrafts. This market, considered one of the three major morning markets in Japan, is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering a chance to sample regional specialties like sea urchin and crab.

Other attractions in Wajima include the Wajima Asaichi Market, held on the 1st, 10th, and 20th of each month, where various local products are available. The Wajima City Museum showcases the history and culture of the city and the surrounding area, providing insights into the region’s rich heritage.

Wajima is also celebrated for its picturesque coastal landscapes, including the breathtaking Senmaida Rice Terraces, a UNESCO Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems site. Visitors can hike or drive to the top of the terraces for stunning panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. The area also boasts other scenic spots such as Sosogi Coast, Shiraoi Senmaida, and Magaki no Sato, a traditional village with distinctive stone walls.

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Wajima-nuri (輪島塗) is a type of traditional Japanese lacquerware that originated in the city of Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The technique is known for its durability, high quality, and intricate designs, and is considered one of the finest examples of Japanese lacquerware.

The process of creating Wajima-nuri involves several steps, including shaping the base material, applying multiple layers of lacquer, and polishing the surface to a high shine. The base material is usually made of wood, but can also be made of metal or other materials. The lacquer used in Wajima-nuri is primarily made from the sap of the urushi tree, a species native to East Asia, including Japan.

The designs on Wajima-nuri pieces are created using various techniques, including maki-e (sprinkled picture), chinkin (engraved picture), and raden (inlayed picture). Maki-e involves sprinkling gold or silver powder, or applying small pieces of gold or silver leaf, onto the surface of the lacquer while it is still wet. Chinkin involves engraving designs into the surface of the lacquer and filling them with gold or silver leaf, or sometimes gold or silver powder. Raden involves inlaying small pieces of abalone shell or other materials into the lacquer to create intricate designs.

Wajima-nuri is used to create a wide range of items, including bowls, trays, boxes, and decorative objects. It is known for its durability and resistance to water, heat, and chemicals, and is often used in high-end restaurants and tea ceremonies. Wajima-nuri is also a popular souvenir for visitors to Wajima, and many workshops in the city offer hands-on experiences for those interested in learning about the craft, where visitors can try some of the techniques involved in creating Wajima-nuri.

Getting there

By Bus:

• Direct bus from Kanazawa: About 2 hours, 2,300 yen (one way)
• From Anamizu Station: 30-50 minutes, 760 yen, hourly service

By Air:

• From Tokyo (Haneda Airport) to Noto Satoyama Airport: About 1 hour
• From Noto Satoyama Airport, take the Wajima Furusato Taxi Shuttle Bus: About 30 minutes

By Car:

• About 510km from Tokyo

Links and Resources

Wajima City	https://www.city.wajima.ishikawa.jp/
Wajima Lacquerware Industry and Commerce Cooperative Association	https://wajimanuri.or.jp/