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Folk art and culture in the nostalgic townscape of “Etchu’s Little Kyoto”

Johana, Nanto City, Toyama

Area Highlights

Located at the southern tip of the Tonami Plain, the Johana area came to fruition when the Zentoku-ji Temple was founded 550 years ago. The region became widely known for its beautiful silks and picturesque townscape that is often referred to as “Ethu’s Little Kyoto”. ‘Mingei’ folk craft culture took root with the advent of the ‘Mingei Movement’ at Zentoku-ji Temple, which furthered the region’s affinity for handcrafted tools.

Access

From Shin-Takaoka Station to Johana Station on the JR Johana Line (1 hour)

Contact

‘Mizu-to-Takumi’ Toyama West Tourism Promotion Association

Recommended Accommodation

Moritosha

A temple accommodation facility renovated from the former training quarters at the 550-year-old Zentoku-ji Temple. Marketed with the slogan “stay overnight at a folk-art museum", the temple boasts a fascinating history as the original center of the ‘mingei’ folk art movement. The guest rooms, located on the second floor of the building, are furnished with folk art from different periods and regions. There are five twin rooms and one triple room.

  • Address :

    Moritosha, Johana Betsuin Zentokuji Temple, 405, Johana, Nanto-shi, Toyama Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    0763-77-3732

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese, English

  • Access :

    11-minute walk from JR Johana Station

  • Check-in :

    3pm – 9pm

  • Check-out :

    10am

  • Rates :

    From 15,000 yen

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

  • Bedroom :

    6 private rooms available, each available for up to 3 people, lockable, Western beds

  • Bathroom :

    Lockable bathroom available, bathtubs in some rooms, available from check-in until check-out

  • Toilet :

    Western style (shared)

  • Meals :

    Breakfast only

  • Wi-Fi :

    Available

Recommended Accommodation

kazura_gassho_hostel

A guesthouse renovated from a 350-year-old gassho-zukuri building. Enjoy all the charms of quintessential Japanese architecture in a comfortable and stylish space. Guests can choose from either private rooms with bunk beds or dormitories with futons laid out in a space separated by curtains. Self-catering facilities are available, so guests can enjoy meals around the classic open hearth with its traditional hanging hook.

  • Address :

    1768-5, Tatenoharahigashi, Nanto-shi, Toyama Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    0763-77-3512

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese, English

  • Access :

    From JR Johana Station, take the Nanto Shiei bus Sakura Line to Sakuragaike Park bus stop (20 mins), then walk for 5 minutes

  • Check-in :

    15:00-20:00

  • Check-out :

    11:00

  • Rates :

    Bedrooms from 5,000 yen per person. Dormitory from 3,500 yen or 4,500 yen per person.

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

  • Bedroom :

    Private room for up to 4 people, lockable, Japanese futons and Western beds

  • Bathroom :

    No lockable bathroom, bathtub available, available from check-in unti check-out

  • Toilet :

    Western style

  • Meals :

    Share kitchen available

  • Wi-Fi :

    Available

Recommended Restaurant

Kaneshima

Located in front of the Zentoku-ji Temple gate, this over 100-year-old restaurant is popular for its eel dishes such as hitsu-mabushi and grilled eel on rice, as well as other creations that make the most of seasonal ingredients. The spacious interior has a relaxed atmosphere and is a favorite among locals as a place to dine on important occasions.

  • Address :

    473-1, Johana, Nanto-shi, Toyama Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    0763-62-0108

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    14-minute walk from JR Johana Station

  • Opening Hours :

    11:30am – 1:30pm (last order), 5pm – 8pm (last order)

  • Closed :

    Tuesdays (occasional irregular holidays)

  • Cuisine :

    Japanese

  • Foreign Language Menu :

    Available

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

Recommended Restaurant

Le cafe de maison YUINOTE histoire

This rustic farmhouse cafe offers a menu featuring local organic and naturally grown vegetables and home-grown rice. In addition to simple but delicious side dishes and fluffy rice cooked in a traditional rice pot, the cafe also serves desserts and coffee. Relax and unwind in the cozy restaurant, which was renovated from a traditional house.

  • Address :

    527 Minodani, Nanto-shi, Toyama Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    090-2375-6998

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese

  • Access :

    6-minute walk from JR Johana Station

  • Opening Hours :

    11:30am – 5pm

  • Closed :

    Tuesdays, Wednesdays (and Thursdays during harvest season)

  • Cuisine :

    Creative organic vegetable cuisine, Cafe

  • Foreign Language Menu :

    Not available

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    None

Recommended Experience

Meet the maker of ‘Shike Silk’ in the Silk Room

Take this exclusive tour to Zentoku-ji Temple, a famous temple that was the catalyst for the development of Johana town. After a special visit to a room that is normally closed to the public, participants will be taken to the workshop of Matsui Kigyo, one of the last silk weavers in the Johana area. Observe the traditional silk weaving process and see the delicate products made with Johana’s ‘shike silk’.

  • Address :

    Meeting place: Moritosha, Zentoku-ji Temple, 405, Johana, Nanto-shi, Toyama Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    None (use the contact form - https://mizutotakumi.jp/contact/)

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese, English, Chinese, French

  • Access :

    11-minute walk from JR Johana Station

  • Duration :

    3 hours

  • Fee :

    5,500 yen

  • Languages supported :

    Japanese, English, Chinese, French

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

Recommended Experience

A Journey through Johana Betsuin Zentokuji Temple's ‘Mushiboshi Hoe’ Ritual and learn about ‘Dotoku’ in Toyama

A tour is held once a year in late July to coincide with Zentoku-ji Temple’s ‘Mushiboshi Hoe’ airing ceremony. At this unique ceremony, 500 treasures owned by the temple are exhibited to showcase Toyama Prefecture’s unique “dotoku” spiritual ethos. Other tours are scheduled in conjunction with various events in the Johana area.

  • Address :

    Meeting place: Moritosha, Zentoku-ji Temple, 405, Johana, Nanto-shi, Toyama Prefecture

  • Telephone Number :

    None (use the contact form - https://mizutotakumi.jp/contact/)

  • Telephone Languages :

    Japanese, English, Chinese, French

  • Access :

    11-minute walk from JR Johana Station

  • Duration :

    Not set

  • Fee :

    Not set

  • Languages supported :

    Japanese, English, Chinese, French

  • Accepted Credit Cards :

    VISA/Mastercard/AMEX/JCB

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