I used this title for this particular trip because I am a little bit of an art person. I see beauty in a lot of things and always appreciate people who exert effort in the name of making the world a more beautiful place. I'm from America and I am no stranger to woodworking but I seriously had no idea this gem of woodworking culture existed. We have totem poles, people, animals, and generally a ton of stuff back home. Any woodwork I have seen prior to visiting the Nanto area pales in comparison to the beauty I saw on this trip. It was a whole new atmosphere of artwork I had never experienced. I think this was seriously some next level craftsmanship. I don't mean just wood either I mean in general of any material. I found out wood could in fact be my favorite material after this little trip. Also the original man who wore the Godzilla suit in the first movie is from Nanto, how awesome is that? To get there take the train to Takaoka Station from there get on the Jōhana Line and go to Jōhana Station.
Our first stop was to Kibori no Sato (village of wood working.). Take a Bus from Jōhana Station. It might be pricey but it will be well worth it. This museum is a exhibit with some items being for sale. These works are taking literally hundreds of hours to create so the price is steep to bring them home. I was happy just to be able to see the detail in person. I was baffled people could create such intricate things out of wood. These dragons may be made of wood but they are ferocious looking. I even held a dragon guitar it was heavy but definitely made me feel super cool for holding it. My favorite piece was a Jurassic Park landscape, it blew me away. I can not imagine the focus or hours put into this. Of all the art I have seen in Japan for the last three years some of my favorite pieces were located here. There are also a variety of Japanese Gods, cats, and just about everything else you could imagine. The wood had a certain lifelike vibe to it, I really can't explain it but the hard work really comes out upon seeing it in real life. Outside there are also massive buddahs carved out of massive trees. I don't know how they did it but I am so fortunate to have seen it. Admission was also fairly cheap. If you love art and your in Toyama or any prefecture around here this museum is a not to miss place. There is also a park with other nations wood working artists pieces on display. In my opinion, this areas works are boss, I have never seen wood of this high quality anywhere else. It's truly a diamond of the prefecture.
In the visitors center I decided to do a wood working trial. It is about 1000 yen and will only make you appreciate wood work even more. It is so difficult, it takes a steady hand and a truly imaginative thinking process. I decided to add detail to a pre cut dinosaur template. I pretty much destroyed it, but I had so much fun doing it, that is what counts. There are many tools to choose from and it seems like a really great hobby to get into. After doing that, I even carved a wood knife in my spare time. I think I'm gonna try it once a week or so after getting a small introduction into the art. I am a long way out from crafting anything lifelike though maybe 50 years of practice later. The point is I know it can be done now and I wanna make cool stuff now. This place was the true definition of inspiring.
We then had lunch in the restaurant after my not so successful carving experience. This was a true Japanese meal. I enjoyed the local pork steamed on an open flame on my plate. There was a small firestone underneath the bowl. The miso soup was perfect, and the rice was fresh. The meal wasn't heavy and seemed very traditional, the meal fit perfectly with the wood atmosphere. It was simple but well done with attention to detail. And of course, most of the things on the plate were wooden. The sashimi and pickles were a nice cool accent to the hot things. I loved the detail, when I go back to this museum I look forward to trying other things on the menu as well. My colleagues curry looked delicious as well, with japanese mini soft potatoes fried on a stick. The village also had other gift shops offering cheaper more simple souvenirs and area memorabilia. I saw a wooden chainsaw that felt really ironic. There was also a shop offering baked chestnuts, a seasonal treat in the area. I bought a old japanese crow mask I will be using for this upcoming Halloween. I had a really good time and I think you will too if and when you make it out to the Inami wood crafting village.