VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

[A] Full Fukumitsu Munakata Tour – 2.5-Hour Course (No service on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday)

You can board the taxi at station or any place within the Fukumitsu area.

Route:

★ Munakata Shiko Memorial Museum "Aizen-en" & "Riugasai"

★ Munakata Shiko's Associated Temple "Kōtoku-ji Temple"

★ Fukumitsu Art Museum (permanent exhibition of Munakata Shiko's works)

★ Michi no Eki Fukumitsu (local produce and specialties market)

You can get off at station or any place within the Fukumitsu area.

Special Offer: Normally ¥19,750 per taxi, but if you book by March 2026 (※), you’ll pay half price – only ¥9,900 per taxi!

[B] "Short Fukumitsu Munakata Tour" – 1.5-Hour Course (No service on Tuesdays)

You can board the taxi at station or any place within the Fukumitsu area.

Route:

★ Fukumitsu Art Museum and either Aizen-en, Riugasai, or Kōtoku-ji

★ Fukumitsu Art Museum and either Aizen-en, Riugasai, or Kōtoku-ji

You can get off at station or any place within the Fukumitsu area.

Special Offer: Normally ¥12,000 per taxi, but if you book by March 2026 (※), you’ll pay half price – only ¥6,000 per taxi!

Important Notes:

・Fees for entry to individual paid attractions are not included in the taxi price.

・(※) This plan is part of the Fukumitsu Tour Plan initiative by the Nanto City Tourism Association and is available until March 2026, or until the budget is reached.

・Capacity: 1 to 4 people per taxi.

・Be sure to check the details and conditions before booking.

Known as the "Japanese Van Gogh," MUNAKATA Shiko is famous for his works in Aomori and Tokyo, but he also spent 6 years and 8 months living in Toyama Prefecture during his time in war-time. His former residence still exists today, offering visitors a glimpse into his life and creative world.

Riugasai (Former Residence)

At his former home, "Riugasai," you can experience the passion Munakata poured into his art, with paintings visible throughout the house. Particularly stunning are the murals of celestial maidens and bodhisattvas on the walls of the toilet, which are a must-see for visitors. You can also catch glimpses of his interactions with other artists of the time, offering insight into Munakata’s more personal side.

Aizen-en

Across from Riugasai is "Aizen-en," a site named by the famous writer Junichiro Tanizaki. Here, visitors can admire Munakata Shiko’s works and immerse themselves in his artistic world. A visit to Aizen-en is a chance to deeply appreciate his unique approach to art and his creative vision.

Kōtoku-ji Temple, founded in 1471, is a Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist school temple with over 500 years of history. This temple has a deep connection with Munakata. Through the potter Kawai Kanjiro, Munakata developed a close friendship with the temple's chief priest, Kōsaka.

One of the must-see masterpieces is the bold and majestic sliding door painting titled "Kegon-matsu" (Pine Tree of Kegon), which Munakata is said to have completed in one go. It’s a stunning example of his dynamic style.

Additionally, the temple grounds are adorned with a rich collection of Mingei (folk art) items, including ceramics by potters Shōji HAMADA and Kanjiro KAWAI, as well as folk art from Asia, Africa, and Europe. These diverse and captivating artifacts never fail to charm visitors.

Image provided by: Nanto City Tourism Association

The Fukumitsu Art Museum houses valuable works by MUNAKATA Shiko as well as works by local artist ISHIZAKI Kōyō. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the artistic world of Munakata and other significant regional artists.

At Fukumitsu Station, you will separate from the taxi and continue your journey to the next destination by JR train. Around the station, you can also find motifs related to the works of MUNAKATA Shiko, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of art as you head to your next location.

12:32 PM Departure from Fukumitsu Station (Please check the latest timetable on the JR West website for up-to-date information).

12:41 PM Arrival at JR Jōhana Station.

In 2024, the complex facility Moritosha opened on the grounds of Jōhana Betsuin Zentoku-ji Temple. This unique space brings together a hotel, café, telework spaces, and more.

The second floor of Moritosha serves as accommodation, while the first floor features a café and shop that are open to the public.

Moritosha is a place for gatherings, based on the concept of "Dotoku" – the power of the land created by nature and people. Originally designed by Keichi YASUKAWA, a devoted disciple of YANAGI Soetsu, as a training hall for Zentoku-ji, the building has been renovated and reborn as a "Mingei (folk art) hotel where you can create the essentials for living."

Zentoku-ji Temple is known for being the place where Yanagi Soetsu, the founder of the Mingei (folk art) movement, spent around 70 days. During his stay, he completed his masterpiece, "The Principles of Beauty", which became the culmination of his Mingei movement philosophy.

As the central temple for the Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist faith in the Hokuriku region, Zentoku-ji is a historic temple with a proud 550-year history.

About Visiting Zentoku-ji

Grounds Tour: Visiting the temple grounds is free of charge. However, if you wish to take a guided tour of the temple’s interior, advance reservations are required.

Reception (Inquiry hours): 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Tour Fee: 500 yen per person (A guide will show you around the temple’s various rooms). (As of April 2025)

About the "Mushiboshi Hōe" (Insect-drying Ceremony)

The Mushiboshi Hōe is held every July, and during this time, about 10,000 temple treasures, including items related to the Jōdo Shinshū founder, Shinran, and the Maeda family of the Kaga domain, are displayed throughout the temple, attracting many visitors. This is also an opportunity to visit the room where Yanagi Soetsu wrote "The Principles of Beauty" and see the "Shikishi Wasan" (calligraphy scroll) that left a lasting impact on him.