When the third head of the Maeda Clan, Toshitsune, in the Kaga Domain constructed Komatsu Castle as his retreat, he also built elaborate stonewalls by using Komatsu's stone materials based on the then cutting-edge technique, Kirikomi-hagi (precise joinery). This technique featured the beauty of stonewalls by randomly arranging cut stones of different colors.
While urban development advanced during the Edo Period, this in turn increased the demand for construction materials and resulted in beginning the development of stone quarries in earnest.
Many of 25 stone quarries existing in Komatsu City were established at that time, and the stone culture spread widely.
Important Cultural Property Designated by Komatsu City
Monuments
Yaguradai Stonewalls of the Komatsu Castle Keep
The third head of the Maeda Clan, Toshitsune, in the Kaga Domain built these stonewalls when constructing Komatsu Castle in the early Edo Period. The Kirikomi-hagi (precise joinery) technique was used to build these stonewalls, where carefully chamfered split stones fitted together very tightly. The entire stonewall was constructed by combining and arranging local tuff stones, Ugawa stone, and andesitic stones of Kanazawa, Tomuro stone in a pattern like a mosaic.
Monuments
Stonewalls on the West of the Komatsu Castle Keep
These are one of the few real stonewalls existing in Komatsu Castle including those of the Yaguradai of the castle keep. These walls served as bank protection on the west channel of the castle keep, where local stone, Ugawa stone, was used.
Industrial Heritage
Former Ugawa Quarries
These quarries produced tuff breccia which was widely utilized for stone chambers of the Kodayama burial mounds in the Asuka Period, the Komatsu Castle's stonewalls in the Edo Period, and construction in the modern times. A large cave quarry site included in this quarry is currently opened to the public as a sightseeing spot, called Hanibe Gankutsu-in Temple.
Industrial Heritage
Former Yusenji Quarry
This quarry was used as a tuff breccia mine starting during the Edo Period. Nakajima Aircraft Company (current Fuji Heavy Industries) started to use this cave for producing aircraft parts near the end of World War II. This cave has a vast maze-like area of 8,000 m2 which measures 10 km in length. Groundwater ponds throughout the cave produce fantastic scenery.
Folklore Resources
Stone mason tools
These tools were used at stone quarries in the Takigahara area. Hammers, various pickaxes and adzes, and handiwork tools including chisels are exhibited at Satoyama Nature School Komatsu Takigahara. Stone processing technology has been handed down to 26 stone business operators and craftsmen living within the city.
