[GEMBA Monozukuri Expo 2023] An unexplored region that you should visit at least once! Get to know Komatsu's famous stone, Takigahara stone, from the site!

Visit Komatsu's only remaining clover and experience stone processing! Takigahara-cho, Komatsu City is the production area of ​​Takigahara stone, which has a beautiful blue-gray color. Komatsu City's numerous stone quarries (choba) with a history of over 100 years and arch bridges made entirely of stone are a major reason why Komatsu City has been designated as a Japanese heritage site for its stone culture. Ishizai Aratani Shoten is a stone shop that currently manages the only active stone quarry in Takigahara, where there were once many stone quarries. In this program, under the guidance of Mr. Shuichiro Funatsu, a geoguide who is familiar with the Takigahara area, and Mr. Yuki Araya, the owner of Ishizai Araya Shoten, we will tour the traditional arch bridges around the stone quarry and the inside of the quarry, while visiting Komatsu. You can see, learn about, and experience stone culture and history. Experience the beauty and functionality of Takigahara stone as a material that is used in a variety of places, from ancient tombs and grave sites to bridges, home entrances, and stylish cafes. *For foreign nationals: Information on the day will be provided in Japanese only.

The stone quarry protected by Aratani Shoten is the only active and active place in Komatsu City, where stone culture is also recognized as a Japanese heritage site. You can actually enter and observe the unique place that can be said to be an unexplored region.

Takigahara stone is highly durable and has excellent water absorption properties, and is used in a variety of situations, such as bathtubs in accommodation facilities, the interior of cafes, entrance floors of houses, and paving stones in gardens. In this program, you will not only be able to see the mining site of Takigahara stone, but we will also answer any questions you may have about using it as a building material or using it in your home.

We will sell the offcuts generated when cutting and processing only for participants of this program. You can choose from a variety of shapes and sizes and use it as a small flower vase.