ABOUT
About this spot
Inami in Nanto, Toyama Prefecture, is a Japan Heritage town known as one of Japan's leading woodcarving villages. Hokkamachi Street, which leads to the town's symbol Zuisen-ji Temple, is paved with beautiful stones, and the pleasant sound of mallets tapping wood rings out from somewhere. The town's greatest charm is the exquisite carvings scattered everywhere. Shop signs, phone booths, bus stop decorations, and even wooden cats hiding under the eaves of buildings let you feel the craftsmen's playfulness and skill up close. Simply walking with a camera, searching for hidden art, makes for a fulfilling time. Many workshops let you watch the craftsmen at work through glass, and some even offer authentic carving experiences. It is a spot for all ages, from solo travelers seeking quiet time to friends and families interested in traditional crafts. Between strolls, we recommend stopping at cafes converted from old houses or local sake breweries. Why not spend a calm moment, forgetting everyday life, in a townscape alive with the scent of wood and the passion of its craftsmen?
Last updated March 28, 2026