Atakanoseki, known for the kabuki program “Kanjincho”, has played a key role in sea traffic on the Sea of Japan side since ancient times. Products transported to Ataka from the whole country by Kitamae-bune were widely distributed in Minami-Kaga, including Komatsu-cho. At the time, ships traveled between Kaga’s three lakes, Imaegata, Kibagata, and Shibayamagata, via the rivers of Kakehashigawa, Maekawa, and Kushigawa, which all connected Ataka-minato to the inland area. As the transferring goods, rice, tatami mats, rice cakes, sencha, etc. were sent out in the Edo period, and Kutani-yaki, stone, copper, tile, feathers, wheat were also sent out from Ataka to other parts of Japan in the Meiji period.
ports of call
Cultural Properties of Komatsu City
Ataka Sumiyoshi Shrine
This is a Shinto shrine dedicated to "breaking through obstacles" where the sailors of Kitamae-bune forecast the weather before departing.
Nagaoki-kongo / Warehouse
A guest house of the Matsumura family who was a Kitamae-bune shipowner. It was reconstructed and turned into the dining hall of Japanese restaurant "Kongo". The warehouse is a ship equiptment storehouse built by the Seto family, who was a Kitamae-bune shipowner at the end of the Edo period.
The Oki Family House
A house of the Oki family who was the most prosperous small-cargo vessel wholesaler in Ataka, where they made their wealth through Kitamae-bune.
The Seto Family House
A house of the Seto Family, a wealthy merchant who made their wealth through Kitamae-bune.
Former Yoneya Bank
A former bank building that was founded in 1894 by the Yoneya Family of a small-cargo vessel wholesaler who made their wealth through Kitamae-bune and supported the economic prosperity of Ataka.
River trail
Traces of an old road that was laid from the landing site on the riverbank to the small-cargo vessel wholesalers for the transport of luggage from Kitamae-bune.
Funa-ema of Ataka Sumiyoshi Shrine
Funa-ema that Kitamae-bune shipowners in Osaka and other areas dedicated to prayers for maritime safety.
Kishu Festival
This is a festival that uses a big sake cup, dedicated by Kitamae-bune sailors in the Tenpo period, a tradition that originated from the departure celebrations for Kitamae-bune.
Ataka Festival
A festival that originated from the "sail pillar raising" transmitted by Kitamae-bune, where a Hiki-tenma (sculling boat) event is performed.
