Wajima, Japan

Wajima is a city located in Ishikawa, Japan. Since the middle ages, Wajima has been famous for lacquerware (漆器 shikki) production, to an extent that "Japan" used to mean lacquerware in the same sense that "China" meant porcelain ware. Japan's finest lacquerware still comes from this town, although industrial lacquerware production (of perceived lower quality) is distributed around the nation.

Senmaida (1000 Rice Fields) is one of the most scenic places in Ishikawa. There are actually 1004 fields which are either owned and tended to by families, or rented out and looked after by the locals. Senmaida is beautiful in each of the four seasons and visitors can both view it from above, or take a leisurely stroll through the fields below.

The Wajima Morning Market (輪島朝市) is open everyday except the 10th and 25th of each month (and January 1-3 every year). Opening Hours are from 8:00 - Noon. Visitors can stroll freely through the many stalls of fresh seafood, lacquerware and other handicrafts.

Things to See & Do

* Senmaida (1000 Rice Fields)
* Wajima Morning Market
* Kiriko Museum
* Lacquerware production village

General information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Yen (JPY)
Language – Japanese
Population – 33,000 approx
Land Area – 426.25 km2
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus hours nine hours
International Country Telephone Code – 81

Travel Links – Wajima is served by Noto Airport.

Trains to Wajima have stopped running, although you can still get as far as Nanao by JR and Anamizu on the private Noto Railway. There are a few direct buses daily from Kanazawa.