Wajima Kiriko Art Museum

The Wajima Kiriko Art Museum in Ishikawa Prefecture showcases the traditional craft of kiriko lantern making, which has been an integral part of the Noto Peninsula's cultural heritage for over 300 years. These large, ornately decorated paper lanterns are central to local festivals and religious ceremonies, with the art form designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as part of the Noto Peninsula's traditional crafts.

The museum houses the world's largest collection of kiriko lanterns, displaying over 30 full-sized lanterns ranging from 5 to 15 meters in height. Visitors can observe the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating these towering structures, which combine woodworking, paper artistry, and decorative painting. The museum also features historical artifacts related to local festivals and demonstrates the role of kiriko in community celebrations throughout the Noto Peninsula.

Interactive workshops allow visitors to create small-scale kiriko lanterns under expert guidance, providing hands-on experience with traditional techniques including bamboo framework construction and washi paper application. The museum's observation deck offers panoramic views of Wajima Bay and the surrounding countryside, particularly striking during sunset hours.

The museum experience remains consistent throughout the year, though visiting during festival seasons from July to October provides additional context as actual kiriko festivals occur across the region during these months. The nearby Wajima Morning Market, one of Japan's most famous morning markets operating for over 1,000 years, complements the museum visit.

Located 15 minutes by car from central Wajima, the museum is accessible via the Noto Satoyama Kaido expressway from Kanazawa, approximately 90 minutes by car. Public transportation includes buses from Wajima Station with services every 2 hours. The museum operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with admission fees of ¥620 for adults and ¥310 for children. Workshop participation requires advance reservation and costs an additional ¥1,500.