“Nakanoto”, a tourist spot in Ishikawa overflowing with the bounties of nature
60 minutes by plane from Haneda Airport is Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto Peninsula, a land with a rich nature and where tradition and culture is treasured and well-preserved. The peninsula that is surrounded by the Sea of Japan is divided into 3 areas, namely Okunoto, Nakanoto, and Kuchinoto, and each area has their own unique charms. This time, we will introduce the “Nakanoto” area, a popular tourist spot among the 3.
Where is “Nakanoto”?
The “Nakanoto” area which faces the Nanao Bay has prospered, starting from Nanao City where the “Wakura Onsen” town is, as the center of politics, economy, and culture since olden times. The many fine handicrafts, culture, and social traditions have been well preserved, making the area overflowing with various attractions. The nature-rich landscape has consistently healed travelers, making it a popular tourist spot.
“Ocean Hot Spring” With An International Seal of Approval
“Wakura Onsen” is the largest hot spring district on the Noto Peninsula. This 1,200 year-old hot spring district has one of the rarest types of hot springs even in Japan, the “Ocean Hot Spring”. We have compiled a list of hot spring day trip options to relieve your travel fatigue as well as attractive spots around the district.
Read article on Wakura Onsen
“Ipponsugi Street”, a nostalgic town frozen in time
The “Ipponsugi Street” is dotted with many quaint buildings that are designated as cultural properties. This 600-year old street looks like a scene from a historical movie.
Many stores now provide services that allow you to have historical or cultural experiences and further enjoy your trip, in addition to offering souvenirs like handicraft made with traditional methods.
“Torii Shoyu” is a long-running establishment that has been making soy sauce on Ipponsugi street since 1926. The soy sauce made in the building, which is a designated cultural property of the nation, uses soybeans, wheat, and salt produced locally in Noto.
Read article on Torii Shoyu
“Takazawa Candle” has been crafting “Japanese candles” since its founding more than 100 years ago. Made with natural ingredients, their candles are referred to as Japan’s unique organic candles.
Read article on Takazawa Candle
One of the most impressive buildings on the Ipponsugi Street houses the “Kombu & Seafood Shirai” store. In this nostalgic and typically Japanese store, you can purchase natural kelp from Hokkaido and processed seafood caught in Noto.
Read article on Kombu & Seafood Shirai
At “Hanayome Noren Museum”, you can experience the local traditional wedding custom, “Hanayome Curtain Passage”. Exquisite and gorgeous entrance curtains are constantly on display, and you can try on the bridal costumes and experience it yourself.
Read article on Hanayome Noren Museum
This store was founded more than 100 years ago. This long-standing store, “Kagetsu”, makes colorful Japanese confectioneries that reflect the four seasons of Japan. Here, you can enjoy delicacies made from the bounties of “Noto’s Satoyama and Satoumi”, a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.
Read article on Kagetsu
Enjoy fresh seafood from Nanao Bay
The “Nanao Fisherman’s Wharf Noto Shokusai Market” at Noto’s largest fishing port, Nanao Port. Fresh seafood, plentiful in the Noto Peninsula which is surrounded by sea, are sold here and you will also find a variety of unique seafood recognized by the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. Of course, you can eat them fresh on the spot.
Read article on Noto Shokusai Market
Noto’s delicacy! “Namakoya” sells various goods made with “sea cucumbers”, the jewel of the seabed. You can also try one of the Top 3 Delicacies of Japan, “Konowata” (salted entrails of sea cucumbers) here!
Read article on Namakoya
“JAPANESE SAKE”, which is starting to become popular internationally
The “Kazuma Brewery” has been brewing sake for about 230 years. Enjoy the Japanese sake made with rice and water from the rich nature of Noto’s Satoyama and Satoumi using traditional techniques that have been handed down and preserved through the ages.
Read article on Kazuma Brewery
Take a trip to the charming “Nakanoto”
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“Nakanoto” is overflowing with attractions and experiences that are unique to a region that has treasured and preserved its rich nature and traditions. Do come and enjoy a trip here.