Okunoto, meaning “inner part of Noto”, is home to a unique tradition of salt production. In this area of Japan, the locals have been producing salt from sea water for centuries. The methods, by which the salt is extracted from the water, have changed over the years. In the Okunoto Sea Salt Village, however, the …
Sojiji Soin Temple
Sojiji Temple, or Sojiji Soin Father Temple, is a Zen temple located on the Noto Peninsula, in Ishikawa Prefecture. Sojiji was historically a very important Zen Temple in Japan, overseeing 16,000 subordinate temples across the country. Sadly large parts of the temple were destroyed during a fire in 1898. Over the years the buildings were …
Kotogahama Beach (Singing Sand)
Towards the northern end of the rugged Noto Kongo Coast you find Kotogahama, a beach of singing sand. The flat, sandy beach stands out, on the otherwise dark and rocky shoreline. Due to the shape of the beach, and lack of large rocks in the water, the waves can roll in nicely, thus creating a …
Wajima Kiriko Art Museum
Wajima Kiriko Art Museum displays a collection of 31 unique Kiriko lanterns. Kiriko lanterns are used during Matsuri to guide portable shrines which are carried around as part of the festival ceremony. In the Noto region the Kiriko lanterns have become so popular, that they can be the main attraction themselves.
Noto Kongo Coast
Noto Kongo Coast (sometimes referred to as Notokongou) is a rugged stretch of coast on the western side of the Noto Peninsula, in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Yoshitsune no Funakakushi & Yase Cliff
Yoshitsune no Funakakushi, literally meaning “Yoshitsunes Boat Hiding” is a long, narrow gorge found on the Noto Kongo Coast of the Noto Peninsula.
Hatago Iwa “Married Rocks”
Hatago Iwa (機具岩), also known as Noto Futami, are a pair of sacred rocks located in the sea a few kilometers north of the famous Ganmon rocks on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Ganmon “Gate Rock” and Sea Cave
Located with it’s entire west coast facing the Sea of Japan, the Noto peninsula is known as a rough place to live. The rough coastal landscape along the Noto Kongo Coast is a testimony to the harsh conditions. The roughness of this stretch of coast is especially visible at Ganmon Sea Cave (Ganmon Cliffs). Here the …