Summer on Noto Hanto Peninsula

Situated at the north end of Ishikawa prefecture, the Noto Peninsula is an attractive destination for travelers eager to veer slightly off the beaten track. Around 100 km in length and jutting out into the Japan sea, its vast scenery ranges from rough coastal terrain to beautiful, calm beaches, to large mountainous areas, to hills of terraced rice fields. The region is also home to some interesting cultural sites such as shrines and lacquerware museums. The secluded nature of the Noto Hanto is one of its main draws, making it the perfect summer retreat from the city.

ONSEN TIME

Wakura Onsen and Wajima Onsen are the main travel destinations on Noto. The former is located in Naka-Noto (middle of Noto) by Nanao Bay while the latter is near the Sosogi Coast in Oku-Noto (deep Noto). Both areas brim with scenic views and cultural highlights.

Wakura Onsen’s charm is hidden in the backstreets of this seaside onsen dating back about 1,200 years. A mini pilgrimage to the Seven Lucky Gods of Fortune will take you to most of Wakura’s historic spots, including Seirin Temple and Shingyo Temple, Sukuna Hikona Shrine and Benten Shrine, and Yumoto-no-hiroba Square and Togetsu Bridge. These sights are illuminated after dark inviting you to an evening stroll.

If you come with kids, or just generally enjoy Japan’s cute mascots, then watch out for Wakatama-kun, Wakura’s “onsen egg” mascot. He welcomes visitors at the station and pops up in many other locations around Wakura. In Yuttari Park there is a whole Wakatama family, and in nearby Tsumakoibune Hot Spring you can dip your feet into an ashi-yu (foot bath) overlooking Nanao Bay.



At Wajima Onsen, a visit to Asa Ichi (the morning market) is highly recommended. Honmachi Street is lined with stalls offering fresh local produce and arts and crafts. Locals shop for ingredients for cooking lunch or dinner while tourists fill their bellies with tasty snacks and refreshments, like grilled oysters or kakigori (shaved ice).

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