Welcome to my Life in Noto blog page. This blog will focus on the Noto Peninsula, sharing my experiences living here, its history, Matsuri festivals, natural beauty, places of interest, and everything else related to the Noto Peninsula and sometimes other parts of the Hokuriku region and Japan. Here is an overview of Noto.
Where is Noto Peninsula?
The Noto Peninsula is located in the Hokuriku area of Japan. This area is in the Chubu region in central Japan, between the Kansai and Kanto regions. The Chubu Region is a wonderful place to explore, filled with cities that each have their own special character. You can visit Nagoya, which is full of life with unique tastes such as Miso Katsu, or head to Toyota, where you can learn about the famous automotive industry. Shizuoka is perfect for those who want see views of Mount Fuji enjoy mikons in Mikabi and Hamamatsu. And there are many more fascinating cities of Gifu, Kanazawa, Toyama, Nagano, and Niigata, each offering their own unique experiences. There’s so much to see and enjoy here. The Hokuriku area is a unique part of the Chubu Region. Located on the sea of Japan, it’s a very beautiful region with beautiful coastlines, tall mountains, and traditional cities filled with architecture dating back to the Edo period and stunning sea side sunsets. This region encompasses Fukui, Ishikawa, and Toyama Prefectures.
Ishikawa Prefecture is in the Hokuriku area of the Chubu region. The southern part is called the Kaga area. This area includes Kaga City, Komatsu City, and several towns and villages located in the southern half of the prefecture. Kanazawa is the most famous city in Ishikawa Prefecture, which is located in the central part of the prefecture. The Noto area covers the entire northern half of the prefecture.
The northern half of Ishikawa Prefecture is widely recognized as the Noto Peninsula, a region renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and cultural heritage. The southern portion of the Noto Peninsula has the highest population density in this area.
Nanao, the largest city within the Noto Peninsula, is located along the picturesque Toyama Bay in the central-eastern part of the peninsula. This vibrant city is famous for its hot springs, particularly Wakura Onsen. Additionally, Nanao is known for Notojima, an island offering beautiful coastal views.
In addition to Nanao, the southern region of the Noto Peninsula is home to several other notable towns and cities, including Kahoku City, known for its rich history and traditional crafts; Hakui City, which offers scenic views and cultural sites; Shika Town, celebrated for its natural beauty such as Ganmon; and Naka Noto Town, which features charming rural landscapes.
The northern and eastern parts of the Noto Peninsula, the area is referred to as Okunoto. This region is characterized by its lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque valleys, which create a serene and breathtaking environment. This area has a variety of seaside and hillside villages that showcase traditional Japanese architecture and lifestyle. Okunoto is also home to bamboo forests and other agricultural landscapes, highlighting the region’s commitment to sustaining its beautiful farmland.
The coastline of Okunoto presents stunning views, allowing one to see the beautiful, snow-capped peaks of Japan’s Northern Alps in the distance, providing a striking contrast to the coastline’s rugged charm. The area comprises several notable cities and towns, including Wajima City, famous for its exquisite lacquerware; Suzu City, known for its stunning coastal scenery and handicrafts; Noto Town, rich in agricultural products and traditional festivals that date back hundreds of years; and Anamizu Town, which offers a peaceful atmosphere and local cultural experiences. Together, these communities form a captivating and diverse region that reflects the beauty and richness of the Noto Peninsula.
Matsuri 祭り
Noto Peninsula is most known for Matsuri. There are many kinds of Matsuri on Noto Peninsula and they take place almost every month of the year. Noto Cho with its many different small villages and towns have well over 20 different festivals through out the year. The most famous type of Matsuri are the Kiriko Matsuri. Kiriko Matsuri happens all over Okunoto in the summer and the fall. In July and August depending on where you visit the Noto Peninsula they are almost a weekly occurrence.
The above picture is of a Kiriko. As you can see they are very tall and long. They weigh hundreds of kilograms. They are carried by the people who are living in that area. About 20 to 40 people carry one Kiriko around the town during the Matsuri. There are many different types of Kiriko.
This style of Kiriko is pulled and they are used for Matsuri in Ukawa, Ogi, and Hime in Noto Cho.
This is the Jurohara Spring Archery Matsuri. This Matsuri is held in early April. 十郎原柳田 April 2020
Bike Touring
If you like motor bike touring Noto Peninsula is one of the best places to visit. With its many Minshuku’s and Ryokans, cafes and local restaurants, and senic views of Toyama Bay its one of the best places to ride. Due to the events of January 1st of last year the best way to bike tour Noto Peninsula is through Nanao, Anamizu, and Noto Cho on National Route 249 and Ken Route 35 along Toyama Bay. Here are some pictures from Bike touring on Noto Peninsula.
Meditation under the Stars and in Nature
Yanagida in Noto Cho is renowned for its breathtaking night skies, where you can see the countless stars of the Milky Way. However, capturing this beauty with a simple phone camera can be an impossible challenge. You can see by both pictures of the Moon both above and below this paragraph that I took does not do the skies of Noto any justice of what the reality of looking up at the night sky and seeing it with your own eyes.
Day or Night, I enjoy doing my Eastern Spiritual practices outside in nature. When you sit under the stars at night and practice Pranayama breathing or meditation, you can truly feel the life force emanating from the trees and plants, as well as the peace and tranquility of nature surrounding you. The Noto Peninsula is one of the few places in Japan where I feel truly in tune with nature.
