If weather permits, we will drive directly on the sandy beach with the sea beside us.

Myojoji is the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism in the region, set on expansive green grounds centered around a five-storied pagoda completed in 1618. Founded in 1294, most of its well-preserved buildings date to the 1600s and were constructed under the patronage of the Maeda family, reflecting Nichiren Buddhism’s belief that all people possess the potential to attain enlightenment in this lifetime.

Ganmon is a sea cave on the rugged Kongo coast of the Noto Peninsula, formed by erosion into a massive rock rising from the sea and crowned by an old pine tree. From mid-March to mid-November, boat rides take visitors around Ganmon and nearby rock formations along the dramatic Sea of Japan coastline.

Sacred rocks These two rocks are considered sacred, which is why they are connected by a rope, in Japanese shimenawa , used in the Shinto religion to mark the presence of sacred spirits. At the top of the rock on the left, the most impressive, is a small altar, in the form of a red sanctuary.

we will visit a traditional Soy sauce brewery and shop

enjoy a footpath and shop local specialties from the Noto peninsula.

visit the Kita Residence, a well-preserved samurai mansion with 16 traditional rooms that reflect the wealth of its former owners. It includes special features for visits by the ruling lord, and a nearby museum displays samurai armor and other family heirlooms. The Kita family served as local administrators of the Kaga domain, once overseeing more than 100 farming villages.