ここ七尾は金沢から1時間ほどの能登半島のおへそあたり。海からの潮風が金木犀の香りを運んでくれる気持ちのいい秋晴れ。
The City of Nanao, situated in Naka-Noto (middle Noto) is about an hour from the Kanazawa bullet train station. This city's location on the Noto Peninsula allows sea breezes to refresh the streets with the sweet aroma of orange osmanthus.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Noto_Peninsula
It's a perfect day for strolling! I still had a few hours before I needed to check in, so I picked up a map at the tourist center and started wandering through the area. I love how safe I feel traveling throughout Japan.
The gentleman at the tourist center told me that there was an event in town called 'BRIDE SPLIT CURTAIN' being held this weekend. I got lucky again!!
Hanayome noren, (English: bride's split curtain) is a Japanese custom that developed in the Noto area. On her wedding day, the bride walks through a unique split curtain which is set in front of the family alter in the groom's home. Once through the curtain and in front of the alter, she greets the groom's ancestors and makes a wish that they will welcome her. Each split curtain is prepared in the bride's home by her family who are hoping that her marriage will be a happy one. Most of the local noren are made using the beautiful kimono techniques of this area. Since most noren are hidden deep in a closet after the wedding, almost no one ever sees them again. This event was organized to bring some of the local noren out into the light again. They were all stunningly beautiful, proudly waving in the autumn breeze.
It was such a lovely afternoon, that I decided to wander a bit more into the woods. There, I found a few temples.
http://www.saysfarm.com/category/winery/
I was attempting to visit a few of the local area wineries, but unfortunately the public transportation in the area was not very good. To visit a number of wineries, I would need a driver or more time. Still, I was able to enjoy a nice autumn stroll in Noto, and, I'd say, it was just perfect.
Since this is a sea side area, I had sushi for dinner. I picked a sushi shop run by a local fisherman and made a great choice!