Just an hour’s train ride from Kanazawa, nestled in the beautiful, clear inland sea of the Noto Peninsula, lies Noto Island. Here, ‘Ichi Notojima’ (One Noto Island) is a luxurious retreat offering a truly unique experience, embracing the island’s rich natural beauty and providing a sanctuary from the everyday. This incredible destination opened its doors in September 2023 as the first sushi auberge in the Hokuriku region. While the devastating Noto Peninsula earthquake struck just three months after its grand opening, ‘Ichi Notojima’ persevered, utilizing crowdfunding and charity events to resume operations. In a region where many other accommodations remain closed, ‘Ichi Notojima’ stands as a beacon of hope, welcoming guests and contributing to the community’s recovery.
Even as you approach the hotel, hints of ongoing reconstruction are visible through the car window. However, within the facility, the earthquake’s impact is completely absent, replaced by a serene atmosphere and stunning views of the Seven-Mile Bay. The design, crafted by Ishikawa Prefecture-born architect Yuji Nakanaga, seamlessly blends natural materials like wood and stone, creating a calming and inviting ambiance.
With every room boasting breathtaking ocean views, a stay at ‘Ichi Notojima’ is an exclusive experience. But for an extra special touch, opt for the private suite, complete with a dedicated sauna and a spacious terrace. Enjoy the panoramic vista of the vast sky, the shimmering sea, and the serene, green-clad islands, which are sometimes graced by playful wild dolphins.
The private sauna is a highlight of the suite, offering a haven of relaxation with dramatic views from the spacious terrace. Perfect for indulging in a post-sauna outdoor session, you can also enjoy the benefits of the original sachets containing a blend of herbal remedies like dried tangerine peel and cinnamon. These 100% plant-based, pharmaceutical grade sachets are designed to enhance your bathing ritual, transforming it into a luxurious spa experience. Complete the indulgence with premium amenities like Chronocharme shampoos and conditioners, along with Pola’s top-of-the-line B.A series skincare products.
For an ultimate pampering experience, reserve the exclusive onsen spa. This sanctuary, facing the ocean, offers a tranquil retreat with a spacious environment, perfect for alternating between the original herbal baths and the invigorating plunge pool. This unique sauna experience lets you control the temperature yourself, adding wood to the fire as needed. The invigorating aroma of fragrant Hojicha green tea infuses the air during theロウリュ, a traditional Japanese sauna ritual where water is poured over heated stones. The combination of the tea’s scent, the crackling fire, and the peaceful ocean views creates a truly sensorial experience, sharpening your senses and revitalizing your spirit. The spa is equipped with Chronocharme amenities, utilizing a unique, highly effective moisturizing ingredient derived from upcycled white grape skins sourced from a winery in Yoichi, Hokkaido. This blend, 95% derived from natural origins, creates a rich lather and leaves your skin feeling moisturized, making it a favorite among guests. The refreshing, spicy, and complex, gender-neutral fragrance, along with the sleek design and luxurious feel, elevates your stay, ensuring an unforgettable and indulgent experience.
The heart of any auberge experience lies in the cuisine, and ‘Ichi Notojima’ does not disappoint. The dinner menu features a masterful sushi selection, curated by the renowned ‘Sushi Mitsukawa’ in Kanazawa, a leading force in金沢’s sushi culture. The chefs meticulously craft their creations, utilizing local Noto ingredients to their full potential, showcasing the best of seasonal flavors. This masterful approach has resulted in a unique Edomae sushi experience, where traditional techniques are expertly applied to create a harmonious blend of flavors. The result is an unforgettable experience for the palate. The expertly aged ingredients are combined with rice, locally grown by a small family farm in Nanao, resulting in a flavor profile perfectly suited for the fresh, soft, and creamy textures of Noto’s seafood. The sushi is presented like a work of art, with vibrant colors and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, tantalizing both the eyes and the palate. Each season brings a new wave of culinary delights, featuring fresh, local seafood like Notoguro (slipper lobster), Aori squid, and Namer (grouper), along with seasonal specialties like snow crab, oysters, and winter yellowtail. Just the thought of these exquisite flavors is enough to ignite the senses.
‘Ichi Notojima’ offers an all-inclusive experience, with your stay including all beverages, including alcohol, served with meals, refreshments from the in-room fridge, and even coffee in the lobby. Savor the local sake alongside the exquisite cuisine, immersing yourself in the region’s culinary heritage.
After a leisurely day spent by the Seven-Mile Bay, you’ll awaken to a peaceful morning, ready to embark on a new day. Your mornings at ‘Ichi Notojima’ begin with a delightful breakfast, prepared by the sushi chefs, at the same counter where you enjoyed your dinner. Experience the bounty of the sea, alongside the produce of NOTO Takanoen, a local farm that utilizes the region’s red soil to cultivate exceptional produce. Their delicious salads bring a fresh and vibrant touch to the breakfast experience, highlighting the bounty of the land alongside the ocean.
Relax and unwind in the sauna, allowing the heat to melt away stress. Indulge in the exquisite sushi, absorbing the power of the region’s abundant minerals. Embrace the tranquility of the surrounding nature, letting time slow down and allowing yourself to discover a new version of yourself. By choosing ‘Ichi Notojima,’ you are also contributing to the recovery of this resilient community. For those seeking a retreat from the daily grind, a trip to Noto Island promises a haven of natural beauty, exquisite cuisine, and an unforgettable experience.
Chronocharme Retreat Tourism (Application period ends September 30, 2024)
Chronocharme, a brand dedicated to fostering refined lifestyles and supporting regional revitalization through its hair care products, is currently hosting a campaign offering exclusive, curated two-day, one-night retreat experiences. This collaboration with ‘Ichi Notojima,’ born from a strong desire to support Noto’s recovery, makes this opportunity possible. The campaign features various packages, including an accessible accommodation plan at ‘Ichi Notojima,’ as well as exclusive offerings for Chronocharme product purchasers. Continuing its commitment to regional revitalization, Chronocharme plans to partner with various accommodation facilities and support local economies through initiatives likeふるさと納税 (Furusato Nozei, a program that allows individuals to donate to their local communities). For further details on the Chronocharme Retreat Tourism campaign, visit the link below.
https://chronocharme.jp/retreattourism
Ichi Notojima
42-4 Suzushimacho, Notojima, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture
+81-767-85-2150
Photos & Text: Misaki Yamashita
