Today we made our way to Wajima on the Noto Peninsular (Map) to discover what some of Japan's sea side country towns are like. We had booked in at a Ryokan by ourselves back in Australia after searching around for one that we really liked the look of and we both agreed that this one was amazing. It was our splurge out part of the trip haha. We were treated very well and fully experienced what it was like to stay at a Ryokan. We had to make a 5.5 hour trip by 3 trains, 1 bus from Takayama but it was easily worth it. We arrived in Wajima town safely after a scenic bus trip to find that there was a women's power walk marathon on too so that was good to see. It was all happening.
The townsfolk were very helpful and we called for the Ryokan pickup service. We were greeted by a nice Japanese man that we befriended and chatted with about the area, he took us around Wajima and gave us the tour. Was similar in ways to what I imagine some Tasmanian sea side towns to be like. (Chidge - I mentioned to him my interest in Japanese history and we talked about the local crans. He mentioned Maeda cran controlled most of this area and they seem to be as far as Kaga. Not sure. They were Hideyoshi supporters. He asked me if I was a Hideyoshi or Nobunaga fan and I said Nobunaga. He laughed and was glad and shook my hand. Lol. He said Maeda and Nobunaga - not friends, Maeda and Hideyoshi - Friends. Tomorrow we're headed to Kanazawa and will be visiting Echizen and Kaga) - I asked him if Hatakeyama cran was around here and he said Ohhhhhh very nice, yes yes Hatakeyama before Maeda ;) Lol
We were greeted by many of the staff in their Kimonos when we arrived and we were trying not be nervous haha. It was nice. They took all our stuff and we took off our shoes and went straight onto the Tatami mats (heaven on your feet!) and gave us their special tea in a beautiful room looking out over the Sea of Japan. We were escorted by our chamber maid to our room (had it's own private onsen!) and she helped us with most things that we did all the while making sure we were happy. She would later escort us to dinner as well. We were very nervous!
Dinner at this Ryokan is described by Erin as amazing and overwhelming haha. I was lost for words. I requested someone to help Erin tie her Yukata and that was an experience in itself haha. They had to make it 'perfect'. (I think they were worried I'd rous on them if it wasn't). We had lots of individual foods seperately prepared and served in Wajima local craftware (Each piece can take up to 6 months - 12 months to make. Wajima is apparently famous for this). I think we were probably served about 10 courses O.o as shown here. We had our own private dining room with our name on the sliding japanese doors and ate in traditional style. The floors for our feet even had heated mats...It was insane. The middle of the table has a small fire pit with a neat fire and a cooking rack in the middle that we were shown how to use and what to cook to your liking on it. It was extravagance and we felt very lucky to experience it and would definately recommend it as long as you're brave with what you eat ;) Erin did very well but we definately felt a bit queezy with all the unusual foods but we were very relaxed and had a great time.
We made sure to use the public onsen's (http://www.notonosho.co.jp/onsen.htm) while we were there and I got to chat with another local in the men's which was good.
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