Fly into the world’s first Pokémon Airport in Noto, and discover what else is there to do in this quiet, resilient side of Japan!
Photo credit: Ishikawa Prefecture
You’ve probably never even heard of the Noto Peninsula in Japan, until news of a Pokémon-themed Airport came out. And honestly, same for us.
After digging a little deeper, we discovered that this quiet corner of Ishikawa Prefecture is known for its seaside hot springs, stunning coastlines, and centuries-old lacquer craft. It was also affected by a devastating earthquake in 2024 and is still in the process of rebuilding and recovery.
Despite this, the region remains rich in culture, nature and unique experiences worth exploring. Whether you’re a Pokémon Trainer looking to level up or a traveller looking for a slower, more intentional journey — here are five reasons to put Noto on your 2026 itinerary!
1) Fly into the world’s first Pokémon airport — Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport
Photo credit: prtimes.jp
Reopening on 7 July 2026 with a massive glow-up, the Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport is officially the first airport in the world to get a Pokémon rebranding!
Photo credit: prtimes.jp
This rebranding and renaming will run until 30 September 2029, and is part of an initiative to help tourism and regional recovery efforts following the Noto Peninsula earthquake in 2024.
The airport will be dedicated to Flying-type Pokémon, with all 111 species taking over the terminal, and a large Pikachu on an aeroplane balloon anchoring the airport’s central atrium.
Photo credit: prtimes.jp
Beyond the photo ops, the airport acts as a checkpoint where you can hunt for hidden character signs, watch terminal-exclusive AR shorts on your phone, enjoy themed food and even grab limited-edition Pokémon merchandise!
Event period: 7 Jul 2026 — 30 Sep 2029
Address: Sue-10-11-1 Miimachi, Wajima, Ishikawa 929-2372, Japan (Google Maps)
*Note: There is no direct flight from Singapore to Noto. You’ll need to take a ~7hr direct flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Haneda Airport, followed by a ~1hr domestic flight to Noto Airport.
2) Explore Japan’s oldest morning market — Wajima Morning Market
Photo credit: japan-guide.com
The earthquake may have displaced many, but not the community spirit of the Noto people. And you can experience the warmth of the locals right at the Wajima Morning Market.
Photo credit: japan-guide.com
A gem of Noto, it is Japan’s oldest morning market at over 1,000 years, before being tragically destroyed by the 2024 earthquake.
Six months after the quake, about 30 stalls from the original Wajima Morning Market resumed business at a new temporary location within the Power City Wajima Wi-Plaza. While the original market sold fresh-off-the-boat seafood, the stalls at the temporary market sell mostly lacquerware and dried food.
*Pro-tip: Plan your visit between 22-25 August 2026 and swing by the nearby Juzo Shrine to catch the Wajima Grand Festival! It’s held annually and consists of massive, glowing kiriko (lantern floats) parading through the streets and taiko drum performances.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 1PM, closed on Wed
Address: 45-1 Takudamachi, Wajima, Ishikawa 928-0022, Japan
How to get there: 25min drive from Noto Airport (Google Maps)
3) Soak in a Pokémon-themed footbath — Wakura Onsen
Photo credit: 和倉温泉観光協会
The Pokémon adventure doesn’t stop at the upcoming Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport. Did we also mention that there’s a Pokémon-themed footbath in the Noto Peninsula?
Opened on 12 May 2026, the Wakura Pokémon Footbath is a free public hot spring soak located in Yuttari Park. What’s special about the footbath is that it utilises Wakura’s famous mineral-rich sea onsen, boasting a high salt content said to have healing properties for both skin and soul ♨️😌
Photo credit: 和倉温泉観光協会
The star of the onsen is a huge Gyarados sculpture that looks like it’s “using Hydro Pump” to pump natural hot spring water straight into the pool.
You’ll also find life-sized sculptures of Water-type Pokémon like Psyduck, Vaporeon, Quaxly, and even Pikachu chilling around the deck to keep you company.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM (subject to weather conditions)
Address: 1 Chome Wakuramachi Hibari, Nanao, Ishikawa 926-0176, Japan
How to get there: 50min drive from Noto Airport (Google Maps)
4) Witness the ever-changing hillside landscapes — Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces
Photo credit: Ishikawa Prefecture
Unlock a core memory by witnessing stunning views over 1,004 rice paddies overlooking the Sea of Japan!
Located along the Noto Peninsula, Shiroyone Senmaida is listed as one of Japan’s Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields and has been designated a nationally recognised “Special Place of Scenic Beauty”.
Fun fact: The rice fields are too steep and narrow for machinery, so farming here is still done manually by local farmers and volunteers!
Photo credit: Ishikawa Prefecture
The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, from snow-covered terraces in January and February to mirror-like rice paddies reflecting the sunset from end-April to July. By late summer, the fields turn a vibrant green before transforming into shades of gold in August and September.
One of the best times to visit is during the Aze no Kirameki event from mid-October to mid-March, after the harvest season. Around 25,000 solar-powered LED lights illuminate the terraces at night, changing colours every 15 minutes!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: 99-5 Shiroyonemachi, Wajima, Ishikawa 928-0256, Japan
How to get there: 40min drive from Noto Airport (Google Maps)
5) Make your own Wajima lacquerware souvenir — Wajima Kobo Nagaya
Photo credit: Wajima Kobo Nagaya
Wajima is known for its durable lacquerware, or Wajima-nuri, with a history of over 500 years. The whole process involves many artisans working together on carving, coating and decorating items like tableware and even furniture to create a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
There are plenty of workshops in the city where you can try out this traditional Japanese craft, with one being Wajima Kobo Nagaya!
Photo credit: Wajima Kobo Nagaya
It offers courses where you’ll learn how to decorate items like lacquered panels and chopsticks using techniques such as chinkin (gold-inlay) and maki-e — a lacquer technique where gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto designs. It’s a great way to support local businesses and also bring home your own personal souvenir.
If hands-on activities aren’t really your thing, you can also visit the Craftsman’s Workshop (10AM – 4PM) to watch local artisans at work. Or drop by the shop to pick up some Wajima lacquerware for your own collection.
Cost of workshop: From ¥2,000 per set of chopsticks (~S$16)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM, closed on Wed
Address: Japan, 〒928-0001 Ishikawa, Wajima, Kawaimachi, ４−66-1
How to get there: 30min drive from Noto Airport (Google Maps)
Uncover the hidden charms of Noto on your next adventure
Photo credit: Ishikawa Prefecture
Be it catching ‘em all at Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport or soaking in the mineral-rich waters of Wakura Onsen, the Noto region offers a unique, lesser-known side of Japan!
Although it is still recovering from the earthquake in 2024, it’s a coastal haven where the local resilience is as striking as the landscape. So come with an open heart and mind, to best experience Noto one quiet, intentional moment at a time.
Featured image credit: prtimes.jp
Facebook cover image credit: Wajima Kobo Nagaya, prtimes.jp, Ishikawa Prefecture
