Nestled in the heart of the Noto Peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the sea, Nanao Bay stretches out before us in quiet serenity.
Finding our way to this place, with its breathtaking view of Noto Island, was a series of coincidences.

 

Welcomed warmly by the people of Nakajima, moved by the rich flavors and landscapes of Noto, we were drawn to make this our home.

 

Nature in Noto can be both gentle and harsh.
But as we live side by side with it, we have come to realize something—
ordinary moments like reading a book or gazing at the scenery take on a new richness when embraced by the nature around us.

 

In an era where waves of change come crashing down upon us,
perhaps these simple moments of everyday life are becoming something truly special—
a time to pause, to feel, and to be fulfilled.

 

The black tile roof and cedar siding blend harmoniously with the Noto landscape. Inspired by the long winters and overcast weather here, we’ve looked to Nordic living for guidance, choosing furniture that brings warmth and a gentle light to the heart.

 

We’ve curated a small collection of books, both new and old, where the voice of the writer quietly resonates. To complement your visit, we offer sweets and drinks inspired by the flavors and seasons of Noto. We look forward to welcoming you.

Umitohonto has books.

 

But they weren’t chosen by the owner’s personal taste. Each one was selected to quietly accompany someone’s time here.

 

By listening to the voices of those who live in this place, spending time with pages and words, these books slowly found their place on the shelf.

 

They are arranged around themes— the changing seasons, daily life, lingering words— to enrich the moments spent here. Had they been chosen solely by the owner, these books may never have arrived. The shelf was custom-made just for this space. It stands quietly, inviting hands to reach for a book.

 

There is something wordless in gazing at the sea. Something awakens in the act of reading. Moving between nature and thought, something gently lights up within. These are books that help you notice the richness of that in-between.

We serve drinks and sweets that gently go along with the quiet time you spend with a book.

The milk, salt, coffee beans, and fruits we use are all things we’ve come across on our walks and travels—each full of deep, rich flavor. We’ve chosen ingredients rooted in this area, made with care by local hands.

 

The sweets made from them have a subtle kindness, changing a little each day like the shifting scenery of Noto.

 

Our drinks include lightly roasted, fragrant coffee, cups with a deep and lasting finish, and smooth café lattes. Depending on your mood or the book you’re reading, you can pick the one that feels just right. We also have juices for those who prefer something without caffeine.

 

Looking out at the sea, reading a book, taking a sip of something good, and enjoying a gentle sweet—
each small thing brings out the best in the others, creating a soft, peaceful moment.
We’d be happy if you find a moment like that here with us.

There are two ways to experience 海と本と、.

Each offers a different way to spend time here.

【Reservation-Based Visits】

We prepare the seating and space especially for guests with reservations.

Come on your own or with someone special.
Lose yourself in a book, or simply take your time looking out at the view.

We hope you enjoy a quiet, unhurried moment here.

・Online reservations are required.
Please select an available time slot from “Reservation”.

・Morning check-in: 10:30–11:00
・Afternoon check-in: 14:00–14:30

・90 minutes: ¥2,500 per person (elementary school age and above)
・Extension: ¥500 per additional 30 minutes

※A stay of up to 150 minutes is available.
※Each visit includes one drink and a small welcome sweet.
※Additional drinks and seasonal sweets are also available.

【Casual Café Days — “Umibe no Kissa” & “Asahi no Kai”】

“Umibe no Kissa” is our casual café day, where no reservation is required.

Whether you live in Noto or are visiting the area,
please feel free to drop by.

Some days, the quiet sound of turning pages fills the room.
On other days, guests who happen to meet here may strike up a conversation,
or find themselves chatting with us.

Each day is shaped by the people who happen to be here,
and by the scenery of Noto that day.

・Facility fee + food and drink

Facility fee: ¥500 per person
(elementary school age and above)

・One drink order per person is required.

※The facility fee is waived for residents of Nakajima and Notojima.
※The facility fee does not apply to takeout orders when you do not stay on the premises.
※Use of the garden and terrace is also subject to the facility fee.
※During busy periods, we kindly ask guests to limit their stay to approximately 90 minutes.

【Opening Hours】

・Tuesday: 11:00–17:00
・Public holidays: 12:00–17:00
・“Asahi no Kai”: Held irregularly

※Last entry is one hour before closing.
※Please check our Instagram for the latest opening dates and times.

【Annual Pass】

Instead of paying the facility fee each time you visit,
you can choose an annual pass for unlimited visits during the year.

・Residents of the nine municipalities in Noto: ¥2,000 / year

Nanao City (excluding Nakajima and Notojima), Wajima City, Suzu City,
Hakui City, Shika Town, Hodatsushimizu Town, Nakanoto Town,
Anamizu Town, and Noto Town.

・All other visitors: ¥3,000 / year

【Payment】

Please settle the facility fee and any additional orders when you visit.

We accept cash, credit cards, and various cashless payment methods.

【A Few Requests】

As a small place run by a husband-and-wife team,
we may not always be able to provide the same level of convenience as a larger establishment.

We kindly ask for your cooperation so that everyone can enjoy a peaceful and comfortable time here.

・Please keep conversations at a considerate volume.
・Photography inside is limited to your own hands and belongings. Please refrain from taking photographs that may disturb other guests.
・Please do not share information about this place on social media or review sites without permission, or make posts for commercial purposes.

【Visiting with Young Children】

Guests with preschool-aged children are welcome at “Umibe no Kissa” and “Asahi no Kai”.

Depending on your child’s age, we ask that you use the space in the following ways.

【Children who can walk, through preschool age】

Please enjoy your time in the garden or under the covered terrace.
Unfortunately, children in this age group cannot stay inside.

※There is no facility fee for children.
※One food or drink item must be ordered per child.
Children’s drinks are also available.

【Babies who are not yet walking】

Babies who are not yet walking may stay inside.

※There is no facility fee and no order is required for babies.

As our space is not equipped specifically for young children,
we kindly ask you to keep the following points in mind.

① Weekdays are recommended

Our space can become busy on public holidays,
so we recommend visiting on a weekday café day if possible.

② Nursing and diaper changing

We do not have dedicated facilities for nursing or diaper changing.

If you need to breastfeed, please bring a nursing cover
and be considerate of other guests.

Please use your vehicle when changing diapers.

③ Formula, snacks and drinks

Formula, baby snacks and drinks may be brought into the space.

Please refrain from bringing or feeding solid baby food.

④ Strollers

Strollers may be brought inside.

※During busy periods, we may not be able to accommodate strollers.

⑤ Baby sounds

A little baby talk or crying is perfectly fine.

If your baby becomes unsettled,
please feel free to take a break outside, enjoy the terrace or stroll through the garden.

We hope you can find a way to enjoy the day that feels comfortable for both you and your baby.

Our gallery is located in Nagaura, a small seaside village in Nakajima-machi — right in the heart of the Noto Peninsula, just before the Twin Bridge leading to Noto Island. 

 

It’s about a 30-minute drive from Noto Satoyama Airport and roughly 70 minutes from Kanazawa. Please note that our shop is situated in a residential area. If you are arriving by car, we kindly ask that you drive slowly and respectfully. As parking is limited, we appreciate your cooperation in carpooling whenever possible. 

 

umitohonto – SEA | BOOKS | MORE

143 So-bu, Nagaura, Nakajima-machi, Nanao-shi, Ishikawa 929-2216 [Irregular holidays]

Please check our Instagram for the latest opening hours.

For inquiries, feel free to reach out via email (hello@umitohonto.com) or DM.