A trip focused on buying or looking at chinaware is the epitome of happiness for chinaware fans. You can feel the warmth of earthenware in the palm of your hands while with porcelain you can appreciate the delicateness. Both have their own attractive qualities but this time we focus on an inn for porcelain lovers. The name is a bit strange but it is here in Ishikawa Prefecture “Nomi-shi oldness and interchange training center SARAI”. The name doesn’t have much to it but this is a wonderland of indulgence in Kutani wares.
Even the lampshades are Kutani ware at this bright guest only lobby!
At the end of a huge parking lot is the widely built one story building. You are a bit overwhelmed by the way they use land here if you come from a city. Upon entering the building you are welcomed with vaulted ceilings and a spacious entrance lobby that makes you realize how good this hotel is. Although your attention might be taken by reasonably priced Kutani ware at the gift shop, first thing first, check-in.
After checking in you can head to the guest building. On one side of the hall you have the guest rooms, and the other will have the rest lobby for the guests which is bright and relaxing in atmosphere. If you look up you can find the lampshades are also Kutani ware, don’t miss checking them out. The room number plate next to the room door is also Kutani ware.
The different color patterns are irresistible! Of course the tea set is Kutani ware!
The hotel has both western and Japanese style rooms, but in the Japanese style ones the flooring is not traditional but Ryukyu style square tatami mats. Of course the tea ware is Kutatni ware, but the best part is the different designs on each. Before heading out take a break with some tea while checking out the design of the Kutani ware plate on the wall.
How vibrant! Even the sink is made in Kutani ware!
The surrounding area is full of nature and there is even an ancient burial site park behind the building. Before we went off on a stroll I excused myself to go to the bathroom and was surprised again. The sink is made from Kutani ware as well. The tiling beneath the mirror is as well, making me almost say forget the stroll, let’s go hunting for these little details in the building.
Down to the last detail! Even the vending machine sign is made in Kutani ware!
When I went to the onsen building to take a bath I found a vending machine and the sign for it was again in Kutani ware! This kind of cute example of Kutani ware is not something you would find in an art gallery of any sort. Of course the wall of the bath house isn’t the usual Mt. Fuji but made from Kutani ware as well.
Oh, by the way the bath here is actually a natural hot spring onsen. The upcoming meal is good too, so I am sure if your travel partner isn’t into chinaware but more a food and bath person they would be completely satisfied as well.
The highlight of this trip is the meal that comes in Kutani ware!
The most anticipated part of the trip, the dinner using only local and seasonal ingredients served in Kutani ware. The Kaiseki style meal is perfect with some northern local sake. Not to beat a dead horse but all the table ware is Kutani ware. When eating out of attractive chinaware the meal seems to taste better than it really is.
Although you may think “this is the end of the Kutani ware indulgence” by the end of the meal, don’t forget you still have all next morning too! Although giddy from looking forward to the table ware in the morning the futon is so comfortable you sleep easily.. The finale of the indulgence is the coffee cup and plate after breakfast. This is actually a rare thing to have coffee served after a Japanese breakfast.
Actually very affordable! If you're going to Kanazawa definitely stop by Nomi as well!
The building is still fairly new and clean, with good food, a relaxing onsen bath, and the plethora of Kutani ware used all around the building. Although you might be worried about the price, it is actually more like an institute so it is surprisingly affordable, and it doesn’t cost more for weekends or during peak visitor seasons.
Also, because of the use of delicate porcelain ware all over the place you might think it might not be good to take children here. But fear not the staff here are mostly mothers and wives so they are very friendly and look after the children with you. Even the plates for the children are in Kutani ware so you can really feel their intent on having people experience the real thing from very young ages.
It is worth going to for its attractiveness alone, so if you are headed to Kanazawa area anytime soon definitely stop by to this little known gem, the “Nomi-shi oldness and interchange training center SARAI”. If there are no available rooms you can even just stop by for lunch to enjoy the Kutani ware.
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