Noto Peninsula is a wonderful part of the country, with dramatic cliff roads, forests, and fishing villages facing the crashing surf on the western side, and quiet bays, oysters farms, orchards, and retirement homes on the eastern side.

I'm writing today's Terrie's Take from the coffee lounge of the Yashio onsen in Wajima, Noto peninsula (Ishikawa-ken). Outside are wind gusts of over 100km/hr causing the floor-to-ceiling windows to flex and yet not break.

The concept began in Sonoma Valley, with rides and food experiences called Gourmet Centuries. These are immensely popular, bringing in up to 300 riders per event.

Awajishima is popular with cyclists because it has a road system that mostly hugs the coastline, offering great views of Osaka's Kansai International Airport, and flaming red sunsets in the late afternoons.