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Episode 43 takes us to the beautiful Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture to speak with guest, Lauren Scharf. Lauren and her husband live in a 117 year old ‘kominka’ (farmhouse / folkhouse), a home they have restored themselves and as such, they are part of an enthusiastic community of ‘minka’ owners across Japan. In support of that community, Lauren is also on the board of the Minka Preservation Society, an organisation dedicated to the conservation of Japan’s wonderful heritage and historic homes, backed by a passionate community of like-minded owners. 

Extending 100km into the Sea of Japan, Noto Peninsula is known for its rugged coastline, overall beauty, traditional craft, abundant seafood and slower pace of life. In the first part of the interview, Lauren and I discuss life on Noto Peninsula, how she and her husband came to acquire their home and the renovations they have done. Conversation then moves onto the Minka Preservation Society before discussing the major earthquake that struck Noto on New Years Day 2024, and the ongoing impact of that event.

If this episode is of interest to you, you might also like to listen to earlier episodes including 2, 22 and 31 in which I also spoke with kominka owners about their experience purchasing, renovating and living in their homes. For more information about the Minka Preservation Society, visit their website and you can also find them on Instagram and Facebook. You can also follow Lauren through her personal Instagram.

Outland Japan is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Peter Carnell - a freelance tour guide based in northern Nagano – that transports you to rural, regional and the wilds of Japan in pursuit of stories that lie outside the neon hum of Tokyo and golden trimmings of Kyoto. Stories of travel, life and culture beyond the big cities. Follow the show on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Please note, prior to October 2024, Outland Japan was named Snow Country Stories Japan.