Q: Does the backup include my "Notes"?

See here for iTunes and iCloud backup content:

About backups in iCloud and iTunes - Apple Support

Yes. Also if you have your notes on your iCloud account then they will be backed up twice. One time for iCloud synchronizing and the other for an iCloud backup.

-Zeph

According to the Apple article/website that Jim referenced above, iCloud Notes are not backed up because they already exist in iCloud.

iCloud backups include nearly all data and settings stored on your device. iCloud backups don't include:

• Data that's already stored in the cloud, like contacts, calendars, notes, My Photo Stream, and iCloud Photo Library