Noto Peninsula Coastal Drive One Day Course

This driving plan follows the rugged outer coast of Noto, starting from Chirihama where you can drive on the sand. Due to the 2024 Noto earthquake and heavy rains, some roads and facilities are still being restored. Always check the latest traffic information before you go and enjoy the charm of Noto within safe limits.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Chirihama Nagisa Driveway This roughly 8 kilometer route is the only place in Japan where you can drive a car on the wave washed sand. There is no toll, and a one way run takes about 15 minutes. Enjoy a refreshing drive with the sea breeze. Note that the road may be closed on days of high waves or poor sand conditions, and in recent years such restrictions have tended to last longer. Be sure to check the Ishikawa Prefecture traffic restriction information before you set out. 10:30 Ganmon on the Noto Kongo Coast Visit the scenic Ganmon, a sea cave carved by the waves. View the wild beauty of the outer coast from the walking path. 12:00 Lunch at a Roadside Station Stop at a roadside station along the way for set meals using Noto seafood and local fish such as blackthroat sea perch. 13:30 View the Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces Head to the Shiroyone Senmaida, known for its terraced fields. Rice growing has partly resumed, and the adjacent roadside station may open only on limited days, so check in advance. 15:00 Stroll the Town of Wajima Visit the center of Wajima, famous for Wajima lacquerware. Watch over the recovery and visit shops and workshops that are open.

Highlights

The outer coast of Noto is known for its dynamic scenery shaped by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan. The sand driving at Chirihama is a one of a kind experience. The Shiroyone terraces are slowly coming back to life after the disaster, and the sight gives a sense of hope for recovery.

Access and Tips

This course assumes you use a rental car. Before departure, be sure to check the latest road recovery information from Ishikawa Prefecture and the transport ministry, as well as the official sites of each facility for opening status. Some sections still have closures or detours, so plan with plenty of time to spare.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: For the coastal scenery, spring to early summer and autumn are comfortable, when the air is clear and the sea shows a deep blue. Chirihama is also lovely at dusk, but visibility drops after sunset, so driving while it is still light is recommended.
• Time needed: About an hour by car from central Kanazawa to Chirihama. The route runs north from Chirihama past Ganmon toward Wajima, and allowing more time than usual is safest given the closures and detours from the disaster.
• Budget sense: The Chirihama drive and coastal viewpoints are free. The main costs are the rental car and fuel, meals, and souvenirs such as Wajima lacquerware. Eating and shopping at local stores in the spirit of supporting recovery is a good idea.
• Avoiding crowds and safety: When driving on the sand, keep away from the water line and stay on the drier sand. It cannot be driven at all in certain tide and wave conditions, so never force it. If it is closed, consider an alternative coastal route.
• Nearby real spots: Along the Noto outer coast, besides Ganmon, scenic points facing the Sea of Japan such as Hatagoiwa and the Yase cliffs are scattered about. Check which facilities are open and drop by within safe limits.

A Quick Tip

Noto is still on the road to recovery. Keep consideration for the affected areas in mind, and visiting with the spirit of supporting through tourism by eating and shopping at local stores will make the trip more memorable. Road and facility conditions change day by day, so checking the latest information once more on the morning of your trip is reassuring.

📚 Sources

This article draws on official tourism information from Noto's municipalities and Ishikawa Prefecture, information published by facilities and tourism associations, and road and transport guidance, organizing a model course along the Noto coastline from a general perspective. The Noto region still bears effects of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, and road closures and facilities' operating status may have changed. Facilities' hours, fees, and closed days may also change. Please be sure to check the latest recovery, operating, and passability information on the official local-government and facility sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: A driving course along the Noto coast generally takes a full day. Detours may be needed on recovering sections, so allow plenty of extra time.
• What to bring / prepare: As it is a long drive, prepare drinks and light food; the shore can be windy on some days, so a jacket is reassuring. Plan fuel stops and breaks too.
• Suggested route: Tour the coastal highlights mentioned in the body in a reasonable order while checking which routes are passable. Depending on recovery status, the itinerary may need adjusting.
• Ways to enjoy the surroundings: Where a hot spring or eatery can be visited, savor Noto's bounty along with the sea views. Simply visiting also supports the region.
• Points to note: Owing to the earthquake, road and facility conditions can change daily. Be sure to check the latest closure and operating information both before departure and en route.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• What this route assumes: A rental car is absolutely essential. It takes about 1 hour by car from central Kanazawa to Chirihama, and from there the route passes Ganmon before heading north towards Wajima. Because road closures and detours remain in some sections following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake of Reiwa 6 (2024) and the heavy rains, allow 1 to 2 hours more than usual and plan a relaxed schedule. Even under normal conditions it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes from the Shika area to the Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces.
• Checking road and facility conditions: Check the road information on "Ishikawa Michi Joho Net" and the official information for each facility twice, once before you set out and again on the morning of your visit. You can also check the restriction status of the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway with the Hakui Civil Engineering Office (0767-22-1225). When the driveway is partially open, access is limited to the stretch from either the Yanagase entrance or the Chirihama IC as far as the rest house.
• Operating status of individual facilities: The Senmaida Pocket Park roadside station is open only at weekends, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, with the shop open 10:00-15:00 and the restaurant 11:00-14:00. At Ganmon the car park (150 spaces) is available, but there are still sections of the grounds that cannot be entered. For the operating status of the Noto Kongo sightseeing boats, contact Noto Kongo Yuransen (0767-48-1233).
• Rough guide to costs: Driving the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway and enjoying the coastal views are free of charge. Your main expenses will be the rental car and fuel, meals, and souvenirs such as Wajima lacquerware. Eating and shopping at local businesses is also a good way to support the region's recovery.
• What needs to be booked: Many restaurants and places to stay in the Noto area have not yet reopened, and those that are open may be operating with a reduced number of seats. We strongly recommend booking or checking ahead for both meals and accommodation.
• Points to note: When driving on the sand, the rule is to avoid the water's edge and stay on the dry sand. Driving may be impossible depending on the tide and wave conditions, so never force it. Reconstruction vehicles use some sections of road, so refrain from parking on the shoulder or photographing worksites, and be considerate of residents' daily lives in the affected villages. Petrol stations are limited, so make a point of refuelling early.

* Road conditions, opening days and opening hours change from day to day. Please always check the latest information on the official websites of the local authorities and each facility before you set out.