Noto Peninsula Road Trip: Coastal Drives, Seafood & Lacquerware Towns

The Noto Coastal Loop: Route Overview

The Noto Peninsula (能登半島) extends north from Kanazawa into the Sea of Japan, and a coastal road trip around it is one of the most rewarding driving experiences in Japan. The full loop is approximately 250 km, starting from Kanazawa, heading north along the rugged western coast to Wajima, crossing the peninsula's tip, and returning south along the calmer eastern coast via Nanao.

This is not a day trip. Plan at least two days — one night in Wajima or Wakura Onsen. The western coast has dramatic cliffs, a beach you can drive on, and fishing villages where seafood comes straight from the morning catch. The eastern coast is gentler, with bay towns and hot springs. Together they offer a side of Ishikawa that Kanazawa alone cannot show you.

A note on the 2024 Noto earthquake: the peninsula experienced significant damage in January 2024. According to the Ishikawa Prefecture Tourism Federation, most coastal roads and major attractions reopened by 2025. Check current conditions on the Ishikawa travel site before departing. For a broader overview of the peninsula beyond driving, see our Noto Peninsula guide and the Ishikawa city guide.

Western Coast: Chirihama Beach Drive and Noto Kongo

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway: Driving on the Beach

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (千里浜なぎさドライブウェイ) is an 8-kilometer stretch of hard-packed sand beach where regular cars can drive right along the waterline. According to the official Chirihama site, it is the only beach in Japan — and one of very few in the world — where standard vehicles are permitted.

The driveway is accessible when the tide is out and weather permits. Check status at the entrance signs or the official app before driving. At sunset with the Sea of Japan stretching to the horizon, it is one of the most memorable moments on the trip.

Chirihama is about 40 minutes from Kanazawa via the Noto Satoyama Kaido toll road. It makes a natural first stop heading north.

Noto Kongo Coast and Ganmon Sea Arch

Continuing north, the Noto Kongo coast (能登金剛) stretches roughly 30 km with dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and rock formations. The highlight is Ganmon (巌門), a natural sea arch that sightseeing boats pass through. According to Noto Kongo sightseeing boat operators, tours run from March to November, take about 30 minutes, and cost ¥1,500 (~$10) for adults and ¥750 (~$5) for children. Reservations are recommended.

The coastal road between Chirihama and Wajima passes through this section — pull over frequently for viewpoints.

Wajima: Morning Market and Lacquerware Town

Wajima Morning Market: Seafood and Crafts

Wajima Morning Market (輪島朝市) is one of Japan's most atmospheric open-air markets. According to the official market site, it operates daily from 8:00 to approximately 12:00, featuring vendors selling fresh Sea of Japan seafood — sweet shrimp, squid, dried fish — alongside local crafts and lacquerware.

The market runs along a single street in central Wajima. Arrive by 8:30 for the best selection and fewest crowds. Haggling is accepted for craft items but not for food. Entry is free.

Wajima-nuri Lacquerware Workshops

Wajima-nuri (輪島塗) is a traditional lacquerware craft recognized for its extraordinary durability — pieces are built up through dozens of layers of natural urushi lacquer. Wajima has been the center of this craft for centuries, and workshops along the town's main streets offer demonstrations and sales.

Some workshops offer hands-on experiences where visitors can try applying lacquer or painting designs. Check locally for current availability, as some workshops are still rebuilding after the 2024 earthquake.

Northern Tip and Eastern Coast: Senmaida and Nanao

From Wajima, the road continues east along the peninsula's northern coast past Shiroyone Senmaida (白米千枚田) — 1,004 terraced rice fields cascading down a steep hillside to the sea. According to the official Senmaida site, the terraces are viewable year-round and free. The best time for photography is May to June when the paddies are flooded and reflect the sky, or October when the rice turns golden.

The eastern coast heading south toward Nanao is calmer than the western side — sheltered bays, fishing ports, and the onsen town of Wakura. The drive from Wajima to Nanao takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Driving Tips, Fuel, and Accommodation

Fuel, Maps, and Road Conditions

• Fuel up in Kanazawa before heading north. Gas stations become sparse once you pass Chirihama, particularly along the western coast.
• Download offline maps. Cell coverage is patchy in remote coastal areas between Noto Kongo and Wajima.
• Winding roads: The western coast road twists along cliffs. Allow extra time for slow sections and photo stops. Speed limits are typically 40-50 km/h on coastal stretches.
• Post-earthquake road conditions: Most major routes reopened by 2025, but check the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) road information site for any remaining restrictions.

Rent your car in Kanazawa (widest selection) or at Komatsu Airport. International driving permits are required for non-Japanese licenses.

Where to Stay: Wakura Onsen and Ryokan

The natural overnight stop is either Wajima (for the morning market the next day) or Wakura Onsen (和倉温泉) on the eastern coast, one of Ishikawa's most established hot spring towns. After a full day of coastal driving, soaking in an onsen ryokan is the ideal way to end the first day.

Book ahead for weekends and autumn — accommodation on the peninsula is limited and popular properties fill quickly.