A refreshing seaside drive
The Noto Peninsula, which protrudes into the Sea of Japan, has a freeway along the coastline. It’s a great driving route where you can enjoy the refreshing sea breezes and varied scenery. Go to “Chirihama Beach Driveway,” where you can drive on the sandy beach, and visit the small green “Notojima Island” on the east side of the peninsula.
| DAY 1 |
|---|
| 1. Depart from Komatsu Airport |
| 2. Noto Satoyama Kaido Freeway |
| 3. Chirihama Beach Driveway |
| 4. Keta Taisha Shrine |
| 5. Myojoji Temple |
| 6. Nanao Ippon-sugi Street |
| 7. Noto Shokusai Ichiba (Nanao Fisherman's Wharf) |
| 8. Wakura Onsen ≪Stay overnight≫ |
| DAY 2 |
| Notojima Island |
| 9. Notojima Glass Art Museum |
| 10. Notojima Aquarium |
| DAY 1 |
|---|
| 1. Depart from Komatsu Airport |
| 2. Noto Satoyama Kaido Freeway |
| 3. Chirihama Beach Driveway |
| 4. Keta Taisha Shrine |
| 5. Myojoji Temple |
| 6. Nanao Ippon-sugi Street |
| 7. Noto Shokusai Ichiba (Nanao Fisherman's Wharf) |
| 8. Wakura Onsen ≪Stay overnight≫ |
| DAY 2 |
| Notojima Island |
| 9. Notojima Glass Art Museum |
| 10. Notojima Aquarium |
DAY 1
Komatsu Airport
Komatsu airport, located at about 30-kilometer distance from Kanazawa, is connected with various places in Japan and overseas. It plays a gateway role in Hokuriku area. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Hakusan range of peaks over the runway if the weather is good.
Noto Satoyama Kaido Freeway
This 90-kilometer vehicle-only road connecting Kanazawa and the Noto Peninsula is a great driving road along the blue coastline and running through green hills.
Chirihama Beach Driveway
You can drive a car on this sandy beach, which makes it quite rare in the world. The hard, tightly packed sand means there is an approx. 8-kilometer drive to enjoy along the shore.
Keta Taisha Shrine
This 2100-year-old shrine stands on a hill facing the Sea of Japan. It features magnificent historic shrine constructions, such as the gate and a worship hall, which are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
Myojoji Temple
Founded in 1294, its ten buildings, including the main hall and five-storied pagoda, are designated as National Important Cultural Properties. It also has some beautiful and well-renowned gardens.
Nanao Ippon-sugi Street
Enjoy shopping as you walk along this street with a history dating back over 600 years. It features a mixture of traditional shops such as a candle shop and a soy sauce shop, in addition to newly opened fashionable shops housed in old buildings.
Noto Shokusai Ichiba (Nanao Fisherman's Wharf)
The tourist facilities, comprising a number of restaurants and Noto’s specialty shops, also serve as a “Michi-no-Eki.”
Wakura Onsen
This lively hot spring resort in Nanao, the central city of Noto Peninsula, features a number of large ryokans along the coast overlooking the shimmering blue of Nanao Bay.
DAY 2
Notojima Island
Located on the east coast of the Noto Peninsula, the small Notojima Island is 72 kilometers around with a population of just over 3,000. It is accessed simply by crossing the Notojima Bridge from Wakura Onsen. Let’s enjoy a drive around the island’s peaceful landscapes while stopping by museums and roadside stations.
Notojima Glass Art Museum
Located on a small hill overlooking the sea, this art museum exhibits glass sculptures based on works by Picasso and Chagall, among others.
Notojima Aquarium
There is so much to see at this aquarium, including a dolphin and sea lion show, sea otter feeding, and a penguin walk. It can get particularly crowded during the summer, with many family visitors.
