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.
 

Wajima is around a one-hour drive from Wakura Onsen and has a population of around 30,000. The largest city in the northern part of the Noto Peninsula is called “Oku Noto” and is also known as a fishing port. The vibrant “Wajima Asaichi” (Morning Market) and the traditional crafts of Wajima lacquerware make up the tourism centerpiece.

The morning market is said to have a history dating back over 1000 years and is open almost every day. The high street where the market is held contains shops selling seafood, vegetables, lacquerware, Japanese confectionery, etc. and gets crowded with many shoppers.
 

• Sojiji Temple
• Michino-eki Wajima

Wajima lacquerware, one of the oldest lacquerwares in Japan, is popular in the country as a luxury item. At “Wajima Kobo Nagaya,” you can see the manufacturing process of Wajima lacquerware and experience its pattern painting.
 

• Wajima Onsen

From July to September, a vibrant “Kiriko Festival” is held in various places across the Noto Peninsula. Kiriko is a huge lantern that is regarded as Yorishiro, a representative object of a divine spirit. A number of Kiriko, which plays a main part in the festival, are on display at the Wajima Kiriko Art Museum.
 

If you drive about 11 kilometers along the route 249 from the center of the city of Wajima, you will arrive at Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces. These rice terraces, which local farmer have cultivated for over 1300 years, are interwoven with the beautiful scenery of Noto and the Sea of Japan in the background entertain the eyes of visitors.
 

• Michino-eki Senmaida Pocket Park

A splendid cliff view stretches for about 2 kilometers along the coast and is nationally designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty as well as a Natural Monument. In the harsh winter season, fluffy white cotton-like “Wave Flowers” cover the sea surface, blowing like snow in the seasonal wind.
 

Salt-making using a traditional “Agehama”-style technique continues to be performed in this coastal area. You can experience salt-making at “Suzu Endenmura” and also buy natural salt made using the Agehama-style technique.
 

The “OKU-NOTO TRIENNALE” was held in Suzu, a town on the northernmost tip of the Noto Peninsula in 2017. It showcased works by 39 pairs of artists in various places across the city. Some of the works remained on permanent display after the end of the art festival.
 

Rokkozaki is situated on the tip of the peninsula and has a 130-year-old white-walled lighthouse. Park your car at the “Roadside station Noroshi” and walk up the slope and steps for a wide panoramic view from the cliff, where you can also hear the breaking waves.
 

• Michino-eki Noroshi

The rough coastline eroded by waves completely changes after Rokkozaki, with a calm landscape of the bay and inlet unfolding.
Mitsukejima Island is Noto’s symbol, rising 28 meters up out of the sea. There is a small rock path that takes you close to the island.
 

• Suzu Ware Museum
• Michino-eki Suzunari
• Tsukumowan Bay