DESTINATIONS
Noto Peninsula
Stunning coastlines, rural landscapes, and a rich agricultural history
The remote Noto Peninsula in northern Ishikawa extends about 100 kilometers into the Sea of Japan. Its secluded location and rustic charm make an ideal escape from Kanazawa and Japan's other major cities. The area is home to beautiful coastal scenery, quaint fishing villages, thriving agricultural traditions, and centuries-old craft cultures. The main centers, Wakura Onsen and Wajima, each have a relaxed atmosphere and make ideal bases for exploring the area.
Breathtaking natural scenery
The rugged coastlines and secluded beaches of the Noto Peninsula lend themselves well to exploration via scenic drives and cycling tours. The peninsula's coasts are defined by dramatic rock formations and cliffs, such as Ganmon Sea Cave, the Sosogi Coast, and Mitsukejima rock island. For more spectacular scenery, take in the views from the Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces that overlook the Sea of Japan, or enjoy a drive along the 8-kilometer-long Chirihama Nagisa Driveway on Noto's western coast—the only sandy beach in the country where driving is allowed.
Timeless cultural heritage
Noto's thriving agricultural traditions and crafts offer a window into the area's distinctive culture. The charming town of Wajima is a center of culture on the Noto Peninsula. It is best known for 500 years of lacquerware production and its lively morning market. Kiriko, the towering lantern floats carried during summer festivals across the peninsula, are on display at the Wajima Kiriko Art Museum. Traditional salt-farming methods are still practiced at the Okunoto Salt Farm Village.
Rural hospitality
The people of Noto welcome visitors with warmth and care. Try a farmhouse stay and experience the area's traditional way of life first-hand: forage for mushrooms and mountain vegetables in the surrounding forests or make charcoal for the large sunken hearth that is typical of such homes. Friendly tours around Notojima Island encourage visitors to interact with locals and learn about their sustainable agriculture methods.
Must-see spots
Getting here
Hokutetsu Bus operates highway express bus routes from Kanazawa to various points on the Noto Peninsula, including Wajima, Anamizu, and Suzu. The ride to Wajima takes about 2 hours. Trains from Kanazawa Station run to Nanao, Hakui, and Wakura Onsen. The trip to Wakura Onsen takes as little as 50 minutes on the fastest limited express trains.
ANA has two daily flights between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Noto Satoyama Airport. The trip takes about 1 hour.
Getting around
Hokutetsu Bus operates some routes, and the Noto Railway links Anamizu and Wakura Onsen, but public transport on the Noto Peninsula is relatively limited.
A road trip around Noto is the perfect way to take in the peninsula's natural beauty and experience the slow pace of rural life. Renting a car is recommended to make the most out of your trip in Noto. Car rental outlets are located at Noto Satoyama Airport and most major towns and stations. You can also rent a car in Kanazawa and start your journey from there.
For a more leisurely pace, try renting bicycles in Wakura Onsen or Notojima Island. Tourism information centers in Wajima and Suzu have electric-assisted bicycles available.
For service from Noto Satoyama Airport, Furusato Taxi runs jumbo taxis by reservation to anywhere on the peninsula.
