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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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.