Noto Peninsula, Peninsula in northern Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
The Noto Peninsula stretches roughly 100 kilometers into the Sea of Japan, forming the northernmost extension of Ishikawa Prefecture. Along its coastline, steep cliffs alternate with sandy beaches and fishing villages, while the interior features terraced rice fields and forested hills.
Before the Meiji era, this region formed the independent province of Noto, a name believed to derive from an Ainu term for large cape. The area served for centuries as an important trade route along Japan's western coast and developed its own craft traditions.
The peninsula maintains traditional crafts, including Wajima lacquerware production techniques dating back 500 years and ancient salt-farming methods.
Trains run regularly from Kanazawa to Nanao and Wakura Onsen, and Noto Satoyama Airport offers daily flights to Tokyo. Renting a car makes it easier to reach remote villages and coastal stretches that are difficult to access by public transport.
At the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, vehicles can drive along roughly 8 kilometers of sandy beach directly beside the sea, which is uncommon in Japan. The firm, fine-grained sand supports the weight of cars and allows this experience during low tide.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
