The Noto Peninsula stretches about 110 kilometers in a straight line from Kanazawa City to its tip, making it the largest peninsula on the Sea of Japan side. The areas that suffered the most severe damage from the earthquake were in the Oku-Noto Northernmost region, including Wajima City, Suzu City, Anamizu Town, and Noto Town. Nanao City and Shika Town were also significantly affected, but recovery efforts there are progressing more quickly compared to Oku-Noto.

When traveling from Kanazawa to Noto, transportation options include driving or a combination of train and bus. While road conditions have mostly been restored, some roads in the Oku-Noto area remain closed to general vehicles. Rail services, including the JR Nanao Line and the Noto Railway, have resumed operations. As for bus services in the Oku-Noto region, some routes are running on temporary schedules, and others remain partially suspended.

【Please take note of the following points when traveling in Noto. 】

・Even on roads that are passable, there are bumps and swells, and some roads are alternating traffic. Please drive with extreme caution.

・There are many areas with poor footing. Please watch your step when walking.

・Some public restrooms may not be available. Please make sure to use the ones that are open as early as possible.

Noto Railway (Japanese only)

https://nototetsu.jp/

Hokuriku Railroad (Japanese only)

http://www.hokutetsu.co.jp/archives/51749?ver1

There are few scars from the earthquake damage, and the area was not damaged by the torrential rains, so most places can be reached without problems. Since it is close to Kanazawa, it is recommended for those who want to visit easily and feel a bit of Noto's atmosphere.

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (Hodatsu-shimizu town, Hakui city)

This is one of the few beaches in the world where you can drive a car, bus, or motorcycle through the surf. (Not affected by the earthquake, but may be closed due to weather conditions, etc.)

https://www.ishikawatravel.jp/en/spots/chirihama-nagisa-driveway/

Keta Taisha Shrine (Hakui city)

This is the oldest shrine in Noto Province. There are five buildings designated as important cultural properties by the national government, including the main shrine, and the “Hairazu-no-Mori” forest, a sanctuary and a national natural treasure. It is also famous as a marriage spot. 

https://keta.jp/ (Japanese only)

Cosmo Isle Hakui Space Science Museum (Hakui city)

It is a spectacular sight to see the former Soviet “Vostok Space Capsule,” the first successful manned flight of mankind, and other authentic pieces of human space history and real hulls made for backup lined up in a narrow space. The museum was temporarily closed for a while due to the earthquake, but is now operating normally. *Closed from January 14, 2025 to April 1, for major renovation work.

http://www.hakui.ne.jp/ufo/index.html (Japanese only)

Michi-no-Eki Noto Chirihama (Hakui city)

It has a direct sales shop that sells a variety of good products from Hakui and Noto, as well as restaurants, a bakery, and a gelato store. Located near the Chirihama Beach Driveway and the Noto Satoyama Kaido road, stop by on your way to or from Noto!

Michi-no-Eki Nakanoto (Nakanoto town)

Located adjacent to National Route 159 from Hodatsu-shimizu Town to Nanao City, it also served as a relay point for disaster recovery after the Noto Peninsula earthquake. There is a food court and dog run, and freshly picked vegetables brought in by local producers, handmade side dishes, and boxed lunches are also popular.

In addition to the above, there are many other places to visit, including Hodatsu-yama Mountain, Omurice Town (Hodatsushimizu Town), Myojoji Temple, Eikouji Temple (Hakui City), Isurugi-yama Mountain, and Noto-jofu Fine Linen Hall (Nakanoto Town).

Shika Town recorded an intensity 7 earthquake and was severely damaged. Today, both Nanao City and Shika Town are recovering, and are easily accessible by train from Kanazawa. Visitors can fully enjoy Noto's beautiful sea, natural scenery, gourmet food, hot springs, history, culture, and more.

Notojima Aquarium (Nanao city)

The facility suffered significant damage to its breeding equipment due to the earthquake and was temporarily closed. However, it partially resumed operations in July 2024. The exhibition of the whale sharks resumed in October 2024, and the dolphin show was restarted on March 22, 2025, marking a full recovery.

https://www.notoaqua.jp/global/english/

Notojima Glass Studio (Nanao City)

Located on a hill with a view of Nanao Bay, visitors can not only observe the process of glassblowing but also participate in various glass-making experiences. The studio resumed operations in March. It is adjacent to the Roadside Station "Michi-no-Eki Notojima" (partially reopened).

https://notojimaglass.com/ (Japanese only)

Wakura Onsen Soyu (Nanao city)

Public bathhouse of Wakura Onsen, a famous hot spring with a history of about 1,200 years. While many inns are closed due to the earthquake, it is open for regular business. Please feel free to drop in and enjoy the hot spring of Wakura Onsen.

https://www.wakura.co.jp/index.html (Japanese only)

Noto Shokusai Market (Nanao city)

A treasure trove of food, offering fresh, morning-caught seafood, Noto specialties, and restaurants. In November 2024, the seaside grilling corner, where visitors can grill and eat on-site, was renovated and reopened! Currently, it is operating temporarily, so please check the details, including business hours, below.

http://www.shokusai.co.jp/#

Nanao Castle Ruins (Nanao city)

The castle of the Hatakeyama clan, the guardians of Noto, is one of the five great mountain castles in Japan. A historical site where many of the stonewalls of each ring still remain.

Ganmon Sea Cave and Senjo-jiki Rock (Shika Town)

Representing Noto Kongo Coast, one of the most famous scenic spots on the Noto Peninsula, Ganmon is a cave approximately 60 meters deep formed by erosion. There was no significant damage from the earthquake to the adjacent Senjo-jiki Rock, which stretches out into the wave-eroded shelf.

Noto Kongo Sightseeing Boat Cruise (Shika Town): It operates around Noto Kongo's Ganmon, Takanosu Rock, and Goban Island. The boat was damaged by the tsunami and was temporarily suspended, but regular operations resumed in July 2024. The boat operates from mid-March to mid-November, and services may be canceled during the winter months or on days with rough seas.

https://ganmon.jp/en/

Hatago Rock (Shika Town)

Another iconic landscape representing Noto Kongo Coast. The two rocks are positioned close together, earning them the nickname "Wedded Rocks". There was no significant impact from the earthquake.

Masuhoura Beach (Shika Town)

The approximately 4 km long coastline is considered one of Japan’s top three small shell beaches, where visitors can find various small and beautiful seashells, including the Sakura shell. The beach also features the "World's Longest Bench" and a campground.

Yoshitsune no Funakakushi (Shika Town)

This rocky cliff is the site of a legend where a famous samurai, Yoshitsune and Benkei are said to have hidden their boat to avoid rough seas while heading to northeastern region of Japan. It is a place worth visiting along with the "Yase Cliff," which is connected by a nature trail.

The northern area of peninsula (Oku-Noto) has suffered devastating earthquake damage, and further heavy rain has added to the devastation. If you visit, you will inevitably see the scars left by the earthquake and flooding, but it is important to witness the current state of Oku-Noto and take home the feelings you experience. While recovery is still underway and some places may be difficult to reach, we have picked out spots that are relatively easy to visit.

Ika-no-Eki Tsukumall (Noto town)

You can enjoy delicious local specialties—including squid, the area’s pride—while taking in the beautiful views of Tsukumo Bay. The iconic "Ika King" (Squid King) statue is a popular photo spot. Sightseeing boat rides and marine activities are currently suspended.

https://ikanoeki.com/ (Japanese only)

Koiji Beach (Noto Town)

A peaceful sandy beach and the striking red torii gate on Benten Island create a memorable view. The area is named "Koiji", meaning "lover’s path", after a local legend of a tragic love story.

Mitsukejima island (Suzu City): Also known as “Battleship Island” for its ship-like shape, this striking rock formation was severely damaged and reshaped by the recent earthquake. Many visitors to Oku-Noto stop by to witness the power of the disaster firsthand.

Michi-no-Eki Suzunari (Suzu City): This roadside station features the Suzunari Center, which houses a tourist information center and local product shop. The newly opened "Suzunari Shokudo" (resutaurant) and "Suzu Kitchen" (lunchi box shop) next door are also popular with visitors.

NOTOMORI (Wajima City): A temporary food court located in the first parking lot of Noto Satoyama Airport. It hosts six restaurants affected by the disaster, offering meals and drinks to visitors in the area.

https://noto-mori.jp/ (Japanese only)

Noto-Kashima Station (Anamizu Town): Nicknamed "Noto Sakura Station", its platform is lined with around 100 cherry blossom trees. From the platform, you can also enjoy a sweeping view of Nanao Bay. In mid-April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, many people visit and food stalls line the station front.

This model itinerary introduces easy half-day or full-day trips to the sightseeing spots featured in this special section.

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway and Keta Taisha Shrine [Half-Day Course by Car]

A one-hour drive from Kanazawa Station takes you along the scenic Chirihama Nagisa Driveway to Keta Taisha Shrine. On the way back, consider stopping by Roadside Station Michi-no-Eki Noto Chirihama or Cosmo Isle Hakui Space Science Museum.

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway to Noto Kongo Coast [1-Day Course by Car]

Extend the above course to visit Ganmon Sea Cave, Masuhoura Beach, and Yoshitsune no Funakakushi, with a journey of just under two hours one way. On a clear day, the sunset over the Japan Sea from places like Hatago Rock is also a highlight.

Notojima Island and Around Nanao [Half-Day to 1-Day Course by Car]

Travel from Kanazawa Station via the Noto Satoyama Kaido Road to Notojima Island. In about 1.5 hours, you'll reach Notojima Aquarium and Notojima Glass Studio. If you have extra time, consider visiting Wakura Onsen hot spring, Noto Shokusai Market, or Nanao Castle. On the way, you can also drive along Chirihama Nagisa Driveway or stop by Roadside Station Michi-no-Eki Nakanoto add more to your trip.

Noto Railway, Wakura Onsen, and Around Nanao [1-Day Course by Train]

Take a 3-hour train ride from Kanazawa Station to Anamizu Station, enjoying the scenic journey. During cherry blossom season, you can make a stop at Noto Kashima Station to enjoy the flowers. On the return trip, relax in the hot springs at Wakura Onsen Public Bathhouse, Soyu, and choose souvenirs at Noto Shokusai Market.

Ika-no-Eki Tsukumall, Tsukumo Bay, and Suzunari-kan [1-Day Course by Bus]

From Kanazawa Station, take the bus bound for Noto Satoyama Airport, and at the last stop, transfer to the bus bound for Suzunari-kan and get off the bus at Tsukumo Bay. After enjoying Tsukumo Bay, take the bus to Suzunari-kan.