VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

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.

Now, when going out from Kanazawa to Noto, transportation is by car or by train and bus. As for the road conditions, there are still some roads in Okunoto, especially in the northern part of the Noto Peninsula called “Sotoura,” that are closed to general vehicles. As for the railroads, both the JR Nanao Line and the Noto Railway have been restored. As for buses, some routes in the Okunoto area have been rerouted, with some sections suspended or rerouted.

【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)

https://www.hokutetsu.co.jp/

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. 

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 was temporarily closed due to severe damage to breeding facilities caused by the earthquake, but has now been fully restored and is open as usual.

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 2024. It is adjacent to the Roadside Station "Michi-no-Eki Notojima" (Closed).

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.The major road from the ruins of the Shodomaru to the Honmaru, which was closed due to the earthquake, has been opened, and the Shiroyama Observatory is now open for visitors.

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.The Sotoura area, which was particularly badly damaged, has made progress in road restoration and is now easier 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. The sightseeing boats have reopened, but marine leisure activities are closed.

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.

Mitsukejima (Suzu City): Also known as “Gunkanjima,” or “Battleship Island,” it was shaped like a ship, but the earthquake caused it to collapse and drastically change its shape. More than a year has passed since the earthquake, and while dead trees have become more noticeable on the upper part, the greenery underneath is gradually changing, spreading to the entire island. 

Roadside Station Suzunari (Suzunari, Suzu City): There is a tourist information center and the Suzunari Kan, which sells Suzu products. Suzunari Shokudo (Suzunari Restaurant) and Suzu Kitchen (boxed lunches), which opened next door, are also popular. https://www.facebook.com/notosuzunari/

Rokkozaki (Suzu City): Rokkozaki is located at the tip of the Noto Peninsula, on the border between Uchiura and Sotoura. The white lighthouse is one of the 50 best lighthouses in Japan. The signposts to Tokyo, Shanghai, Busan, and Vladivostok that stand on the observatory overlooking the Sea of Japan are popular photo spots. 

Kinoura Marine Park (Suzu City): The Kinoura Marine Park is said to have one of the cleanest seas in the Noto Peninsula's Sotoura area. Although the earthquake uplifted the sea by about 2 meters, the clear blue sea remains unchanged. There is an accommodation facility “Kinoura Village” on the hill, where you can stay overnight for sightseeing. https://kinoura-village.com/

Shiosai Restaurant (Suzu City): Designed by architect Shigeru Ban in conjunction with the Okunoto International Art Festival 2023, the restaurant offers a view of the beautiful Sea of Japan from every seat. After two closures due to the earthquake and torrential rain, the restaurant will reopen in May 2025. The restaurant offers dishes using a wide variety of ingredients from Noto. https://www.suzu-stm.jp/shiosairestaurant.html 

Roadside Station Suzu Endenmura (Suzu City): Located in the middle of the “Okunotozekkei Kaido” road, this roadside station reopened for business in March 2025. The salt is produced using the “Agehama method,” which has a history of 500 years, and a variety of products using this salt are sold. The “Salt Milk Soft Ice Cream” is very popular. https://enden.jp/