Noto Peninsula Nature Excursion with Private Car

The remote Noto Peninsula stretches roughly 100 kilometers into the Sea of Japan. Its secluded location and timeless charm offer the perfect escape from Kanazawa and Japan’s bustling cities. Along its rugged coastlines, you’ll find fishing villages, agricultural landscapes, and living traditions in craftsmanship that have endured for centuries. Winding coastal roads will lead us past dramatic cliffs and quiet beaches with scenic stops along the way. In early 2024, a major earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula, leaving a lasting impact on its communities, landscapes, and cultural heritage. While recovery efforts are ongoing, visible signs of damage remain throughout the region and may evoke strong emotional responses. This meaningful road trip invites you to explore Noto’s breathtaking landscapes and enduring traditions while directly supporting the people and places working hard to rebuild.

1. 1

   Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

   10 min

   If weather permits, we will drive directly on the sandy beach with the sea beside us.

2. 2

   Myojo-ji Temple

   40 min

   Myojoji is the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism in the region, set on expansive green grounds centered around a five-storied pagoda completed in 1618. Founded in 1294, most of its well-preserved buildings date to the 1600s and were constructed under the patronage of the Maeda family, reflecting Nichiren Buddhism’s belief that all people possess the potential to attain enlightenment in this lifetime.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   45 min

   Ganmon is a sea cave on the rugged Kongo coast of the Noto Peninsula, formed by erosion into a massive rock rising from the sea and crowned by an old pine tree. From mid-March to mid-November, boat rides take visitors around Ganmon and nearby rock formations along the dramatic Sea of Japan coastline.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Pass by

   Sacred rocks These two rocks are considered sacred, which is why they are connected by a rope, in Japanese shimenawa , used in the Shinto religion to mark the presence of sacred spirits. At the top of the rock on the left, the most impressive, is a small altar, in the form of a red sanctuary.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   1 hour

   we will visit a traditional Soy sauce brewery and shop

6. 6

   Stop 6

   20 min

   enjoy a footpath and shop local specialties from the Noto peninsula.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   45 min

   visit the Kita Residence, a well-preserved samurai mansion with 16 traditional rooms that reflect the wealth of its former owners. It includes special features for visits by the ruling lord, and a nearby museum displays samurai armor and other family heirlooms. The Kita family served as local administrators of the Kaga domain, once overseeing more than 100 farming villages.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.