Noto Peninsula

Noto Peninsula (能登半島), also known as Noto Hantō, is a picturesque peninsula that juts out into the Sea of Japan from the northern part of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Known for its rugged coastline, pristine beaches, traditional fishing villages, and well-preserved agricultural landscape, the peninsula offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

A significant portion of the peninsula is designated as the Noto Hanto Quasi-National Park, encompassing an area of approximately 100,000 hectares. Visitors to the park can indulge in a wide array of outdoor activities, such as hiking along scenic trails, fishing in the abundant waters, and swimming in the inviting sea. The park also offers opportunities for cultural immersion, allowing visitors to explore charming traditional villages, interact with friendly locals, and savor the region’s delectable cuisine.

One of the peninsula’s most popular attractions is the Wajima Morning Market (輪島朝市), a bustling market held every morning where vendors sell fresh seafood, local produce, and handcrafted souvenirs. Other notable destinations include the Notojima Aquarium (のとじま水族館), home to a diverse array of marine life, the Noto Satoyama and Satoumi Museum (能登里山里海自然学校), which showcases the region’s unique ecosystem and traditional agricultural practices, and the Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces (白米千枚田), a breathtaking landscape of terraced rice fields cascading down to the sea.

The Noto Peninsula is a haven for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking an authentic Japanese experience. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural traditions, and warm hospitality, it is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring the Hokuriku region of Japan.

Attractions in Noto Peninsula

Noto Kongo Coast The Noto Kongo Coast (能登金剛海岸) is a rugged 14-kilometer stretch of coastline located on the western side of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, J...

Keta Taisha Shrine Keta Taisha (気多大社), also known as Keta Grand Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Hakui, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the oldest...

Okunoto Coast Okunoto (奥能登), located in the northern part of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, is a remote and rugged region celebrated for its unspoile...

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (千里浜なぎさドライブウェイ) is a unique 8-kilometer (5-mile) long beach road located in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It...

Wajima City Wajima (輪島) is a city located on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It is renowned for its traditional crafts, most notably Wajima lacquerwa...

Wakura Onsen Wakura Onsen, located in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a hot spring resort renowned for its abundant hot springs and stunning ocean views. With a histo...

Getting there

By Train

From Tokyo:

1. Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa (2.5-3 hours)
2. Transfer to a JR limited express train to Wakura Onsen (1 hour)

• Total journey time: About 4 hours
• Cost: Around 16,000 yen
• Fully covered by Japan Rail Pass

By Highway Bus

• Willer operates overnight buses from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to various points on the Noto Peninsula
• Journey time: About 9 hours
• Cost: 4,500-10,000 yen
• Covered by Japan Bus Pass

By Air

• ANA operates two daily flights from Tokyo (Haneda) to Noto Airport
• Flight time: About 1 hour
• Regular fare: Around 25,000 yen one-way
• Discount fares: 11,000-18,000 yen

From Kanazawa

• Limited express trains to Wakura Onsen (1 hour, every 2-3 hours)
• Local JR Nanao Line trains to Nanao Station (90 minutes, 1-2 per hour)
• Highway buses to various locations, including Wajima (2 hours) and Suzu (3 hours)