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Ishikawa Prefecture
Itineraries

Courtesy of Walter L. Keats
Itinerary Type :
Architecture, Scenic Drives
Number of Stops :
8
Est. Drive :
30 km / 18.5 miles - 49 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 40 minutes and 2 hours 40 minutes
Flathead Fishing Watchtowers are a unique, historic cultural element in the Anamizu area of the Noto Peninsula. They were first reported in the West by the young Percival Lawrence Lowell (1855-1916) who later went on to fame as an astronomer at Harvard University, his alma mater. (The Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona was founded by him.) As a young man from a wealthy and prominent Boston family he traveled extensively in Far East in the 1880s, including an overland trilp from Tokyo to the Noto Peninsula where he was one of the first non-Japanese to visit. As a result of his experiences on that trip he wrote "Noto: An Unexplored Corner of Japan" published in 1891. It is in that book that he describes seeing the Flathead Fishing Towers.

This itinerary begins at the Anamizu Station. It includes stops at all the flathead mullet fishing towers in the Anamizu and Hosu area. Several are not easily seen from the road.

Courtesy of Wikipedia
Itinerary Type :
Golf
Number of Stops :
22
Est. Drive :
749 km / 465.4 miles - 14 hours and 56 minutes
The golf courses in this DriveJapan "itinerary" (which is not meant to be comprehensive) are listed in alphabetic order rather than in any "routing" or other order.

This itinerary/activity can be combined/customized with various other driving itineraries in Ishikawa. You can conveniently access these courses from various "gateways" in Ishikawa, the Kanazawa JR Station (if arriving by train), or either the Komatsu or Noto Satoyama Airports (if arriving by air). All three locations have multiple rental car outlets onsite or nearby.

The very helpful website "www.golf-in-japan.com" is a comprehensive guide in English to golf courses in Japan. It features detailed information on reportedly "all" 2,349 courses of eighteen-holes or more in Japan. The site also includes information on about 500 driving and practice ranges in the central Kanto, Chubu and Kansai areas with additional areas continually added. Over the years its members have rated many of the courses they have played providing a reliable all-around guide from an international players perspective.

In addition to ratings (not all courses have been rated), the site provides price ranges to play each course, the number of holes and the par ratings, the year it was established, the designer, and the address. When you click on a specific course on their site it will also provide the contact information/phone number to make a reservation, plus an access map. It is best to make a reservation to be sure you can play on your desired date and time.

Another helpful website is "www.air-golf.com/travel/before-you-go/whats-it-golf-japan". Their page on what to know before you start is very useful and well written. They also have a list of the courses in Japan but it looks almost identical to the www.golf-in-japan.com website listing.

Itinerary Type :
Art, Castles, Gardens, Historic Sites, Museums, Onsens, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
12
Est. Drive :
330 km / 205.3 miles - 7 hours and 37 minutes
This itinerary attempts to list as many of the deluxe accommodations in Ishikawa Prefecture, keeping in mind that there are different standards for hotels, ryokans, minshukus, etc. The concept is that visitors can make a circle, arriving in Komatsu Airport, and departing from Kanazawa by train. Although it can be done with only one night per accommodation, the ideal itinerary would include 2-nights at each selected accommodation one chooses along the way to truly enjoy what they have to offer. This itinerary should then be combined with the city or other "sightseeing" itineraries to be found on this website to truly experience the beauty of Ishikawa Prefecture.

Copyright Hokutetsu
Itinerary Type :
Architecture, Art, Castles, Cherry Blossom Viewing, Gardens, Historic Sites, Markets, Museums, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines, Tour, UNESCO Sites
Number of Stops :
18
Est. Drive :
15 km / 9.1 miles - 60 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 8 hours and 32 hours
This sightseeing route covers notable sites in Kanazawa City. It is not necessary to "drive" around in the city to all these sites. You may find it more convenient to take public transportation, particularly the Kanazawa Loop Bus in either direction.

1) The "Kanazawa Loop Bus" (running daily every 15 minutes from 08:30 - 18:00; the orange route going clockwise, and the green route going counter-clockwise around the city);
2) The "Kanazawa Shuttle" (running daily every 20 minutes from 09:30 - 17:50; making a counter-clockwise circle around Kenroku-en Garden) all departing from the Kanazawa Station, East Gate Bus Terminal, Bus Stop "#0");
3) And/or taxis.

Hokutetsu bus fares are JPY200 per ride, but you can purchase One-Day Pass for hop-on hop-off privileges on the Loop Buses for JPY500, in advance, at their office at the Bus Terminal.

Copyright Hokutetsu
Itinerary Type :
Architecture, Art, Castles, Cherry Blossom Viewing, Gardens, Historic Sites, Markets, Museums, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines, Tour, UNESCO Sites
Number of Stops :
18
Est. Drive :
14 km / 9.0 miles - 58 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 8 hours and 32 hours
This sightseeing route covers notable sites in Kanazawa City. It is not necessary to "drive" around in the city to all these sites. You may find it more convenient to take public transportation, particularly the Kanazawa Loop Bus in either direction.

1) The "Kanazawa Loop Bus" (running daily every 15 minutes from 08:30 - 18:00; the orange route going clockwise, and the green route going counter-clockwise around the city);
2) The "Kanazawa Shuttle" (running daily every 20 minutes from 09:30 - 17:50; making a counter-clockwise circle around Kenroku-en Garden) all departing from the Kanazawa Station, East Gate Bus Terminal, Bus Stop "#0");
3) And/or taxis.

Hokutetsu bus fares are JPY200 per ride, but you can purchase One-Day Pass for hop-on hop-off privileges on the Loop Buses for JPY500, in advance, at their office at the Bus Terminal.

Itinerary Type :
Castles, Cycling, Festivals, Hiking/Walks, Museums, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
10
Est. Drive :
31 km / 19.5 miles - 1 hours and 15 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 2 hours 15 minutes and 8 hours
This itinerary covers sites in and around Nanao and Wakura Onsen. Nanao is a city on the southeast coast of the Noto Peninsula and Wakura Onsen is the very popular onsen (hot spring bath) resort area in Nanao.

It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it. If you plan to continue on, you can add other Noto Peninsula itineraries starting from Nanao. Although we recommend beginning the string of Noto Peninsula itineraries from the Kanazawa Station (MapCode: 41 558 874*22), you can begin it from other nearby "gateways," e.g. the Komatsu Airport (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or the Noto Satoyama Airport (MapCode: 283 475 067*52). All have several rental car outlets. There are also local trains from Kanazawa Station to Nanao and Wakura Onsen Stations.

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are a variety of accommodation options in Nanao, the most recommended ones being in the Wakura Onsen area. There are several first class and deluxe hotels/ryokans along the coastline of the Wakura Onsen, including in order from west to east: Tadaya Ryokan; Kagaya; Matsu no Midori Ryokan; Aenokaze; Hotel Kaibo. There are even more economy and budget hotels, ryokans and minshukus as well.

You can also easily reverse the itinerary, if you wish, just by following the MapCodes in the reverse order.

Itinerary Type :
Architecture, Farm Stays, Onsens, Unique Accommodations
Number of Stops :
8
Est. Drive :
297 km / 184.6 miles - 6 hours and 24 minutes
The accommodations listed in this itinerary are noteworthy for a variety of reasons. The order is only that of a circle to display them easily on the map. Some are outstanding deluxe properties, while others offer the simplicity of a temple stay, or a farm stay, but all provide unique insights into the local culture of Ishikawa Prefecture. We apologize if we have left any other noteworthy accommodations off this list. Please feel free to email us (info at drivejapan dot info) any suggestions for additions.

Courtesy of Oak: My Everyday Life Journeys
Itinerary Type :
Beaches, Hiking/Walks, Historic Sites, Museums, Onsens, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
11
Est. Drive :
91 km / 56.6 miles - 2 hours and 10 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 2 hours 5 minutes and 6 hours
This itinerary is part of a set of 8 itineraries that circle the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, following the coastal roads as much as possible. You can choose to only follow this itinerary, or you can combine this itinerary with as many of the other "Noto Peninsula" itineraries, and/or "Festival" itineraries, as you like and have the time for.

This itinerary covers the western side of the Noto Peninsula from Kanazawa to Shika. It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it. If you plan to continue on, you can add other Noto Peninsula itineraries starting from Wajima. Although we recommend beginning the string of Noto Peninsula itineraries from the Kanazawa Station (MapCode: 41 558 874*22), you can begin it from other nearby "gateways," e.g. the Komatsu Airport (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or the Noto Satoyama Airport (MapCode: 283 475 067*52).

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are a variety of accommodation options in the Shika City (Shika-machi) area of Hakui District (Hakui-shi) of Ishikawa Prefecture (Ishikwas-ken) where you can spend the night, if you wish. There are considerably less accommodation options between Shika and Wajima.

You can also easily reverse the itinerary, if you wish, just by following the MapCodes in the reverse order.

Courtesy of Oak: My Everyday Life Journeys
Itinerary Type :
Autumn Colors Viewing, Beaches, Hiking/Walks, Historic Sites, Museums, Onsens, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
19
Est. Drive :
78 km / 48.5 miles - 2 hours and 8 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 4 hours 45 minutes and 12 hours 10 minutes
This itinerary is part of a set of 8 itineraries that circle the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, following the coastal roads as much as possible. You can just follow this itinerary, or you can combine it with as many of the other "Noto Peninsula" itineraries, and/or "Festival" itineraries, as you are able.

This itinerary covers the northwestern side of the Noto Peninsula from Shika to Wajima. It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it. If you plan to continue on, you can add other Noto Peninsula itineraries starting from Wajima. Although we recommend beginning the string of Noto Peninsula itineraries from the Kanazawa Station (MapCode: 41 558 874*22), you can begin it from other nearby "gateways," e.g. the Komatsu Airport (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or the Noto Satoyama Airport (MapCode: 283 475 067*52).

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are relatively few accommodation options between Shika and Wajima. Therefore we would recommend you stay in either the Shika Town area or Wajima City. For something different, however you may want to try a temple stay at the Sojiji Soin Temple (MapCode: 283 422 024*74) in Monzen Town (Monzen-machi); advance reservations required.

You can also easily reverse the itinerary just by following the MapCodes in the reverse order.

Courtesy of Oak: My Everyday Life Journeys
Itinerary Type :
Historic Sites, Markets, Museums, Onsens, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
13
Est. Drive :
27 km / 17.1 miles - 56 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 3 hours 10 minutes and 10 hours 55 minutes
This itinerary is part of a set of 8 itineraries that circle the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, following the coastal roads as much as possible. You can choose to only follow this itinerary, or you can combine this itinerary with as many of the other "Noto Peninsula" itineraries, and/or "Festival" itineraries, as you like and have the time for.

This itinerary covers sites in and around Wajima City on the north coast of the Noto Peninsula. It is not necessary to "drive" to all the places in the city. You may find it more convenient to walk some since some of the sites are close together.

Note that, if possible, we highly recommend you also visit the Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces at dusk for a "light up", if operating during your visit (usually the winter months). You can then still return to Wajima City to see a performance of the Gojinjo Daiko.
It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it.

It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it. If you plan to continue on, you can add other Noto Peninsula itineraries starting from Wajima. Although we recommend beginning the string of Noto Peninsula itineraries from the Kanazawa Station (MapCode: 41 558 874*22), you can begin it from other nearby "gateways," e.g. the Komatsu Airport (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or the Noto Satoyama Airport (MapCode: 283 475 067*52). All have several rental car outlets.

If you have extra time you can spend any extra time in Wajima enjoying the local public onsen (hot bath) at the Noto no Sho Ryokan at the east end of Wajima along the coastal highway #249. In the evening you should definitely take in a performance of the Gojinjo Daiko at the Noto Wajima Onsen Hotel (MapCode: 283 800 875*25). Nightly performances are at 21:10.

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are a variety of accommodation options in Wajima City where you can spend the night, if you wish. There are considerably less accommodation options, other than local minshukus (B & Bs), between Wajima and Suzu to the east. One of the nicer hotels/ryokans in Wajima is the refined Noto no Sho Ryokan (MapCode: 329 193 788*85) with its own onsen, located to the east of the city proper. Another noteworthy option further to the east is the beautiful Lamp no Yado Ryokan (MapCode: 913 056 436*47), an isolated, 15-room ryokan located right on the northeast Noto coast.

You can also easily reverse the itinerary, if you wish, just by following the MapCodes in the reverse order.

Courtesy of Oak: My Everyday Life Journeys
Itinerary Type :
Art, Beaches, Festivals, Hiking/Walks, Historic Sites, Museums, Onsens, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
23
Est. Drive :
69 km / 43.0 miles - 2 hours and 50 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 4 hours 10 minutes and 13 hours 20 minutes
This itinerary is part of a set of 8 itineraries that circle the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, following the coastal roads as much as possible. You can choose to only follow this itinerary, or you can combine this itinerary with as many of the other "Noto Peninsula" itineraries, and/or "Festival" itineraries, as you like and have the time for.

This itinerary covers the northern and northeastern sides of the Noto Peninsula from Wajima to Suzu City. It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it. If you plan to continue on, you can add other Noto Peninsula itineraries starting from Wajima. Although we recommend beginning the string of Noto Peninsula itineraries from the Kanazawa Station (MapCode: 41 558 874*22), you can begin it from other nearby "gateways," e.g. the Komatsu Airport (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or the Noto Satoyama Airport (MapCode: 283 475 067*52).

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are a variety of accommodation options in Suzu City where you can spend the night, if you wish. There are considerably less accommodation options between Wajima and Suzu with the very notable exception of the deluxe Lamp no Yado Ryokan.

You can also easily reverse the itinerary, if you wish, just by following the MapCodes in the reverse order.

Courtesy of Oak: My Everyday Life Journeys
Itinerary Type :
Art, Beaches, Festivals, Hiking/Walks, Historic Sites, Markets, Museums, Onsens, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
19
Est. Drive :
24 km / 15.1 miles - 59 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 3 hours 5 minutes and 10 hours 45 minutes
This itinerary is part of a set of 8 itineraries that circle the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, following the coastal roads as much as possible. You can choose to only follow this itinerary, or you can combine this itinerary with as many of the other "Noto Peninsula" itineraries, and/or "Festival" itineraries, as you like and have the time for.

This itinerary covers sites in and around Suzu City on the northeast and east coast of the Noto Peninsula. The sites are fairly spread out so it is best to drive between the sites.

It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it. If you plan to continue on, you can add other Noto Peninsula itineraries starting from Suzu. Although we recommend beginning the string of Noto Peninsula itineraries from the Kanazawa Station (MapCode: 41 558 874*22), you can begin it from other nearby "gateways," e.g. the Komatsu Airport (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or the Noto Satoyama Airport (MapCode: 283 475 067*52). All have several rental car outlets.


ACCOMMODATIONS: There are a variety of accommodation options in Suzu City and between Suzu and Anamizu where you can spend the night, if you wish. There are considerably less accommodation options between Suzu and Wajima with the outstanding exception of the beautiful Lamp no Yado Ryokan (MapCode: 913 056 436*47), an isolated, 15-room ryokan located right on the coast. One hotel located fairly centrally in Suzu is the Suzu Beach Hotel (MapCode: 329 684 436*60). Another hotel in a good location south of Suzu city is the Notojiso National Lodge (MapCode: 329 524 409*33), a national park lodge overlooking Mitsukejima Island. A beautiful and luxurious option even further along, closer to Anamizu, is the Hyakurakuso Hotel overlooking the Tsukumo Bay (MapCode: 329 193 788*85).

You can also easily reverse the itinerary, if you wish, just by following the MapCodes in the reverse order.

Courtesy of Oak: My Everyday Life Journeys
Itinerary Type :
Beaches, Hiking/Walks, Museums, Onsens, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
19
Est. Drive :
98 km / 60.8 miles - 3 hours and 30 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 3 hours 5 minutes and 11 hours 40 minutes
This itinerary is part of a set of 8 itineraries that circle the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, following the coastal roads as much as possible. You can choose to only follow this itinerary, or you can combine this itinerary with as many of the other "Noto Peninsula" itineraries, and/or "Festival" itineraries, as you like and have the time for.

This itinerary covers sites from Suzu City to Anamizu on the east and south coast of the Noto Peninsula. It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it. If you plan to continue on, you can add other Noto Peninsula itineraries starting from Anamizu. Although we recommend beginning the string of Noto Peninsula itineraries from the Kanazawa Station (MapCode: 41 558 874*22), you can begin it from other nearby "gateways," e.g. the Komatsu Airport (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or the Noto Satoyama Airport (MapCode: 283 475 067*52). All have several rental car outlets.

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are a variety of accommodation options in Suzu City and between Suzu and Anamizu where you can spend the night, if you wish. There are considerably less accommodation options between Suzu and Wajima. One hotel located fairly centrally in Suzu is the Suzu Beach Hotel (MapCode: 329 684 436*60). Another hotel in a good location is the Notojiso National Lodge (MapCode: 329 524 409*33), a national park lodge overlooking picturesque Mitsukejima Island. A beautiful and luxurious option closer to Anamizu is the Hyakurakuso Hotel overlooking the beautiful Tsukumo Bay (MapCode: 329 193 788*85).

You can also easily reverse the itinerary, if you wish, just by following the MapCodes in the reverse order.

Courtesy of Oak: My Everyday Life Journeys
Itinerary Type :
Beaches, Hiking/Walks, Museums, Onsens, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
15
Est. Drive :
48 km / 29.7 miles - 1 hours and 21 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 3 hours 35 minutes and 8 hours 25 minutes
This itinerary is part of a set of 8 itineraries that circle the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, following the coastal roads as much as possible. You can choose to only follow this itinerary, or you can combine this itinerary with as many of the other "Noto Peninsula" itineraries, and/or "Festival" itineraries, as you like and have the time for.

This itinerary covers sites from Anamizu to Notojima Island on the east and south coast of the Noto Peninsula, ending in Wakura Onsen. It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it. If you plan to continue on, you can add other Noto Peninsula itineraries starting from Notojima. Although we recommend beginning the string of Noto Peninsula itineraries from the Kanazawa Station (MapCode: 41 558 874*22), you can begin it from other nearby "gateways," e.g. the Komatsu Airport (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or the Noto Satoyama Airport (MapCode: 283 475 067*52). All have several rental car outlets.

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are a variety of accommodation options around Anamizu where you can spend the night, if you wish. There are less accommodation options between Anamizu and Notojima/Wakura Onsen, mostly small minshuku (Japanese style bed & breakfasts). One hotel located before the bridge to Notojima is the Noto Omakidai National Lodge (MapCode: 590 480 761*03). Wakura Onsen, in Nanao City across the south bridge from Notojima, does have a complete range of accommodations, most with relaxing onsen baths. The most famous hotel in Wakura is the historic Kagaya (MapCode: 590 305 425*52). A deluxe hotel nearby is the Matsu no Midori Ryokan overlooking Nanao Bay (MapCode: 590 305 373*74). It features a small museum in the lobby dedicated to the famous local lacquer-ware artist Kado Isaburo, as well as a beautiful tea house with a view of the bay.

You can also easily reverse the itinerary, if you wish, just by following the MapCodes in the reverse order.

Itinerary Type :
Castles, Cycling, Festivals, Hiking/Walks, Museums, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
10
Est. Drive :
31 km / 19.5 miles - 1 hours and 15 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 2 hours 15 minutes and 8 hours
This itinerary is part of a set of 8 itineraries that circle the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, following the coastal roads as much as possible. You can choose to only follow this itinerary, or you can combine this itinerary with as many of the other "Noto Peninsula" itineraries, and/or "Festival" itineraries, as you like and have the time for.

This itinerary covers sites in and around Nanao and Wakura Onsen. Nanao is a city on the southeast coast of the Noto Peninsula and Wakura Onsen is the very popular onsen (hot spring bath) resort area in Nanao.

It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it. If you plan to continue on, you can add other Noto Peninsula itineraries starting from Nanao. Although we recommend beginning the string of Noto Peninsula itineraries from the Kanazawa Station (MapCode: 41 558 874*22), you can begin it from other nearby "gateways," e.g. the Komatsu Airport (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or the Noto Satoyama Airport (MapCode: 283 475 067*52). All have several rental car outlets. There are also local trains from Kanazawa Station to Nanao and Wakura Onsen Stations.

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are a variety of accommodation options in Nanao, the most recommended ones being in the Wakura Onsen area. There are several first class and deluxe hotels/ryokans along the coastline of the Wakura Onsen, including in order from west to east: Tadaya Ryokan; Kagaya; Matsu no Midori Ryokan; Aenokaze; Hotel Kaibo. There are even more economy and budget hotels, ryokans and minshukus as well.

Unless you are taking this series of 8 Noto Peninsula itineraries in reverse order this will be the last itinerary in the series. You can combine it with other itineraries, but you can return to Kanazawa or travel on to Toyama Prefecture.

You can also easily reverse the itinerary, if you wish, just by following the MapCodes in the reverse order.

Courtesy of Walter L. Keats
Courtesy of Walter L. Keats
Courtesy of Walter L. Keats
Applicable Dates :
Available the 1st of January through the 31st of December
Itinerary Type :
Art
Number of Stops :
16
Est. Drive :
214 km / 133.2 miles - 4 hours and 60 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 2 hours 25 minutes and 7 hours 35 minutes
The Oku-Noto Triennale art festival can be combined/customized with various other driving itineraries in Ishikawa. You can conveniently access these sites in Ishikawa from various "gateways," the Kanazawa JR Station (Mapcode: 41 558 874*22 if arriving by train), or either the Komatsu (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or Noto Satoyama Airports ( (MapCode: 283 475 067*52 if arriving by air). All three locations have multiple rental car outlets. Due to crowds, be prepared to park away from the actual festival sites. There are normally people directing traffic near the site(s).

Highlights of the festival:

This Itinerary includes all the 2017 Oku-Noto Triennale 2017 art sites that are still open (13) as well as several art museums along the way. For more information visit the website above.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Note that Suzu City, the geographic center of the string of art sites, has a variety of accommodation options.

Itinerary Type :
Art, Beaches, Festivals, Hiking/Walks, Historic Sites, Markets, Museums, Onsens, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
19
Est. Drive :
24 km / 15.1 miles - 59 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 3 hours 5 minutes and 10 hours 45 minutes
This itinerary covers sites in and around Suzu City on the northeast and east coast of the Noto Peninsula. You can choose to only follow this itinerary, or you can combine this itinerary with one or more of the "Noto Peninsula" itineraries, and/or "Festival" itineraries, as you like and have the time for. The sites are fairly spread out so it is best to drive between the sites.

It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it. If you plan to continue on, you can add other Noto Peninsula itineraries starting from Suzu. Although we recommend beginning the string of Noto Peninsula itineraries from the Kanazawa Station (MapCode: 41 558 874*22), you can begin it from other nearby "gateways," e.g. the Komatsu Airport (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or the Noto Satoyama Airport (MapCode: 283 475 067*52). All have several rental car outlets.

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are a variety of accommodation options in Suzu City and between Suzu and Anamizu where you can spend the night, if you wish. There are considerably less accommodation options between Suzu and Wajima with the outstanding exception of the beautiful Lamp no Yado Ryokan (MapCode: 913 056 436*47), an isolated, 15-room ryokan located right on the coast. One hotel located fairly centrally in Suzu is the Suzu Beach Hotel (MapCode: 329 684 436*60). Another hotel in a good location south of Suzu city is the Notojiso National Lodge (MapCode: 329 524 409*33), a national park lodge overlooking Mitsukejima Island. A beautiful and luxurious option even further along, closer to Anamizu, is the Hyakurakuso Hotel overlooking the Tsukumo Bay (MapCode: 329 193 788*85).

You can also easily reverse the itinerary, if you wish, just by following the MapCodes in the reverse order.

Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Copyright West Japan Railway Company
Itinerary Type :
Autumn Colors Viewing, Scenic Drives, Tour, Trains
Number of Stops :
2
Est. Drive :
72 km / 45.0 miles - 1 hours and 12 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 3 hours and 4 hours
The Hanayome Noren Train is a special, luxury liner, reserved seat, express train that only runs twice a day on weekends and holidays between Kanazawa Station and Wakura Onsen Station in Nanao on the Noto Peninsula. The train’s two carriages are decorated with designs inspired by the region’s traditional crafts. The first carriage is fitted with semi-private booth seating and the second with a more open space suitable for large groups. It offers a wonderful, immersive experience in Hokuriku traditions and beauty. The 2 round-trips on days they operate, are numbered from 1-4, i.e., train #s 1 & 3 depart (start) from Kanazawa Station and train #s 2 & 4 depart (return) from Wakura Onsen Station. Depending on the train you reserve, you can also order some beautiful, delicious food and beverages, but only in ADVANCE, at least 4 days prior to departure. Be sure to check dates of operation (see website) far in advance as the train is very popular.

Train #1 leaves Kanazawa Station at 10:15 and arrives at Wakura Onsen Station at 11:42.
Train #2 leaves Wakura Onsen Station at 12:07 and arrives at Kanazawa Station at 13:21.
Train #3 leaves Kanazawa Station at 14:15 and arrives at Wakura Onsen Station at 15:32.
Train #4 leaves Wakura Onsen Station at 16:30 and arrives at Kanazawa Station at 17:54.

Note:. You can combine this train with a rental car itinerary at either end. There are numerous rental outlets in Kanazawa around the train station, as well as several outlets in Wakura Onsen and/or in Nanao City. Please consider spending 1-2 nights enjoying the onsens in Wakura Onsen.

Courtesy of Ishikawa Travel
Courtesy of Ishikawa Travel
Courtesy of Ishikawa Travel
Courtesy of Ishikawa Travel
Courtesy of Ishikawa Travel
Courtesy of Ishikawa Travel
Courtesy of Ishikawa Travel
Itinerary Type :
Autumn Colors Viewing, Cherry Blossom Viewing, Tour, Trains
Number of Stops :
1
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 5 minutes and 10 minutes
The Noto Satoyama-Satoumi Sightseeing Train travels a 33-km/20 mi scenic route on the Noto Peninsula between Nanao Station and Anamizu Station. The route provides panoramic views of the sea and countryside along Nanao Bay. The two carriages include two- and four-person booth seats with tables as well as counter-style seats that face directly toward the window.

Passengers can reserve a bento box of local cuisine in advance. Food options depend on the departure time.

The train makes two round-triips per day, except on Wednesdays. Each one-way trip takes about one hour. It is very popular so do book in advance to be assured of getting a seat. It makes one stop each way at Wakura Onsen Station.

You can rent a car at either end of the line, at Nanao Station or at Anamizu Station to continue your travels in the Noto Peninsula..

Courtesy of Oak: My Everyday Life Journeys
Itinerary Type :
Historic Sites, Markets, Museums, Onsens, Scenic Drives, Temples/Shrines
Number of Stops :
13
Est. Drive :
27 km / 17.1 miles - 56 minutes
Est. Site-Seeing :
Between 3 hours 10 minutes and 10 hours 55 minutes
This itinerary covers sites in and around Wajima City on the north coast of the Noto Peninsula. You can choose to only follow this itinerary, or you can combine this itinerary with one or more of the "Noto Peninsula" itineraries, and/or "Festival" itineraries, as you like and have the time for. It is not necessary to "drive" to all the places in the city. You may find it more convenient to walk some since some of the sites are close together.

It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it. If you plan to continue on, you can add other Noto Peninsula itineraries starting from Wajima. Although we recommend beginning the string of Noto Peninsula itineraries from the Kanazawa Station (MapCode: 41 558 874*22), you can begin it from other nearby "gateways," e.g. the Komatsu Airport (MapCode: 120 529 748*33) or the Noto Satoyama Airport (MapCode: 283 475 067*52). All have several rental car outlets.

Note that, if possible, we highly recommend you also visit the Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces at dusk for a "light up", if operating during your visit (usually the winter months). You can then still return to Wajima City to see a performance of the Gojinjo Daiko.
It should take about one-day. Once you select it and save it, you can change/customize it.

If you have extra time you can spend any extra time in Wajima enjoying the local public onsen (hot bath) at the Noto no Sho Ryokan at the east end of Wajima along the coastal highway #249. In the evening you should definitely take in a performance of the Gojinjo Daiko at the Noto Wajima Onsen Hotel (MapCode: 283 800 875*25). Nightly performances are at 21:10.

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are a variety of accommodation options in Wajima City where you can spend the night, if you wish. There are considerably less accommodation options, other than local minshukus (B & Bs), between Wajima and Suzu to the east. One of the nicer hotels/ryokans in Wajima is the refined Noto no Sho Ryokan (MapCode: 329 193 788*85) with its own onsen, located to the east of the city proper. Another noteworthy option further to the east is the beautiful Lamp no Yado Ryokan (MapCode: 913 056 436*47), an isolated, 15-room ryokan located right on the northeast Noto coast.

You can also easily reverse the itinerary, if you wish, just by following the MapCodes in the reverse order.