Stretching 100 km north out of the top of Ishikawa Prefecture, Noto Peninsula is covered from top to bottom with wild mountainous forests and kilometers of stunning coast. While the remoteness is what makes the peninsula such a desirable place to visit, getting around is a little more challenging so hiring a car is the best way to do it.
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Noto Peninsula, or Noto Hanto as it’s known in Japanese, is a region rich in nature with a relatively small number of roads passing through. While there are particular attractions along the way that can be visited by bus or train, part of the enjoyment of the area is exploring it at your own pace. With deserted beaches, picturesque mountain villages, and even rocks shaped like Godzilla, there are infinite spots to discover along the way that you won’t find on a list of places to go.
Hiring a car can be straightforward as long as you are in the possession of either an international driving license or if you create a Japanese license, which can be done in any major city around Japan. Cars can be hired from the majority of cities within Noto Peninsula, including including Wajima, Noto City, and Nanao. Car hire is also available from Noto Airport which is found in the middle of the peninsula around a 20-minute drive from Wajima.
Navigating your way around Noto in a car is relatively straight forward thanks to Route 249 which runs all the way around the east and west sides of the peninsula via coastal roads and the main cities. A lot of the main attractions along the way are well signposted from Route 249 but it's recommended to set yourself up with satellite navigation to be on the safe side. For those traveling from Kanazawa up to the peninsula, follow the Route 200 out of Kanazawa which quickly brings you near the coast where the road shortly turns into the 249.
Prices vary for car hire depending on the company and how far in advance you book. Bear in mind that staff may not speak English and sat navi is often only available in Japanese, so be sure to choose a “foreigner friendly” company such as Toyota and Nippon Rent-A-Car if you need the extra guidance.
For anyone planning to drive around the whole peninsula, while it’s possible in a day, it’s recommended to take two to three days for the chance to discover the nooks and crannies of this unique region. The majority of places to stop along the way are found in the main cities including: Wakura Onsen Resort which houses a number of traditional onsen ryokan; in Nanao, in the southeastern part of the peninsula; or for a perfect halfway stop, spend the night at the luxurious Lamp no Yado ryokan right on the tip of the peninsula.
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