Senrihama Nagisa Drive Way

The biggest attraction of the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is the ability to drive refreshingly close to the water's edge. The secret to why driving is possible in the first place lies in the sand. The sand on Chirihama Beach has small, angular grains that are roughly the same size. When mixed with water, the sand tightens up like a road, making it firm enough for cars, buses, motorcycles, and bicycles to travel on. This beach, where any type of vehicle can drive, is rare even on a global scale. Enjoy this precious drive to the fullest.

The coastline of Chirihama offers a unique landscape where you can see the curved Noto Peninsula and the distant cityscape. You can enjoy a refreshing drive no matter when you visit, but we especially recommend visiting during sunset. The sight of the sun turning bright red and the Sea of Japan shining in golden colors is a breathtaking beauty that will steal your heart. If you're enjoying the scenery while driving, please be careful not to get distracted!

The fun of the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway isn't just limited to driving. During the season, you can enjoy swimming in the shallow waters of the beach. The great view makes it perfect for small children who are making their debut in swimming. It's very convenient to park your car on the beach, but be careful not to get your tires stuck in the sand by parking too close to the water's edge. Also, please note that parking is prohibited in areas marked off by ropes for safety reasons. By the way, the traffic signs that are only set up during the summer swimming season are also popular as photo spots.

At the end of the drive, there is a facility called Senrihama Rest House. It has a spacious parking lot and is used as a rest stop where visitors can take a break between enjoying their drive or sightseeing in Noto. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood from Noto, and a shop where you can buy souvenirs, making it particularly lively during lunchtime on holidays. If the weather is bad and the drive is closed, it might be nice to stop here and enjoy the rough Sea of Japan. The rough sea of Noto, which splashes and sprays, is also a spectacular sight.

Noto Satoyama Kaido is a road that connects Kanazawa and the Noto Peninsula. Since its opening in 1982 as a toll road, it has been used by locals and many tourists. In 2013, it became completely free and changed to its current name, which is more familiar. The road, which runs along the beautiful coastline, can be driven comfortably while feeling the sea breeze, just as it was in the past. It's a road where you can enjoy beautiful scenery that is too good to be just a prelude to the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway. In addition, from the Bessho-dake Service Area to about 1.2 km, a "sound road" has been installed so that a melody can be heard when a car passes by as a measure to prevent accidents and provide hospitality. It is said to play the theme song "Ki Sora ~ Mare Zora ~" of the NHK serial TV novel "Mare," which was filmed in Noto, so please listen carefully when you pass by.

Every year from May to November, sand sculptures called "Sand Art" or "Sand Figures" are created in Chirihama. The sculptures are made by volunteers and locals from the city, who change the theme every year to help revitalize the area. The sand sculptures on the beach are also lit up from August to November, creating a fantastic and mystical atmosphere that is different from daytime. Sand art can also be seen at other locations such as "Michi no Eki no To Chirihama," "Noto Chirihama Rest House Parking Lot," "Hakui Station," and "Chirihama Hotel Yukawa," so be sure to check them out.

The Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is a place where all kinds of vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and buses, can enjoy a drive. However, sometimes you may encounter horses. The horses that leisurely run on the white sandy beach with the sea in the background are very picturesque, and the riders seem to be enjoying themselves as well. In fact, there is a course at a riding club in Kanazawa City where you can take a walk on the beach with horses. Just watching the horses with their manes blowing in the wind on a stroll can make you feel refreshed.

The Senrihama Nagisa Driveway is a place where you can enjoy a drive throughout the seasons, but the most popular time is during the summer, outside of the Golden Week holiday and beach season. During this season, you can open your windows wide and enjoy a refreshing and exhilarating drive to your heart's content. However, during the beach season, you need to be careful as the parking lot is packed with cars and there are many children around, making it necessary to drive with great care. That's why winter is a hidden gem. The air is chilly and the sound of the rough waves of the Sea of Japan can be heard when you open your window. Since there are relatively few cars, you can enjoy a leisurely drive at your own pace. In addition, it's recommended to get out of your car during the drive and enjoy the breathtaking sunset and starry night sky.