Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is one of very few beaches in the world where cars can drive directly on the sand, a roughly 8-kilometre stretch of unusually firm, fine-grained beach on the Noto Peninsula’s coast that supports vehicle weight well enough for regular driving. The unusual experience of driving along the open beach with the sea just metres away, waves sometimes lapping close to the tyres, has made it a popular stop for road-trippers exploring the Noto Peninsula, offering photo opportunities and a memorable coastal drive found nowhere else in Japan.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Hakui, Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa |
| Hours | Always accessible, tide-dependent |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 20–40 min |
| Best time | Low tide for the widest driveable beach |
What to See
- Driving directly on the sand, one of very few beaches in the world allowing this.
- An 8-kilometre stretch of unusually firm, fine-grained beach.
- Open sea views with waves close to the driving surface.
- A genuinely unique coastal driving experience found nowhere else in Japan.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Noto Peninsula sightseeing further along the coast.
- Pair with Wajima Morning Market for a fuller Noto road trip.
- Read our Ishikawa overview .
Getting There
- By car: the only practical way to experience the driveway itself, roughly 40 minutes from Kanazawa.
- By bus: limited-express buses reach nearby Hakui, though a car is needed for the beach drive itself.
Tips
Check tide conditions before visiting, as the driveable stretch of beach narrows or becomes inaccessible at high tide. Drive at a sensible speed and stay alert for pedestrians and other vehicles, as the beach can get busy with fellow visitors during peak travel seasons.
