Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, Hakui

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway stands as the only place in Japan where you can drive right along the water's edge. Located on the northern coast of Ishikawa Prefecture along the Noto Peninsula, this remarkable 8-kilometer stretch of beach road offers an experience that would be hard to find anywhere else in the world.

The driveway's existence depends on the unique sand of Chirihama, which has revolutionized coastal access in Japan. The sand particles are small, a quarter of the size of ordinary ones. They have a uniform, angular shape, which makes the driveway hard when it absorbs water. This natural phenomenon is formed by fine sediment carried from the Tedori River, creating a stretch of beach that feels more like a coastal highway than soft sand. The historical development began when fishermen's trucks for carrying unloaded fish at Chirihama demonstrated the beach's load-bearing capacity, eventually leading to its recognition as a unique driving destination.

The Chirihama Coast stretches from the city of Hakuishi's Chirihama town to Hodatsu-Shimizu town, providing visitors with multiple ways to experience this natural wonder. Traffic runs in both directions, and there is no charge for driving on the beach. Beyond the driving experience, many people park their cars out of the way and wade out into the water to collect seashells. The beach also serves as a great swimming beach that attracts visitors from around the country during the summer. The 8-kilometer-long road runs along the beach and can be driven not only by car but also by motorcycle or bicycle. Food stalls open from spring through fall at the southern end of the drive, offering local refreshments and seafood specialties. The experience is particularly memorable during sunset hours, when driving along the beach like a scene from a movie, and it is especially moving to watch the sun set.

The driveway is accessible from two main entrances: the southern entrance near Hodatsushimizu or from the northern entrance near Hakui. For travelers from Kanazawa, driving from Kanazawa Station toward the sea and then following the coastal car-only road, Noto Satoyama Kaido, you will reach the starting point of the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway in about 40 minutes. The location provides convenient access to other Noto Peninsula attractions, with Wakura Onsen hot spring resort to the north and Kanazawa to the south.