Notojima Marine Park Kaizoku Park

Notojima Marine Park Kaizoku Park sits within the larger Notojima Marine Park complex on Notojima Island in Nanao Bay, Ishikawa Prefecture. This coastal recreational facility was established to promote tourism and provide residents with health and leisure opportunities. The park became part of Nanao City on October 1, 2004, when the former town of Notojima was absorbed into the city, and the island was designated as part of the Noto-Hanto Quasi-National Park. The name "Kaizoku" (海族) translates to "sea people" or "ocean tribe," reflecting the island's strong maritime heritage and fishing culture.

The park's centerpiece is a 500-meter artificial beach along the calm waters of Nanao South Bay. The sheltered location within the bay creates gentle, shallow waters ideal for families with children. Adjacent to the beach is an expansive multipurpose lawn area featuring a soccer field and recreational grounds. The facility is particularly significant for being one of the few maintained beach parks accessible via the iconic Notojima Ohashi Bridge, completed in 1982, which connects the island to the Wakura Onsen area on the mainland.

Visitors can enjoy swimming during the summer season, typically from mid-July to late August. The park features shower facilities and rest areas. A major attraction is the adjacent Hyokkori Onsen Shima no Yu, a natural hot spring facility discovered in 1999. The onsen offers open-air baths with views across the bay to the Tateyama mountain range and the city of Nanao. After beach activities, guests can relax in the large 100-tatami mat rest hall. The park also includes a fishing center where visitors can rent equipment to fish from nearby waters.

Access is straightforward: drive approximately 5 kilometers from Notojima Ohashi Bridge, following the coastal road. Free parking is available on-site. The park can also be reached via the Twin Bridge Noto (completed 1999) on the western side of the island. Public buses operate from Wakura Onsen Station to Notojima, though a car is recommended for convenient access. Beach access is free, though the adjacent onsen charges separate admission. Note that due to the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, some facilities may have restrictions, so visitors should confirm current conditions before traveling.