Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

A beach road of about 8 km on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, where cars can drive directly on the sand. It is the only beach road in Japan where driving is permitted.

The Chirihama Nagisa Driveway runs along the Sea of Japan coast between Hakui city and Hōdatsushimizu town in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is a stretch of beach where cars, buses and motorcycles can drive directly on the sand. The currently open section is about 8 km long, and it is considered Japan's only beach road where driving is permitted, and one of the few in the world. The sand is extremely fine, and it becomes compacted when wet with seawater, so ordinary saloon cars can drive on it. As you drive, the Sea of Japan's waves are on one side and windbreak forest is on the other. The sunset over the sea in summer evenings is especially romantic. Along the route are seaside stalls selling grilled clams, and the nearby Chirihama Nagisa rest area, a roadside station, is a good place to take a break. This beach drive is often combined with a Noto Peninsula drive from Kanazawa on the same day. Visitors can continue north to Wajima. Coastal erosion has been severe in recent years, shortening the drivable section. Large waves, strong winds and winter conditions often ban vehicles, so check Ishikawa Prefecture's traffic information before setting out. Follow the existing tyre tracks, avoid soft sand and keep to the 30 km/h speed limit. Watch out for pedestrians. Seawater and sand can corrode the underside of the car, so wash it afterwards.