Northern Noto能登北部

Rows of oddly shaped rocks enhance this unusual and varying coastline. A bustling, fragrant morning market.

The Noto-hanto Peninsula in the north of Ishikawa is the largest peninsula on the Sea of Japan side. The entire peninsula has been designated as Noto-hanto Quasi-National Park. The northern part of the peninsula is called Oku-Noto. Its center is Wajima, noted for its production of a traditional Japanese handicraft, Wajima-nuri lacquerware.

In Oku-Noto, there is the Rokkosaki Lighthouse at the Rokkosaki Point at the tip of the Noto-hanto Peninsula, the Nie Coast (where odd, monstrously shaped rocks stretch in a row around a broad reef named Senjo-jiki), Fukuga-ana (a cave mouth where a 357-meter-high precipice stands against the sea), the Sosogi Coast dotted with the Tarumi-daki Falls, and many other scenic sightseeing spots. Other attractive spots include Koiji Beach, or romance beach, which draws many couples who wish for everlasting love, and the Agehama Salt Field, where you can experience salt making.

Wajima is located on the northern shore of the peninsula. It is blessed with a fine harbor protected against strong south and west winds and a thriving fishery. The fresh seafood morning market is crowded with residents and sightseers.