Chirihama Beach Driveway

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is an approximately 8 km stretch of beach in Ishikawa Prefecture (from Hakui City to Hodatsushimizu Town) that is the only place in Japan where you can drive a car on the shore. It’s famous for letting you drive right beside the waves with the horizon stretching endlessly, but note that on some days the beach conditions prevent vehicles from entering. Not only cars, but also pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles can use it. The dry, whitish sand areas can trap tires, but if you drive too close to the waterline you may get splashed by seawater—so careful driving is essential. You don’t need a 4WD; ordinary cars can drive it, but because it’s truly a sandy beach, extra caution is required. Sightseeing buses may also pass through. Since people may be swimming or fishing in many spots, be mindful. This is the only place where you can drive on a beautiful sandy beach like this. Access (example route): Hokuriku Expressway → Kanazawa-Morimoto IC → Yamaside Ring Road (toward Noto/Nanao) → Shirao IC → Noto Satoyama Kaido → Imaham IC.