Take the ultimate road trip on the Noto Peninsula and explore Michi-no-Eki
Michi-no-Eki are travel stops found throughout Japan, but they offer so much more than you would expect! Aside from rest and convenience, these roadside stations also highlight local food, culture, and traditions. If you’re planning to explore Japan by car, motorbike, or bicycle, then a visit to a Michi-no-Eki is a must!
Known for their cleanliness and amenities like vending machines, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and charging stations, Michi-no-Eki also support local communities in Japan and help preserve regional charm. For example, many farmers sell their produce at Michi-no-Eki directly to the public, helping to promote traditional agriculture.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the Michi-no-Eki in the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture. This area is amazing for cycling enthusiasts with its 400km scenic coastline, or if you’re driving, it’s the ultimate destination for an unforgettable road trip in Japan!
Michi-no-Eki in Noto You Should Visit Now
Enjoy the catch of the day at Noto Shokusai Market.
Nanao Port, a large fishing port on the Noto Peninsula, has long thrived as a natural harbor and is home to the Noto Shokusai Market, a Michi-no-Eki known for its exceptional seafood. It’s just a short walk from Nanao Station and you can enjoy a variety of culinary delights from the Noto region here.
Visitors can choose to dine in restaurants featuring freshly caught seafood and locally sourced ingredients, or cook and savor your own purchases at the market’s popular self-grilling stations. The market is also a great place to pick up various local souvenirs.
Enjoy a Hamayaki Beach BBQ with fresh seafood.
In addition to its gourmet offerings, the market has a Crafts Hall featuring traditional Noto crafts such as Wajima-Nuri, a type of Japanese lacquerware, and locally made Nanao Japanese candles. There’s also an area where visitors can learn more about the Noto Peninsula’s unique festivals and events.
After enjoying the local cuisine and some souvenir shopping, take a stroll near the market for scenic ocean views, or try 25-minute boat tours. Sightseeing boats depart from the wharf and provide a closer look at the natural beauty of Nanao Bay. (Closed for the winter season from December to March)
Cyclists can experience incredible ocean views along the Noto Peninsula coastline.
The Noto Peninsula is also a popular destination for cyclists, thanks to its beautiful coastline. The Tour de Noto is a three-day annual cycling event that attracts many visitors from around Japan.
Another must-visit destination for cyclists in the region is the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, an 8-kilometer stretch of beach. The beach’s compacted sand allows cyclists or car drivers to cycle or drive directly alongside the rolling waves, offering a truly unique experience.
Of course, there is also a roadside station next to the driveway called the Michi-no-Eki Noto Chirihama, featuring a restaurant, bakery, gelato store, and free hot spring foot bath!
Take a rare glimpse inside traditional Japanese wedding customs at the Bridal Curtain Museum.
Nanao City is also home to the Hanayome Noren Museum (Bridal Curtain Museum), where you can admire vibrant and intricately designed bridal curtains. These curtains called Hanayome Noren in Japanese, represent a traditional custom dating back hundreds of years, symbolizing a bride’s transition into married life.
Beyond seeing the bridal curtains, you can also experience trying on a real bridal kimono. Choose between the elegant shiromuku (a pure white bridal kimono) or the beautifully patterned uchikake, and step through a bridal curtain as part of the tradition.
Couples can also share in this unique experience, as the museum provides traditional men’s attire too.
Strike your best Instagram pose at Ikanoeki Tsukumall.
Another noteworthy spot on the Noto Peninsula is the Ikanoeki Tsukumall at Ogi Port. Ogi Port is renowned as one of Japan's top squid fishing ports, a heritage celebrated at Ikanoeki Tsukumall. It is home to a striking giant squid sculpture called Ika King, which has become a popular Instagram spot. To ensure the restaurant and shop are open during your visit, be sure to check the opening hours in advance.
Discover Noto: Helping through tourism
Visiting the Noto Peninsula is more than a scenic adventure. It’s an opportunity to support local communities and contribute to Noto reconstruction tourism, helping the region recover and thrive after the 2024 earthquake. When planning your visit, you can check the latest updates on the area here.
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About the author
Author: Tanja Warwick
Profile: Tanja is a seasoned freelance travel writer and content marketer, brings rich experience collaborating with hotel brands, airlines, tour operators, and tourism boards. Her expertise was honed after studying Japanese and Journalism in London, and further enriched during four years living in Japan, where she immersed herself in its vibrant culture and history.
