The lesser-known 'Noto Peninsula' in Japan is beautiful, quiet, and unspoiled

Finally, my dream to visit the Noto Peninsula has come true! Most of the Noto Peninsula belongs to Ishikawa Prefecture, with a southeastern part belonging to Toyama Prefecture. This area is known for its salt production🧂, so when driving along the coastline from Wajima towards Suzu🚗, you'll see many small salt-making factories. There is the 1200-year-old Wakura Onsen♨️, as well as mysterious seaside hotels beneath the cliffs; there are also delicious ice cream🍦 shops beside the country lanes, and family-friendly hand-painting experiences and aquariums, etc. Here are a few highly recommended spots to visit: Wajima Morning Market With a history of over a thousand years, the morning market offers fresh seafood, snacks, and locally famous lacquerware. Many of the vendors are elderly women, known for their character and spirit, where you can see the quaint and authentic side of Japan. Shiroyone Senmaida Known as 'Japan's original landscape,' it is a representative terraced field of the World Agricultural Heritage 'Noto's Satoyama and Satoumi.' In spring, you can see the beautiful reflection of the mirror-like water fields and the setting sun; in summer, the lush green rice fields merge with the blue sea🌊; and during the autumn harvest season, you can see the golden rice fields against the sea and sunset. Here you can also experience rice planting and harvesting. Rokugozaki Lighthouse Also known as the 'Beacon Lighthouse,' it is located at the tip of the Noto Peninsula. On clear days, you can see the Tateyama mountain range and Sado Island. There are also signs indicating the distance and direction to Tokyo, Shanghai, and Busan, making it a unique landmark. Amaharashi Coast Located in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, it has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 coastal spots. On clear days, you can view the 3000-meter-high Tateyama mountain range⛰️. If you want to see the snow-capped Tateyama range, it is recommended to visit from November to March, during the clear winter days. To see the sea fog, visit from late October to late February in the early morning (around 5 to 8 a.m. before and after sunrise). In 2014, Amaharashi Coast was also selected as a member of 'The Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club.' Ishikawa Prefecture's 'Chirihama' The beach stretches for about 8 kilometers and is the only beach in Japan where you can drive on the sand. There are only three such beaches in the world where driving is permitted, the other two being Daytona Beach in the United States and Waitarere Beach in New Zealand. The sand at Chirihama is fine and cohesive, making it very stable, so even large buses🚌 can drive on it without the risk of getting stuck. Except in bad weather, it is open all year round.