Chirihama Beach: Japan's Only Driveable Beach - Experience Sunset Drives, and Sand Sculptures
Kanazawa is the prefectural capital of Ishikawa Prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu. It flourished as a castle town from around 1600 to 1800, and is a city where culture and arts still thrive today.
Having developed from a castle town, there are many areas where you can feel history and tradition, with samurai residences and former pleasure quarter sites still remaining today. It's popular for allowing visitors to experience traditional industries such as gold leaf crafts, where they can enjoy Japanese beauty.
Additionally, art museums and contemporary art facilities are well-established, offering diverse tourist attractions beyond places where you can feel history.
This time, we'll explain Chirihama Beach, known as one of the most unique tourist destinations among these, and its attractions. Chirihama Beach is known as the only beach in Japan where regular vehicles can drive, offering a special experience that can't be enjoyed anywhere else.
Kanazawa is Famous for Having Diverse Tourist Destinations Including Gourmet Food, Contemporary Art, and Traditional Spots
Kanazawa is known as a tourist city where you can enjoy history, art, and gourmet food all in one place. Having flourished as a cultural area since the 1600s, streetscapes that still retain the traditional beauty of Japan, including former pleasure quarters and samurai residence sites, continue to spread throughout the city.
It's also attracting attention as a hub for contemporary art, represented by the "21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa."
The food culture is also rich, with fresh seafood caught in nearby waters and numerous local dishes capturing the hearts of food enthusiasts.
With such diverse attractions, Kanazawa has become a tourist destination that attracts travelers from both domestic and international locations.
Among These, the Most Unique is Chirihama Beach, Where You Can Drive Refreshingly on the Sandy Shore
Chirihama Beach is known as the only place in Japan where regular vehicles can drive directly on the sandy beach.
Chirihama Beach extends from about 40km northwest of Kanazawa City, from Hakui City to Houdatsushimizu Town, and the exhilarating feeling of driving along approximately 8km of coastline right at the water's edge cannot be experienced anywhere else. In the open scenery where sea and sky spread out, you can stop at your favorite spot and enjoy strolling or photography.
The sand, which contains an appropriate amount of seawater, is so firmly packed that tires don't sink in, allowing you to drive with normal tires.
In 2016, It Also Achieved First Place in TripAdvisor's Japan Beach Ranking
Source:Hakui City
Chirihama Beach has the achievement of being selected as first place in TripAdvisor's "Popular Japan Beach Ranking" in 2016, making it a tourist destination that receives high praise from both domestic and international visitors. While the ranking was filled with Okinawan beaches, it was the only one from Honshu to make the list.
Not only the novelty of being able to drive on it, but also its beautiful scenery and high degree of freedom contributed to this evaluation.
You can not only drive while feeling the water's edge up close, but also enjoy barbecuing, water activities, and strolling on the spacious sandy beach.
The Attractions and Reasons for Chirihama Beach's Popularity
Chirihama Beach is the only place in Japan where you can drive along the coastline. While that alone is sufficiently attractive, let's introduce in detail why Chirihama Beach is popular and the reasons behind it.
The Only Sandy Beach in Japan Where You Can Drive Along the Coastline
Chirihama Beach is a special sandy beach that is the only place in Japan where regular vehicles can drive along the coastline. Extending approximately 8km in total length, you can enjoy driving right at the water's edge, an experience that cannot be had anywhere else.
The attraction isn't just driving along the water's edge, but also being able to stop at your favorite spot and freely spend time gazing at the sea, taking photos, or relaxing. You can also enjoy water activities and barbecuing, so visiting during the hot summer will allow you to fully enjoy it.
During the day of course, but at dusk, a spectacular view unfolds as the beautiful sunset sinks into the horizon, allowing you to savor moving scenes. It's attracting attention as a spot where you can have an extremely unique experience that doesn't exist anywhere else in Japan.
The Reason Why You Can Drive on Chirihama Beach
The reason Chirihama Beach is drivable is because the sand particles are about 0.2mm, which is finer compared to regular sand, and it contains a lot of seawater.
While tires would normally sink into regular sandy beaches, the fine sand moistened with seawater is firmly packed, preventing tires from sinking and allowing driving.
The parts from the water's edge to the inland side that contain water and have hardened sand turn black, and those parts can be safely driven on.
Chirihama Beach extends approximately 8km in total length, and driving is possible with normal tires of regular cars without needing special vehicles, 4WD vehicles, or special equipment.
While being able to drive on sandy beaches is unique to Japan, it's also rare worldwide, and Chirihama Beach attracts attention from both domestic and international visitors.
The charm unique to this place overflows - being able to enjoy the scenery of the Japan Sea while driving on the sandy beach.
Beautiful Sunset Scenes Where the Sun Sets Over the Coastline
At Chirihama Beach, you can watch the magnificent sunset sinking into the Japan Sea right in front of you while remaining in your car. The sight of the sun slowly sinking into the unobstructed horizon is truly breathtakingly beautiful.
Particularly, visiting during the "magic hour" - the several dozen minutes after sunset when the sky is dyed in beautiful gradations - is recommended. Many people stop their cars on the sandy beach to take photos. When I visited and took photographs myself, I was able to capture photos that looked like scenes from a movie.
Stopping your car and enjoying the sunset while listening to the sound of waves is also a luxurious way to spend time. The leisurely time feeling at one with nature will surely enhance your travel satisfaction.
"Sand Art," Also a Specialty of Chirihama Beach
Source:Google Maps
At Chirihama Beach, "sand art" using the sandy beach as a canvas is beloved as a local specialty. The reason such delicate sand art can be created is also because Chirihama Beach's sand particles are fine.
Local volunteer groups and students take the lead, deciding on a production theme each year and beginning creation around April each year. Giant sand art exceeding 3 meters is completed by around summer. The creation process can also be observed.
Events are held during the exhibition period, and from late July to late November, they are illuminated at night. The fantastical nighttime scenery is also attractive. Additionally, events include sand art creation experiences, allowing you to spend time enjoying art.
Animals, people, and anime scenes expressed with detailed modeling and powerful scale are truly artistic.
Must Check in Advance! 3 Things Prohibited at Chirihama Beach
Chirihama Beach is a place where ordinary cars can drive safely, but there are also prohibited activities. Please make sure to understand these thoroughly before visiting.
Driving During Traffic Restriction Periods
Since Chirihama Beach is greatly influenced by the natural environment, vehicle traffic may be restricted for safety reasons on days with high waves or after heavy rain.
When roads are closed, vehicle entry to the coastline is prohibited, and pedestrian access may also be restricted. Traffic restrictions become more frequent especially during windy winter periods and stormy weather, so it's necessary to check Ishikawa Prefecture's official information and road traffic information before visiting.
Whether traffic restrictions will be implemented cannot be known until the day itself, so please check information frequently.
Dangerous Driving That Ignores Sand and Wave Conditions
At Chirihama Beach, you can have the special experience of driving along the water's edge, but driving that ignores sand and wave conditions is extremely dangerous.
The sandy beach changes greatly depending on weather and tidal conditions, and there are soft spots that are difficult to identify visually, which can cause tires to get stuck in muddy areas and become immobilized.
Driving too fast or forcing your way along the water's edge can lead to vehicle damage or accidents. To enjoy safe driving, it's important to check local warning signs and weather information, and to drive carefully without overexerting yourself.
Because this is a place where you're dealing with nature, careful judgment is essential.
Littering and Clearly Prohibited Activities Such as Clam Digging
To protect the beautiful natural environment, littering is strictly prohibited. Please take your trash home with you.
Especially when enjoying barbecues or camping, please don't leave food scraps or used charcoal behind, but dispose of them responsibly.
Additionally, clam digging is prohibited at Chirihama Beach. The act of collecting shellfish without permission is considered poaching and is subject to legal penalties.
By having each person follow the rules, we can preserve Chirihama Beach's beautiful natural environment. Please make sure to check the local manners and regulations thoroughly.
Access to Chirihama Beach
Address: Senjinhama-cho, Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture / Hodatsushimizu Town, Hodatsu Gun
Closed: None (Access prohibited during stormy weather, etc.)
Phone: 0767-22-1118
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Official Website: https://www.city.hakui.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyoukensetsubu/syoukoukankouka/12/1/2505.html
Access:
- 3 minutes by car from Chirihama IC on Noto Satoyama Kaido
- 5 minutes by taxi from JR Hakui Station
- 20 minutes on foot from JR Hakui Station
After Enjoying a Drive at Chirihama Beach, Explore Historic Streets with Locals the Next Day!
Ishikawa Prefecture has many attractive tourist spots besides Chirihama Beach. The prefectural capital Kanazawa has numerous places where you can feel history, but since they're scattered around, you might be unsure about where to go. Travel time is limited, so it would be a waste to spend unnecessary time on transportation.
Magical Trip's local tours feature English-speaking guides who carefully select and guide you to must-visit spots among Kanazawa's historic sites. Meeting at 10:00 AM in front of Family Mart+Drug Komeya Kanazawa Musashiten, the approximately 5-hour tour covers Omicho Market with over 300 years of history, Kenroku-en (one of Japan's three most famous gardens), and the Higashi Chaya District with its historic streetscape.
In the garden, you'll view Japan's oldest fountain, and enjoy meals at restaurants where you can experience Kanazawa's local cuisine. At the Japanese sweets museum, you can also experience traditional confectionery making, allowing you to enjoy Kanazawa's history from various angles.
The day after enjoying a drive at Chirihama Beach, spend a fulfilling time experiencing Kanazawa's history with a local guide - something only possible with their guidance.
3 Must-See Recommended Tourist Destinations in Kanazawa to Visit Together with Chirihama Beach!
Chirihama Beach is the only place in Japan where you can drive cars on the beach, but beyond that, Kanazawa has many other attractive spots that can only be enjoyed here. From here, we'll introduce carefully selected recommended tourist destinations in Kanazawa.
Kenroku-en
Kenroku-en is one of Japan's three most famous gardens and represents Kanazawa's premier tourist attraction. This garden was built by the lord of this area in the 1600s, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery of seasonal nature and skillfully arranged ponds and bridges.
The "roku" in Kenroku-en means "six" in English, and it was named because it combines the six scenic elements required for a garden: antiquity, water, artificial features, and others.
The vast grounds are packed with highlights, and you can enjoy various expressions throughout the year: cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow in winter.
I visited on a day when there was nighttime opening with illumination, and I was captivated by the fantastical scenery of beautiful nature illuminated by lights.
⟨Store Information⟩
Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 076-234-3800
Operating Hours:
March 1 - October 15: 7:00-18:00 (Last entry 17:30)
October 16 - End of February: 8:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
*Night opening available during events
Official Website: https://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/
Higashi Chaya District
Higashi Chaya District is an area where Kanazawa's representative historic townscape remains, and it's a popular tourist spot that conveys the atmosphere of the 1600s-1800s to the present day.
Along the cobblestone streets lined with traditional wooden architecture, buildings where Geisha once performed dance and music are arranged, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of that time.
There are also many restaurants and galleries that have renovated traditional Japanese houses called "Machiya," where you can enjoy shopping for sweets made with gold leaf (a Kanazawa specialty) and traditional crafts.
At night, gas lamps are lit creating a fantastical atmosphere, making you feel as if you've time-slipped to the past. There are also izakaya and bars, so when I visited, I enjoyed walking around the town while savoring Kanazawa gourmet food.
⟨Store Information⟩
Address: Higashiyama, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Closed: Varies by store
Phone: 076-232-5555 (Kanazawa Tourism Association)
Operating Hours: Varies by store
Official Website: None
Omicho Market
Omicho Market is a representative spot where you can experience Kanazawa's food culture. With about 300 years of history, it offers a diverse array of ingredients including fresh local seafood, vegetables, fruits, and processed foods.
You can enjoy seafood bowls and sushi made with seafood caught in nearby waters, making it popular with both tourists and locals.
The market has many eat-in spaces and restaurants, so you can enjoy both shopping and dining. There's a food court with a standing bar, where I also savored Kanazawa's seafood and Japanese sake. The variety of Japanese sake is abundant, so I ended up staying longer than planned.
It's bustling with activity from morning, and just looking around at the ingredients allows you to experience Japanese food culture.
⟨Store Information⟩
Address: 50 Kami-Omicho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Closed: Varies by store
Phone: 076-231-1462 (Omicho Market Shopping Street Promotion Association)
Operating Hours: Varies by store
Official Website: https://ohmicho-ichiba.com/
When You Come to Kanazawa, Be Sure to Enjoy the Nationally Famous Exquisite Food!
Kanazawa is highly rated not only for its history and culture but also as one of Japan's premier gourmet cities.
Being located facing the Sea of Japan, it has an abundance of fresh seafood, with nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), snow crab, and sweet shrimp being particularly famous.
Beyond seafood, there's a diverse array of flavors including traditional vegetables, local cuisine, high-quality sushi, and delicate Japanese sweets, making gourmet food an essential element alongside tourism.
At Omicho Market, you can taste dishes made with seasonal ingredients on the spot, while in Higashi Chaya District, gold leaf sweets and matcha sweets showcasing artisan skills are also popular.
There are also plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants, creating a food environment that can satisfy any scene and any need.
When visiting Kanazawa, please pay attention to local flavors along with exploring the city.
For Touring Shops Loved by Locals, Participating in Local Tours is Recommended!
Kanazawa has so many restaurants that when visiting for the first time, you might be confused about where to go.
Since you're going to the trouble of visiting, you'd want to choose delicious and popular shops that are loved by locals too.
With Magical Trip's local tours, English-speaking local tour guides serve as your guide and show you hidden local famous shops, allowing you to visit restaurants you couldn't find on your own.
Meeting at 6:00 PM in front of the clothing store "BEAMS," you'll visit 3 shops over approximately 3.5 hours. These include shops where you can enjoy fresh sashimi and fried fish caught in nearby waters, shops where you can savor "Oden" (a traditional Japanese dish of various ingredients simmered together like vegetables) and Japanese sake - all shops that are truly representative of Kanazawa.
The cost includes food and drinks, so you can participate with peace of mind. While moving between shops, you can also enjoy the historic townscape, allowing you to fully enjoy Kanazawa's charms.
