Nanao

Nanao (七尾) is a coastal city on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, situated on Nanao Bay. The city is the administrative and commercial centre of the peninsula. Nanao has a rich fishing heritage and is known for the Noto Yaki pottery tradition and its historic temples. The area offers beautiful coastal scenery, including the Noto Kongo coastline with dramatic sea cliffs. The Nanao Castle once stood here, though only stone foundations remain. The best times to visit are spring and autumn.

By Plane

Komatsu Airport (KMQ) is about 1 hour 30 minutes by car. Noto Airport (NTQ) on the peninsula is closer (40 min by car) but has limited domestic flights.

By Train

Nanao Station is the terminus of the JR Nanao Line. From Kanazawa, limited express trains take about 70 minutes (¥2,300). From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa (2 hr 30 min), then transfer. The Japan Rail Pass covers these services.

By Car / Road

The Noetsu Expressway connects Kanazawa to Nanao (about 1 hour 15 min). From Tokyo, the drive takes about 6 hours. Expressway buses run from Kanazawa and Tokyo.

Local buses connect Nanao to other parts of the Noto Peninsula. The city is compact and walkable. Taxis and rental cars are available at the station. A car is essential for exploring the outer Noto Peninsula.

Nanao Castle Ruins offer panoramic views of Nanao Bay. The Noto Yaki Museum showcases the region's pottery tradition. Noto Kongo Coast features dramatic sea cliffs and unusual rock formations. The Nanao Fish Market operates in the morning. Noto Island is connected by bridge and offers hiking and scenic viewpoints.

Pottery experiences at Noto Yaki studios. Cruises on Nanao Bay. Hiking on Noto Island and the Kongo Coast. The Nanao Festival in July features large floats and traditional music. Seafood dining is a highlight throughout the city.

Nanao Bay produces excellent seafood: oysters, crabs, and buri (yellowtail). The Noto Peninsula is also known for its noto beef—a premium wagyu variety. Local restaurants serve fresh sashimi and kaisen donburi.

Ishikawa sake is excellent. Nanao has several izakaya serving local drinks. Tap water is safe.

• Budget: Business hotels near the station from ¥5,000–7,000. - Mid-range: Hotels in Nanao from ¥7,000–10,000. - Upscale: Ryokan on Nanao Bay with sea views and kaiseki from ¥12,000–20,000.

Noto Yaki pottery is the signature craft. Nanao is also known for its Wajima-nuri lacquerware (from neighbouring Wajima) and local seafood products.

• Wajima (40 min by car/bus) — famous morning market and Wajima-nuri lacquerware. - Kanazawa (70 min by limited express) — Kenroku-en Garden and the Higashi Chaya district. - Noto Town (30 min by car) — the northern tip of the peninsula with the Kongo Coast. - Suzu (50 min by car) — the wild northeastern coast of the Noto Peninsula.