Notojima Island

Notojima Island (能登島) is located off the east coast of Noto Peninsula (能登半島), about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Kanazawa, with a population of only 3,120. The island is richly endowed with nature, as the 72 kilometers- (45 miles-) long coastline is closely lined with thick green forests and hills. Surrounded by the sea on all sides, local people have a long, deep connection with the sea, making their living by fishing and agriculture. Before Notojima Ohashi Bridge (能登島大橋) connected the island with the peninsula in 1982, they had been only linked by ferries and boats. The peninsula itself was once a remote region.
These days, thanks to modern transportation, the island is easily accessible from Noto Satoyama Kaido (のと里山海道), the freeway from Kanazawa. Connecting Kanazawa and Noto Peninsula, this freeway offers a comfortable and exhilarating road trip without traffic jams.
From Kanazawa, head north and get on the freeway at Uchinada (内灘) Interchange. Make a beautiful drive following the coastline of the Sea of Japan, through the green rolling hills, up to Wakura (和倉) Interchange via Noetsu Expressway (能越自動車道). From there, Notojima Ohashi Bridge is some 5 minutes through the bustling hot spring town, Wakura Onsen (和倉温泉).
When you cross the bridge over the sea, you’ll sense the otherworldly serenity the island itself emanates. Breathe in the fresh air, and you will feel recharged. There is plenty to see and do on the island to keep you busy for hours. Driving is great fun in itself, as the island presents soothing landscape dotted with fine beaches and old fishing villages. Families with children will appreciate Notojima Aquarium (のとじま水族館) where you can enjoy dolphin shows. Notojima Glass Art Museum (能登島ガラス美術館) is a 5 minute drive from the aquarium.
When leaving the island, cross another bridge, Twin Bridge Noto (ツインブリッジのと) over calm Nanao Bay (七尾湾), where you can enjoy sailing. Pull over for a while to admire the view of the bridge against the sea, and hop on the Noto Satoyama Kaido at Yokota (横田) Interchange heading for Kanazawa.
On your way back, make sure to get off the freeway at Chirihama (千里浜) Interchange for Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (千里浜なぎさドライブウェイ). It’s an 8-kilometer- (5-mile-) stretch of beach where the sand is so fine and so packed that vehicles, even large buses, can be easily ridden right alongside the sea. There is no charge for driving on the beach. After browsing the beachside stalls, take in a spectacular sunset over the Sea of Japan, and enjoy the warm sea breeze.
Tear yourself away from the beach and take the freeway again at Imahama (今浜) Interchange, driving down to Kanazawa.