Chirihama Nagisa Driveway — Drive on the Beach

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (千里浜なぎさドライブウェイ) is Japan's only beach where you can legally drive a car directly on the sand — an 8-kilometer stretch of hard-packed sand along Hakui's coast that functions as a public road year-round. The sand's fine grain and high moisture content create a surface firm enough to support vehicles without sinking, allowing ordinary cars (not just 4WD) to drive at the water's edge with waves lapping at tires. The experience is surreal: driving 50 km/h on an ocean beach with the Sea of Japan on one side and pine forests on the other.

The driveway is free, open 24/7 (except during storms when high waves make it unsafe), and accessible from Route 249 at either Chirihama or Imahama entrances. The beach hosts seasonal events: clam digging (spring), beach volleyball tournaments (summer), and sunset drives year-round. Several beach cafes and seafood shacks operate along the route, allowing you to park on the sand and eat grilled squid or soft-serve ice cream with ocean views. The driveway embodies Noto's quirky, low-key charm — a unique experience that would be prohibited in most countries but remains a beloved local tradition.