About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team took this cab tour, she spent eight and a half hours exploring the Noto Peninsula from Kanazawa — a quiet, rural corner of Japan's west coast where fishing villages, rice terraces, and dramatic coastal cliffs feel a world away from the city. The day threads together wine tasting at a seaside vineyard, fresh seafood lunch in Wajima's working harbour, a crash course in traditional lacquerware craftsmanship, and a wine-paired dinner back in Kanazawa. You'll also cruise past rugged coastline, possibly detour to thousand-year-old rice paddies or a historic Zen temple, and drive across Chirihama Beach — one of the few beaches on Earth where cars are welcome.
Highlights
- Wine tasting overlooking the Sea of Japan at a local winery
- Fresh seafood lunch served in Wajima's actual fishing town
- Hands-on lacquerware workshop — you apply the traditional craft
- Drive across Chirihama Beach in the tour vehicle itself
- Optional detour to Shiroyone Senmaida's thousand-year-old rice terraces
- Noto Kongo coastal cruise through dramatic cliff scenery
- Wine-paired dinner with Noto ingredients back in Kanazawa
- Small-group pace with a knowledgeable local guide
What to expect
You'll be picked up in Kanazawa in the morning and head north towards the Noto Peninsula — roughly an hour's drive. The route crosses Chirihama Beach, which feels surreal the first time (yes, the car drives on sand). You'll stop at a seaside winery for tasting, then push on to Wajima, a working fishing port where lunch is sourced from that morning's catch. Lily found the whole day had a deliberate rhythm: enough time to linger over meals and crafts, but enough movement to see the landscape shift from coast to farmland and back.
The lacquerware session is genuinely interactive — you won't leave an expert, but you'll understand why the work takes years. If you pick the optional Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces, expect a short walk with views that justify the detour. The Noto Kongo coastal cruise is peaceful rather than thrilling. Dinner ties everything together with local produce and wine pairings. By 5–6 p.m. you're back in Kanazawa.
What travellers say
- Genuine local wine and seafood — not scaled for tourist palates
- Small-group cab format means flexible routing and personal pace
- Hands-on lacquerware workshop builds real appreciation of craft
- Rare chance to drive across Chirihama Beach in a vehicle
- Day covers five senses — tasting, coastal views, craftsmanship, food
- Eight and a half hours in vehicle; long for those who prefer walking
- Optional sites locked in at booking — no day-of flexibility
- Early start and late return; not suited to slow morning types
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works brilliantly if you want to taste the real Noto without a rushed itinerary. The wine tastings and seafood are genuine — not tourist-trap versions. The lacquerware experience gives you a tangible skill and respect for the craft. Small groups mean your guide can adjust the day slightly to your interests.
The day starts early and involves eight and a half hours in a vehicle (though stops break it up). If you're not keen on wine, the tasting element won't excite you. Wajima's fishing town charm comes with a working-port reality — it's not picturesque, it's functional. The optional add-ons (Shiroyone, Sojiji temple, coastal cruise) require choosing before you book, so flexibility is limited. Walking is minimal but the Senmaida terraces involve a short uphill path. Bring layers — coastal weather can shift. Peak season (cherry blossom, autumn foliage) books quickly. Transport, guide, drinks, and dinner are included; personal meals outside of lunch/dinner and any extra shopping are on you.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.