NOTO PENINSULA

SELF-GUIDED CYCLING TOUR

NOTO PENINSULA

SELF-GUIDED CYCLING TOUR

Season

April-November
Best time: April-June, September-October

Duration

7days

Price

We are currently not accepting bookings due to the recent earthquake. See the description for details.

Location

Start: Noto Satoyama Airport (NTQ)

Finish: Kanazawa Staion

-All five-star quality accommodations
-6 breakfast x 5 dinners (6 breakfast x 3 dinners for comfort plan)
-Daily luggage transfer
-Our complimentary original jersey
-Tokyo self-guided walking tour (1–2.5 days)
-Turn by turn smartphone navigation map

Included

-Airfare
-Rental Bike
-All lunch
-Small fees not payable in advance
-SIM card (eSIM or physical)
-Bike security deposit ($500 CAD)
-Travel Insurance
-Gratuity

Not Included

Pre-trip:
-3 nights in Tokyo

Post-trip:
-One more night in Kanazawa and 3 nights in Kyoto (2hrs)
-Kyoto (2hrs)
-Nagano (1.5hrs)

Pre/Post Ideas

Highlights

Noto Peninsula Earthquake — On January 1, 2024, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula region, causing significant damage and impacting local infrastructure and communities.

Out of respect for the ongoing recovery efforts and the safety of our guests, we are not currently offering tours in this region. Many of our routes rely on remote backroads that were severely impacted by the disaster, and there is currently no clear timeline for their restoration. We continue to communicate closely with our local partners and will monitor and inspect the routes whenever we pass through neighboring areas. We deeply appreciate your understanding and continued support for the communities affected.

Noto Peninsula—In the far reaches of Ishikawa Prefecture lies Oku-Noto, a remote region where the satoyama way of life has been carefully preserved. Designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in 2011, satoyama refers to a traditional rural landscape where communities live in close relationship with nature—sustainably managing forests, cultivating rice terraces, and fishing coastal waters in seasonal rhythm. This lasting harmony between people and environment shapes the cultural soul of the region. Cultural identity is also carried forward in traditions like Gojinjo Daiko, a powerful drumming ritual said to have originated in 1577 to protect the village from invaders. Together, these stories and practices make Oku-Noto one of Japan’s most culturally rich and untouched rural areas.

The itinerary blends cycling with cultural immersion through this landscape. Roads are serene and beautifully paved, offering an ideal route through countryside and coast. Accommodations are carefully selected ryokan, where traditional hospitality includes open-air onsen and local cuisine.

This is a refined cycling journey with primary emphasis on the route’s quality—balanced with cultural depth, seasonal dining, and restorative onsen experiences.

Itinerary

54km (33mi)
+713m/-889m (+2,339ft/-2,917ft)
—Wajima— Begin your journey through Oku-Noto with a ride along peaceful rural roads. Surrounded by terraced rice fields, quiet villages, and the Sea of Japan, this gentle route offers an introduction to the region’s beauty and pace of life. Experience shojin ryori, a refined form of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine rooted in seasonal simplicity and spiritual mindfulness. This is more than a meal—it’s a window into centuries-old culinary philosophy. You’ll stay at the same ryokan for the next two nights, allowing time to settle in and soak up the rhythms of the region.
65km (41mi)
+966m/-964m (+3,169ft/-3,163ft)
—Wajima— Wajima is known throughout Japan for its lacquerware, a tradition that began in the 1300s and thrived during the Edo period (1603–1868). Celebrated for its durability and elegant depth of finish, Wajima-nuri represents one of the country’s most revered craftsmanship legacies. The road meanders through coastal fishing villages, where the scenery gradually opens to sweeping views of the Sea of Japan. A beautifully maintained seaside park adds to the charm of this section, inviting moments of pause and quiet appreciation before heading inland.
55km (34mi)
+745m/-876m (+2,444ft/-2,874ft)
—Oku Noto— Embarking on a cycling adventure through the Noto Peninsula is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the charms of old-fashioned Japan, where life unfolds at its own unhurried pace. We explore the traditional methods of salt-making passed down through generations in this region, a craft shaped by wind, sun, and sea. Settle in for two nights at this peaceful seaside retreat. End the day with a soak in the open-air onsen overlooking the sea—a soothing reward for the day’s ride.
48km (30mi)
+471m/-484m (+1,545ft/-1,588ft)
—Suzu— Begin the day at a leisurely pace, savoring the serene ambiance of the hotel by the cove. As you cycle through the region, take in the unique charm of houses adorned with real charcoaled siding, known as 'Shou-Sugi-Ban.' The coastal route offers breathtaking scenery, with picturesque shorelines and captivating fishing boats equipped with large lights for nocturnal squid fishing. This area is renowned for its oysters.
62km (39mi)
+749m/-749m (+2,457ft/-2,457ft)
—Wakura— On the last full ride day, we follow a scenic coastal loop known for its flatter terrain—likely to become your favorite ride of the trip. As you pedal over bridges and pass shrines, the snow-capped North Alps rise beyond the ocean, creating a truly picturesque backdrop. Stop by a local kakigoya—an oyster hut-style eatery where fresh oysters are grilled to order and enjoyed with simple seasonings, offering a taste of the region’s maritime traditions.
19km (12mi)
+224m/-239m (+735ft/-784ft)
—Wakura— We wrap up the ride with a brief exploration of cherry blossoms—especially striking in spring. Afterward, indulge in a relaxing soak at the hot springs before enjoying a fun train ride to the charming city of Kanazawa, often referred to as “little Kyoto”.
After enjoying a western-style breakfast, we commence the day with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Japanese art forms have evolved over centuries, with tea ceremonies influencing aspects such as Kimono, Ka-do (flower arrangement), gardening, calligraphy, and pottery.

While a visit to the renowned Japanese garden Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle may seem touristy, it's truly worth exploring these cultural treasures. The entire afternoon is dedicated to discovering the vibrant city of Kanazawa.