Nagisa Driveway in Ishikawa Prefecture is the only sandy beach in Japan that you can drive on.
The sand at Nagisa Driveway is different from the sand at a typical beach.
It has a very fine texture and becomes hard when it gets wet with seawater.
Therefore, it is also possible to drive along the coast by car.
So, what kind of place is Nagisa Driveway?
This time, we will introduce in detail Nagisa Driveway in Ishikawa Prefecture, the only sandy beach in Japan where you can run along the water.
① What kind of place is Nagisa Driveway?
Nagisa Driveway is a sandy beach located in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
To be more precise, it is a sandy beach with a total length of about 8 km from north to south, spanning between Chirihama Town and Imahama in Ishikawa Prefecture.
The official name of Nagisa Driveway is Chirihama Nagisa Driveway.
This place has also been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches.
➁What are the characteristics of Nagisa Driveway?
The feature of Nagisa Driveway is that you can drive along the water.
In addition to cars, you can also come by large buses, motorbikes, and bicycles.
The reason is the “sand” of Nagisa Driveway.
This is because the particles of beach sand are very fine, and when you mix the right amount of water with this sand, the sand hardens.
When pressure is applied, it becomes very hard and does not break easily.
Therefore, even when a large bus passes by, the tires do not dig into the road, and the road can be driven in the same way as on an asphalt road.
What’s even more surprising is that you can run along the water.
In fact, you can get close to the surface of the water without your tires sinking.
On the other hand, in areas that are dry and fluffy, the tires will sink and become undriveable. By the way, it can be driven even without 4WD.
▲The view from the Shio parking area! ! You can see running cars and motorcycles from above. You can also go down to the sandy beach from here.
▲You can also enjoy swimming in the sea in summer. Cars can also drive on the beach, but cars are prohibited from entering the rope area.
➂What is the history of Nagisa Driveway?
When did Nagisa Driveway become a place where cars can drive on the sand like it is now?
It is said that it was in 1955 that the Nagisa Driveway became available for cars to drive on the sandy beach as it is today.
It all started with a fisherman’s truck transporting fish caught in Chirihama.
A local bus company saw this truck and took it for a test run.
Then I was able to run without getting buried in the sand.
After that, the beach driveway becomes a popular spot for sightseeing in Noto, as you can see buses and cars splashing along the water’s edge.
Eventually, Nagisa Driveway became known nationwide as a sandy beach where you could drive along the water’s edge.
④What are the precautions for Nagisa Driveway?
You may also drive along the Nagisa driveway. There are a few things to keep in mind. I will introduce you in detail.
❶Roads may be closed.
Please note that Nagisa Driveway may be closed to traffic.
Nagisa Driveways are typically drivable all year round.
This is the best driving course. However, if the waves are high and deemed dangerous, the road will be closed.
In that case, you will not be able to enter by car. Please check the homepage when you come to this location.
I was also unable to enter by car on the first day due to strong winds.
❷Tires may get stuck in the sand.
Please be careful on the Nagisa Driveway as your tires may get stuck in the sand.
In areas where the sand is white and dry, the sand is soft and tires will get stuck.
If you park your car too close to the beach, the waves will dig up the sand and your tires won’t be able to get out. Above all, sea water is not very good for cars.
⑤ Access information to Nagisa Driveway
❶Route for those coming from Tokyo to Nagisa Driveway.
| Tokyo ⇒ Nerima IC ⇒ Kanetsu Expressway (about 6 hours) ⇒ Fujioka JCT ⇒ Joetsu Expressway⇒ Joetsu JCT ⇒ Hokuriku Expressway ⇒ Kanazawa (Morimoto IC) ⇒ National Route 159 (approx. 20 minutes) ⇒ Shirao IC ⇒ Noto Satoyama Kaido (approx. 50 minutes) ⇒ OK from either Chirihama IC or Imahama IC ⇒ Nagisa driveway |
❷Route for those coming from Osaka to Nagisa Driveway.
| Osaka ⇒ Suita IC ⇒ Meishin Expressway (approx. 3 hours 20 minutes) ⇒ Maibara JCT ⇒ Hokuriku Expressway ⇒ Kanazawa (Morimoto IC) ⇒ National Route 159 (approx. 20 minutes) ⇒ Shirao IC ⇒ Notosato Sankaido (approx. 50 minutes) ⇒ OK from either Chirihama IC or Imahama IC ⇒ Nagisa Driveway |
summary
▲A view of the surrounding sunset.
This time, we introduced Nagisa Driveway in Ishikawa Prefecture, the only sandy beach in Japan where you can run along the water.
Ishikawa Prefecture Nagisa Driveway is the only sandy beach in Japan that you can drive on.
Running along the water is refreshing and feels good.
Ishikawa Prefecture Nagisa Driveway is a popular tourist spot in Noto.
Please visit this place when you visit Ishikawa Prefecture.
▲Nagisa Driveway
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