When it comes to Kanazawa, most travelers think of the tea houses and Kenroku-en Garden—these classic land-based attractions. However, this city is actually located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, and Ishikawa Prefecture's coastline hides rich island scenery and fishing village culture. From Kanazawa, you can explore the hidden islands around the Noto Peninsula by ferry, and these routes have become increasingly popular among travelers seeking to deeply explore Japan in recent years.
The ferry services around Kanazawa are mainly distributed in the port cities along the east coast of the Noto Peninsula, including Nanao, Wajima, Anamizu, and Suzu. These ports serve the daily commuting and goods transportation needs of local residents, while also serving as the main gateway for travelers heading to surrounding islands. Notably, since the sea conditions on the Japan Sea side are more stable than those on the Pacific side, these routes can maintain normal operations throughout most of the year, with relatively limited impact during typhoon season—good news for trip planning.
Nanao Port — Noto Island Route
Nanao is the largest city on the Noto Peninsula and an important fishing port in Ishikawa Prefecture. The Noto Island ferry departing from Nanao Port is one of the most convenient options for exploring the islands around the Noto Peninsula. Noto Island is an island connected to the main island by a bridge, preserving traditional fishing village scenery. The large annual seawater temperature difference makes the oysters farmed here of excellent quality, with the best time being from winter to early spring. The ferry journey takes about 15 minutes, with fares in the ¥400-500 range (depending on the vessel type), and departures are frequent—about every 30 minutes—making it perfect for day trips.
Wajima Port — Bekurushima Route
Wajima is famous for its lacquerware and morning market, making it one of the most representative cities on the Noto Peninsula. From Wajima Port, you can take a ferry to nearby Bekurushima, a small fishing island where residents make their living by catching seafood from the Sea of Japan. The journey takes about 25 minutes, with fares around ¥600. The charm of Bekurushima lies in its "secluded atmosphere"—no over-commercialized tourist facilities, only simple minshuku (guesthouses) and accessible coastal scenery. We recommend staying on the island for half a day to experience the tranquility away from tourist crowds.
Suzu Bay Area Routes
Suzu City, located at the northern tip of the Noto Peninsula, faces the widest expanse of the Sea of Japan. While ferry frequency is lower here, the experience offered is quite unique. There are several small islands within Suzu Bay, with some offering regular ferry services and others requiring chartered boat reservations. During winter, the waves of the Sea of Japan crashing against the rocks at the northern tip of the Noto Peninsula create a spectacular view—Suzu's most proud natural landscape. Local fishermen also offer seafood tour experiences, allowing travelers to directly understand how the Sea of Japan fishing industry operates.
Anamizu Port — Surrounding Island Routes
Anamizu is an important port city on the west coast of the Noto Peninsula, with ferry services connecting multiple small islands. Compared to Nanao or Wajima, the routes from Anamizu Port place more emphasis on "exploration"—some routes pass through winding coastlines, where you can see bizarre rocks and erosion landforms along the way. Anamizu is also a transfer point for rail and road; you can reach it from Kanazawa via the JR Nanao Line, making transportation quite convenient.
Practical Information
The most convenient way to reach these ports from Kanazawa is via the JR Nanao Line. From Kanazawa Station to Nanao Station, the rapid train takes about 50 minutes, with fares around ¥1,000. After arriving at the port, you can usually purchase tickets directly at the pier—no advance reservation needed (except for large groups). Recommended itinerary: depart from Kanazawa in the morning, arrive at the port in the morning and take a ferry to the island, enjoy local seafood for lunch, return to the port in the afternoon and optionally visit Nanao or Wajima city, and return to Kanazawa in the evening. A full day is sufficient, but for a deeper experience, we recommend staying at a minshuku on the island for one night.
Regarding accommodation, minshuku on the Noto Peninsula islands range from ¥6,000-12,000 (including dinner and breakfast), which includes fresh-caught seafood dishes—the value for money is quite high. Those traveling in winter should pay special attention to the last ferry time, as sunset is earlier and services end earlier as well.
Travel Tips
If you're coming to Kanazawa from Tokyo or Osaka, you can combine these island itineraries with Kanazawa city touring to form a "city + island" combined journey. The fish catches from the Sea of Japan are significantly different from those of the Pacific side—winter spot prawns and snow crab are seasonal delicacies, another major reason to visit the Noto Peninsula in winter. Additionally, the rising aviation fuel costs in 2026 have also affected domestic flights in Japan. While ferries aren't directly impacted, this means choosing a rail + ferry combined transportation option is not only more environmentally friendly but also increasingly cost-advantageous.
One final reminder: public transportation on the Noto Peninsula is relatively scarce compared to urban areas. Please make good use of Google Maps or local tourist information centers' schedules, and plan ahead for connecting between crowds and ferry schedules to make this sea adventure smoother.
