Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is a scenic beach road in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture, where you can drive along the edge of the surf on a stretch of sand that runs about 8 km from Imihama in Hodatsushimizu Town, Hakui District, Ishikawa Prefecture, to Chirihama-cho in Hakui City.

This place is widely known nationwide as the only beach in Japan where you can drive a car along the water’s edge.
Roads that allow vehicles to drive on the sand are rare even worldwide, making this a spot where you can enjoy truly precious scenery and a special experience.

Why You Can Drive Here (The Secret of the Sand)

The main reason Chirihama is drivable is the nature of the sand itself.
The grains are extremely fine, uniform in size, and become moderately moist and firmly compacted when they contain seawater.
As a result, tires are less likely to sink in than on an ordinary beach, creating stability similar to a paved road.
Because the sand is finer than on typical beaches and is packed down by the waves, not only passenger cars but also tour buses can drive here.

The Appeal of the Driving Experience

The greatest attraction of Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is the exhilarating feeling of driving right next to the waves.
The scenery of driving under a blue sky while feeling the surf and sea breeze is like a scene from a movie.
There is basically no center line on the road, and there are few clear lane markings, but many vehicles naturally drive on the left, allowing visitors to enjoy the openness unique to a sandy beach.
Its distinctive driving feel, unlike either paved roads or snowy roads, also offers a smooth, gliding sensation.

Vehicles and Tires

When people think of driving on sand, they often assume a 4WD vehicle is necessary, but at Chirihama, 4WD is not required.
Even ordinary passenger cars with standard tires can drive here, so it is easy to enjoy in your own car or a rental car.
Motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles are also allowed, making it possible for a wide range of travelers to enjoy the driveway.
However, bicycles can be difficult to ride depending on the condition of the sand, so caution is needed.

How to Enjoy It (Daytime, Evening, and Before Sunrise)

Daytime

During the day, you can stop your car by the surf and enjoy the scenery, or play in the sand and water for a leisurely beach experience.
Barbecues and tent setup are also allowed, and it is a popular beach for swimming.
During the summer season, the area is generally divided from the sea side into a swimming zone, parking space, and traffic lane (driveway), making it easy to use.

Evening (Sunset)

Chirihama is also famous for its beautiful sunsets.
Driving while watching the sun set over the horizon is deeply moving and makes for a perfect photo opportunity.
The view of the sea turning orange and pink is one of Chirihama’s unique charms.

Before Dawn (Highly Recommended)

The most recommended time is before dawn, when the area is wrapped in silence.
With fewer people around, the atmosphere becomes mystical and enchanting, and if you are lucky, you may even see morning mist.
At this time of day, you may feel as though you have the scenery all to yourself, making it a truly special experience.

Fishing Fires (An Ethereal Night View)

During the squid fishing season, the lights of fishing boats, known as “iribi” or fishing fires, line the night sea, creating a fantastical view as if another driveway has appeared on the water.
One of the charms of this place is that you can see a completely different face from the daytime scenery.

Using It by Bicycle or Motorcycle

On a clear day, riding a motorcycle or bicycle while feeling the sea breeze is also highly recommended.
However, when stopping on the sand, some skill is needed because the tires may sink in.
Rental bicycles are available at Chirihama Rest House, so even without a car, visitors can easily enjoy the experience.

Traffic Restrictions (Important)

Since Chirihama Nagisa Driveway uses a natural sandy beach, traffic restrictions are imposed by Ishikawa Prefecture, the managing authority, when conditions are judged unsafe for driving, such as when waves are high.
In such cases, vehicles are not allowed to drive on the beach.

How to Check the Restriction Status

Whether the road is open can be checked on “Ishikawa Michi Information Net.”
Restriction status is displayed in the “Tourist Road Information” section at the top left of the page, so it is recommended to check before visiting.
Example notices include:
- “Chirihama Nagisa Driveway” no restrictions → open
- “Chirihama Nagisa Driveway” restricted → closed

It is important to always check before your visit.

Driving Precautions and Etiquette

Even though it is drivable, it is still a sandy beach, so caution is necessary.
- Avoid sudden starts and sharp steering.
- Be careful in areas where the sand is dry and white, as tires can get stuck more easily.
- If you park near the water’s edge, rising tide or approaching waves may become dangerous, so be mindful of the tide level.
- If you have a barbecue, do not start fires directly on the sand; use proper equipment and be sure to take all trash home.
In addition, traffic volume increases in summer, and speed limits or passing restrictions may be imposed, so safe driving is required.

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is Japan’s only special sandy beach road where you can drive along the surf for about 8 km.
Thanks to the natural characteristics of its fine sand, which becomes compact when mixed with seawater, even ordinary cars can drive here.
You can enjoy completely different experiences depending on the time of day, including the refreshing ocean in daylight, the spectacular sunset, the quiet before dawn, and the mystical night view of fishing fires.
Motorcycles and bicycles are also allowed, and rental bicycles are available as well.
However, since the road may be closed depending on natural conditions, it is important to check the restriction status in advance and enjoy the area safely and with proper etiquette.