Things To Do
in Nanao
Nanao is a picturesque coastal city located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The city is known for its stunning beaches, rich fishing industry, and historical sites such as the Notojima Tunnel and Nanao Castle Ruins. Nanao offers visitors a tranquil escape with its scenic landscapes, including rolling hills and expansive ocean views.
The city's local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and traditional Japanese dishes, draws food enthusiasts from near and far.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Nanao Onsen for a soothing hot spring experience. Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local ryokan.
Head to Nanao's scenic Noto Peninsula for breathtaking views and nature walks. Don't miss the opportunity to explore local seafood markets.
Return to Nanao city and enjoy a dinner featuring fresh seafood from the region. Consider a stroll along the waterfront to unwind.
Explore the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens. Take in the seasonal flora and enjoy a peaceful moment here.
Visit the Nanao City Art Museum to appreciate local artists and exhibitions. Check out the nearby historic sites that reflect Nanao’s culture.
Dine at a local izakaya to experience authentic Japanese pub cuisine. Take some time to reflect on the day at a quiet café.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and views of Noto Peninsula.
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional crafts and festivals.
- Mild climate, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.
- Access to fresh seafood and local cuisine.
- Friendly community and a relaxed pace of life.
- Limited access to urban amenities and services.
- Fewer job opportunities compared to larger cities.
- Potential language barriers for non-Japanese speakers.
- Public transportation may be less frequent and less comprehensive.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters such as typhoons.
Best Activities in Nanao
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful Notojima Island with scenic views, beaches, and a variety of outdoor activities like cycling and bird watching.
Enjoy hiking trails with stunning coastal views, lush landscapes, and opportunities to observe unique flora and fauna in Noto Hanto Quasi-National Park.
Engage in marine activities such as sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling in the pristine waters near Wakura Onsen.
Tours
Uncover the best of Nanao with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Nanao
Visit one of these nice places.
Offering panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and rugged cliffs, perfect for photographs.
A scenic spot featuring beautiful views of the coastline and the surrounding natural landscape.
A hot spring town with picturesque views of the sea and coastline, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Nanao
Nanao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local dish, Kanburi Sashimi features thinly sliced amberjack fish, known for its delicate flavor. Visit the Nanao Fish Market for the freshest cuts.
Must-Try!
For a unique local delicacy, try Hotaru Ika, or firefly squid. These small, bioluminescent squid are often served as tempura or sashimi at seaside eateries in Nanao.
Wakurazushi, a type of fermented sushi, is a local specialty. Made with salted mackerel and rice, it offers a distinctive umami flavor. Look for it at traditional sushi establishments in the area.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Nanao better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the bustling Nanao Fish Market for a vibrant display of fresh seafood, including Kanburi and local catches. Don't miss the opportunity to sample various sashimi and seafood snacks.
This market is a great place to experience the local food scene. Indulge in street food such as grilled squid skewers, Takoyaki, and other regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Nanao, Japan, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when interacting with someone for the first time.
When entering a Japanese home, including in Nanao, it's customary to remove shoes before stepping inside. This shows respect for the cleanliness of the home.
Using polite language and respectful speech, such as addressing others with honorific titles like 'san,' is important in Nanao and throughout Japan to demonstrate consideration and courtesy.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Nanao with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Nanao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally not practiced in Nanao, Japan, as it is not a common custom in Japanese culture. In most cases, tips are not expected and may even be refused.
In Nanao, Japan, cash is still widely used for making payments, although credit cards are becoming more accepted, especially in larger establishments. It's important to carry sufficient cash for smaller businesses and establishments that may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Nanao.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Nanao, Japan is in spring (March to May) when you can enjoy cherry blossoms, warm weather, and various seasonal events and festivals.
Summer (June to August) in Nanao brings warm temperatures, outdoor activities, and the Nanao Wajima Taisai festival, which is a popular event featuring parades and performances.
Autumn (September to November) offers pleasant weather and beautiful fall foliage, making it a great time to visit Nanao and experience the Noto Kaze festival.
Winter (December to February) in Nanao can be cold, but it's a great time to experience the Noto Yuki Matsuri, a snow festival featuring stunning snow sculptures and traditional performances.
Nanao at Night
Hiking in Nanao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic park with a variety of walking trails along the river, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
A recreational forest park with well-maintained hiking trails suitable for families, featuring lush greenery and seasonal flowers.
A popular hiking destination that provides panoramic views of the Noto Peninsula, with trails that vary in difficulty.
A large area offering numerous hiking routes and scenic landscapes, including coastal trails and inland forest paths.
An accessible peak with a moderate hiking trail leading to stunning views, especially vibrant with autumn colors.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Nanao through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Nanao by plane.
Located approximately 45 km from Nanao, this is the nearest major airport offering domestic and some international flights.
About 75 km away from Nanao, this airport provides both domestic and limited international services.
Located roughly 230 km from Nanao, this is a major international airport serving the Nagoya area with numerous international flights.
Approximately 300 km from Nanao, Kansai International is a significant hub for international travel into and out of Japan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The elderly population (65 years and older) constitutes a significant demographic group in Nanao, reflecting the aging trend seen across Japan.
Individuals aged 15 to 64 years, which includes the majority of the workforce in Nanao.
This group includes individuals aged 0 to 14 years, representing the younger demographic.
A smaller demographic group that includes non-Japanese residents, contributing to cultural diversity.
The Soul of Nanao
Discover the essence of Nanao through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is a popular sport in Nanao, with local teams participating in various leagues and community tournaments.
Baseball enjoys a strong following in Nanao, with many youth leagues and community events focused on the sport.
Basketball is gaining popularity in Nanao, with schools and local clubs providing opportunities for players of all ages.
Sumo and martial arts such as judo and kendo are practiced by many in Nanao, reflecting Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Table tennis is a widely played sport in Nanao, with clubs and competitions fostering a vibrant community of players.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nanao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While seafood is a staple of the local cuisine, many restaurants in Nanao offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes such as tofu-based meals, vegetable tempura, and seasonal salads.
Travelers with gluten sensitivities can enjoy dishes like sashimi, grilled fish, and rice-based sushi, which are naturally gluten-free. Additionally, some establishments offer gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodle options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Nanao with these cultural adventures.
