Here is Day 3 of our week-long road trip through the Hokuriku and Central areas of Japan. Wajima is a city in the Noto Peninsula known for their traditional Wajima lacquerware, a great side trip on the way to or from Kanazawa. Here is also our packing recommendations for your Family Road Trip Essentials.
HOKURIKU AREA ROAD TRIP with KIDS
Day 1: Kamikochi & Matsumoto with Kids
Day 2: Toyama with Kids
Day 3: Wajima with Kids
Day 4: Fukui with Kids
Day 5: Kanazawa with Kids
Day 6: Takayama with Kids
Day 7: Lake Suwa with Kids
more days to come…..
Things to do in Wajima with Kids
- Senmaida Rice Patties
- Wajima Morning Market
- Kiriko Museum – Wajima Kiriko Art Museum displays a collection of unique kiriko lanterns.
- Chirihama Beach Drive
Senmaida Rice Patties
*Toyama Castle Ruin Park to Senmaida Rice Patties by car
( 2.5 hours / 136 kilometers)
The Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces in Wajima, Ishikawa, is one of “Japan’s Top 100 Terraced Rice Paddies” and nationally designated a “Special Place of Scenic Beauty”.
The beauty of Shiroyone Senmaida changes with the seasons; snow covered hillsides in January and February, an infinity pool effect with the sea as the backdrop at the end of April to July, gorgeous green rice fields in summer before ripening to gold in August and September.
In October local volunteers place 21,000 Solar LEDs by hand for the illumination festival held in mid-October to mid-March.
Cafe, souvenir shop, restrooms and parking located next to the rice terraces.
Address: 99-5 Shiroyonemachi, Wajima, Ishikawa 928-0256 (〒928-0256 石川県輪島市白米町99-5)
Phone: +81768231146
Website: http://senmaida.wajima-kankou.jp/
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Wajima Morning Market
* Senmaida Rice Patties to Wajima Morning Market
(16 min by car / 11 kilometers)
Bustling market with a couple hundred stalls selling seasonal seafood, farm produce, lacquerware and crafts along Honmachi Street from 8:00 am until noon daily. Unfortunately we arrived past noon, however some lacquer shops were still open. Great spot to pick up beautiful souvenirs.
Address: 1-115 Kawaimachi, Wajima, Ishikawa 928-0001 (〒928-0001 石川県輪島市河井町１−115)
Website: https://asaichi.info/
Wajima Kiriko Art Museum
* Wajima Morning Market to Kiriko Art Museum
( 3 min by car / 650 meters)
The Wajima Kiriko Art Museum holds an impressive collection of Kiriko Lanterns and national traditions with video clips of past festivals. It is located right on the harbor in central Wajima with parking available next to the museum.
Admission: Adults 630 JPY, HS Aged 15-17 480 JPY, Kids Ages 6-14 370 JPY.
Address: 6-1 Marine Town, Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Hours: 8:00 to 17:00 Daily
Website: https://wajima-kiriko.com/
Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (Beach Drive)
* Kiriko Art Museum to Chirihama Nagisa Driveway
(1hr 15 min by car / 75 kilometers)
Chirihama Beach Drive – This 8-kilometer sandy beach is the only beach in Japan that can be driven on by a car, bus or bicycle. The fine-grained sand particles are tightly compacted when absorbed by water creating a smooth drive – also great for creating sand sculptures.
In summer the beach is lined with food stalls and beach goers. The stalls close for the winter from early December to March.
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Address: Shinbomachi, Hakui City, Ishikawa 925-0044 (〒925-0044 石川県羽咋市新保町)
WAJIMA WITH KIDS – Hokuriku Road Trip with Kids
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