From Kanazawa: Beaches, 400-year old Temples & Aliens

This one-day tour takes you from the charming city of Kanazawa to the lesser-known but equally captivating town of Hakui on Japan’s Noto Peninsula. For $164 per person, you’ll experience a mix of natural beauty, history, and eccentricity — from the sands of Chirihama Beach to an ancient temple, and finally, to Japan’s most unusual space museum. The tour lasts roughly 8-10 hours, starting early at Kanazawa Station and ending back there before dinner.

What we really love about this experience is its variety — it offers stunning beach scenery with the chance to swim and relax, plus an opportunity to walk through a historical 400-year-old temple with unique architecture. The highlight for many is the alien-themed museum, which manages to be both bizarre and fascinating, showcasing real spacecraft and local UFO sightings. That said, it’s not a full-day nature hike or a deep dive into Japanese history, so it best suits travelers who want a quick, quirky escape from the city’s more traditional sights.

A possible consideration is that the day can be quite packed, especially with travel time between stops. If you prefer a slow pace or want more beach time, this might feel rushed. But if you enjoy varied experiences and don’t mind a bit of travel, you’ll find plenty to love. This tour is ideal for curious explorers, families, or anyone looking for a snapshot of Japan’s rural and cosmic side — all in one day.

Key Points

• Diverse Highlights: Combines beaches, ancient temples, and space age curiosities
• Scenic Travel: Enjoy picturesque views of the Sea of Japan along the way
• Cultural & Quirky: Offers a glimpse into Japanese religious, artistic, and extraterrestrial interests
• Flexibility: Free time at Chirihama Beach lets you relax or swim
• Historical Significance: Myojoji Temple’s architecture and history add depth to the day’s experience
• Unique Museum: The Hakui Cosmo Isle Museum features rare space artifacts and UFO lore

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Day Exploring Hakui’s Beaches, Temples, and Space Oddities

If you’re looking to escape the more crowded tourist spots and instead discover a slice of rural Japan, this tour offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, history, and eccentricity. Starting at Kanazawa Station, the journey north on an express train takes you through charming countryside, revealing rice paddies, mountain views, and coastal scenery that set the tone for a day of contrasts.

The Beach Experience at Chirihama

Your first major stop is Chirihama Beach Driveway, the only beach in Japan where you can drive on the sand — a fun and quirky experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. As we approach, we encounter statues of Japanese onomatopoeia, which add a playful touch, and a shrine with gold lamps and vibrant paintings, giving you a glimpse of local spiritual artistry. The beach itself is a sight to behold; expansive and inviting, with sand sculptures that change annually, depicting everything from traditional Japanese characters to modern scenes.

We loved the way Chirihama combines art, nature, and activity — you can swim, sunbathe, or simply walk along the shoreline. The sculptures make for interesting photo subjects, and if you’re a fan of quirky roadside attractions, this is a highlight. The free time here (about 2.5 hours) allows you to enjoy the sun and surf at your own pace, or to unwind with a snack from one of the vendors or your own packed lunch.

The Ancient Myojoji Temple

Next, we travel scenic roads to Myojoji Temple, a structure dating back over 400 years, built during the early Edo period. The temple’s five-story pagoda is striking, and its architecture reflects a time when Japan was less connected with the rest of the world. Tour guide Yuki (if she’s the one leading your group) will point out the features that suggest the temple may have been built as a trade route citadel rather than solely as a religious site. It’s no exaggeration to say that walking through this well-preserved site feels like stepping into history.

The site is also a National Heritage Site, which means the preservation and craftsmanship are top-notch. We appreciated the quiet, contemplative atmosphere, and the fact that the temple remains a living part of the local community. After touring and taking photos of the ornate architecture, you’ll have a little time to soak in what makes this place special.

The Cosmic Curiosity at Hakui Cosmo Isle

The final stop is the Hakui Cosmo Isle Museum, a treasure trove for space enthusiasts and UFO skeptics alike. Here, real spacecrafts are on display, including a backup lander from the Apollo program that somehow made its way to this small town. The museum collaborates with institutions like the Smithsonian, giving it a credible air despite its quirky subject matter.

What makes this museum particularly engaging is its focus on local UFO sightings, which have been reported frequently over the decades. As you walk among the exhibits, you’ll learn about the town’s reputation as a UFO hotspot, with stories that are as intriguing as the actual spacecraft artifacts. The museum does a fine job of blending science, folklore, and kitsch, and you’ll leave with a smile and perhaps some questions about what’s out there.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Journey Back

After a 55-minute train ride, you’ll be back at Kanazawa Station, having experienced a wide spectrum of what Japan’s rural coast and cultural history have to offer. The day is well-paced, with transportation included, and the guides aim to provide both context and fun, making this a memorable and manageable adventure.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who crave diversity in their day trips — blending scenic natural beauty, historical architecture, and a dose of the bizarre. It suits families, curious solo travelers, or groups who appreciate offbeat attractions. If you’re interested in art, history, or space, you’ll find something to delight you. Keep in mind, the busy schedule may not suit those who prefer a relaxed, slow-paced day or want to linger at each site longer.

Practical Tips for Your Day

• Bring your swimsuit and towel if you want to swim at Chirihama Beach; the free time allows for relaxing in the sun.
• Pack a lunch or snacks, although there are vendors and a Rest House at Chirihama Beach.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the temple and the beach.
• The tour starts early, so plan your morning transportation accordingly.
• If you’re interested in the space museum, ask your guide about special exhibits or rare artifacts.

Final Thoughts

For a $164 investment, you get a lot of variety packed into one day — stunning beaches, impressive ancient architecture, and a visit to Japan’s most unusual space and UFO museum. This tour is a fantastic way to see a different side of Japan, away from the crowds, with plenty of opportunities for striking photos and memorable stories.

Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or just someone eager to see something truly unique, this trip offers an authentic glimpse into rural Japan with a twist of cosmic wonder. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to combine natural beauty with a little bit of the weird and wonderful.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation to and from Hakui, including the train and coach rides, is covered in the tour price, making it easy to relax without worrying about logistics.

How long is the free time at Chirihama Beach?
You’ll have about 2.5 hours free to enjoy swimming, walking, or exploring the beach art and sculptures.

Can I bring my own lunch?
Absolutely, you can bring a packed bento or snacks, but there are also vendors and a Rest House available for meals.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear if you plan to swim, sun protection, and a camera for all the scenic and quirky sights.

How early does the tour start?
It begins at 8:30 A.M. at Kanazawa Station, so plan to arrive a little earlier to meet your guide and store your belongings.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, families with children who enjoy beaches, history, and space exhibits should find this tour engaging, but keep in mind the schedule is quite full.

What is the main appeal of the space museum?
It features real spacecraft and artifacts, including a backup Apollo lander, and explores UFO sightings, making it both educational and delightfully odd.

This tour offers a well-rounded, lively day that mixes natural beauty, historic architecture, and a dash of extraterrestrial fun. It’s a perfect way for curious travelers to see a side of Japan that’s playful, unexpected, and authentically rural.

You can check availability for your dates here: