In the most southern region of the Noto Peninsula, Hakui City was a center of power for centuries. Up the coast from the Chirihama Beach on a small peninsula is both Noto Ichinomiya Shrine, the former head shrine for the Noto District, and Myojoji Temple, one of the top four temples for Zen Buddhism historically. The grounds have many original buildings from the 1600s that make for a surprise in the Japanese countryside.

In 1294, Nichizo, one of the followers of the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, founded the temple after many trials and tribulations. The temple as it is today was built and expanded under the reign of the Maeda Toshiie, the eventual first daimyo of Kaga (Kanazawa), Noto and Ecchu (Toyama). It is said that Maeda Toshiie built up this temple as one that could be quickly converted into a forttress, with castle-like gates and stone walls that resemble castles of the time. The third daimyo of Kaga built the stunning pagoda in 1618 and that is what you can see even today. The temple is virtually unchanged for 400 years and you can explore it without the huge crowds of the big cities.

The stoic beauty of centuries old buildings in a Zen Buddhist temple in the middle of the Japanese countryside may seem like it could be difficult to get to but it only requires one transfer. From Kanazawa Station ride the train to Hakui Station, which takes 30 minutes (limited express train) or an hour (regular train). After arriving at Hakui Station, hop on a local bus, although they look like highway buses, and you’ll be there in another 30 minutes! The bus ride has some great views of the ocean, beach, rice fields and architecture of the Noto peninsula.

Even though it is possible to get here on your own, having a guide walk with you explaining the history of the area can be enlightening. Visit and relax at Chirihama Beach until lunch and in the afternoon visit Myojoji Temple and Cosmo Isle, a space museum with original space craft that were used in actual space missions. Find more information about the tour below!

1 Day Tour

1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Relaxing Beaches, 400-year old Temples and Aliens in Hakui City.
Period	May-November
Time	08:30-18:10
Meeting Place	Kanazawa Station
Adult Rate	¥19,800
Child Rate	¥13,000