Nanao(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For an authentic Japanese ryokan experience, stay at Kiwami Ryokan or Kawarabi-Tei near Nanao Castle Ruins. These family-run inns offer kaiseki meals, onsen baths, and tatami-mat rooms with sliding paper doors. Guests can participate in tea ceremonies and local craft workshops, such as Noto lacquerware making. The peaceful ambiance, combined with views of the Noto Peninsula mountains, creates a serene retreat. Many ryokans also provide free access to Nanao Port Park and guided walks through historic districts, blending comfort with cultural immersion.

The central district near Nanao Station is ideal for first-time visitors. It offers easy access to Nanao Castle Ruins, Noto Peninsula Aquarium, and Nanao Port. Hotels like Nanao Grand Hotel feature modern amenities, multilingual staff, and breakfast options with local seafood. The area is walkable, with shops, cafes, and restaurants serving fresh tuna sashimi and sea urchin bowls. Public buses connect to nearby attractions, and the station provides direct links to Kanazawa (30 minutes). This location balances convenience, culture, and comfort—perfect for a relaxed start to your trip.

Immerse yourself in Kaga's 100,000 koku heritage and Noto lacquerware craftsmanship. Visit the Nanao City Museum to explore exhibits on the Maeda clan’s history and Kaga Yuzen dyeing techniques. Participate in a hands-on lacquerware workshop where you’ll learn to apply natural urushi lacquer and gold leaf to wooden trays. Don’t miss the Nanao Festival (Nanao Matsuri) held annually in spring—featuring elaborate floats, taiko drumming, and fireworks. For history lovers, guided tours of Nanao Castle Ruins reveal the strategic importance of this former Edo-period stronghold.

Yes, Nanao Grand Hotel is highly recommended for families. It offers spacious family rooms, a kids’ play area, and complimentary breakfast with local dishes like fresh tuna sushi and sea urchin rice bowls. Located just a 5-minute walk from Nanao Station, it’s convenient for exploring nearby attractions such as Noto Peninsula Aquarium and Nanao Port Park. The hotel also provides family-friendly packages including discounted museum tickets and guided nature walks. With its welcoming staff and child-safe environment, it’s perfect for travelers with young children seeking comfort and adventure.

Key landmarks include Nanao Castle Ruins, a former stronghold of the Maeda clan during the Edo period, now a national historic site. Climb the Tenshu Platform for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Nearby, the Nanao City Museum houses artifacts from the Kaga Domain, including armor, scrolls, and documents. Another must-see is Daibutsu Temple, home to a towering 10-meter bronze Buddha statue—one of Japan’s few surviving ancient Buddhist statues. Stroll along Sangomatsu Street afterward to admire preserved machiya townhouses and traditional lanterns, evoking old-world charm.

Stay at Nanao Onsen Kawarabi-Tei, a century-old ryokan with private onsen baths and sea views. Its mineral-rich waters originate deep underground, known for soothing skin and joints. The inn serves local seafood kaiseki dinners and offers quiet, traditional rooms with shoji screens. For budget-friendly options, try Nanao Citizens’ Onsen, a public bath open daily with indoor and outdoor pools. After soaking, take a stroll along Nanao Port to enjoy fresh uni (sea urchin) and grilled fish. The combination of warm waters and coastal serenity makes these stays ideal for unwinding.

Try Nanao’s fresh tuna sashimi, caught daily from the port—its rich, buttery texture is legendary. Sea urchin (uni) is another seasonal treasure, especially in autumn when it’s most flavorful. Don’t miss Kaga-nabe, a hearty hot pot made with tofu, vegetables, and chicken, often enjoyed with local sake. Nanao-yaki, a grilled fish skewer with a savory glaze, is a popular street snack. For a full culinary journey, join a port-side food tour that includes tastings at local markets, sushi bars, and family-run eateries—offering a true taste of Noto Peninsula life.

Choose Shizukan (The Quiet Place), a minimalist boutique guesthouse tucked away near the city library. With only six rooms, it emphasizes tranquility—each featuring tatami floors, private gardens, and a silent reading nook. Breakfast includes homemade bento with ingredients sourced from local farms. The owner personally welcomes guests and shares insights into Noto’s rural lifestyle. Located steps from Nanao Station, it’s accessible yet secluded. Ideal for reflection, journaling, or simply listening to waves at night, this hidden gem offers solitude without isolation.

Capture stunning shots at Nanao Castle Ruins during cherry blossom season or autumn foliage—ideal for framing with ancient stone walls and trees. Nanao Port at sunrise offers dramatic silhouettes of fishing boats against misty horizons. The rugged cliffs and sea caves of Kosuge Coast are perfect for landscape photography. For architectural beauty, shoot Daibutsu Temple’s Buddha in golden hour light. Explore Sangomatsu Street to photograph traditional machiya facades, bamboo curtains, and hanging laundry. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens; many guesthouses offer free photography guides to help plan routes.

Yes, Nanao City is well-connected by public transit. Nanao Station serves JR West’s Nanao Line and IR Ishikawa Railway, linking directly to Kanazawa (30 min). Local city buses cover major sites like Nanao Castle Ruins, Noto Peninsula Aquarium, and Port Park. For flexibility, rent an electric bicycle—available at stations and hotels—for scenic coastal rides. Ferry services operate between Nanao Port and Wakkanai Island and Kanezaki, offering unique water-level perspectives. Most attractions are within walking distance from the central district, making it easy to explore without a car.