A Town of Peace Where People and Nature Connect! 5 Tourist Spots in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture

Shika Town (Shika-machi), located in Ishikawa Prefecture, has a population of about 20,000 and sits roughly in the center of the Noto Peninsula. If you’re visiting Shika Town, it’s fairly accessible—about an hour by car from Kanazawa via toll roads, about 30 minutes by bus from JR Hakui Station, and around 40 minutes from Noto Airport.

Rich in natural beauty, Shika Town boasts unique rock formations and white sand beaches along the Sea of Japan coast, which form part of the Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park and are known as Noto Kongo. These areas are celebrated scenic spots representing Noto. In the hilly areas, there are also tourist attractions such as the Shika no Sato Resort, which features resort hotels, golf courses, and vacation homes. Here are some of Shika Town’s most charming sightseeing spots!

1. The World’s Longest Bench

Located at Masuhoura Beach, a well-known sightseeing spot in Shika Town, this incredibly long bench stretches about 470 meters. It was built with the help of volunteers to fulfill residents’ wish for people to watch the sunset over the Sea of Japan. It was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest bench and is now a source of local pride.

The bench is situated on a hill, also called Sunset Hill in Masuho, and offers the chance to immerse yourself in the view of a massive sunset over an empty beach. You can sit and gaze at the sea and sunset while listening to the waves, stroll along the shore, or collect seashells—each visitor can enjoy their own pace.

At certain times of the year, the area is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. Right next door is a roadside station, and by climbing the stairs you can view the entire “world’s longest bench.” This is a must-visit spot when in Shika Town!

2. Hatago-iwa (Weaving Tools Rock)

Hatago-iwa, one of the representative rock formations of Noto Kongo, consists of two rocks side-by-side, known as “Meoto-iwa” (wedded rocks). It’s one of Shika Town’s most iconic scenic spots, sometimes called Noto Futami because of its resemblance to the Futami Rocks in Ise. Interestingly, the larger rock is considered the “female” rock, and the smaller one the “male” rock.

The main appeal here is the breathtaking sunset. The view transforms from daytime to an almost mystical scene at dusk, enchanting visitors. After sunset, the rocks are illuminated, and the ethereal sight of the two sacred rocks tied with a shimenawa rope against the blue Sea of Japan is truly worth seeing.

3. Masuhoura Beach

Proudly selected as one of the 55 Best Swimming Beaches in Japan, Masuhoura Beach is a favorite among visitors to Shika Town. Its 4 km stretch of white sand and pine trees ranks alongside Wakayama’s Wakaura and Kanagawa’s Yuigahama as one of Japan’s three most famous small-shell beaches.

From November to March, winds bring in cherry shells (sakura-gai), pillow shells, and other “36 poet shells,” which are used in local shell crafts. The water quality here is excellent, making it perfect for swimming and marine sports. On clear days, the sea’s transparency is stunning, and with luck, you might have the beach almost entirely to yourself. The gentle sound of waves creates a slow, peaceful atmosphere—a true charm of Shika Town.

4. Flower Museum Fleuri

The Flower Museum Fleuri is a healing garden where you can experience plant growth and the four seasons all year round. Both outdoor and indoor gardens are filled with new and trendy plant varieties. The gardens are designed to inspire both tourists and locals, showcasing plant arrangements, colors, and styles that can easily be recreated even in small home spaces.

The grounds feature seasonal flowers in gardens inspired by Southern Europe, as well as areas where flowers, leaves, and fruits change beautifully throughout the year. There’s also a shop selling gardening goods, herb-based products, and interior accessories, along with classes in gardening and flower arrangement—also used by local community groups.

Enjoy a relaxing tea time surrounded by your favorite flowers, and your trip to Shika Town will surely be a satisfying one.

5. Roadside Station Koro-gaki no Sato Shika

A must-buy specialty of Shika Town is the koro-gaki (dried persimmons). At the Roadside Station Koro-gaki no Sato Shika, the koro-gaki soft-serve ice cream is especially popular—some visitors even prefer it to the dried persimmons themselves.

The roadside station was designed as a hub for both tourists and local residents, fostering interaction. Facilities include the Aqua Park Shi-on hot spring, a free footbath, and Shirasagi-no-Yu hot spring. There’s also a market selling fresh local produce and specialties, plus a coin laundry for travelers. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, enjoying Shika Town’s specialties while soaking your feet in the footbath is pure bliss.

◎ Summary

Located in the center of the Noto Peninsula, Shika Town is surrounded by sea and mountains, offering a tranquil connection with nature. In addition to the spots above, it also has the expansive Shika no Sato Resort, Japan’s oldest existing wooden lighthouse (Former Fukuura Lighthouse), the stunning sunset views of Oshima Shogando, and the dramatic rock formations of Ganmon shaped by the waves of the Sea of Japan.

The town even has programs to encourage relocation, attracting many visitors who decide to move there after a trip. With its abundant natural beauty, local cuisine, festivals, and events, Shika Town is full of charm—so start exploring its wonders today!