In general, normal cars cannot be driven on sandy beaches, but there are some coasts in just a few places around the world on which driving is allowed. Most are overseas, but there is just one in Japan: Chirihama Nagisa Driveway. This beach is known not only as the only sand beach in Japan on which normal cars can be driven, but also as one of the foremost spots of picturesque scenery in Ishikawa Prefecture. In fact, not just cars, but motorcycles and bicycles are allowed on the beach as well; because it's a sand beach, it's difficult to ride regular bicycles, but there are beach cruiser bicycles with wide tires available for rent. Vehicles are allowed on the beach no matter the season, so the area bustles year-round with people from both inside and outside the prefecture visiting to enjoy a drive.
Also, visitors to the beach in July and August will find limited-time summer hamachaya beachside cafés. Some of these hamachaya beachside cafés have been in business for a long time, and visitors will be able to enjoy the summer atmosphere while casually tasting a variety of foods ranging from locally-sourced seafood to ramen. In addition, make sure not to miss the giant, 3D sand art that is representative of summer at Chirihama Nagisa. As summer approaches, sand art starts to dot the area on the beach near the Chirihama Rest House; small pieces from late April, large pieces from late May, and by August all of the pieces will have been finished.
Between driving and cycling on the beach, swimming in the shallows, summer cuisine, and sand art, Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is full of things to see and do, and working a visit into travel plans is definitely worth your while.

Note: Driving on the beach is possible at any time, but in the event of rough waters and high waves, the water may surge close to the driving cars and passage restrictions may be applied. During those times, entering the coast itself is not allowed.

Photographs provided by the Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League.