Car Hire Kanazawa Station — Gateway to the Hokuriku Coast

Kanazawa is often called “little Kyoto”—a city of preserved samurai districts, traditional gardens, and artisan crafts that escaped WWII bombing. The Shinkansen extension has made it easily accessible from Tokyo, and picking up a rental car at the station opens up the entire Hokuriku region, from the dramatic Noto Peninsula to the mountains of the Japanese Alps.

While Kanazawa itself is walkable, the surrounding prefecture of Ishikawa offers coastal drives, hot spring villages, and rural landscapes that demand exploration. The Noto Peninsula, jutting into the Sea of Japan, offers some of the country’s most scenic and least-visited coastal roads.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at Kanazawa Station

Several rental companies operate from the impressive modern station, including Toyota Rent a Car, Orix, Nissan, and Times. The station is a major hub, so availability is generally good, but book ahead during cherry blossom season (April) and autumn foliage (November).

International visitors require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Australia, the UK, the USA, and most European countries are covered. Arrange your IDP before travelling—it cannot be obtained in Japan.

Counter hours typically run from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The Shinkansen schedule means frequent arrivals. Some branches offer extended hours for evening arrivals.

Where to Go with Your Rental Car from Kanazawa Station

Kenrokuen Garden (5 km) — One of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens features iconic pine trees, tea houses, and seasonal beauty. The drive takes 15 minutes; nearby parking is available.

Higashi Chaya District (4 km) — The preserved geisha district features traditional wooden buildings and gold leaf workshops. Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan’s gold leaf—visit the workshops to see how it’s made.

Noto Peninsula (50–100 km) — Drive north to this scenic peninsula with dramatic coastlines, traditional fishing villages, and the famous Senmaida rice terraces. A full day loop drive covers the highlights.

Kaga Onsen (25 km) — A cluster of hot spring towns south of Kanazawa, including Yamashiro and Yamanaka. The area has refined ryokan and beautiful temple gardens.

Shirakawa-go (70 km) — The UNESCO World Heritage village with distinctive thatched-roof houses is about 90 minutes’ drive into the mountains. The approach offers spectacular valley views.

Tips for Driving in the Hokuriku Region

Hokuriku follows Japan’s left-hand traffic rules. Speed limits are 40–50 km/h on regular roads, with expressways allowing up to 80 km/h. The Noto Satoyama Expressway provides faster access to the peninsula but bypasses scenic coastal routes.

Winter driving (December through March) in Hokuriku can be challenging. Heavy snowfall is common, especially in Kanazawa and the Noto Peninsula. Snow tyres are mandatory and included with rentals during winter. Check road conditions before mountain drives.

Parking in Kanazawa is straightforward. The city has underground parking at the station and near major attractions. Many hotels offer parking, though often for an additional fee. At Shirakawa-go, large car parks serve visitors.

Fuel stations are plentiful in Kanazawa but scarcer on the Noto Peninsula. Fill up before leaving the city. Coastal stations may have limited hours, so don’t run low in the evening.

GPS navigation works well throughout the region. Smartphone coverage is good on main routes but can be spotty in Noto’s remote coastal areas. Download offline maps. The routes to popular destinations are well-signposted.

The Sea of Japan coast is known for dramatic weather changes. Winter brings heavy snow, while summer can be hot and humid. The autumn foliage season (late October to November) offers ideal driving conditions and stunning colours.

Book through our search above to secure car hire at Kanazawa Station and explore the Hokuriku coast’s hidden treasures.