Station Notojima

Discover the Heart of Noto: A Gateway to Local Flavor and Natural Beauty

Notojima, nestled in the serene center of Noto Island in Ishikawa Prefecture, is more than a roadside station—it’s a vibrant cultural and culinary hub where island life unfolds. Perched near the iconic Twin Bridge and offering sweeping views of Nanao Bay, it serves as a welcoming oasis for travelers and locals alike. The station thrives on the island’s rich heritage, showcasing the finest regional products and fresh seafood caught daily at Enome Port.

Visitors can savor the renowned Noto beef at the certified restaurant on the second floor, or enjoy a meal of freshly caught fish at the fisherman-run Daigyo House on the ground floor. The well-stocked shop features local specialties such as salt kintsubu, handcrafted glassware, and seasonal preserves. With a spacious dog-friendly lawn and grassy plaza, Notojima invites families and nature lovers to relax, play, and connect with the island’s peaceful rhythm.

Notojima roadside station stands out as the only place on the island where visitors can savor fresh seafood directly from Enome Port, home to the largest fishing harbor on Noto Island. Its signature offering is the "Enome Catch Seafood Bowl," made with same-day-harvested fish like mackerel and sea bream, served with local rice. On the second floor, the certified Noto Beef restaurant delivers an unmatched experience with its Noto Beef cube steak, a rare cut known for its delicate marbling and buttery texture. These two experiences—direct-from-harbor seafood and premium Noto Beef—can only be found here.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to secure the limited stock of Notojima Salt Kinzuka, a local specialty sold exclusively at the shop counter near the entrance, which often sells out by noon.

• Hidden Gems: Look for the "Notojima Pure Rice Wine" and "Notojima Seafood Pickles" displayed in the dedicated Notojima corner of the shop, available only during summer months and often restocked on Fridays.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, the Notojima Fisherman’s Store (Daigyo-ya) offers fresh daily catches from Enome Port, including seasonal sardines and mackerel, served as a free sample at the counter between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM.

• Free Activity: Participate in the free bubble party event held daily from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at the grassy plaza, where children and adults can safely play with non-toxic, water-based foam—bring a change of clothes as the foam may leave a slight residue.

• Best Food Order: Order the Noto Beef Cubed Steak at the Noto Beef Certified Restaurant on the second floor by 11:30 AM to ensure it is served fresh and hot, as the kitchen stops preparing it after 1:00 PM.

• Dog-Friendly Tip: Use the free dog run located just outside the main entrance; it is fully enclosed and equipped with shade structures, ideal for walking dogs while you visit the nearby Notojima Glass Art Museum.

• Event Alert: Check the X (Twitter) account @michinoeki_notojima for real-time updates on pop-up events, such as the Notojima Glass Craft Workshop, which occasionally opens at the adjacent glass studio during summer weekends.

Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots available at the market in early spring; seasonal seafood from Enoe Port begins arriving in April.

Summer (June–August): Summer events like the foam party and watermelon smashing occur from mid-July to late August; fresh sea bream and mackerel from Enoe Port are at peak.

Autumn (September–November): Seafood harvests continue, with sardines and squid abundant; local produce like sweet potatoes and chestnuts featured in the store.

Winter (December–February): Limited operations due to seasonal closure; some winter specialties like dried fish and preserved vegetables available in the store.