Chita and Atsumi driving guide: Tokoname, Cape Hazu, Irago and map

The Chita and Atsumi area consists of two peninsulas reaching south from Aichi Prefecture. The Chita Peninsula in the west has Tokoname, Mihama and Minamichita; the Atsumi Peninsula in the east has Tahara. On both you can drive coastal roads out to the capes.

This guide gives one route for each peninsula and explains the ferry between Irago and Toba, with roads and places to stop listed below.

Map of the Chita and Atsumi area

The lines follow the Tokoname-to-Cape-Hazu and Tahara-to-Irago routes below. Numbers mark the stops: green for scenery and nature, blue for roadside stations. Tap a marker to see its name.

Recommended drives

First visit: the Chita Peninsula from Tokoname to Cape Hazu

From Tokoname Pottery Footpath, head south on Route 247, stopping at Minamichita Beachland, Nomazaki Lighthouse and Utsumi, and continue to Cape Hazu at the tip of the peninsula.

The route is about 35 km, with around 30 minutes of driving. Distance and time are calculated from map data and exclude traffic.

The Atsumi Peninsula from Tahara to Irago

From Michi-no-Eki Tahara Mekkun House, a roadside station, climb to Mt Zao Observatory and take Route 42 towards the tip of the peninsula. Stop at Hiji no Sekimon and continue to Michi-no-Eki Irago Crystal Port. Koijigahama Beach is just beyond it.

The route is about 39 km, with around 37 minutes of driving.

Cape Irago Lighthouse has no car park of its own. Park at Koijigahama Beach and walk for about ten minutes.

Linking the two peninsulas

From Cape Hazu to Michi-no-Eki Tahara Mekkun House is about 89 km by road, with around 1 hour 10 minutes of driving. Rather than doing both in one day, drive each peninsula on a separate day.

Isewan Ferry carries cars between Irago and Toba. The crossing takes 60 minutes. An ordinary car under 6 m costs ¥7,980 one way, including the driver's fare. Reservations are by telephone up to the previous day; on the day it is first come, first served.

Roads you can drive

Places to stop

Views and nature

Numbers match the map.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

Sunset is at 16:58 on 1 November and 16:47 on 15 November (Nagoya).

Roads and restrictions checked on 2 November 2026

• Quay works at Toba Port have brought traffic restrictions to roads around the Toba ferry terminal.
• Around Hiji no Sekimon, traffic restrictions apply on 1 January, 05:00–08:00.

Getting there and fuel

Refuel in town before heading for the tip of either peninsula.

If you don't have a car

See car rental in Aichi for pickup locations in the prefecture. Before booking, check the driving-permit requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I drive with one day on the Chita Peninsula?

From Tokoname Pottery Footpath, head south on Route 247, stopping at Nomazaki Lighthouse and Utsumi, and continue to Cape Hazu.

Where should I drive with one day on the Atsumi Peninsula?

From Tahara, climb to Mt Zao Observatory and take Route 42 to Hiji no Sekimon and Koijigahama Beach. The route is about 39 km, with around 37 minutes of driving.

Is there parking at Koijigahama Beach?

Yes, for 124 cars. Cape Irago Lighthouse is about ten minutes' walk from this car park.

Can I take a car from Irago to Toba?

Yes. Isewan Ferry takes 60 minutes, and an ordinary car under 6 m costs ¥7,980 one way, including the driver's fare. Reservations are by telephone up to the previous day; on the day it is first come, first served.

Is Mt Zao Observatory open at night?

The observatory stays open until 22:00. Entry is free, and the car park has 135 spaces.

Nearby areas and guides

• Ise-Shima driving guide
• Aichi driving and travel guide