Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road

Overview

The Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is a 33.3km-long toll road connecting Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Shirakawa-mura, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture. This route passes through a special area of Hakusan National Park and is the only road directly connecting Ishikawa and Gifu prefectures by car. Opened in 1977, this road has become a popular sightseeing route offering visitors the chance to experience the rich natural beauty of the Mount Hakusan foothills. The greatest allure of the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is undoubtedly its majestic nature and breathtaking scenery. Running along the north side of the sacred Mount Hakusan, it winds its way through altitudes ranging from 600m to 1,450m. From the car windows, you can enjoy diverse landscapes, including a beech primeval forest and alpine plants. Especially during the autumn foliage season, a magical cloud sea appears, enveloping Mount Hakusan and Shirakawa-go, creating a truly ethereal scene. Furthermore, numerous waterfalls line the roadside, offering the opportunity to experience their powerful spray up close. On the Ishikawa Prefecture side, seven diverse waterfalls, including the impressive Fukube no Otaki waterfall (86m drop), grace the roadside, running along the steep cliffs of the deep V-shaped valley of the Jagadani Valley. Sections crossing Kunimiyama and Mikataiwadake require winding roads to gain altitude. On the Gifu Prefecture side lies Shirakawa-go, renowned for its Gassho-style farmhouses, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the Shirakawa-go viewpoint, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the village. The Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is a sightseeing road where you can connect with nature and enjoy magnificent scenery. Besides driving, you can also enjoy hiking and cycling. Be sure to visit the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road, which reveals different faces with each season.