Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road
Recommended activities and seasons
Enjoy Natural Scenery:Mountainous scenery / Waterfall / Drive
Get Some Exercise:Hiking
Spring / Summer / Autumn
Feel the mystery of nature as you visit one waterfall after another.
The Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is a mountain road that links the prefectures of Ishikawa and Gifu on the north side of the sacred Mount Hakusan. The road passes through a deep, old-growth beech forest, and as it traverses the mountains, the sight of the alpine wildflowers brings the visitor into harmony with nature. The driving route through Hakusan National Park links the ancient city of Kanazawa and Kaga Onsen in Ishikawa Prefecture with the tourist areas of Shirakawa-go and Hida Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, and it provides an abundance of scenic spots along the way. Stop at any of the scenic viewing areas along the route and take in the wonders of nature.
Among these are any number of waterfalls where you can feel the mystery of nature, and we recommend that you visit them in succession. One of the ten main waterfalls along the route is the Ubagataki Falls, rated as one of the 100 Great Waterfalls of Japan. The name “Ubagataki” means “old woman’s waterfall,” and the many streams of water running down the rock face are said to resemble the long white hair of an old woman. A foot bath facing the falls lets visitors enjoy a natural hot spring. Other waterfalls along the route include Kamasoko Falls, where the greenery of spring and the colors of autumn are especially impressive, Kamoshika Falls, where the water flows down in five steps, and the famous Fukube Falls, where the water drops from a height of 86 meters.
Go trekking on Mount Sampoiwadake and shout with joy at the gorgeous autumn foliage!
As an outdoor activity from spring until fall, the Mount Sampoiwadake trekking route is any easy climb, even for beginners. The route starts at the Sampoiwa parking lot, which is close to the border between Ishikawa and Gifu prefectures along the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road. The climb takes about 50 minutes, and a round trip can be completed in two hours, providing a refreshing climbing experience.
The climbing route is well maintained, so hikers can enjoy nature to the fullest without worrying about getting lost. There is an abundance of alpine wildflowers in summer, and autumn brings a series of woodlands ablaze with red and gold, making this a trek where stopping to take in the sights is even more enjoyable than the walking itself. As you come out of the trees near the summit, the elegant form of Mount Hakusan suddenly comes into view. Its summit is streaked with snow even in summer, in bold contrast with the surrounding greenery, so that time itself vanishes in the beauty of the mountain. On a clear day, the Sea of Japan is visible in the distance. In the opposite direction, one can gaze upon the incomparable prospect of the Northern Alps. During the autumn foliage season, throngs of impatient tourists turn out, and at the summit, one can hear them shouting with joy at the 360-degree view of autumnal glory.
Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road
Address |
9-2-1 Chugu O, Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture |
Hours |
7:00 am to 6:00 pm (Jun.–Aug.)
8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sep.–Nov.) |
Closed |
Closed from Nov. 11 to early Jun. |
Cost |
Ordinary car, 1,600 yen; Light vehicle, 1,400 yen; etc. |
Phone |
076-256-7341 |
Access |
By car from JR Kanazawa Sta., about 90 min |
Web site |
http://hs-whiteroad.jp/ |
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