Hakusan Shirakawa-go White is a tourist toll road in Japan
Japan, asia
33.3 km
1,400 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through central Japan on the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road. Trust me, it's a visual feast, especially when autumn paints the mountains in fiery hues!
This toll road, once called Hakusan Super Rindo Forest Road, connects Hakusan City in Ishikawa with the charming Shirakawa-go in Gifu. Think winding roads, dramatic mountain vistas, panoramic viewpoints, and hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfalls. Summer's gorgeous with lush greenery, but autumn? That's when this road *really* shines.
It's about 33.3 km (20 miles) long, climbing to over 1400 meters. There are a few tunnels along the way. Keep an eye on your speedometer, because the limit's only 30 km/h. You're essentially driving through the Hakusan National Park alpine reserve, so soak it all in! Heads up: the Gifu side is super curvy with limited places to pull over. The road climbs quickly to a tunnel linking the prefectures.
You can only experience this road between early June and mid-November – weather permitting! From June to August, it's open from 7 AM to 6 PM, and from September to November, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Built in 1977, the whole drive takes about an hour. Keep in mind, it’s for cars only—no bikes or pedestrians allowed. Time to get that scenic drive in!
Where is it?
Hakusan Shirakawa-go White is a tourist toll road in Japan is located in Japan (asia). Coordinates: 35.5710, 137.5946
Road Details
- Country
- Japan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 33.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,400 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 35.5710, 137.5946
Related Roads in asia
extremeIs the road to Shewa Pass unpaved?
🌍 Afghanistan
Kotal-e Shewa, nestled high in Afghanistan's Badakhshan Province, is a mountain pass that'll test your mettle. This isn't your average Sunday drive – forget smooth asphalt, you're in for an off-road adventure! Think more rough track than road, with narrow stretches, seriously steep climbs, and a few river crossings thrown in for good measure. Bring your high-clearance 4x4, you'll need it! This route plunges you deep into the raw, untouched heart of Badakhshan, a rugged trek to the hidden beauty of Shewa. You'll be conquering mud, dust, and towering mountains, following tracks where only the most adventurous dare to tread, revealing a side of Afghanistan's wilderness most never see. Clocking in at about , this east-west route starts from , the capital of Badakhshan. Don't let the distance fool you, though – due to the challenging conditions, expect this journey to eat up more than hours. A word of caution: safety is a real concern in this region. The areas straddling Pakistan and Afghanistan are extremely unstable, with significant security risks. Militant groups, military operations, and violence are ongoing threats. Kidnappings and terrorism are very real possibilities, particularly in remote areas. Travel is strongly discouraged due to the high level of risk.
hardWhere Is Pereval Ashusu?
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ashuu Pass! This wild ride sits way up high at an unspecified elevation in the breathtaking Tien Shan Mountains. You'll find this gem in the heart of Kyrgyzstan, near the iconic Song-Kul Lake. Get ready to ditch the pavement because this road is all gravel, all the time! Prepare for a serious workout as you conquer countless hairpin turns that'll have your steering wheel spinning like crazy. Stretching approximately an unspecified number of kilometers through the majestic Ashuu-Too Range, the road serves as a lifeline connecting the northern and southern regions of Naryn. You'll be treated to mind-blowing scenery. Just south of the pass, the road meanders for a few kilometers before linking up with a summer pasture.
hardSancam La: enjoy a road among the clouds
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for Sancam La! This mountain pass tops out at a lung-busting 5,198m (17,053ft) in remote western Tibet. You'll find it in Rutog County, close to the Himalayas. The road to the summit is part of the G219, nicknamed the "Sky Road" – and they aren't kidding about the altitude. Once you're on it, you are consistently above 5,000m, so acclimatize beforehand. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking, but brutally inhospitable. The road is rough, oxygen is scarce, and the climbs are steep. Be prepared for long stretches without supplies, freezing temperatures (down to -25°C at night!), and multiple high-altitude passes. This route isn't for the faint of heart, as it slices through seriously remote areas. But! Despite its desolation, the G219 winds past some historically and religiously significant spots. So, if you're feeling adventurous (and well-prepared), Sancam La promises an unforgettable, if challenging, journey. Just make sure to check conditions before you go – it gets windy!
moderateHow to get by car to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand?
🇹🇭 Thailand
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for an unforgettable climb to Doi Inthanon, "The Roof of Thailand!" You'll find this majestic peak, the highest in Thailand, nestled in the Mae Chaem District of Chiang Mai Province. Named in honor of King Inthawichayanon, a champion of northern Thailand's forests, this mountain is more than just a pretty view. The adventure starts at the Doi Inthanon National Park Check Point 2, and from there it’s a smooth 9.1 km (5.65 miles) ride on Route 1009 all the way to the top. Don't let the perfectly paved road fool you—you're climbing 868 meters at an average gradient of 9.53%! Perched near the Myanmar border, within the lush Doi Inthanon National Park, the summit is a must-see. As you ascend, feel the temperature drop – it’s a welcome change! At the top, you can grab souvenirs, snacks, and refreshments. Keep in mind, though, the summit can get pretty cloudy during the wet season, so visibility might be limited. Expect high humidity and year-round cool weather. The road’s typically open all year, but watch out for surface frost near the summit between November and January. The mountain's unique climate supports diverse forests, from the humid, cold-loving plants at lower altitudes to unique species like Sphagnum Moss and the Delavey Rhododendron higher up. Who knew you could find near-freezing conditions and maybe even ice in Thailand? Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget!