Why is Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road famous?

Why is Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road famous?

Japan, asia

Length

33.3 km

Elevation

1,400 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is a total gem in central Japan! This 33.3km (20 mile) toll road winds its way through stunning mountain scenery, connecting Hakusan City to Shirakawa-go. Formerly known as Hakusan Super Rindo Forest Road, it climbs to over 1400 meters, offering panoramic views, hiking trails, and lots of waterfalls. Summer brings lush greenery, but autumn is when this route *really* shines with the changing leaves. Expect some tunnels along the way, and keep an eye on your speedometer - the limit's 30km/h. On the Gifu side, prepare for some serious curves and a quick climb in elevation. This road usually opens from early June to mid-November. Keep in mind that this paved road is exclusively for cars and generally takes about an hour to drive.

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Road Details

Country
Japan
Continent
asia
Length
33.3 km
Max Elevation
1,400 m
Difficulty
moderate

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