Hakusan Shirakawago White Road (Gifu & Ishikawa Peninsula)
Tucked away in the rugged mountains of Gifu and Ishikawa Prefectures, the Hakusan Shirakawago White Road is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets for motorcyclists. This scenic mountain route, stretching about 33 kilometers, winds through dense forests, past cascading waterfalls, and up to breathtaking viewpoints where you feel like you’re on top of the world. It’s a seasonal road, open from June to November, and the limited window only makes it more enticing. There’s something wild and untamed about it—this isn’t a highway; it’s a road that feels like it’s just you, the bike, and the mountains.
Setting the Scene: The Gateway to the Japanese Alps
The Hakusan Shirakawago White Road is a perfect blend of rugged adventure and serene beauty. This mountain route connects the town of Hakusan in Ishikawa Prefecture to the famous village of Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional thatched-roof houses. The White Road runs through the Hakusan National Park, one of Japan’s most pristine natural areas, with dense forests, stunning rock formations, and views that seem to go on forever. It’s called the “White Road” not because of snow, but because of the white gravel used to pave parts of the original trail.
Starting from the Hakusan side, there are a few small villages and roadside cafes where you can fuel up and grab a coffee before hitting the road. But once you start the climb, civilization drops away, and you’re left with nothing but the winding road and the sounds of nature. The entire route feels incredibly remote, like stepping into another world where time slows down and the only thing that matters is the next bend in the road.
The Route
The Hakusan Shirakawago White Road is all about getting off the beaten path. This isn’t a fast-paced ride, and it’s definitely not about speed; it’s about letting the road take you through some of Japan’s most stunning and untouched landscapes. The route has a solid mix of tight switchbacks, wide open stretches, and some steep climbs that make the ride feel like a true journey into the mountains.
Right from the start, the White Road dives into dense forests with towering trees on either side. As you climb, the landscape starts to open up, giving you incredible views of the valley below. The first section of the road is relatively gentle, lulling you into a rhythm. Then, before you know it, you’re taking on switchbacks that snake up the mountainside, with the elevation climbing fast and the views getting better with every turn.
About halfway up, you’ll come across a series of waterfalls that feel like they’re straight out of a postcard. There are places to pull over, stretch your legs, and let the mist from the falls cool you down, a perfect excuse to take a break and just soak it all in. This is the kind of road that begs for pauses. You’ll want to stop often, not because you have to, but because you’ll want to absorb as much of this place as you can.
Highlights & What to Expect
The Waterfalls:
If there’s one thing that makes the Hakusan Shirakawago White Road stand out, it’s the waterfalls. This route is packed with them, from small cascades trickling down the rock faces to larger, roaring falls that fill the air with mist. The most famous one is Ubagataki Falls, a two-tiered beauty that drops 76 meters and creates a natural misty shower you can walk right into. There’s a small trail leading from the road to the base of the falls, and it’s worth every step. The cool air, the sound of the rushing water, and the green surroundings make it feel like you’ve stepped into a hidden sanctuary.
The Views:
As you climb higher, the views become absolutely epic. The Hakusan mountain range stretches out on one side, with sharp peaks and deep valleys blanketed in lush forest. When you reach the summit of the White Road, there’s a viewpoint where you can see the whole stretch of mountains, and if you’re lucky, Mount Hakusan itself on a clear day. The panorama is so expansive that you’ll want to just stand there and take it in for a while, letting the quiet of the mountains sink in.
Autumn is hands-down the best time to ride this road; the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, making the landscape look like it’s on fire. And since the White Road is at a higher elevation, the autumn colors tend to arrive a little earlier than in the lowlands, adding an extra layer of magic to the ride.
The Serenity
One of the best parts about the Hakusan Shirakawago White Road is how peaceful it feels. The route is remote enough that traffic is minimal, and there are moments when it’s just you, the bike, and the sounds of the forest. It’s an almost meditative experience, cruising through this wild landscape with nothing but the hum of the engine and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. It’s a side of Japan that feels totally untouched by the fast-paced, neon-lit cities. It is an escape into nature at its finest.
Food Stops
Once you’ve made it to Shirakawago, it’s time to reward yourself with a taste of local mountain cuisine. Shirakawago has a couple of traditional restaurants serving hearty dishes like Hida beef and wild vegetable tempura.
One speciality is Yamakoshi, a small place in town where you can dig into a hot pot with local ingredients, perfect for warming up after a day in the mountains. And if you’re there in the morning, try the gohei-mochi grilled rice cake coated with a sweet and savory miso sauce. It’s simple, filling, and absolutely delicious.
Verdict
The Hakusan Shirakawago White Road is a ride that feels like an adventure in the truest sense of the word. It’s not the most challenging route in terms of technicality, but the road’s wild, natural beauty and sense of solitude make it unforgettable. If you’re looking to get away from the usual, well-traveled paths and explore a side of Japan that’s raw and untouched, this is the road for you. It’s a ride that leaves you with a sense of awe and a feeling of having experienced something truly special.
Score (out of 5)
Stylish Rank: Beaut!
Scenery: 5
Technicality: 3.5
Road Quality: 4
Challenge: 3
Accessibility and Traffic: 3
Connecting /Nearby Routes
To extend the adventure, here are three additional scenic routes that connect well with the Hakusan Shirakawago White Road, providing an extended journey through the mountains and valleys of central Japan.
1. Norikura Skyline (乗鞍スカイライン)
The Norikura Skyline is Japan’s highest-altitude road, climbing up to 2,702 meters and offering panoramic views of the Northern Japanese Alps. NOTE: Recently this has been closed to vehicles apart from buses. But you can ride up to an extent, and hop onto a bus afterward. Trust us - it’s totally worth it.
- Location: Located in Nagano Prefecture, accessible via Route 158 from Takayama and Route 84.
- Search Terms: "Norikura Skyline" or 乗鞍スカイライン
- Route Number: Primarily follows Route 84; portions of the road are designated as the Norikura Skyline Toll Road.
- Tip: Be sure to check seasonal accessibility, as the road closes in winter. Stop at Tatamidaira, the highest point of the road, for breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps.
2. Hida Seseragi Highway (せせらぎ街道)
This scenic highway stretches between Gujo and Takayama in Gifu Prefecture and is known for its gentle curves and riverside views.
- Location: Connects Gujo and Takayama, following National Route 472 and Prefectural Route 73.
- Search Terms: "Hida Seseragi Highway" or せせらぎ街道
- Route Number: Primarily Route 472, with portions also on Prefectural Route 73.
- Tip: Stop by Gujo Hachiman to explore the traditional townscape and try the local food, or visit the Shokawa River for a scenic riverside break.
3. Shirakawa Kaido (National Route 156) (白川街道)
This road connects Shirakawago with Gifu City and runs parallel to the Shogawa River.
- Location: Extends from Shirakawago to Gifu City, following the Shogawa River.
- Search Terms:"Shirakawa Kaido" or 白川街道
- Route Number: National Route 156
- Tip: Stop by the historic village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to admire the unique gassho-style farmhouses.
Planning Your Own Japan Motorbike Tour?
If you're planning your own motorbike tour through Japan, renting a bike is a great option. Our friends at Rental819 are a fantastic choice for foreign riders—they offer a wide selection of well-maintained bikes at reasonable prices, with locations all across Japan. They're also known for being very foreigner-friendly, making the process easy even if your Japanese isn't perfect.
Whether you're after a quick weekend trip or a full-blown tour, Rental819 has got you covered. And if you need any tips or advice along the way, feel free to reach out! At Shogun Motorbike Adventures, we're always happy to help fellow riders experience the incredible roads and rich culture that Japan has to offer.
Experience This Route On A Shogun Motorbike Adventure:
Our Mountain Strider Tour, running from 2026, will center heavily around some of these routes, and (depending on weather conditions) will also feature the Hakusan Shirakawago White Road on our optional riding day out of Takayama!
If you can’t wait until then, and want to experience what else Japan has on offer, check out our Fuji Explorer Tour, with 7-day and 10-day options, both running in May and October 2025 and 2026..
As well as the Mountain Strider Tour, in 2026 we will be running the Volcanic Voyage Tour and Wilderness Expedition Tour. These are brand new tours that you can read up about and register interest for right now.
