Discover the Heart of Hida’s Natural Splendor
Nestled at the foot of Japan’s revered Mount Hakusan, Hida Hakusan roadside station stands as a serene gateway to one of the nation’s most stunning alpine landscapes. Located in the remote village of Hirase, within the pristine heart of Gifu Prefecture, it serves as a vital stop for travelers exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go and the surrounding wilderness.
More than just a rest area, Hida Hakusan offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and wellness. Visitors can unwind in the 24-hour foot bath fed by natural hot spring water, recharge their electric vehicles at the 24-hour charging station, or explore exhibits on local geology—including a replica of a dinosaur footprint discovered in the Daitakawa River. With seasonal snacks, a welcoming information center, and panoramic views of the sacred mountain, it’s the perfect place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with Japan’s wild beauty.
Why Visit
Hida Hakusan stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering access to the natural hot spring foot bath fed by the same mineral-rich waters of the famed Shira Mizu no Yu, a mountain spring renowned as a "childbirth blessing bath." Its unique selling point is the seasonal, locally crafted mida-rashi dango—a sweet dumpling made with wild mountain herbs and served fresh daily. Surrounded by the sacred slopes of Japan’s Three Sacred Mountains, this station is the only stop where travelers can rest, recharge with a real electric vehicle fast charger, and receive detailed guidance on exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go—all in one visit.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic regional flavors at Hida Hakusan roadside station, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional craftsmanship.
Light Food Corner
軽食コーナー
Specialty
Local snacks and regional specialties
A casual food stall offering a variety of traditional Japanese snacks and regional dishes, perfect for a quick bite during a road trip or sightseeing.
Shopping Highlights
Discover locally crafted goods and unique souvenirs at Hida Hakusan roadside station’s inviting market.
General Store
売店
A general retail shop offering a variety of local products, souvenirs, and daily necessities.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hida Beef Jerky
Foot Bath Vinyl
足湯ビニール
A hygiene product designed for use in public foot baths, allowing individuals to avoid direct contact with shared water.
Products
Must-Try Item
Foot Bath Vinyl
Featured Products
Explore signature items like mountain herbs, handmade noodles, and premium Hida beef, celebrating the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Hida Beef Jerky
飛騨牛のたれ干し
Premium dried beef made from high-quality Hida beef, marinated in a traditional soy-based sauce and air-dried for a rich, savory flavor.
Miso Dango Set
味噌だんごセット
A ready-to-eat set of traditional miso dango, perfect for travel or as a gift.
Sutta-te Soup Mix
すったて汁の素
A convenient dry mix for making traditional sutta-te soup at home, made with ground boiled soybeans and miso seasoning.
Hida Beef Soba Noodles
飛騨牛そば
A premium soba noodle blend with finely chopped Hida beef, ideal for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Local Mountain Vegetable Mix
山菜のミックス
A blend of dried wild mountain vegetables harvested from the Hida region, perfect for soups and stews.
Hida Forest Herbal Tea
飛騨の森のハーブティー
A naturally blended herbal tea made from wild herbs and plants found in the Hida mountain forests.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax with free foot baths, enjoy wireless internet, or charge your electric vehicle at Hida Hakusan roadside station’s modern amenities.
Parking Area
The roadside station provides parking for 36 regular cars and 3 large vehicles.
At the roadside station premises
Restroom
There are 9 male toilets and 6 female toilets available. The facility includes a ramp for accessibility.
Inside the roadside station
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the premises
Information Center
The information center is open from 9:00 to 17:00, every day of the year. It provides information about local attractions, hiking routes, and more. The station stamp can be collected even when the shop is closed.
Inside the roadside station
Dinosaur Footprint Replica Display
A replica of a herbivorous dinosaur footprint discovered in the Ootakagawa River is on display, along with information about Mount Hakusan and local sightseeing spots.
Inside the roadside station
Shiramizu Onsen
A hot spring facility with natural hot spring water, featuring a bathhouse with hinoki (cedar) bath, open-air bath, and foam bath. It is open from 11:00 to 20:00 (last admission at 19:30). Closed on Wednesdays and the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays (except holidays).
Adjacent to the roadside station
EV Fast Charging Station
A 24-hour electric vehicle fast charging station is available for electric cars. It is environmentally friendly and convenient for long-distance travelers.
Outside the roadside station
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors' convenience.
Near the roadside station entrance
Nursing Room
A private room for nursing mothers is available at the roadside station.
Inside the roadside station
Pet-Friendly Area
The roadside station allows pets in designated areas, making it convenient for visitors traveling with animals.
Outside the main building
Insider Tips
Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy extended hours at the information desk and foot baths.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays to enjoy the full range of hot snacks at the food counter, including freshly prepared five-barley rice cakes (gohei mochi) and soba noodles, which are typically sold out by 2:00 PM.
- Hidden Gems: Look for the dinosaur footprint fossil replica near the information desk — it's a unique, on-site exhibit showcasing a fossil discovered in the Ootakigawa River, just steps from the roadside station.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, the "kakiso ba" (soba noodles with a soy-based broth) is served only from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM — arrive early to secure one of the limited daily servings.
- Essential Convenience: Use the EV fast charging station located at the roadside station — it’s available 24 hours a day and is specifically designed for electric vehicles, making it ideal for long-distance travelers using the Hokuriku Expressway route.
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the foot bath vinyl socks at the cashier for 100 yen — they’re essential for using the foot bath if you prefer not to share the water, especially during busy periods.
- Off-Peak Experience: Visit during the 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM window on weekdays to avoid crowds and ensure access to the free foot bath, which can be fully occupied during peak weekend hours.
- Information Tip: The roadside station stamp is available at the information counter even when the shop is closed — it’s located on the right side of the main entrance, next to the fossil display, and is only accessible during the 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM operating hours.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Spring brings fresh mountain vegetables and seasonal dishes like yama-udon and suttate soup at the roadside station.
Summer (June–August): Summer features ice cream and kakiage soba, with the foot bath open daily until late September.
Autumn (September–November): Autumn highlights the seasonal harvest of chestnuts and roasted sweet potatoes, available in the shop.
Winter (December–February): Winter offers hot spring foot baths and cozy mountain views, with the foot bath closed during snow periods.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a foot bath for children, a children-friendly atmosphere, and educational displays on dinosaur fossils. The facility is stroller-accessible with clear signage and restrooms, though no dedicated play area is available.
Food Lover Review
Features a variety of local specialties like Hida beef croquettes, miso dango, and mountain vegetable soba. The food options are fresh and regionally authentic, with seasonal items like shaved ice and a well-curated market-style shop.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour access to foot baths, restrooms, and EV charging stations. While parking is available, there is no explicit overnight parking policy, and the site lacks dedicated camping zones or quiet overnight accommodations.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located at the base of Mount Hakusan, a Japan Three Famous Mountains peak, with scenic views of nature and forested surroundings. Offers strong photo opportunities and seasonal beauty, especially in spring and autumn.