Step Into the Heart of a World Heritage Village
Shirakawa-go roadside station welcomes travelers to the serene embrace of one of Japan’s most iconic landscapes. Nestled in the heart of Gifu Prefecture’s mountainous countryside, this roadside station is more than a pit stop—it’s a gateway to the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village, famed for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The station’s architecture mirrors these distinctive homes, offering visitors an immediate sense of place and cultural immersion.
Inside, the free-entry Gassho-zukuri Museum showcases the craftsmanship behind these remarkable roofs, with hands-on exhibits explaining their construction. The on-site restaurant serves local specialties like Hida beef and soba, while the market offers authentic regional products. With easy access to the village’s historic cluster, the museum, and nearby hot springs, Shirakawa-go roadside station is the perfect base for exploring one of Japan’s most treasured cultural landscapes.
Why Visit
Shirakawa-go roadside station is the only place where you can experience the authentic construction of a traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouse, with a fully preserved, movable barn on-site that demonstrates the intricate timber-lacing techniques used for centuries. Visitors can also savor the region’s only known gassho-zukuri-style soba noodles, made from locally milled flour and served with a broth infused with wild mountain herbs. These culinary and architectural experiences are found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Shirakawa-go roadside station, where traditional dishes made with regional ingredients delight all ages.
Restaurant
レストラン
Specialty
Local cuisine using regional specialties
A dining area within the roadside station that offers meals featuring local dishes from Shirakawa-go and Hida region, popular with visitors of all ages.
Café
喫茶
Specialty
Light snacks and beverages
A cozy café offering light refreshments and drinks, perfect for a relaxing break while exploring the area.
Food Stall
軽食
Specialty
Quick bite options with local flavors
A casual food stall providing convenient, on-the-go meals with regional taste, ideal for travelers seeking fast and authentic snacks.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local goods and regional specialties at Shirakawa-go roadside station, perfect for thoughtful souvenirs.
Souvenir Shop
売店
Sells local souvenirs and Hida region specialties, including traditional crafts and regional food products.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hida beef jerky
Farmers Market
市場
A market featuring fresh produce and agricultural products from local farmers in the Shirakawa-go area.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shirakawa-go mountain vegetables
Craft Store
工芸品店
A specialty store offering traditional crafts and handmade items made by local artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handwoven traditional fabric
Alcohol Shop
酒類販売
Sells local alcoholic beverages, including traditional sake and regional spirits.
Products
Must-Try Item
Hida craft sake
Featured Products
Explore signature products like handmade crafts and regional delicacies, celebrating the heritage of Shirakawa-go.
Hida Beef Jerky
飛騨牛のせんべい
Premium dried beef made from high-quality Hida beef, known for its rich flavor and chewy texture.
Shirakawa-go Mountain Vegetables
白川郷の山菜
Fresh, wild mountain vegetables harvested from the pristine highlands around Shirakawa-go, known for their natural taste and nutritional value.
Handwoven Traditional Fabric
伝統織物
Authentic handwoven textiles made using traditional techniques by local artisans in Shirakawa-go.
Hida Craft Sake
飛騨の地酒
Locally brewed sake made with pure mountain water and traditional methods, reflecting the unique terroir of the Hida region.
Wooden Craft Souvenir
木工雑貨
Handcrafted wooden souvenirs made from local timber, featuring traditional designs and natural finishes.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, EV charging, and free rest areas at Shirakawa-go roadside station.
Parking Area
The roadside station has parking space for 4 large vehicles and 55 regular vehicles.
General parking area at the roadside station
Restroom
The facility includes 9 male toilets and 6 female toilets, with a ramp available for accessibility.
Inside the roadside station building
Wi-Fi Access
Free Wi-Fi is available at the roadside station for visitors.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
An information corner is available to provide visitors with local information, maps, and tourism guidance.
Inside the roadside station
Play Area
A free rest area is available for visitors to relax and rest during their journey.
Near the entrance or common area
EV Charging Station
An electric vehicle charging facility is available for visitors using electric vehicles.
Designated parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to access banking services.
Near the entrance or information area
Nursing Room
A private room is available for nursing mothers, located within the restroom area.
Inside the restroom facility
Insider Tips
Visit during non-peak hours and check for seasonal events to make the most of your visit to Shirakawa-go roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a seat at the restaurant before the lunch rush, as the local dish "Hida beef rice bowl" is served only until 12:30 PM and often sells out by 11:30 AM
- Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the information desk for the limited-edition "Shirakawa-go wild herb jam," available only during summer months and sold out by mid-afternoon
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the market stall between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to buy freshly harvested "Shirakawa-go mountain vegetables" from local farmers before they are fully sold out
- Museum Access Tip: Enter the "Gassho-style House Museum" right when it opens at 8:30 AM to avoid the midday crowd and view the full-scale replica of a traditional Gassho-style house without interruption
- Food Truck Alert: On the first Sunday of each month, a food truck specializing in "Hida-style grilled miso pork skewers" sets up near the EV charging station between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM—arrive by 11:15 AM to avoid long lines
- Parking Strategy: Use the reserved parking spaces marked for EV charging if you plan to stay more than 90 minutes; these spots are often empty even during peak hours and provide access to the nearby free rest area
- Cultural Experience: Attend the 1:00 PM guided tour of the "Gassho-style House Museum" (included with free admission) on Tuesdays and Thursdays to see the traditional roof-lifting demonstration, which runs for exactly 45 minutes
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower viewing and fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June-August): July brings the White River Festival with traditional dances and local food stalls.
Autumn (September-November): October offers vibrant maple foliage and seasonal chestnuts at roadside station stalls.
Winter (December-February): December to February showcases illuminated thatched-roof villages and hot spring experiences nearby.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a child-friendly museum with interactive exhibits on traditional architecture. Offers kid-friendly food and stroller-accessible facilities. Play areas and family activities enhance appeal, though no dedicated play space is mentioned.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse local dishes using Hida specialties and regional ingredients. Features a well-regarded restaurant and fresh produce market. High-quality local foods and artisanal products elevate the dining experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides basic facilities including restrooms, vending machines, and EV charging. Quiet surroundings support overnight stays. No explicit overnight parking policy, limiting full camping use.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located in a World Heritage site with stunning views of traditional gassho-style architecture. Offers excellent photo opportunities and seasonal beauty. The natural and cultural landscape creates a deeply aesthetic atmosphere.