Topic: Shirakawago observatory, Shirakawago transportation Publish Date: 12/13/2024
What is the Shirakawago Observatory Deck?
Shirakawago Observation Deck
The Shirakawago Observation Deck (or Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck) is where guests can enjoy the iconic panoramic view of Shirakawago’s thatched houses and mountains. This viewpoint overlooks the entirety of the Shirakawago village and the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. Located on a steep incline, many tourists come here to take the perfect shot of the edo-themed Japanese village. Located near the bus terminal, it is easy to get to either by bus or by foot.
How To Get There
By Foot
- Shirakawago Bus Terminal
- ~15 minutes (by foot)
- Shirakawago Observatory
By Shuttle Bus
- Ogimachi Bus Stop (Next to the water lily pond)
- ~10 minutes (by bus)
- Shirakawago Observatory
Shirakawago Observatory Shuttle Time Table
The shuttle is scheduled to arrive every 20 minutes.
| Times | Ogimachi (boarding point) | Shirakawago Observatory |
| 9 | 00 20 40 | 10 30 50 |
| 10 | 00 20 40 | 10 30 50 |
| 11 | 00 20 40 | 10 30 50 |
| 12 | 10 | |
| 13 | 30 50 | 30 50 |
| 14 | 00 20 40 | 10 30 50 |
| 15 | 00 20 40 | 10 30 50 |
| 16 | 10 |
Shuttle Info:
Fare: 300 yen one way (cash payment on board) (no money exchange available)
*Service may not run on time due to snowfall, ice, or road conditions.
*Service may be suspended due to poor visibility, snowfall, or road conditions.
Ogimachi Bus Stop (Boarding Point)
Ogimachi is the name of the main town area in Shirakawago. The Ogimachi bus stop is located towards the north end of Shirakawago, directly in front of the water lily pond and next to the Wada House. Lines can get quite long in summer.
Ogimachi Castle (Shirakawago) Observation Deck
Observation Deck Details
There is a small restaurant (Doccorasho) which serves traditional Hida set meals and a cafe (Tenboudai Cafe) which serves a variety ice cream, snacks, souvenirs, and drinks by the observation deck. The parking lot next to the observatory is not available for commercial parking. You can reach this point only by walking or by the shuttle bus.
| By foot |
| From Deai Bridge: ~30 minutes |
| From Wada House: ~20 mintues |
| From Shirakawago Bus Terminal: ~15 minutes |
Short Hiking Route (Alternative Walking Route)
There is a short hiking route to the observatory. Instead of the alternative concrete path east of the bus terminal, this path is surrounded by trees, a shrine, and castle ruins. It takes around 12 minutes to reach the observatory and is adjacent to the street left to the bus terminal.
*Note: This walking path is CLOSED in the winter.
TRYING TO TRANSFER TO OTHER TOURIST SPOTS FROM SHIRAKAWAGO BUS TERMINAL?
Shirakawago bus terminal has multiple connections to different tourist destinations.
