Shirakawa-go, located in Gifu Prefecture and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular tourist destination known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses and beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
Especially during winter illuminations, cherry blossom season in spring, and autumn foliage, the area attracts large crowds. Therefore, choosing the right parking spot is crucial when visiting by car.
There are large, paid public parking areas near the center of Shirakawa-go. However, during peak seasons or weekends, they can become very crowded or even full.
It is also important to know the distance from parking lots to the village and viewpoints, how easy the walk is, and the parking fees based on expected length of stay.
This article provides detailed information about the main parking areas in Shirakawa-go, including fees, hours, capacity, and location.
It also explains temporary parking options available during peak times, transportation to the observation deck, and walking time from each parking lot.
If you plan to visit Shirakawa-go by car, this guide will help you choose the best parking option and enjoy your visit efficiently.
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Overview of Parking Options in Shirakawa-go
There are three main parking areas in Shirakawa-go. The central one is the Village-Managed Seseragi Park Parking Lot, with two temporary lots available during high congestion.
We recommend heading first to the Seseragi Park lot, especially since the temporary ones only open when traffic is high.
During busy times, attendants will guide you to available spaces or alternate lots.
Village-Managed Seseragi Park Parking Lot (¥1,000 per entry)
Approx. 13-minute walk to the shuttle bus stop for the observatory
This is the main parking area, complete with a tourist information center and toilets. A portion of the fee supports the preservation of the World Heritage Site. It often fills up by around 8:00 AM on weekends. From this lot, you can cross the “Deai Bridge” to reach the heritage village, making it very convenient.
- Address: 2495-3 Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture, 501-5627, Japan
- Fees:
– Regular cars: ¥1,000 per visit
– Buses/microbuses: ¥3,000 per visit
– Motorcycles: ¥200 per visit - Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on special event days like light-ups)
- Capacity:
– About 200 regular cars
– About 40 large vehicles
– Motorcycles allowed - Source: Official website (as of report date; fees may be subject to change)
Terao Temporary Parking Lot (¥1,000 per entry)
Approx. 8-minute walk to the shuttle bus stop for the observatory
This temporary lot is used when the main lot is full. Although it’s slightly farther, a free shuttle bus may be available to the gassho-zukuri village. Availability depends on the season and time of day, so please confirm on site.
- Address: Hatodani, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture, 501-5629, Japan
- Fee: ¥1,000 per day for regular cars
- Hours: Until 5:00 PM (Closed on special event days like light-ups)
- Capacity: Approximately 420 vehicles
- Source: Official website (as of report date; fees may be subject to change)
Midashima Park Temporary Parking Lot (¥1,000 per entry)
Approx. 15-minute walk to the shuttle bus stop for the observatory
This is another temporary lot used during busy times when the main lot is full.
- Address: Near 2671-1 Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture, 501-5627, Japan
- Fee: ¥1,000 per day for regular cars
¥200 per day for motorcycles - Hours: Until 5:00 PM (Closed on special event days like light-ups)
- Capacity: Approximately 120 regular cars
- Source: Official website (as of report date; fees may be subject to change)
Parking Congestion
The main and temporary parking lots in Shirakawa-go are spacious, and during regular seasons, it’s usually possible to find a spot somewhere.
However, the main Seseragi Park Parking Lot can be very crowded even on weekdays, and especially early on weekends.
During holidays, the area becomes extremely busy, and entering or exiting the lot can take time, so allow extra time in your itinerary.
Conclusion
The parking areas in Shirakawa-go are well-organized with helpful attendants, and the wide layout makes it easy to park.
Since this is a heavy snowfall area, be sure to equip your car with snow tires during winter visits.
*Information in this article is based on the time of reporting. Fees and conditions may change, so please check the latest details before your trip.
