If you are looking for an exclusive and spectacular autumn foliage off the beaten path, then we have some recommendations for you. This is particularly helpful for those who are coming to Japan the second time and are trying something new and perhaps more special than they have previously seen in Japan.

Welcome to Hakusan White Road (白山ホワイトロード). Don`t be deceived by its name. While it’s stunningly white and beautiful in winter, it is more popular for its natural autumn charm.

Tucked and hidden among the towering peaks of Hakusan mountains and the Japan Northern Alps, the Hakusan White Road is a 33-kilometer stretch of winding highway traversing this mountain from the border of Hakusan City in Ishikawa Prefecture to Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture.

Hakusan is not your ordinary mountain. Aside from being a national park, it is considered as one of Japan`s three holy mountains along with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Tateyama. Due to its concealed location and seasonal access, not so many people know about it, plus the fact that it is overshadowed by its popular neighbors — the Shirakawa-go World Heritage Site and Kanazawa City.

The road is open to the public from June to November only since this region receives some of the heaviest snowfall in Japan and it normally takes months to clear the snow. In the summer, the mountain boasts of its lush green vegetation ideal for hiking. However, the busiest time is the autumn season.

The mountains and deep valleys along this stretch fires up with autumn colors, red, yellow, orange and their combinations starting in October as it gradually creeps down the mountains depending on the elevation. This means that at any time, fall foliage is visible on the side of the mountains. It’s certainly a stunning and amazing view. The Jadani Bridge is a scenic spot for some perfect snaps.

The Hakusan White Road features strategic stops for viewing the natural autumn foliage unfolding as far as your eyes can see. There are roadside rest stops and car parks for convenient viewing of the towering peaks of the Hakusan mountains and the winding roads below.

For the adventurous, they can simply walk down designated trails to several waterfalls and viewing decks. One of the most accessible is Fukube Falls, which has an 86 meters drop. Ubagataki Falls meanwhile is among Japan’s 100 finest waterfalls.

At a stop near Shirakawago, there is a newly constructed viewing deck that gives you a total view of the World Heritage village. In fact, on a clear morning you can even experience seeing the sea of clouds.

When is the best time to visit? Usually, the foliage happens in mid-October to early November. The HWR website provides regular updates about foliage changes and its distribution along the stretch so you would know the best time to visit.

HOW TO GO THERE

There are two ways to experience the HWR depending on your point of departure. If you are coming from Kanazawa, then the best way is passing Hakusan City and ending in Shirakawa-go village. If you are coming from Shirakawa-go, then you have the option to exit in Hakusan City and onwards to Kanazawa. The most popular option is to simply make a roundtrip. Access to this area is limited to several months every year, from early summer to autumn and public transportation are limited.

• Early June through November 10
• June to August: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM (gates close at 7:00 PM)
• September to November: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (gates close at 6:00 PM)

A. Tour Bus

There is a seasonal tourist bus service operating from Kanazawa Station from October 1st to November 10th. The Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark-gou (Japanese website) sightseeing bus operates only on weekends and holidays. It leaves Kanazawa Station at 9AM and back by 5PM. Fare is 7,000yen per person. No reservations required, however, advance queries are helpful.

B. Car (Private or Rental)

• Cars are generally allowed access to the White Road subject to toll fees. However, motorcycles are not allowed. Also, given the road siuation and conditions, we suggest using at least a compact car when going there.
• Avail a car rental in Kanazawa or Takayama. There are car rental shops around Kanazawa Station.

Access from Major Cities

From Osaka/Kyoto: Take Thunderbird Limited Express to Kanazawa and transfer to Sightseeing Bus.

From Tokyo: Take Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa and transfer to Sightseeing Bus.

From Nagoya/Takayama: Rent a car and make a roundtrip tour.

If you are driving, observe utmost care and caution when navigating the zigzag roads and sharp turns along the way. Be mindful of people crossing the road near viewing points and road side parking. When trekking or going to the waterfalls, avoid venturing off the visible trails and walkways and be alert of wildlife.

We have been to HWR just once and it’s already our favorite. While we are hesitant to share this beauty to the world, we are compelled by the fact that anything of beauty has be the joy of many. Tag us when you get the chance to visit this hidden wonder of Japan.