Brazil
Antarctica
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
the United States
Greenland
Mexico
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Egypt
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Viewpoint · Shirakawa, Gifu
Shiroyama Observatory
The viewpoint on the hill of the former Ogimachi castle ruins, from which you can see the entire village of Shirakawa-go, with the thatched roofs among the fields.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Shiroyama Observatory in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Shiroyama Observatory
The Shiroyama viewpoint, also called the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Viewpoint (Ogimachi Joseki Tenbodai), is on a hill north of the village of Ogimachi, where a small castle stood in the 15th century. From there you get the best-known view of Shirakawa-go: dozens of thatched roofs aligned in the same direction, among rice fields, with the Sho River and the mountains in the background.
The houses were built with roofs oriented along the valley axis, north to south, to receive wind and sun equally on both sides and help the thatch dry. From above, this orientation becomes clear and the village looks like a drawing.
The landscape changes with the seasons: in May and June the flooded rice fields reflect the houses; in summer everything turns green; in autumn the surrounding mountains take on color, usually in late October and early November; in winter snow covers the roofs and fields. On illumination nights in January and February, access to the viewpoint is controlled.
At the top there is a small observation area, a restaurant and a shop. The viewpoint can fill up at midday, especially on weekends and during the snow and leaf seasons, and visitors share the space by the low wall. Those who prefer to avoid the crowd can look for similar angles on the ascent trail, which has some openings between the trees with views of the roofs.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes at the viewpoint, plus the time to climb.
Best time
Early in the morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer people and the light is side-lit. With snow, from December to March, the view is most sought after. In May and June, the flooded fields reflect the houses.
How to get there
On foot, the ascent from the village center takes about 15 to 20 minutes via a steep trail. A minibus runs from the village up to the viewpoint in a few minutes, with its own schedule.
Tip
Climb by the trail and descend by minibus, or the opposite, to see the village from different angles. On snowy days the trail can be slippery: prefer the minibus.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Shiroyama Observatory
Where is the Shirakawa-go viewpoint located?
On the hill to the north of the village of Ogimachi, among the old castle ruins, about a 15 to 20 minute walk uphill.
Is there a bus to the Shirakawa-go viewpoint?
Yes, a minibus departs from the village and goes up in a few minutes, with its own schedule.
Why are all the houses in Shirakawa-go facing the same direction?
The roofs follow the valley axis, from north to south, to receive wind and sun evenly and help the thatch dry.
What is the best time to go to the Shirakawa-go viewpoint?
Early in the morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer people.
Do you have to pay to go up to the Shirakawa-go viewpoint?
There is no entrance fee for the viewpoint. The minibus is paid.
Beyond the guide
