Recommended Sightseeing Course in Shirakawa Area

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Shiroyama Park (Komine Castle): About 120 years after the Boshin War, in 1991, reconstruction of the castle tower began, and in 1994 the main gate was faithfully restored in wood in the style of the Edo period. The castle became the symbol of Shirakawa city.

Time needed: About 1 hr.

10 min by car

Temples near the City Hall: From Shirakawa Station you can walk to a number of temples.

Time needed: About 1 hr. 30 min

10 min by car

Nanko Park: Lord Matsudaira was driven by his philosophy that there should be a place for the Samurai class and commoners to mingle and enjoy together, with the difference in social standing being no hindrance. We can assume that with this same belief he constructed the "Kyorakutei" tea-ceremony room for all to take a rest. In 1924 Nanko Park was designated a national historic place of scenic beauty, where his plan continues to fascinate visitors in all seasons with pine, cherry and maple trees in abundance.

Time needed: 1 hr. 30 min

10 min by car

Shirakawa Flower World: Near Nanko Park, inside the Flower World is a colorful paradise of tulips, iris, double-blossomed cherry trees and other flowers.

Time needed: 1 hr.

Komine Castle (Shiroyama Park): About 120 years after the Boshin War, in 1991, reconstruction of the castle tower began, and in 1994 the main gate was faithfully restored in wood in the style of the Edo period. The castle became the symbol of Shirakawa city.

Time needed: About 1 hr.

30 min by car

Yukiwari Bridge: This magnificent iron bridge was constructed as an arch over the Abukuma River near the center of a four-kilometerlong ravine. Having a span of 81 meters and measuring 50 meters top to bottom, it forms a perfect frame for the foliage bursting into leaf around it in the springtime and turning into a breathtaking cinnabar-red view in the autumn.

Time needed: About 1 hr.

15 min by car

Kyororon Village: Situated in the midst of a natural plateau is a completely man-made enterprise. Here is a veritable treasure island where the family can enjoy interesting recreation.

Time needed: About 2 hr.

Yamamoto Fudoson: Around the central park from north to south is a lovely five-kilometer ravine, the Okukuzi Prefectural Nature Park, which abounds with rhododendrons during the second half of April when mountain Cherry trees and Azaleas are also in bloom. There is also a chance to camp and pick matsutake mushrooms and view the maples and other autumn foliage. All year long one can enjoy this rich natural setting, including the clear running Miyakawa mountain stream, a branch of the Kuji River.

Time needed: 1-2 hr.

15 min by car

Kamegajo Koen (Turtle Castle Park): The castle stood 240 years until 1868 when it was destroyed during the Boshin War. During those years eight families and sixteen generations of lords held the castle. It has been said that sometimes a huge turtle was seen floating in the moat around the castle. When this happened, the ownership of the castle was transferred to another name. This is why it is called "Turtle Castle"
There is only a 160-meter area of stone wall remaining around the moat, and on the foundation hill a wooden monument of the period of the South-North dynasties. Today the castle site is home to a community center and museum containing a display of historical records from ancient to modern times.

Time needed: 1-2 hr.

30 min by car

SHIRAKAWA SEKI-NO-SATO: Here friends and family can enjoy good food during a leisurely stay at a hot spring and sports center.

Time needed: About 2 hr.

20 min by car

Nanko Park: Lord Matsudaira was driven by his philosophy that there should be a place for the Samurai class and commoners to mingle and enjoy together, with the difference in social standing being no hindrance. We can assume that with this same belief he constructed the "Kyorakutei" tea-ceremony room for all to take a rest. In 1924 Nanko Park was designated a national historic place of scenic beauty, where his plan continues to fascinate visitors in all seasons with pine, cherry and maple trees in abundance.

Time needed: 1 hr. 30 min