Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory
Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory
Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksLookoutsObservation Decks & Towers
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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4.5
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Hisahiko
Japan2,561 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
I really wanted to see the scenery I often see in photos, so I didn't go looking for it because I wanted to take photos, but I found it easily. There was a sign from the national highway, and I followed it up the road, and although it seemed like it would be difficult for large vehicles to pass each other on the way, I was able to reach the observation deck without any problems. I wasn't sure if the parking lot where the shop was located was good, so I looked and saw that there seemed to be a parking lot a little further ahead, so I headed in that direction and found that it was a free parking lot. Luckily there was a spot available, so I parked there and enjoyed the view. As expected, everyone has the same idea, and since it was a weekend, it was quite crowded. It seems that this place has been a fortress since the Muromachi period, and it is 540m above sea level, which means it is about 60m above the surrounding village. I didn't have time to explore the area, but it is also an interesting place as a historical site. This time I went in summer, but next time I would like to come in winter.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
待兼山
Osaka Prefecture, Japan45,433 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
An observation deck overlooking the World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go Gassho Village. There is a parking lot, but tourist buses also come here, and there are many tourists. From the observation deck, you can see a picturesque view.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa S
Oakhurst, CA145 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
You can take the shuttle bus for around 200 yen or walk up the hill to see the whole village in this beautiful valley, great place to take photographs.
Written 3 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iva
Singapore, Singapore500 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
There's nothing much you can do it here except photo taking but still worth a visit. The view here is amazing especially during winter. You can walk or take bus at 200 yen one way. You gotta take the bus from the view point bus stop beside the Main Street. Last bus to the view point is at about 3:40pm and last bus leave view point is about 4:10pm.
Written 31 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KittyL
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia26 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
Don't miss this if you were in Shirakawago.
I always see this from calendar and I were so excited when I shot this with my own camera though it's not a perfect one!
You can take a shuttle bus for ¥200/way. Or you can even walk up ...
I always see this from calendar and I were so excited when I shot this with my own camera though it's not a perfect one!
You can take a shuttle bus for ¥200/way. Or you can even walk up ...
Written 28 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arlene C
Daegu, South Korea126 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
I got the first bus from Takayama which left at 7:50a with an arrival about an hour later. First shuttle bus to the observatory was at 9am. There were less than 10 of us which made picture taking a lot more pleasant. It costs 200 Yen each direction to take the shuttle which comes and goes about every 20 min or so. The overlook was beautiful but as it got later, I could see the area quite full of tourists as I looked up from the town so get there early! I stayed about 40 minutes though mostly all other visitors were in and out a lot more quickly.
Written 31 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ezne
Penang Island, Penang37 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
This is a nice spot to taking the photo for the whole Shirakawago village. You may use the public transport or drive up by your own.
Written 12 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CookieMonster888
Hong Kong, China31 contributions
July 2016 • Friends
If you visit Shirakawa-go, the observatory is a must-go place. You can overview the village and take signature photos. You may take shuttle (200 yen) or do some hiking.
Written 2 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ianyap
Singapore, Singapore44 contributions
Mar 2016 • Solo
Everybody has already said how great the view is, and I agree, but I thought I would mention the other way up to this viewpoint. 90% of visitors walk up the long road, but if you're feeling a bit adventurous, you can walk up a steep staircase and get there in half the time.
To get to the staircase, walk along the wide main road in Shirakawa-go and instead of turning right, continue straight. After a traffic junction, you should be able to see the sign pointing to the stairs. Once at the top, you will come to a smaller viewpoint which is slightly away from the main one and much less crowded.
*The climb up can be a bit sketchy, so I would not recommended it for handicapped or elderly people, or people who don't have a good pair of shoes on.
To get to the staircase, walk along the wide main road in Shirakawa-go and instead of turning right, continue straight. After a traffic junction, you should be able to see the sign pointing to the stairs. Once at the top, you will come to a smaller viewpoint which is slightly away from the main one and much less crowded.
*The climb up can be a bit sketchy, so I would not recommended it for handicapped or elderly people, or people who don't have a good pair of shoes on.
Written 8 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
airiko
Bangkok, Thailand85 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
The shuttle is available from 9 am to 3.30
pm (checking with the information desk again) the fare is 200 JPY. It takes about 10
mins riding from village to the view point and you can take about 10 mins up there and take about 10 mins on the way back.
I recommend you to go there in the morning.
pm (checking with the information desk again) the fare is 200 JPY. It takes about 10
mins riding from village to the view point and you can take about 10 mins up there and take about 10 mins on the way back.
I recommend you to go there in the morning.
Written 14 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are thinking to book a tour to this village. Unfortunately, the tour agent can not specify whether we can go to the Shiyoma observatory deck once they drop us off at Shirakawago village. The bus tour only give us 80 minutes to wonder around the village then we are off to somewhere else. Do you think we would have enough time to wonder around, taking pictures at the village and walk to the observatory deck? Given the time restriction? How many minutes roughly to walk from the village to the view deck?
Please advise us, thank you!
Written 2 June 2018
Our tour bus stopped at the observatory deck before going down to the village.
80 mins is not enough. We were given 2 hours and it still wasn’t enough.
They do have overnight stays for 10000 Yen. I didn’t know that at that time. If not, would have certainly done that instead.
Written 26 June 2018
For anyone who visited this place around November, may I know what are the dates with peak autumn colors? Thanks in advance.
Written 3 April 2018
As early as possible... colours best in late October...
Written 20 April 2018
I'm planning to arrive at Shirakawago from Kanazawa at around 4PM on 27/03/2018. I'm intending to check-in to my Ryokan (Yokichi) and head straight to Ogemachi Observation Deck straight after. Will there still be any buses up? Anyone has got a link or photo of the bus schedule? If there is no bus, will I still be able to hike up to the observation deck myself to take photos?
Written 16 March 2018
I don't think you can catch the shuttle after check-in and also it will be a bit dark after 4.30 pm for photo-shooting during the spring months. Nonetheless, it is absolutely safe and easy to walk uphill to the Observatory Deck on foot. If you are keen at photo-shooting, try to go up at night time when the lights at the village houses are on for the scenery by night time is also very nice.
Written 17 March 2018
The shuttle bus was cancelled and deck was closed due to heavy snow... how can I find out before arriving if it’s closed due to bad weather
Written 24 January 2018
1. Try to call their village office at 05769-6-1311 to find out the latest situtation.
2. Try to locate their latest announcement on facebook known as The Shirakawamura Times.
3. The live camera update on their official web may show you some hints too.
Written 25 January 2018
Is it possible to drive to the observatory deck in winter? I drove close and took a short 5 minute walk in spring. Are roads open in winter ?
Written 8 January 2018
Yes, but have to be careful and drive slow. The footpath is often closed in winter, especially during snow fall.
Written 19 January 2018
Haiii~ 🖐🏻😀
On 1 jan 2018
I plan to visit shirakawa go..
The route is from tokyo-kanazawa-shirakawago- kanazawa- osaka
I have booked hotel at osaka.
Is it possible to just pass by shirakawa go? Will the time enough?
Written 8 November 2017
I haven’t done this route before. My trip to Shirakawa was part of a trip to Mie and Aichi. The ride from Kanazawa to Shirakawa is only one hour one way. If you start early you can probably get back to Kanazawa in the afternoon and have a walk around city for the rest of the day.
Written 9 November 2017
How do I get to Shirakawago from Osaka? How long is the journey and many days would be recommended?
Written 12 August 2017
The bus take about one hour. I think it is not necessary to join a tour because hirakawago is not big at all and you can walk around there within 3 hours( excluded obsServation deck). If you do not plan to stay in Shirakawago I suggest you to go very early in the morning and try to get the shuttle bus for observation deck first. You might spend about 2 hours for observation deck and two ways bus. Except that there are many old houses like museum in Shirakawago. There is not many good resturants for lunch or dinner there because mostly people stay in Ryokan which served dinner.
And there are various languages of Map at the bus station you get off.
Written 14 August 2017
Hi,
I'm planning s holiday trip to shirakawago sometime in September or October (or November) . I'd like to have a look at the nice golden paddy field before harvest time or the festival sometime in October. I can only choose either one. Which one is better ? And if I opt for the view of the paddy field, would sometime between 20-25 September be ok? I like cool weather so I'm trying to time it in such a way I can enjoy the nice cooler weather and the view at the same time .
Might get to shirakawa via takayama. Any recommendations for nice resto with Hida beef? That is reasonably priced of course ;P
Written 14 February 2017
Rice is being planted in the fields at this time of the year and experiencing lush green paddy fields is guaranteed in late spring
Written 14 February 2017
Hi I am visiting Shirakawago in June and was wondering if I can drive up to the observatory deck? Also is there public parking located inside or outside the village? Thanks!
Written 22 May 2016
Hi, we went in April and were able to drive up to the Observatory Deck. Ample parking space in there.
Written 25 May 2016
Hi, Christine
Thank you for the tips.
I will be going to Shirakawago next month.
May I ask, I will coming from Kanazawa bus. Is the bus station near the observatory deck?
Are there many areas and things to see up there besides the awesome view of the village?
Any photos of the deck?
Thanks
May
Written 23 April 2016
The observatory deck is about a 1 to 2km hike away from the bus stop. About half of this hike will take you out of the village.
I would recommend taking a taxi around the back of the hill where the observation deck is. There is a quite and beautiful set of homes there and less tourists.
Written 25 April 2016
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