Water Lily Pond: A Serene Escape in Shirakawa-go
Find serenity at Shirakawa-go's Water Lily Pond, a tranquil escape reflecting the beauty of the Japanese Alps.
Nestled in the heart of Shirakawa-go, the Water Lily Pond provides a serene escape from the bustling tourist attractions of the region. This small pond, reflecting the surrounding landscape, offers visitors a moment of tranquility and natural beauty. The pond's surface is often adorned with water lilies, which bloom in early summer, adding a splash of color to the scene. The pond is located in Ogimachi, the largest village in Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These unique houses, with their steeply pitched thatched roofs resembling hands clasped in prayer, create a stunning backdrop for the pond. The surrounding rice paddies and lush greenery further enhance the pond's natural charm. While the pond itself may not be a major historical site, it offers a chance to appreciate the beauty of the Shirakawa-go landscape. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the pond, taking in the reflections of the gassho-zukuri houses and the surrounding mountains on the water's surface. The pond is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the crowds are smaller.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the most peaceful atmosphere.
- Bring a camera to capture the reflections of the gassho-zukuri houses and surrounding scenery on the pond's surface.
- Take a leisurely stroll around the pond to fully appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.
A brief summary to Water Lily Pond
- Ogimachi, 山越９９７, Shirakawa, Ogimachi, Ono District, Gifu, 501-5627, JP
Getting There
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Walking
The Water Lily Pond is located within the Ogimachi village, the main attraction of Shirakawa-go. From the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal, cross the Deai Bridge and walk straight into the village. Follow the main street, and the pond will be on your right, a short walk from most guesthouses and attractions in the village center. The walk is mostly flat and easy.
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Public Transport
If arriving by bus from Takayama, Kanazawa, or Nagoya, disembark at the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal. From there, it's a short walk to the Water Lily Pond. Cross the Deai Bridge and follow the main street into the village. The pond will be on your right. Bus fares vary depending on the origin city; check the Nohi Bus website for current schedules and prices. A one-way bus ticket from Takayama to Shirakawa-go costs approximately ¥2,470.
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Driving
If driving to Shirakawa-go, park at the Seseragi Park Parking Area. From the parking area, cross the Deai Bridge to enter the village. Follow the main street, and the Water Lily Pond will be on your right. Parking fees are ¥1,000 for standard cars. Note that during peak seasons, parking spaces may be limited, and you may be directed to temporary parking areas with shuttle service. Starting October 2025, parking fees will increase to ¥2,000.
Travel Experiences Inspired by This Location
Attractions Nearby to Water Lily Pond
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Wada House
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Wooden Walkway
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Shirakawa go no Yu
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Kanda House
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Shirakawa-go
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Nagase House
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Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck
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合掌村 Ogimachi
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Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck
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Myozenji Museum
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Myozenji
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Jin Homura Art Museum
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Shirakawa-go World Heritage Site Gassho Style Preservation Trust
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Hachiman Shrine Shirakawa
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Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Minka-en
Landmarks nearby to Water Lily Pond
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Hida no Sato Open Air Museum
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Hida Kokubunji Temple
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Takayama Jinya
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Daijoji Kyuryo Park
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Inotani Checkpoint Hall
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D.T. Suzuki Museum
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Shofukaku garden
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Kenrokuen Garden Kodatsuno Gate
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Kinjo Reitaku Sacred Well
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Ryuseki
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Sekirei-jima (Wagtail Island)
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Kenrokuen Garden Kamisaka Gate
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Kenroku-en
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Yoshiro and Yoshio Taniguchi Museum of Architecture
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Gankou-Bashi (Flying Geese Bridge)