How to Locate Shirakawa-go and Complete the #RuralLotus Photo Challenge in Forza Horizon 6

Players of Forza Horizon 6 looking to explore Japan’s countryside this season have a clear destination to mark on their maps: Shirakawa-go, a rural village in the northern Minamino region that doubles as the setting for the game’s current #RuralLotus photo challenge. The landmark not only offers a scenic backdrop for tourists-in-game but also serves as the key to unlocking seasonal rewards, including two seasonal points and a “Sea Thieves Theme” legendary car horn, provided players drive a Lotus and capture the right shot. The challenge forms part of the “British Automotive” autumn playlist, and completing it requires a specific approach that the community has now distilled into a straightforward guide.

Pinpointing the Village on the Map

For those still early in the game and unsure where to begin, the most reliable anchor is the nearby Ruriko-ji Temple, which sits in the same Minamino region. From there, players should head southeast to reach the village itself. While a “Shirakawa-go” sign does appear on the map, the actual settlement lies to the east of that marker, requiring players to cross the river to arrive. This subtle offset has caught some newcomers off guard, but once the location is confirmed, the surrounding countryside opens up as a natural hub for exploration and photography.

Shirakawa-go is a countryside village in the northern part of the Minamino region. If you’re having trouble locating the area, look for the Ruriko-ji Temple, which is in the same region, then head southeast to find the village.

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Playground Games/Xbox Game Studios via Polygon

Forza Horizon 6 Community Guide

Once players have arrived, the payoff is twofold. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of the thatched-roof gassho-zukuri homes that define the real-world Shirakawa-go, the village is the only place where the #RuralLotus challenge can be finished. The task demands that players drive a Lotus and photograph the vehicle while positioned anywhere within the main area of the village. Crucially, the challenge cannot be completed if the photo is taken on the off-road stretch to the west of the settlement, so precise positioning matters. For veterans who have already mapped the region, the simplest route is to teleport directly to Shirakawa-go using X on the controller or Square on the controller, or X on keyboard.

Unlocking the Hidden Barn and the Nissan Pao

Since players are already navigating the Minamino region, the visit offers a natural opportunity to uncover one of the area’s more elusive secrets: a hidden barn located west of the Shirakawa-go village. Opening this barn unlocks the Nissan Pao, a reward that ties the region’s exploration loop together and gives players another vehicle to add to their garage. This kind of layered discovery is a hallmark of the Horizon series, where every landmark tends to hide at least one additional incentive for the curious.

The #RuralLotus challenge itself is part of the broader “British Automotive” autumn playlist, a seasonal series that rotates through curated photo tasks and rewards. Completing the Shirakawa-go portion nets players two seasonal points, which accumulate toward larger in-game milestones, alongside the “Sea Thieves Theme” legendary car horn. That horn, in particular, has drawn attention from the community for its distinctive sound, adding a playful layer to an otherwise straightforward photography task.

Looking Ahead

As the autumn playlist continues to rotate, players can expect additional challenges to follow the #RuralLotus series, each tied to its own themed playlist and reward structure. For now, the Shirakawa-go stop remains one of the most rewarding early-game destinations, combining scenic exploration with tangible progression. Those who have already claimed the Lotus horn and the Nissan Pao may want to revisit the region for future seasonal tasks, which typically build on the same landmarks and expand the reward pool. With the autumn playlist still active, there is plenty of reason to return to the Minamino region and keep the camera rolling.