
I prefer to stay in many cities and feel different atmosphere. But I understand that some of you do not agree. Because you will travel with the huge luggage and it may be issue for you.
Thus the day trip is a prefect solution. When you stay in Kansai area, there are many places to see, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Mt. Koya and many more places. But can you believe that you can visit Kanazawa and Shirakawago from Osaka or Kyoto as one day trip?
I would like to show you the sample itinerary of this day trip in this post.
From Osaka/Kyoto to Kanazawa
Osaka 6:30 / Shin-Osaka 6:34 / Kyoto 6:59 – (The Limited Express Thunderbird 1) – Kanazawa 9:13
The limited express Thunderbird takes you to Kanazawa directly.
I recommend you to see Kanazawa first. The next bus leave for Shirakawago at 9:40. You can catch this bus easily in 30 minutes. But if you go to Shirakawago first, you come back Kanazawa around 15:00. It is a bit late to see this town because some of attractions are closed around 17:00. If you focus on Shirakawago more, you can go to Shirakawago right after you arrive in Kanazawa. Please find the timetable of the bus to Shirakawago in Nohi bus official site:
You cannot do anything in Kanazawa for one hour. You can spend whole morning in Kanazawa and take the bus to Shirakawago after lunch time.
Return trip to Shirakawago
Kanazawa 13:10 – (Nohi Bus) – Shirakawago 14:25
Shirakawago 17:30 – (Nohi Bus) – Kanazawa 18:45
As you see Nohi Bus timetable, 17:30 is the last bus to go back to Kanazawa. You have three hours in Shirakawago. The next bus to Shirakawago after 13:10 is 14:40 departure from Kanazawa and arrival Shirakawago at 15:05. This is still okay. It depends on which place you want to see more. You can adjust as you like.
Go back to Osaka or Kyoto from Kanazawa
The last Thunderbird to Osaka leave Kanazawa at 20:47. There are some more trains before this. You can pick which departure you like. Please find the timetable of the limited express Thunderbird in the link below:
Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
So if you want to eat dinner in the restaurant, you can take the last train. You will have two hours. There are many restaurants in Kanazawa station building.
If you want to go back to Osaka or Kyoto as soon as possible, take earlier departure. You can grab some foods at Kanazawa station and eat on board. On board sales is not available in the limited express Thunderbird. Don’t forget to grab it before getting on the limited express Thunderbird.
Suggested deal
Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is most recommended. This pass is valid for 5 days. Even if you use this pass just for this day trip, you can get the worth of it. This pass covers all part of your trip.
If you have JR Pass or Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass or Hokuriku Arch Pass, you can use the pass to get Kanazawa by the limited express Thunderbird. But Nohi Bus to Shirakawago is not covered by these passes.
Other rail passes in Kansai area, like Kansai Area Pass, Kansai Thru Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass are not recommended for this itinerary. Those deals do not cover most part of this itinerary.
Don’t forget to check the timetable before you go
The above sample itinerary is built by the timetable of September 2019. When you use this sample itinerary, please check the updated timetable.
Comments
Hi Mr Takeshi
Day 1- Kansai airport – Kyoto
Day 2- Kyoto
Day 3- Kyoto
Day 4- Kyoto – Kanazawa – Shirakawago
Day 5- Shirakawago – Kanazawa – Osaka
Day 6- Osaka
Day 7- Osaka
Day 8- Osaka – Kansai airport
I believed Takayama Hokuriku Pass is recommended for my itinerary? My concern is if the trip using Haruku Express from Kansai airport to Kyoto and Osaka to Kansai airport covered under that pass?
Thank you !
Jade
Hi Jade,
You may use Takayama Hokuroku Area Pass for the first 5 days (day 1 to 5) or the last 5 days (day 4 to 8). Limited express Haruka running between Kansai airport and Osaka/Kyoto is covered by this pass.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
If you use this pass for the first 5 days, you can get Kyoto but it does not cover any local transportation in Kyoto. You have to add some fare or day pass to get subway and/or bus.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
If you use this pass for the last 5 days, you can take some JR local trains in Osaka. It’s more useful than Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You may choose whichever you like.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Thank you for the information ! One more thing, is Hokutetsu Bus covered under Takayama Hokuriku pass or only applicable to Nohi Bus?
Cheers
Jade
Hi Jade,
Both are covered by the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello!
I will be traveling from Kyoto to Kanazawa , and I am looking at the Thunderbird Limited Express Train. Do you suggest I purchase them at the JR Ticket counter at Kansai Airport or at Kyoto Station itself? Am I able to purchase the return tickets at the same time, as I will be heading to Osaka from Kanazawa.
I will also be going to Shirakawago for a day. Are the main attractions within walkable distance? Or do i need to travel internally by bus?
Thank you!
Hi YJ,
You can book and purchase a ticket at any major JR stations. In Osaka and Kyoto area, almost all JR stations have reserved seat ticket window. So you can purchase at either Kyoto or Kansai airport station. Of course, you can purchase a ticket for Kanazaawa to Osaka.
If you travel Shirakawago only, most of places can be accessed by walk. Only view point is a bit away and you need to take a shuttle bus. You can get some info about the village in the following link.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2016-winter-tohoku-chubu-chugoku/trip-to-tohoku-chubu-and-chugoku-in-2016-winter-part-6-takaoka-to-shirakawago-via-himi-line-johana-line-and-shirakawago.html#Sightseeing_in_Shirakawago
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Mr Takeshi,
I am having difficulties in determining the best 5 days route from KIX to Kanazawa/Takayama/Shirakawago/Gokayama/Kyoto.
I intend to use the Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Area Pass when arriving at KIX at 3.25pm.
Is it possible to reach Kanazawa on the same day as we arrive at KIX? With the full luggage how do we go to Shirakawago while on the way to Takayama ? Any suggestion to split the 4 nights between these two places?
Appreciate your advice>
Hi Jolene,
You can reach Kanazawa on arrival day. It takes one hour to get Shin-Osaka from Kansai. It takes another 3 hours to get Kanazawa. The last one to Kanazawa from Shin-Osaka departs at 20:58.
There are lockers and luggage storage in Shirakawago information center. You can store your luggage there while you enjoy Shirakawago.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
You can stay in Kanazawa and Takayama 2 nights each to visit these places. Even if you stay in Kanazawa 1 night and Takayama 2 nights, it works.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am travelling with my girlfriend and plan for the following route in Dec. Can you help to see if the following plan is feasible and what pass should we buy?
26 Dec – reached Osaka early morning around 7am, kansai – Northern Kyoto + Central Kyoto
27 Dec – Kyoto – Arashiyama (Western Kyoto)
28 Dec – Kyoto – Southern Kyoto + Eastern Kyoto
29 Dec – Kanazawa
30 Dec – Shirakawago
31 Dec – Osaka –Universal Studio (day trip)
1 Jan – Osaka
2 Jan – Home sweet home
Hi Teck,
You can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
If you come back to Osaka, you can start using this pass on 26 Dec right after you arrive in KIX. If not, start using on 27th.
This pass does not cover any local transportation in Kyoto. In Osaka, you may take JR local train but may need to take subway. Please see the links below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Kyoto_area
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
me and my cousin are planning to visit Ogimachi next Wednesday from Toyoma.
I want to make a seat reservation at the Nohi bus website but is only showing 1 seat available for all the time slots. Are there available buses from Toyoma to Ogimachi? is it possible also to just buy the tickets at Toyoma without reservations?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Pinkie,
It’s hard to say you can get a seat at Toyama without reservation. But it’s risky to try without reservation.
If you take a train to Takaoka, you can get other bus to Shirakawago, Ogimachi. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/bus/gokayama.html
Reservation is not accepted to take this bus between Takaoka and Shirakawago. So it’s the first come first serve basis.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Is this 1 day feasible for kyoto to shinagawa and return to kyoto?
If planning to stay overnight, where would be better? Kanazawa, shirakawago or takayama?
Can i see snow on 2nd or 3rd week of december?
Thank you
Hi Will,
>Is this 1 day feasible for kyoto to shinagawa and return to kyoto?
It takes 2.5 hours one way from Kyoto to Shinagawa by Shinkansen. If you are okay to spend 5 hours for just moving, you can do it.
>If planning to stay overnight, where would be better? Kanazawa, shirakawago or takayama?
All places are good. But the accommodation in Shirakawago is very limited. Takayama and Kanazawa are easier to find the hotels.
>Can i see snow on 2nd or 3rd week of december?
Usually you can see it in Shirakawago.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi,
Well visit Shinagawago by Dec 22 or 23, 2016 what are the chances of heavy snow in the area.
During those period we will be coming from osaka. Any advise what route to take for 1 day? Im not sure if its better for osaka -> kanagawa route or osaka -> nagoya ->takayama
How about overnight? If we want to make a loop?
Lastly, is there a reservationof bus ticket from kanagawa and takayama?
Thanks,
Will
Hi Will,
>Well visit Shinagawago by Dec 22 or 23, 2016 what are the chances of heavy snow in the area.
It’s hard to say because of mother nature. I say 50:50.
>During those period we will be coming from osaka. Any advise what route to take for 1 day? Im not sure if its better for osaka -> kanagawa route or osaka -> nagoya ->takayama
Osaka-Kanazawa route is easier because it’s direct and shorter trip.
>How about overnight? If we want to make a loop?
It depends on what time you leave in Osaka. If you leave early morning in Osaka, you may go to Takayama first. Because you can see Takayama on arrival day and overnight there. And then you can see Shirakawago in the morning and Kanazawa in afternoon. You can take train to Osaka in late night. Train runs more frequently from Kanazawa and from Takayama.
I don’t know what kind of rail pass you will use for this trip. But if you need the pass for this trip only, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is only choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
This pass does not cover Osaka-Nagoya-Takayama route. You have to take Osaka-Kanazawa route for both way. You can get Shirakawago and Takayama by this pass. But when you go back to Osaka from Takayama, you have to take the route via Toyama or Shirakawago. If you intend to use other passes, such as JR Pass, goget about this issue.
>Lastly, is there a reservationof bus ticket from kanagawa and takayama?
Please see the link below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
If you use Takayama Hokuriku area pass, as far as I know, you cannot use online reservation. You have to make a call.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for the informative reply. I more or less have a plan on what im going to do.
Leave Osaka to Nagoya to Takayama early morning (Spend afternoon at Takayama), Overnight at Takayama
Morning Stroll at Takayama then proceed to Shirakawago then to Kanazawa.
Im not sure if were going to look around kanazawa as by my research i kinda leaning towards takayama better.
Also how much time is enough to spend at Shirakawago? I saw tour package makes you go around for 2 hours. Is that enough?
Lastly, i read that online booking is not yet possible but i saw this link https://japanbusonline.com/ in which i can make online reservation. Is this legit? Can i make reservation on that site and have a peace of mind?
Thank you
Hi Will,
Now you can book a bus to Shirakawago online. That site is the right place to book.
You can skip Kanazawa if you like. Both Takayama and Kanazawa have very similar taste. In my opinion, 2 hours is minimum to see Shirakawago.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you.
Is the 2 hours at shirakawago including lunch? Or just walking around? I saw a tour that allows us to visit suganuma at gokayama for 50 mins and walk around shiragawago village for 1 hour and 30 minutes + lunch at shiragawago at 45 mins.
Any advice on these?
Regards
Hi Will,
The schedule seems to be okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
we will be arriving in Kaisan Airport very early, below is out preliminary plan, need your advise what pass should we buy ? hope to hear from you soon.
D1: kaisan Airport to Arashiyama – Kyoto
D2: Kyoto – Arashiyama (Philosopher path, Maruyama Park..)
D3 : Arashiyama – Kyoto (kodoiji temple, Maruyama Park, Fushimi Inari Shrine..)
D4 : Kyoto – Himeji morning then head to Kurashiki and perhaps Okayama
D5 : Kyoto – Osaka – Kobe
D6 : Osaka – Nara (Deer ark) – Namba
D 7: Osaka – Umeda + shopping
D8 : Osaka Universal Studio
D9 : Osaka, pokemon + Aquarium
D10 : back home
Thanks,
Mary
Hi Mary,
You may use Kansai Wide Area Pass for the first 5 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
Most of the places in Kyoto can be accessed by this pass but you need to take a local bus to get some places. You may add single fare or all day bus pass at 500 yen.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Single fare is okay to get Nara and local deals available in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for the reply, this is our another option, we thought of going to Shirakawago, we need your advice again for what pass to buy.
D1: Kaisan Airport to Kanazawa to Shirakawago (stay a night in Shirakawago)
D2: Shirakawago to Kyoto
D3: Kyoto to Himeji morning then head to Kurashiki and perhaps Okayama
D4: Kyoto
D5: Kyoto – Osaka – Kobe
D6: Osaka – Nara – Namba
D7: Osaka – Umeda
D8: Osaka Universal Studio
D9: Osaka, pokemon + Aquarium
D10: back home
Thanks,
Mary
Hi Mary,
You need to add Hokuriku area pass for day 1 and 2.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/
You also need single fare for bus to Shirakawago from Kanazawa.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
You still need to use the deals that I recommended.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am interested in getting the 5 day Kansai Wide JR 5 day pass or the Kansai-Hokuriku Area 7 day pass. May I check if I can travel for free on the Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA” with these passes?
Hi Carol,
Both passes cover Haruka fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I also planning a day trip to visit shirakawago from Osaka. But I heard from Osaka we can take JR to Nagoya and take a bus there to Shirakawa-go. Do you think it is also possible? which one is better? I’m planning to buy JR Pass.
so the rute will be from Osaka take JR to Nagoya and take a bus there. Bus leaves Nagoya at 9.00 and arrives at Shirakawa-go at 11.53. Returning bus leaves Shirakawa-go 15.35 and arrives Nagoya 18.36.
Need your suggestion Please.
thanks
-sari-
Hi Sari,
If you use JR pass, Kanazawa route is better because of bus fare.
Nagoya – Shirakawago 7,200 yen return
Kanazawa – Shirakawago 3,290 yen return
JR pass covers the train either Osaka-Kanazawa or Osaka-Nagoya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m having difficulty to plan on my route. I bought flight ticket to Kansai Airport and arrival on 5th April 2017 early in the morning at 7.15am. I am planning to visit Osaka, Himeiji, Kobe, Koyasan, Kyoto, Nara and Wakayama. At the same time plan to have a trip to Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Gokayama and Takayama. Total number of stays will be up to 10th April and continue journey 1 day trip/stay at Nagoya on 11th April 2017. Planning to take a night bus on 11th April to Tokyo.
I’m confuse which ticket/pass good for me. Kansai Thru Pass is actually in my list to visit all the mention above. But I am stuck on a trip to Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Gokayama and Takayama. Can you please help me with a good plan for this trip? Appreciate your help.
Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Ismawati,
You may use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass for the trip to Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Gokayama and Takayama. This pass is the prefect choice for your trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
You can get Nagoya after staying Takayama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We are family of 4 and plan for the following route in Nov. Please help if its feasible and what pass should we buy ?
D1 – reached Osaka early morning around 7am, kansai – Kyoto
D2 – Kyoto
D3 – Kyoto – Kinosaki (stay one night)
D4 – Kinosaki – Osaka
D5 – Mitsu Outlet
D6 – Osaka – Kobe + Himeji (day trip)+nissin ramen museum
D7 – Osaka – Nara + Namba (day trip)
D8 – Osaka –Universal Studio (day trip)
D9 – Osaka – Umeda + shopping
D10 – Osaka – Kansai airport
Thanks,
Hi Serene,
You may use Kansai Wide Area Pass for the first 5 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
But this pass does not cover local transportation in Kyoto, such as subway, city bus. You can get Arashiyama and Fushimi by this pass but you may need to add single fare or other deal. Please see the coverage of this pass in Kyoto at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
I suggest you to switch day 5 and day 6. This pass should be used for the trip to Himeji. You can take Shinkansen (bullet train) to get Himeji. It’s much faster and comfortable. Outlet is in Osaka and single fare is okay.
Single fare is okay for the trip to Nara. Other deals are available for sightseeing in Osaka and getting back to KIX. Please refer the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for the advice. I have made some changes to my itinerary, again I need your advise.
D1 – reached Osaka early morning around 7am, Kansai Airport – Kyoto – stay in Kyoto , use Kaisan wide area pass
D2 – Kyoto – stay in Kyoto , use Kaisan wide area pass
D3 – Kyoto – Kinosaki – stay in Kyoto , use Kaisan wide area pass
D4 – Kyoto – Himeji morning then head to Kurashiki and perhaps Okayama, back to Osaka- stay in Kyoto, use Kaisan wide area pass
D5 – Kyoto – Osaka- Kobe +nissin ramen museum, stay in Osaka , use Kaisan wide area pass
D6 – Osaka – sightseeing – stay in Osaka , get ICOCA & Haruka card
D7 – Osaka – Nara + Namba (day trip) – stay in Osaka, get ICOCA card
D8 – Osaka –Universal Studio (day trip) – stay in Osaka , use ICOCA Card
D9 – Osaka – Umeda + shopping stay in Osaka, get ICOCA card
D10 – Osaka – Kansai airport, get ICOCA card
Thanks,
Serene
Hi Serene,
I have a few things to mention.
On day 2, Ramen Museum is located near Hankyu railway Ikeda station. Hankyu railway is not covered by Kansai wide area pass but the cost is a few hundred yen one way from Umeda.
ICOCA and Haruka is available for incoming passengers only. But you can purchase ICOCA and Haruka discount ticket separately. ICOCA is sold at any JR stations in Kansai area.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for the advice. I am a bit confuse, for the first 5 Days, I use kaisan wide area pass (straight from the Airport) and the 6 days onwards, I have to get ICOCA and Haruka pass ? is this correct ?
D1 – reached Osaka early morning around 7am, Kansai Airport – Kyoto – stay in Kyoto
D2 – Kyoto – stay in Kyoto
D3 – Kyoto – Kinosaki – stay in Kyoto
D4 – Kyoto – Himeji morning then head to Kurashiki and perhaps Okayama, back to Osaka- stay in Kyoto
D5 – Kyoto – Osaka- Kobe , stay in Osaka
D6 – Osaka – sightseeing – stay in Osaka
D7 – Osaka – Nara + Namba (day trip) – stay in Osaka
D8 – Osaka –Universal Studio (day trip) – stay in Osaka
D9 – Osaka – Umeda + shopping stay in Osaka
D10 – Osaka – Kansai airport
Thanks,
Serene
Hi Serene,
You may use ICOCA for day 7 and 8. On day 6 and 9, you may use some deals if you take subway lots. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
If you intend to take subway , ICOCA is okay. But remember ICOCA does not give you any discount. The deals in the link above give you unlimited ride.
If you want to take Haruka on the last day, you may use Haruka discount ticket. You have to purchase Haruka discount ticket and ICOCA separately. ICOCA and Haruka package is available for arrival passengers only. And also there are some more deals to KIX. You can pick other deals if you stay near subway station. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com