
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 Takeshi,
I am using Takayama Hokuriku area pass. I am heading back to Kyoto from Takayama and my route is: Takayama to Kanazawa via Toyama then Kanzawa to Kyoto via LTD. EXP THUNDERBIRD 34. Is it right? Do/Can I need to reserve seats?
Thank you.
Hi Felicia,
This route is covered fully. Reservation is not required. But the pass allows you to book a seat up to 4 times. If you didn’t book a seat, you still can book without free of charge. You can book all at Takayama station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Please help to advise me a route that is fully
Covered by the pass.
Thank you.
Hi Takeshi.
I mis read your sentences. Pls ignore my reply. Thank you very much! 🙂
No worries, Felicia.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
My name is TS from Malaysia, our family with 5 adults plan the following trip to Osaka-Kyoto this coming Dec 10 to 15. Our plan is as follow at the moment,
10th – Osaka KIX to Kyoto, arrive at 6am from Malaysia.
11th – Kyoto
12th – Kyoto – Takayama and Shirakawa-go (day trip or overnight)
13th – Osaka
14th – Osaka – Nara
15th – Osaka
Is the JR Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass cover all the trip mean from KIX to Kyoto by JR?
What is the recommendation on 12th, should stay 1 night in Takayama?
Hi TS san,
You can use Takayama Hokuriku area pass from KIX to Kyoto. You can take direct express train Haruka by this pass.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
But any local transportation is not covered by this pass in Kyoto. You need to add city deal:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
As you read the post above, you can get Shirakawago from Kanazawa as day trip. But you cannot visit Takayama as day trip. You need to stay in Takayama, Shirakawago or Kanazawa. And also when you go to Takayama, most common way is Kyoto-Nagoya-Takayama route. But this pass does not cover Kyoto to Nagoya direct route. You need to go through Kanazawa and Toyama (or Shirakawago).
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thanks for your advise, really appreciates.
Understand for Nouhi bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go or Takayama to Shirakawa-go, require reservation, correct? How could we do it and do we need to make the reservation few day in advance?
Just to confirm, by using the Takayama Hokuriku area pass, to Nagoya, will need to travel from Kyoto-Kanazawa-Toyama- Nagoya, correct?
Thanks.
Hi TS san,
You may book it over the phone. You may find the phone number in the timetable page.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Regarding the route to Nagoya, you are right.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
need your advice for my below itinerary:
day 1 arrive and stay in Tokyo
day 2 Tokyo – kyoto
day 3 kyoto , stay at osaka
day 4 osaka
day 5 osaka-kanazawa-shirakawa go-osaka (as your one day plan)
day 6 osaka-tokyo
day 7 tokyo
day 8 Tokyo – mt.fuji (Kawaguchiko or hakone ?)
do you suggest for a night stay or day trip?
day 9 – day 12
any other cities you can suggest to explore within 12 days travel in Japan?
Thanks in advance
Hi Juju,
You can use 7 days JR pass for day 1 to 7. But you may use 14 days pass if you travel outside Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
You may go to Hiroshima/Miyajiama on day 5, and go to Kanazawa ana Shirakawago when you are in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-tokyo.html
You can go to Nikko when you are in Tokyo as well.
https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
If you can stay overnight in Fuji, you will have lots of time there and you can visit both Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi. Actually you can do it even as day trip.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/fuji-hakone-one-day-trip-sample-itinerary-you-can-visit-both-lake-kawaguchi-and-hakone-by-day-trip-from-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We in a group of 5 adults and 2 kids are planning for the below itinerary in Dec 22-29:
Day 1-4 Staying in Kyoto; day trip to Osaka/Kobe/Nara
Day 5-7 Staying in Kanazawa; day trip to Takayama
Day 8 Back to Osaka, heading to Kansai International Airport, departing at 4pm
Could you give us some suggestion and advice on the transportation please?
Hi Lim,
If you arrive in KIX on day 1, you may use ICOCA and Haruka for KIX to Kyoto.
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
You can add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA. It’s same type of card as ICOCA but it offers discount at many attractions.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Kids deal is not available for ICOCA and Haruka. Kansai area pass is substitute deal.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Kansai one pass is not available for kids either. Child ICOCA is substitute.
You may use ICOCA and Kansai one pass for sightseeing in Kyoto. For trip to Nara and Kobe, Kansai area pass is the choice. So kids will take 3 days Kansai area pass for the first 3 days.
For the last 5 days, Takayama Hokuriku area pass is the 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
You can use this deal for trip to Osaka on day 4.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks so much for your reply!
No worries, Lim.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Due to time constrain, we have decided to drop the day trip to Takayama from Kanazawa on Day 6. Instead, we will stay 2 nights at Kanazawa and plan a day trip to Shirakawago.
Day 1-4 Kyoto/Nara/Kobe
Day 5-6 Kanazawa/Shirakawago (day trip)
Day 7-8 Osaka
Just to confirm in this case (changes to drop Takayama from the original plan), should we take the Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass instead of the Takayama-Hokuriku area pass for saving more cost?
To be advised.
Many thanks in advance!
Best regards,
LIM
Hi Lim,
I think Takayama Hokuriku area pass is still the best choice. If you buy Kansai Hokuriku area pass, it covers Kobe and Nara. But it covers only JR trains. It does not cover any subway and city bus. And most important thing is Nohi bus. This pass does not cover it and it costs 3290 yen. You will get the 7 days coverage but you need to pay 18290 yen. You may need to add some more fares to take bus and subways.
Takayama Hokuriku area pass is valid for 5 days and not cover Kobe and Nara. But it covers Nohi bus at 14000 yen. The price difference is 4290 yen. You can add Kansai thru pass 2 days at 4000 yen. It covers Kobe and Nara. And it covers subway and city bus too. I think this combination is better than Kansai Hokuriku area pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks so much, Takeshi, for the elaboration and suggestions. Really appreciate it!
Regards,
LIM
No worries, Lim san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I will be travelling to Osaka 12jan18 expect to arrive at KIV 10pm.
Here is my initial plan :
Osaka-Shirakawa-Kanazawa-Osaka
sleepover at shirakawa
Should I change to :
Osaka-Kanazawa-Shirakawa-Kanazawa-Osaka
Sleepover at kanazawa instead?
Hi Min,
You don’t need to change your plan. You can stay in Shirakawago if you like.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hello my name is Samuel and im from Indonesia
im going to Japan at 13 January 2018
and i want to go to Shirakawa Go at 17 January but i will stay at hotel at Kanazawa
im going to kanazawa from osaka
can you give me advice how to go to Shirakawa from osaka and from Kanazawa
btw im staying at kanazawa for 1 day and the next day im going to Tokyo
Thank you so much
Hi Samuel,
You can take exactly same way as sample itinerary in the post above. You also can find the info in the links 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
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/takayama-kanazawa-and-shirakawago/how-to-get-kanazawa.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I am traveling on early January 2018. Please suggest transportation which convenient for these trip:
3 Jan KIX-Kyoto
4 Jan Kyoto
5 Jan Kyoto – Kanazawa – Shirakawago ( return trip / one day trip)
6 Jan Kyoto – Osaka
7 Jan Osaka
8 Jan Osaka – KIX
thank you for your advise.
Regards,
NEA
Hi Edyth,
You may use Takayama Hokuriku area pass for the first 5 days.
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 take a local train in Osaka and Kyoto to Osaka. But it does not cover any local trains in Kyoto. You may need to add extra ticket or other local deals.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
You can add other deal for the last day to KIX.
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,
Can you suggest what pass and transportation for below itinerary:
28 Mar – Osaka
29 Mar – Osaka
30 Mar – Osaka
31 Mar – Osaka – Shirakawago
01 Apr – Shirakawago – Mt Fuji
02 Apr – Mt Fuji – Tokyo
03 Apr – Tokyo
04 Apr – Tokyo
05 Apr – Tokyo
06 Apr – Tokyo to NRT Airport
Thanks in advance.
Tracy
HI Tracy,
You may use Takayama Hokuriku area pass for the first 5 days.
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 visiting Shirakawago by this pass. But after Nagoya, you need to add single fare ticket. There is no deals cover Nagoya-Fuji-Tokyo.
But you can find some deals in Tokyo and to Narita in the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your reply.
For Nagoya-Mt Fuji-Tokyo, is this routing accessible by Shinkansen?
Hi Tracy,
You can get Odawara or Mishima by Shinkansen but after arriving there, you need to take another train or bus. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Is it recommended to use Hokuriku Arch Pass for below itinerary:
31 Mar – Osaka to Kanazawa to Shirakawago
01 Apr – Shirakawago to Kanazawa to Mt Fuji
02 Apr – Mt Fuji to Tokyo
03 Apr – Tokyo
04 Apr – Tokyo
05 Apr – Tokyo
06 Apr – To NRT Airport
Understand that the pass does not cover transportation to Mount Fuji but is there any transportation from Kanazawa to kawaguchiko station and Kawaguchiko Station to Ikebukuro station?
Hi Tracy,
Hokuriku Arch Pass is the best choice but there is no direct ways to get Kawaguchiko from Kanazawa. You should take Hokuriku Shinkansen and local train to Shinjuku. And then pay extra for taking express bus from Shinjuku.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for your reply Takeshi.
What will be the best alternative to travel to Kawaguchiko after my stay in Shirakawago without having to go Tokyo first?
Hi Tracy,
Actually Tokyo route is the fastest and most convenient route. But if you want to take different route, you can take the bus from Takayama to Kawaguchiko.
Shirakawago (bus) Takayama (bus) Kawaguchiko
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/fujisan.pdf
If you take this route, there is no deals available. Regular ticket is your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Could you suggest which pass either train and or bus that we should take with the following itinerary :
Day 1 – Osaka airport to Kanawaza
Day 2 – Kanazawa to Toyama to Kanazawa
Day 3 – Kanazawa to Shirakawago to Kanazawa
Day 4 – Kanazawa to Hida Nosato to Takayama
Day 5 – Takayama to Hida Furukawa to Takayama
Day 6 – Takayama to Shinhoyaka ropeway to Takayama
Day 7 – Takayama to Inuyama
Day 8 – Inuyama
Day 9 – Inuyama to Kyoto
Day 10 – Kyoto
Day 11 – Kyoto
Day 12 – Kyoto (Kurama dan Kibune)
Day 13 – Kyoto to Osaka airport
So we intend to spend 3 nights in Kanazawa + 3 nights in Takayama + 2 nights in Inuyama + 4 nights in Kyoto
Many thanks beforehand. Rgds, Saut
Hi Saut,
You can use Takayama Hokuriku area pass for the first 5 days.
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
From day 6 to day 9, there is no deals available. Just use a regular ticket.
In Kyoto, please see the link below to find the deal:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
For the trip to KIX from Kyoto, you may use Haruka discount ticket:
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 i need your advice …
im coing with my family on decemeber
so here is my itenerary :
25th arrive osaka evening ( overnight in osaka )
26th depart to kyoto
27th kyoto full day
28th depart from kyoto to Shrikawago ( overnight in kanazawa)
29th -31th cover kobe, nara himeji
31-1th universal studio full day
in your opinion which pass should i buy ? do u think it is wise for me to purchase JR pass to cover all these area ? Which JR pass should i purchase ?
looking forward for your reply …apreaciate much of u can provide us some information on which pass we should get
Hi Sherlyn,
You may use Takayama Hokuriku area pass for the first 5 days.
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
For Kobe, Nara and Himeji, Kansai thru pass is most common choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Single ticket is okay for access to USJ.
If you arrive and depart at Kansai airport, please see the link to find the deal.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Takayama Hokuriku area pass covers KIX to Osaka if you arrive there on 25th. You don’t need to buy any deals for arrival day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com