
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
Dear Takeshi,
Good day to you.
We would like to visit Osaka – Shirakawago – Alpine – Osaka in 12 Apr till 21 Apr 18 and below is our plan itenary;
12 to 14 Apr Osaka
14 to 17 Apr Shirakawago & Alpine snow Wall
17 to 20 Apr Kyoto
21 back to Kansai Airport, flight time is 10am
Would like to know is my route make sense?
According to my plan above should I buy JR pass?
For my plan to Shirakawago and Alpine, can I stay at Toyama only? And what is the best transportation for this?
As my last day At Kyoto, and my flight is morning 10am, what is the faster train I can take from Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport? Or I should stay at Osaka instead?
Appreciated your help on this, thank you in advance
Regards
AiKim
Hi AiKim,
If you travel all part of Alpine route, Hokuriku Arch Pass is recommended because you will travel from Nagano after Alpine route. It’s cheaper than JR pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-osaka-hokuriku-arch-pass-user-guide-clarify-valid-trains-coverage-area-and-compare-single-fare-and-pass.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/trip-report-of-tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route-from-toyama-to-nagano.html
Tateyama Kurobe option ticket is recommended if you go through alpine route:
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
This is not sold now but I expect it will be on sale again. If you have round trip, regular ticket is your choice. Hokuriku arch pass does not cover it anyway. Hokuriku arch pass does not cover the bus to Shirakawago either.
You can use Hokuriku arch pass for the first 7 days. You can add other deals after using this pass:
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 take limousine bus from Kyoto.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KY
If you have round trip to some point on Alpine route, such as round trip to Murodo, 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
This pass does not cover Alpine route but it covers the bus to Shirakawago from Kanazawa or Shin-Takaoka. If you use this pass you can use it for 13 Apr to 17. You may add other deal before using this pass:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
After using this pass, it’s same as Hokuriku arch pass.
You can stay in either Kanazawa or Toyama.
Please expect Alpine route will be Super Super Crazy busy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks a lots Takeshi San.
Really appreciated for your quick response on this.
I will check the information that you have share with me.
Ai Kim
No worries, Ai Kim san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Good day!
Me and my friends (total 6 pax) will travel to Osaka end of this month. Below is our itinerary:
31 Jan – arrive KIX 5:40am. Direct to Kyoto (LIMITED EXPRESS HARUKA).
1 Feb – Kyoto – Kobe (day trip)
2 Feb – Kyoto – Kanazawa (JR THUNDERBIRD EXPRESS)
3 Feb – Kanazawa – Takayama (NOHI BUS)
4 Feb – overnight Takayama
5 Feb – Takayama – Gero Onsen (NOHI BUS)
6 Feb – Gero Onsen – Osaka (LIMITED EXPERESS HIDA)
7 Feb – Osaka
8 Feb – Morning flight
Questions:
1. May I know the transportation services that I use correct?
2. Is there any recommend pass to use? Like JR pass 7 days.
3. Do I need to book advance for the NOHI BUS?
Many thanks for your advice.
Hi Irene san,
I recommend you to use the following deals:
For 31 Jan and 1 Feb
Kansai area pass 2 days
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
For 2 Feb to 6 Feb
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
For 7 and 8 Feb, please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
On Feb 6, you intend to take Wide View Hida to Osaka from Gero. There is one direct train available. However Takayama Hokuriku area pass does not cover this route fully. Because this train runs outside coverage area which is Gifu to Kyoto. If you want to take this train by this pass, you need to pay about 4500 yen extra for base fare and express train surcharge. Otherwise, you need to go back to Kanazawa if you want to avoid extra charge. But it’s a big detour.
You should book Nobi bus right away. Nohi bus is always busy. I’ve heard many travelers cannot book it. If you want to use Takayama Hokuriku area pass, Nohi bus is covered but you need to make a call to book. Online is not available.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
Im trying to book Nohi bus to go to Shirakawa from Kanazawa and read from the website Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass need to call reservation center.
Having hard time reach the number (0577) 32-1688 as provided in the website. Should I include 0 followed by 577 or dial straight 577 (w.o 0)? Im dialing from malaysia (incase anyone else can help me).
Min
Hi Min san,
I have never called from Malaysia. Usually when we make an international call, take off the first “0” and make a call. But please make sure in your country.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
i have a plan to visit tokyo on 6 march to 10 march 2018.
and this trip will being the first solo trip or solo traveling for me.
after 2 month to think how to create the best itinerary so i can use that for my trip and don’t get lost in japan.
because i am alone.
can you help me to give me advise itinerary for my trip?
i will arrived at Haneda Transport on 6 march, 9 morning
thanks for your help
Cheers
Hi Rose,
Unfortunately I mentioned the following just above the comment section:
“Please do not ask me to make your itinerary. Because I am not your personal travel agent. I am very happy to check your itinerary. But please try to make the plan by yourself. In this website, there are lots of resources to make your plan.”
So please try to make your trip plan by yourself first. And then if you can show me it, I give you advice.
At this point, your trip plan is almost blank. I cannot give you any comments at this point.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
i am sorry that i din’t aware about your comment warning 😀 , i am just very exited to read your blog. and then yaahh hehhe
ok, then this below my itinerary, for now i am stil search for transportation, i am stil learning about that
may you can give me some advise about my itinerary and transportation i can be using during my trip in tokyo
Tuesday, 6 March, 2018
08.00 – 09.15 Osaka – Tokyo Haneda Airport
09.15 – 12.00 Haneda Airport – Shinjuku North Hotel
12.00 – 15.00 Shinjuku North Hotel – Tokyu Tower
15.00 – 18.00 Tokyu Tower – Shibuya
18.00 – 20.00 Shibuya – Shinjuku
20.00 – Back to Shinjuku North Hotel
Wednesday, 7 March, 2018
08.00 – 12.00 Shinjuku North Hotel – Yokohama
12.00 – 16.00 Yokohama – Kamakura
16.00 – 19.00 Kamakura – Shinjuku
19.00 – Back to Shinjuku North Hotel
Thursday, 8 March, 2018
07.00 – 09.00 Shinjuku North Hotel – Tsukiji
09.00 – 13.00 Tsukiji – Ginza
13.00 – 14.30 Ginza – Asakusa
14.30 – 19.00 Asakusa – Skytree
19.00 – Skytree – Shinjuku North Hotel
Friday, 9 March, 2018
07.00 – 13.00 Shinjuku North Hotel – Disneyland
13.00 – 19.00 Disneyland – Odaiba Tokyo Bay
19.00 – Odaiba Tokyo Bay – Back To Shinjuku North Hotel
Saturday, 10 March, 2018
07.00 – 11.00 Shinjuku North Hotel – Korakuen Garden
11.00 – 14.00 Korakuen Garden – Omotesando
14.00 – 15.00 Omotesando – Shinjuku North Hotel
15.00 – 16.00 Shinjuku North Hotel – Airport Haneda
Hi Rose,
You can use one of the deals for Haneda access round trip + Tokyo subway ticket. Please see the link below:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
If you can, you can switch 7 Mar and 8 Mar. So you will stay in Tokyo on 7th and visit Yokohama and Kamakura on 8th. You can use 48 hours subway pass for 6th and 7th.
Please see the link below to find the info about trip to Yokohama and Kamakura.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/yokohama-and-kamakura-access-guide-find-the-right-deal-and-route-from-your-place-to-stay.html
There is no deals to cover Odaiba and Disneyland. Subway does not cover these places. Use regular fare for 9th and 10th as well.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi san,
thanks for your reply before,
this time i want to ask about taking the nohi bus to shirakawago from kanazawa using the takayama hokuriku 5days tourist pass,
is it true that i need to do a reservation before arrival date?
where should i email to ask for reservation?
and since im buying the takayama hokuriku 5days pass from travel agent in my country, all i receive is a exchange order/ coupon?
also, our travel plan to shirakawago is a day trip which will be start from kyoto-kanazawa-shirakawago and vice versa,
i wonder if we can take the earlier trains and bus to reach shirakawago so that we still got plenty of times to strolling around shirakawago and return before night?
looking forward for your reply,
warm regards,
JOSH 🙂
Hi Josh,
Advanced reservation is strongly recommended. But you need to make a call. Online is available for only regular ticket user. The pass user have to make a call. Even if you book it after you arrive in Japan, you need to make a call anyway. You can find the phone number in the timetable.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
When you want to take the earlier one, you need to make a call again to change your booking. Otherwise you may have to wait in Kanazawa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi. I need your help and advise . What time the last train from kyoto to takayama/kanazawa depart ? Because if possible i want to take the last train & overnight in the train then continue to shirakawago once arrive early in the morning . If this possible to do it ?
Hi Lost,
Unfortunately there is no overnight trains available. If you take the last train to either Takayama or Kanazawa, you need to stay there. You can find the train schedule at hyperdia.
jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi….
My plan go to Osaka In 10 January 2018…..
From Kansai (11 January) go to Takayama and then to Shirakawago (12 January) —- Back to Osaka (Tenojiku)…
13 january 2018 go to Umeda….
14 january 2018 Back to Kansai…
What pass can I Using?
Thanks before…^^
Hi Ery,
You may 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi ,
I will be travelling to Osaka on 10/3/2018-16/3/2018. Can you help me to plan my trip ?
10/3/2018 6.00am reach Kansai airport.
Plan travel to Kyoto. Overnight there.
11/3/2018 plan to Kanazawa
12/3/2018 plan to shiragawa
13/3/2018 plan back to Osaka
14-16/3/2018 travelling around osaka
Hi Karen,
You may use Takayama Hokuriku area pass for the first 5 days of 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
But this pass does not cover any local transports in Kyoto, such as city bus, subway, even JR local trains. Please add other 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
You can add other deal too in Osaka after using Takayama Hokuriku area pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
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!
Appreciate your kind advice for my itinerary below mainly on the Shirakawago part
Day 1 – KIX directly to Kyoto (follow the mini 2 trip pinned on the thread)
Day 2 – Kyoto (follow the mini 2 trip pinned on the thread)
Day 3 – Kyto to Osaka (namba)
Day 4 – Osaka around namba for some shopping
Day 5 – Osaka castle & maybe some mini trips?
Day 6 – Osaka to Shirakawago (will buy the Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass) – stay at Takayama
Day 7 – Takayama back to Osaka and fly back Msia..
On my Day 6, I wish to reach Takayama before 2pm as I am planning to buy a bus tour that depart the station at 230pm for the Light up event on 21st January.
The fastest should be Shin-Osaka to Gifu to Takayama that can reach by 1230pm. Is this train covered by Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass? If yes, do I need to get down on Gifu and on board another train to Takayama?
If the above journey is not covered by the pass, what other options do I have that can reach before 2pm?
Also, the Takayama Hokuriku Pass can covered most of my journey on the above itinerary from Day3 from Kyoto to Osaka and the rest of the days?
Hi Eevann,
Takayama Hokuriku area pass does not cover the route which you mentioned. If you use this pass to take this route, you need to pay extra fare for Kyoto to Gifu. It costs around 4000 yen for base fare and reserved seat.
If you don’t want to pay extra, you can take Osaka-Kanazawa-Takayama route. It’s same route as sample itinerary above. Take Limited Express Thunderbird to Kanazawa and change bus to Takayama via Shirakawago. If you leave Osaka around 7:30, you can get Takayama around 13:30. This route is covered fully.
Takayama Hokuriku area pass covers only JR trains. You may need to add some extra to take subway.
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 use ICOCA and Haruka for day 1 and 2.
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 San,
I need your advice.
I am on business trip in Himeji until 5 Dec. (FYI : my passport chop is not visitor pass)
Could you advise is there any special pass (3 days – 5 days) for non-visitor?
I can’t use Takayama Hokuriku area 5 days pass, right ?
5 Dec – Himeji
6 Dec – Osaka
7 Dec – Kyoto
8 Dec – Shirakawago
9 Dec – Toyama
10 Dec – back to Tokyo
Above mentioned is my draft tour plan.
Thanks in advance.
Mr. Aung
Hi Aung san,
Unfortunately all special deals are available for visitors only. There is no deals available to cover your trip plan. You need to purchase a regular ticket. You may use an express bus for a long distance transfer, such as Kyoto to Takayama. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://willerexpress.com/en/
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/
Express bus is cheaper than train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks a lots Takeshi San.
Really appreciated for your quick response.
Very helpful your suggestions.
Best Regards,
LynnHtun Aung
No worries, Aung san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com