If you leave Tokyo very early morning, you can visit Kanazawa and Shirakawago as a day trip.
I would like to show you the sample itinerary of day trip to Kanazawa and Shirakawago in this post.
From Tokyo to Kanazawa
The earliest train on the Hokuriku Shinkansen for Kanazawa is 06:16 departure. You can get Kanazawa at 08:46. There are many trains running between Tokyo and Kanazawa. Please find the timetable of the Hokuriku Shinkansen at JR East official site:
JR East official site – the timetable
I recommend you to see Kanazawa first. Because you can spend your time more efficiently by this order.
You will spend your time in the morning in Kanazawa. After lunch time, you can take Nohi Bus for Shirakawago.
Return trip to Shirakawago
Kanazawa 13:15 – (Nohi Bus) – Shirakawago 14:30
Shirakawago 17:30 – (Nohi Bus) – Kanazawa 18:45
I picked this schedule and you can enjoy 3 hours in Shirakawago. But you can make an adjustment as you like. Please find the timetable in Nohi Bus official site:
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 13:15 is 13:40 departure from Kanazawa and arrival Shirakawago at 15:05. It is okay but it is a bit short to see the village.
Go back to Tokyo from Kanazawa
The last train on the Hokuriku Shinkansen is Kagayaki 518 at 21:00.
If you want to eat dinner in the restaurant, you can take this last train. You will have two hours. There are many restaurants in Kanazawa station building.
If you want to go back to Tokyo as soon as possible, take earlier departure Hokuriku Shinkansen. You can grab some foods at Kanazawa station and eat on board. On board sales is available on the train. But the variety of items are limited and the price of on board sales is mostly higher than the shops in the station. I recommend you to get something before boarding.
Suggested deal
Hokuriku Arch Pass is most affordable deal. It is cheaper than round trip fare by the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kanazawa. Please see the link below to find the information about this pass:
But you need to add single fare to get the bus to Shirakawago.
JR Pass is also recommended. The round trip fare by Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kanazawa is almost same as 7-day JR Pass price. Even if it does not cover bus to Shirakawago, JR Pass still works for this trip.
Nohi Bus to Shirakawago is not covered by either Hokuriku arch pass or JR pass.
Don’t forget to check the timetable before you go
The above sample itinerary is built by timetable of September 2015. When you use this sample itinerary, please check the updated timetable.
Comments
Hi Takeshi-san,
I have plan to go to Takayama and Shirakawago from Tokyo on 21 march 17, I plan to use JR pass and below my itenary:
21 march 17, early morning I am going to takayama using shinkansen through Nagoya.
22 March 17, early morning I am going to Shirakawago using nouhi bus. After finish in shirakawago I have plan to go to Osaka, I need your advise what transportation I need to take from Shirawakago to Osaka.
regards,
Afif H
Hi Afif H san,
Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
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 take Nohi bus to Kanazawa from Shirakawago and take limited express “Thunderbird” from Kanazawa to Osaka. This route is the fastest. Limited express “Thunderbird” is covered by JR pass.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-thuderbird-raicho-%E9%9B%B7%E9%B3%A5.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
i am planning to bring my family to Tokyo next week and I planned to visit Shirakawago based on your blog. i have few questions and hope you are able to advice me.
trip:
19 Feb – Tokyo – Kanazawa (stay a night)
20 Feb – Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Kanazawa – Tokyo
1. both of my sons are 5 and 3 years old (based on the date of 20 Feb 2017), do I need to purchase Shinkansen Hokuriku and Nori bus ticker for them?
2. is there anyway i can purchased the Shinkansen and bus ticket now?
3. what is your recommended pass to get because i am still confuse with JRpass etc.
4. is there any entrance fee need to pay to visit Shirakawago?
5. the Shinkansen and nori bus station at the same location or need to travel for a distance?
6. i am a bit worry if the time for my 2nd day will be enough to visit Shinagawago and going back to Tokyo since i will be travelling with 2 young kids. can advice is this is doable?
thanks a lot and appreciate your advice.
Jasmon
Hi Jasmon,
1. 5 years old and younger is free of charge but child have to share the seat with parents. If you want to give them a seat, you have to pay child rate. Child rate is half of adult rate.
2. Advanced reservation is highly recommended.
3. You may use Hokuriku Arch Pass for train trips betwen Tokyo and Kanazawa.
4. No. There is no admission fee to enter the village. But some of housing in the village collect admission fee.
5. Yes. Bus stop is located in front of station.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/kanazawa-station-guide-how-to-catch-the-bus-to-the-tourist-spots-how-to-change-between-hokuriku-shinkansen-and-other-trains.html
6. Kids may be tired but it’s feasible.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
may i know for the bus ticket, which website i can purchase it earlier?
thanks for your reply.
Hi Jasmon,
Please see the link below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks a lot for your advice
No worries, Jasmon.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san, i plan to visit japan at the end of february. So this is the itinerary will be:
Day 1. KIX-Nara
Day 2. Nara – kyoto
Day 3. Kyoto
Day 4. Kyoto
Day 5. Kyoto -kanazawa – shirakawago – kanazawa
Day 6. Kanazawa – osaka
Day 7. Osaka
Day 8. Osaka
Day 9. Osaka-Kix
Need ur advice cos im looking for cheaper kind of transpotation. Should I take the 5days Takayama-hokuriku pass for the last 5 days, or is it cheaper to take separate highway busses? Thanks
Hi Petty san,
Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is the best choice for the last 5 days.
For day 1, limousine bus is recommended. This is only direct way to get Nara from KIX.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/NR
Single fare is okay for Nara to Kyoto and you may add city deal in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san thank you for ur kind reply, another queation please, can I use the Takayama -Hokoriku pass for my trip from Osaka station to KIX, is it covered?
Thx
Hi Petty san,
Yes. It’s covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi! is it possible to have this itinerary?
day 1- tokyo
day 2- tokyo, night train to hokkaido
day 3- hokkaido, night train to tokyo
day 4- tokyo
day 5- to shirakawago
day 6- to osaka
day 7- kyoto and nara
day 8- osaka to haneda airport
thanks
Hi xyle,
There is no overnight trains between Tokyo and Hokkaido now. You have to take Hokkaido Shinkansen.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-hokkaido/hakodate-shin-hakodate-hokuto/direct-access-to-hokkaido-from-tokyo-hokkaido-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Other part of trip is okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san, our proposed travel in April is Tokyo (2 days) –> Shirakawa-go (2 days) –>Kanazawa (2 days) –> Tokyo. Grateful for your suggestions on the most efficient and cost effective way to travel using the JR Pass. Separately, if we wanted to take the bus from Tokyo to Shirakawa-go, is there a direct bus? Which bus company provides this service.
Many thanks,
Rose
Hi Rose san,
You can take Hokuriku Shinkansen to get Kanazawa by JR pass. The bus to Shirakawago is not covered anyway.
There is no direct bus to get Shirakawago from Tokyo. You have to get either Takayama or Kanazawa to reach Shirakawago.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Arigatou gozaimasu Takeshi-san!
No worries, Rose san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san, one more question: the JR Pass that I would purchase overseas is the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass and that would entitle me to travel on the Hokuriku Shinkansen running from Tokyo JR Ueno station to Kanazawa JR station, right?
Thanks and regards, Rose
Hi Rose san,
Hokuriku Shinkansen runs between Tokyo station and Kanazawa station. You can catch it at Ueno station too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
I am on a business trip to Tokyo in the next couple of weeks and would like to see Kyoto, Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go. I plan to get a JR Rail Pass too. Can you let me know if this itinerary works?
Day 1 (PM) – Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto (Bullet train); Evening walk
Day 2 (whole day) – 1 whole day in Kyoto
Day 3 – Kyoto to Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go
Day 4 – Shirakawa-go to Haneda Airport
What time should I leave Kyoto for Kanazawa? I’d also like to stay overnight in Shirakawa-go – is it worth doing that for experience?
As a first timer in Kyoto, do you think it’s wiser to go to Shirakawa-go than just maximize my stay in Kyoto? (I really wanted to see snow 🙂 )
Finally, what time should I leave Shirakawa-go so I can make it to my 3PM flight in Haneda?
Thank you very much!
Hi Rani san,
If you really want to go to Shirakawago, you have to visit there before you go to Kyoto. Because if you keep this itinerary, you cannot reach Haneda by 13:00. Even if you take the earliest bus from Shirakawago at 6:43, the estimated arrival time at Haneda is 13:15. I think it’s too late.
So the suggested itinerary is the following:
Day 1 Tokyo to Kanazawa, Kanazawa to Shirakawago.
Remember the last bus to Shirakawago is 16:00. It takes 3 hours to get Kanazawa from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen.
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_hokuriku_d_b/03.html
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Day 2 Shirakawago to Kanazawa, Kanazawa to Kyoto.
If you want to see Kanazawa, you can drop by on day 2. You don’t have any extra time on day 1.
Day 3 Kyoto
Day 4 Kyoto
You can find Shinkansen timetable in the link below. If you use JR pass, you cannot take Nozomi (N). You have to take Hikari (H).
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
And you can transfer Keihin Kyuko train at Shinagawa. It takes another 15 minutes to get Haneda. Train runs very frequently between Shinagawa and Haneda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi-san!
I changed my mind and maybe just do the following to take advantage of snow:
Day 1 (pm): Tokyo to Kanazawa
Day 2: day trip to shirakawa-go
Day 3: Kanazawa or Takayama
Day 4: back to Haneda for 3pm flight
Do i still need to get the 7-day japan rail pass?
Is there bullet train from Takayama to Haneda?
Thank you again!
Hi Rani san,
This plan works and you can get back to Haneda by noon.
Your choice is JR pass or Hokuriku Arch Pass. If you stay in Takayama on day 3, your choice is JR pass. If you stay in Kanazawa, your choice is Hokuriku Arch 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello again Takeshi-san, i hope you dont mind for this another query 🙂
I want to go to Gala Yuzawa after Shirakawa-go so my itinerary will now look like this:
Day 1 (pm) – Tokyo to Kanazawa
Day 2 – Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go (overnight)
Day 3 – Shirakawa-go to Gala Yuzawa
Day 4 – Gala Yuzawa to Haned
What is the best route from Shirakawago to Gala Yuzawa? I assume i’ll use JR pass still? Thank you!!
Hi Rani san,
It looks okay. You can take the following route:
Shirakawago (bus) Kanazawa (Hokuriku Shinkansen) Omiya (Joetsu Shinkansen) Gala Yuzawa
JR pass is still your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, 3 of us are D1-3going for holiday in Japan. Below are my itinerary
D1 Kansai airport to takayama
D2 takayama to shirakawago
D3 takayama to kyoto
D4 district gion + fushimi inari
D5 arashiyama + kinkakuji
D6 Kyoto to Namba, to nara
D7 Osaka use amazing Osaka pass
D8 namba to Kansas airport
D1-3 stay takayama, D3-6 stay Kyoto, D6-D8 stay near JR namba. Think used mixed of takayama- Horuriku area pass(day 1-5days), Kansas area pass (D6).osaka pass ( Day 7)any acdvice?
Hi Siew Mei,
You have picked the right deals. But please keep the following in your mind:
1. You have to go through Kanazawa when you go to Takayama. The fastest route to get Takayama from Osaka is taking Shinkansen to Nagoya and take express train to Takayama. But this route is not covered. You have to take Limited Express Haruka to get Shin-Osaka from KIX, and then take limited express Thunderbird to get Kanazawa, and take Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama, and then take limited express Wide View Hida from Toyama to Takayama. If you arrive in Kansai airport in the morning, you will be fine. But if you arrive there in the afternoon, it may be hard.
2. Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass does not cover any local transportation in Kyoto. You have to add city deal or single fare to take bus/subway.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
TQVM. I shall work to use JR line from Kansai (haruka) to Kyoto (hikari) to Nagoya (Hida) to Takayama. Can I buy all train ticket singly at Kansas? Or I have to buy it separately at the transit station.
Can I use 1 day Kansai through pass to travel from kyoto station to JR namba station then from JR Namba station to JR Nara station and back to JR namba station?
Hi Siew Mei,
You can purchase all tickets at Kansai airport station.
Kansai thru pass does not cover JR lines. If you use this pass, you have to take Kintetsu railway to get Namba via Yamato-Saidaiji. Please see the link below and find “Private Railways in Kansai Area”. This is covered by Kansai area pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear takeshi-san,
decided not to buy 7 days JR pass as not utilised fully for 7 days.
Noticed there is different price for reserved seat and unreserved seat. Can we ops for unreserved seat for cheaper price?
If I buy the entire train journey ticket at Kansai airport for journey from kansai to takayama, if missed any train in Kyoto or Nagoya, do I need to buy fresh ticket?
Hi Siew Mei san,
Please see the link below the difference between reserved and non reserved.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
If you buy non reserved ticket, train number is not assigned. You can take any trains on same day. If you buy reserved ticket and miss it, you still can take non reserved seat on later train.
You can use credit card to buy a ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Can I ride Shinkansen Hikari using the 5 days Takayama – Hokuriku pass ? Thanks
Hi Jackie,
No, you can’t.
This pass does not cover any Shinkansen trains between Osaka, Kyoto and Maibara.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Hew are going to visit Japan mid January 2017
Our route will be like this : Tokyo-Kanazawa-Shirakawa-Takayama-Kanazawa-Osaka
Should we purchase 7day JRpass for this? Or maybe OSAKA-TOKYO HOKURIKU ARCH PASS?
Or we just buy single JR train ticket for the trip?
Which one is more effective.
Thanks before
Hi Evan,
Hokuriku Arch Pass is the best choice. And you may add Nohi bus fare for Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Takayama segment. The bus fare is not covered by either JR pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi Takeshi san, is the shirakawago bus station closed to world heritage tourists place, since i have checked nouhi bus only available 11-3.50 lm on 20.01.17 so want to make sure i have enough time to explore world heritage in shirakawago.
cheers ron
Hi Ron san,
I think many of seat have been booked out already. That’s why you can find the bus in those times only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thanks takeshi, is the shirakawago bus station next to world heritage houses ?
cheers ron
Hi Ron,
It’s located at other side of the river from heritage houses. It’s very close. Please see the link below to find more info:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
awesome, BIG thank you for Takeshi san info, so helpful, and wishing you best New Year 2017.
cheers ron
No worries, Ron san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com