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
Hello Takeshi,
My family with teens plan to visit Japan on December20-27.
below is my itinerary:
Day 1 tokyo arrival stay in shinjuku
Day 2 hakone day tour
Day 3 tokyo daytour
Day 4 Tokyo to Nagano. overnight in Nagano, tour around the area
Day 5 Nagano to Kanazawa and Shirakawago daytour, proceed to Kyoto at night
Day 6 Kyoto day tour,proceed to Osaka
Day 7 USJ
Day 8 Kansai Airport
Is my Itinerary ok ? and will the nagano-kanazawa-shirakawago-kyoto possible to do in 1day?
What pass do you recommend?
I.Lim
Hi Irish,
You may use Hokuriku Arch Pass for the first 7 days.
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
But it does not cover the trip to Hakone. You need Hakone free pass 2 days even for day trip.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Nagano-Kanazawa-Shirakwago-Kyoto can be done in one day. But don’t forget to book a bus to Shirakawago in advance. Reservation is required.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
For day 8, you can add other deal in 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
Hi Takeshi
First I need to complement you on the amazing work you are doing to help us Tourists to complete our itineraries.
I will be staying in Tokyo for 11 nights and will be looking to do day train trips around Japan using my 7 day JR Rail Pass from the 3 August 2017. One of my one day trips I have already worked out will be Tokyo to Hakodate Hokkaido and return by around midnight.
The 2nd trip looks like Tokyo Kanazawa Nagano possibly the long option and then return to tokyo direct.
My question is do you have any suggestions for use of the JR Pass doing day trips from Tokyo. I am aware of the holiday coming up later in August so I need to do my train trips prior to this. For me it’s all about the experience of different trains.
Cheers
Barry
Hi Barry,
You may get Kyoto and/or Osaka as day trip. It takes 3 hours one way from Tokyo by Shinkansen.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
You can visit Kanazawa and Toyama. And in other days, you may do Shinjuku – Matsumoto – Nagano – Tokyo circle trip.
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/index.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2016-winter-tohoku-chubu-chugoku/trip-to-tohoku-chubu-and-chugoku-in-2016-winter-part-10-trip-from-nagano-to-tokyo-and-taking-sunrise-seto.html
Niigata is considerable. Niigata does not have a big name of tourist spots. But you can take Genbi Shinkansen to get there.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/cruising-train/the-world-fastest-art-gallery-genbi-shinkansen.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san, i plan to visit japan on mid Dec 2017 and below the itinerary
Day 20/12: Osaka
Day 21/12: USJ. Stay Osaka
Day 22/12: Kyoto. Stay Kyoto
Day 23/12 Visit Hakodateyama or Biwako Valley Stay kyoto (optional)
Day 24/12 Kyoto to Kanazawa Stay at Kanazawa.
Day 25/12 Visit Kanazawa. Stay Kanazawa
Day 26/12 Kanazawa to Toyama, Toyama to Takayamav Visit Takayama. Stay at Takayama.
Day 27/12 Takayama to Shirakawa-go stay Shirakawa (might be 1 night stay there if i not travel to Hakodateyama or Biwako Valley)
Day 28/12 Osaka to Kansai Airport
Need ur advice cos and looking for cheaper kind of transpotation and what kind of pass shell i purchase.
regards and thanks
Hi vivianchin,
You can use Takayama Hokuriku area pass for 24 to 28.
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
Please see the link below for arrival day:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Single ticket is your choice for after day 2. You may use Kansai one pass instead:
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
In Kyoto, you may add city deal to save your fund in Kansai one 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I plan to visit Japan in mid of Nov for 7days.
Below are itinerary plan:-
Day 1: narita airport to Takayama
Day 2: takayama to shirakawa-go to gokayama to kanazawa
Day 3: kanazawa to kurobe gorge railway to tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo to mount fuji/Gotemba to tokyo
Day 5 /Day 6: around japan
Day 7 : back to own country
May I know what is pass suitable to us for this trip. Thank you.
Regards,
Sy
Hi Sy san,
JR Pass 7 days is only choice to cover your trip.
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
But it does not cover bus for Takayama-Shirakawago/Gokayama-Kanazawa, Toyama Chiho railway to Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe Gorge Railway, most of transportation in Fuji, and subway in Tokyo. Even though JR Pass does not cover many, it’s still the best choice.
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/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,
I am planning to travel to Tokyo, 6-14 Oct. Below is my drafted itinerary.
*6 Oct: Arrive Tokyo via midnight flight. Should I go Nagano or any place before going Toyama???
*7 Oct: Take train to Toyama. Check in hotel. Short trip to Takaoka Great Buddha
8 Oct: Stay Toyama. Day trip to Kurobe Gorge
9 Oct: Check out Toyama, proceed and stay 1 night at Kanazawa. Take bus to Shirakawago.
*10 Oct: Check out Kanazawa proceed to Gero Onsen or straight to Nagoya??
11 Oct: Stay Nagoya. Go Nabana no Sato winter illumination.
12 Oct: Stay Tokyo
13 Oct: Stay Tokyo
14 Oct: Night flight return
On 6 Oct, I am plan to stay 1 night elsewhere before proceed Toyama on 7 Oct. Do you think it is ok to stay in Nagano?
If stay Nagano, is it advisable to visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route on 7 Oct which will end at Toyama ?
On 10 Oct, will it good to stay at Gero Onsen before proceed to Nagoya on 11 Oct?
I think I should be able to get a JR Pass for this trip, right?
Hi Rachel,
First of all, get JR pass 7 days for the first 7 days. That is your primary deal in this trip.
You mentioned that you will arrive in Tokyo by midnight flight. Are you going to arrive in midnight or arrive in early morning on 6th. If you arrive in early morning, you can proceed to Nagano. But if you arrive in midnight, you cannot go anywhere other than Tokyo.
Nagano is okay for the first place to stay. Especially if you intend to add Tateyama Kurobe alpine route, Nagnao is the best place to stay.
If you really want to stay in Gero onsen, you can visit. But Gero Onsen is not located on the way to Nagoya. You will take Limited Express “Shirasagi”from Toyama to Nagoya (or to Maibara and take Shinkansen to Nagoya).
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-shirasagi.html
If you go to Gero onsen, you have to take another train from Nagoya or Gifu. So the choice is yours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for advice.
I will arrive Tokyo on 6 oct, about 8.45am. I should be able explore Nagano abit on 1st day. Will i be able to squeeze in short trip to Karuizawa on 1st day too?
Depends on my hubby, if he wish to visit Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route then we will proceed on 7 oct, otherwise will take Shinkansen to Toyama directly.
I thought Gero Osen will be easy to reach…hmmm. Otherwise is there any osen which i can visit before going to Nagoya?
Thanks.
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
You can drop by Karuizawa and reach Nagano. Easily you can squeeze alpine route on 7th.
Probably Gero is most accessible Onsen around Nagoya. There is no other choices.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Noted. Thanks for the advice. Really looking forward to this trip.
Regards,
Rachel
No worries, Rachel.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
Your expert advice please on which is the most effective pass which will be suitable for my schedule below –
Day 1 – KIX to Osaka-ku – flight arriving at 2130hrs
Day 2 – Osaka-ku to Shirakawago to Takayama (one night in Takayama)
Day 3 – Takayama-Kanazawa-Osaka
Day 4 – Osaka-Kyoto
Day 5 – Kyoto-Nara
Day 6 – Osaka-KIX (flight departing at 1630hrs)
Many thanks.
Hi Kathryn san,
You may use Takayama Hokuriku area pass for the first 4 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
Nara is not covered by this pass but you can get Kyoto by this pass. When you visit the places in Kyoto, this pass does not cover subway, bus and even local trains. You may add single fare to Nara and need to add single fare or pass in Kyoto. The easiest way is using Kansai one pass. You can use this to take any trains, subways, city bus.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
You can get Kyoto by this pass
Hi Takeshi-san
Thanks a lot for your response.
Another question please – is a day trip to Shirakawago possible ? which means we will just visit Kanazawa or Takayam and Shirakawago. This will enable us to see more of Osaka and Kyoto incl Nara.
Regards Kathryn
Hi Kathryn san,
If you visit Kanazawa and Shirakawago, you can do as day trip. But Takayama is too far from Osaka. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
Thanks a lot for your advice.
Good day.
Cheers Kathryn
No worries, Kathryn san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san, I’m plan to go Tokyo on coming 04-12-17. I would like to go shirakawago by myself and my husband on 04-14-17 but I don’t know how to get there ? I plan for a day trip only. Could you please advise me. Thanks. Besides do we need to buy entrance ticket? Where to buy?
Hi Yvonne san,
Please read the post above one more time and if you still have any questions, please let me know which part of my post you don’t understand. I cannot explain more than this at this point.
You don’t need to pay any entrance fee to get Shirakawago. It’s open for public.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
So I just need to buy Shinkansen and bus ticket to get there right? How much would it cost to me? Where to buy this pass? Through on line purchase?
HI Yvonne,
Hokuriku arch pass is most recommended deal. It’s cheaper than round trip fare to Kanazawa from Tokyo by Shinkasnen. Please see the link below:
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
You can find the timetable and fare of Nohi bus at the link below. Advanced reservation is strongly recommended:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi san, I think I need to re- send you for me whole schedule plan in Japan trip on coming April. Please advise me which pass should I buy to. Below is my whole schedule plan.
1st day- arrival haneda airport at 10.30pm and heading to Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanazawa-ken.
2nd day- heading to Osaka-shi/ osaka
3rd day- Kyoto/Nara
4th day- heading to matsudo-shi/ shinjuku/ Tokyo
5th day- my Fuji bought day trip ticket already.
6th day- from matsudo-shi to Kanazawa / shirakawaga then back to matsudo-shi .
Any suitable pass to buy? Thanjs
Hi Yvonne,
You should use JR pass 7 days.
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
But you cannot use it for day 1 because your arrival time is too late to exchange it. You need to go to Shinagawa by single ticket to exchange the pass on day 2.
http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/shinagawa-station-guide-transfer-among-shinkansen-keihin-kyuko-to-haneda-narita-express.html
And then you can take Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka.
You can find train schedule at Hyperdia:
https://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 san,
We are going to visit Japan next week.
Then on the 4th day we are going to shirakawago.
So it will be like this Tokyo-kanazawa-shirakawago-kanazawa.
Is there bus from shirakawago to kanazawa if I start my trip from Kanazawa?
Hi Leona san,
You can take Nohi bus. Advanced reservation is strongly recommended. This bus is very very popular. You can find online reservation site, fare, timetable in the link below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Nancy
We will be arriving Nagoya on a Fri 9.30am. The next morning would like to visit Shirakawa-go. With your expert experience, you think it’s realistic to travel to Takayama -> Shirakawa-go -> Kanazawa. Each stay one night, and back to Nagoya for one night before flying off early the next morning…
Or should I cut down on one place on one of the night and stay in Nagoya for 2 nights.
Thanks in advance
Hi Serah,
Your itinerary is feasible. You don’t need to make any changes.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi Takeshi. i will go to japan on june with whole family. and really2 want to visit shirakawago. but the other group dont want to. so i only have one day trip there. is it possible to go from osaka then shirakawago then tokyo in one day? thank you
Hi Nancy,
Yes, you can. You can follow the plan in the link below and then follow the itinerary in the post above.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi Takeshi,
i am going to Japan for 11 days,
my route is going to be like this : osaka-kyoto-osaka-kanazawa-shirakawago-takayama-tokyo-gotemba-tokyo
which pass is more suitable for me? or is it better to buy single pass?
and is it possible to do kanazawa-shirakawago-takayama-tokyo in one day??
thanks a lottt
Hi Silvia,
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
You can get Takayama, Kanazawa and Shirakawago by this pass. It covers until you get Nagoya after Takayama. And then you need to add single fare for Nagoya to Tokyo. If you want to save your cost, Platt Kodama is considerbale:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
In Tokyo, you may add subway pass.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
Express bus is your choice to get Gotemba.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html#Access_to_Gotemba
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com