Shirakawago is known as UNESCO World heritage site and it is very very popular destination among oversea tourist in these days. You cannot access to this village by any train services. But there are many bus routes available from many cities around Shirakawago, such as Takayama, Kanazawa and some more.
In this post, I would like to share the information about access to Shirakawago, basic information of this village and some deals to cover the trip to Shirakawago.
Access to Shirakawago from Takayama, Kanazawa, Takaoka and Toyama
There are several gate cities to get Shirakawago. Please see the maps below:
Shirakawago bus stop
Shirakawago bus stop is located other side of river from the village. All bus services that come to Shirakawago stop at this bus stop.
There are some shops and restaurants in the heritage houses around bus parking. The buildings in the photo below are same buildings that are in the photo of bus stop above.
Shirakawago information center is located just beside bus stop.
This building is not in the photo of bus parking above. It is right side of the parking. It is very closed to the parking and you cannot miss it.
There are some lockers in the information center building. The staff at the window can hold the baggage at same rate of locker in case of full. The rate is varied by the size from 300 to 800 yen. Of course you can get the map of the village and the updated information at this window.
Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa route
This is a primary route to access to Shirakawago. Nohi Bus (濃飛バス) has many trips between Takayama and Shirakawago. It connects these places in 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes. This bus company has also many trips from Kanazawa too. The trip time between Kanazawa and Shirakawago is 1 hour 25 minutes. Some of the trips run as “Express Service” between Takayama and Kanazawa via Shirakawago. Please see the timetable and the rate at Nohi Bus official site in the link below.
Takayama bus terminal
Takayama bus terminal is just step away from Takayama station.
Kanazawa bus stop
You can take Nohi bus from bus stop #2 in east side of the station.
If you need the access information of Kanazawa or Takayama, please refer the links below:
Takaoka – Shin-Takaoka – Johana – Ainokura – Suganuma – Shirakawago route
This route is operated by Kaetsuno Bus. And this lines is called “Sekai-Isan Bus” that means World Heritage Bus. Because this bus connects all places in this World Heritage site, such as Shirakawago, Ainokura and Suganuma. Ainokura and Suganuma are much smaller than Shirakawago. But many travelers prefer to visit these village because it is much quieter than Shirakawago. In these days, Shirakawago has been very popular. Some of travelers are tired of this busy village. If you want to visit Ainokura or Suganuma, this bus is your choice anyway.
You can catch this bus at several points, Takaoka, Shin-Takaoka and Johana. Takaoka and Shin-Takaoka are located between Toyama and Kanazawa.
From Takaoka to Johana, JR Johana line runs on same route as this bus. If you have rail pass, such as JR Pass, you can take Johana line and save your cost. But actually it is only 100 yen difference between Takaoka or Shin-Takaoka departure and Johana departure. If you want to take train, you can change at Johana station.
Kaetsuno Bus website gives you the information in some language but it is the machine translation system.
Kaetsuno Bus Sekai-Isan Bus information
Japan-Guide.com provides the timetable and the fare information in English. Please see the link below to get the detailed information.
Japan Guide Sekai-Isan Bus information (English)
Otherwise you can get on the bus at Takaoka or Shin-Takaoka. Shin-Takaoka is Hokuriku Shinkansen station. Takaoka can be accessed by Ainokaze Toyama Railway or Johana line only. Probably Shin-Takaoka is more convenient for most travelers.
If you take a bus at Takaoka station, bus depart from bus bay #7 at north side of Takaoka station. If you take a bus at Shin-Takaoka station, bus leave from bus bay #4 at south side of the station.
Kaetsuno bus use same type motorcoach as Nohi bus.
It does not equip a washroom.
Takayama – Shirakawago – Toyama route
Nohi bus also operates the bus service on this route. But the number of trips to Toyama is fewer than trip to Kanazawa . Please refer Nohi bus official site and find the timetable.
The fleet and the interior of motorcoach is same as the bus of Kanazawa – Takayama route. The bus depart from bus bay #1 at Toyama station south side.
Suggested deals to visit Shirakawago
There are several deals available.
Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass
This deal includes JR train from Kansai airport to Nagoya via Osaka, Kyoto, Fukui, Kanazawa, Toyama, Takayama and Gifu. You can make trains trips as many as you want in 5 days valid period. It also includes Nohi Bus Kanazawa-Takayama line and Kaetsuno Bus Sekai-Isan Bus. Please see the link below to find the detailed information of this deal.
Shoryudo Bus Pass
This bus pass covers Shirakawago, Takayama, Kanazawa, Toyama, Gifu and Nagoya. If you start traveling from Nagoya, this bus pass may suit your trip plan.
Shoryudo Bus Pass official site
Kaetsuno Bus deals
Kaetsuno Bus sells several kinds of the deal, such as one way ticket from Takaoka to Shirakawago, one day unlimited ride. Please refer Kaetsuno Bus official site.
Kaetsuno Bus Sekai-Isan Bus information
Access to Shirakawago village from bus stop
You have to pass “Deaibashi” bridge from the bus parking to the village area.
Once you pass the bridge, it is village area. You may walk and enjoy the scenery.
In Shirakawago, the scenery from the viewpoint is very popular. You can find the photo at the top of this article. This viewpoint is called Tenshukaku viewpoint. If you visit Shirakawago from late spring to autumn season, you can hike up if you want. But in winter season, road is closed. Shuttle bus runs in all season between village area and the viewpoint.
If you hike up, it takes 20 to 30 minutes. If you ride the bus, the fare is 200 yen one way. Shuttle bus stop in the village is sometimes changed. Please make sure where it is at the information center.
Reservation
The reservation is required to take most of Nohi bus routes. The online booking is available if you use a regular fare ticket. If you use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, you have to make a call at 0577-32-1688 to make a reservation. They speak English. If the seat is available, you can take a bus without booking. But Shirakawago is very popular in these days. It is not recommended to take a bus without reservation.
Kaetsuno Bus does not accept any advanced booking. The seat is first come first serve basis. This is another reason why you should take this bus from Takaoka or Shin-Takaoka, not from Johana.
My trip experience
I have visited Shirakawago in February, 2016. I took a bus from Johana to Shirakawago and Shirakawago to Takayama. The bus was almost full when I got on Sekai-Isan Bus at Johana. There were a few empty seats on Nohi Bus from Shirakawago to Takaoka too. Please see the link below to find my trip report. It may give you some idea to plan your trip to Shirakawago.
I hope this post gives you lots of idea to build your trip plan.
Comments
Hi,
I’ve made plans for both Shirakawago and Gokayama via Takayama stn on 14/2/2015 lighting festival. Can you please advise on how to do it?
Osaka (depart from) > Takayama (arrive) > Gokayama (leave luggage for nite stay) > Shirakawa-go (lighting event) > Gokayama (stay) > Takayama > Osaka (return)
1. Must we buy the Nohi Bus tickets in advance? (A week before or months before)
2. Is the Nohi bus tickets valid for whole day for trips to and fro?
3. If we can’t get the Nohi Bus, can we take the Kaetsuno bus instead?
Tqs in advance!
YS
Hi MOONCHOO,
1. Reservation is strongly recommended. It’s started on one month prior to the departure day.
2. Basically you will book your bus. That means your ticket is valid for the bus that you will book. Otherwise you can purchase a ticket when you take a bus. But it’s too risky. You will not be able to take a bus. Light-up season is very busy in Shirakawago.
3. Kaetsuno bus does not go to Takayama but Takaoka. It’s different direction and you can’t use it.
Cheers,
Takehsi / JP Rail
Hi ,
I am going to visit Kanazawa and Shirakawa-Go at beginning of Sept. May I know what is the most conenience way to get there from Osaka? Can you recommandate me any hotel to stay there?
Thanks and looking forward to hear from you.
Kam
Hi Kam,
You can take Limited Express Thunderbird from Osaka to Kanazawa.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-kanazawa.html
It runs almost every hour.
If you visit some places around Kanazawa, you can use both Kansai Wide Area Pass and Hokuriku Area Pass.
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
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_hokuriku.html
After arriving Kanazawa, just follow the instruction above.
I haven’t stayed in Kanazawa for a long time. I don’t have any updated info about hotel there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi There,
Can i check what is the cheapest and easiest way to reach Shirakawago from Osaka? we are a group of 6 peoples with 3 elderly.
As we are thinking to go Shira from Osaka then from Shira to Kyoto.
From Oct 24 2014 – depart from Osaka
Oct 24 – chck in onsen hotel (any recommended hotel)
Oct 25 – go to Kyoto. (depends , maybe its good to stay one more night? bfore depart to Kyoto?)
Thankssssss!!!
Regards
Felice
Hi Felice,
Actually there is only one deal available, but it’s not very convenient.
You have to use tow passes, Kansai Weide Area Pass and Hokuriku Area Pass.
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
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_hokuriku.html
But Hokuriku Area Pass cannot be purchased in Kansai Area. You have to get off at Tsuruga on the way to Kanazawa. And take next train. Both pass do not cover reserved seat. You can take unreserved seat. But that mean you may not be able to get the seat and stand at isle or passenger deck. When you catch the train at Osaka, it’s okay. Because train depart from Osaka. But when you take a train at Tsuruga, train might be full. You still can take a train even if it’s full. But you have to stand up.
If you can’t accept it, simply purchase single ticket to Kanazawa. Limited Express surcharge and base fare are about 7500 yen one day.
These above fare and passes do not include the bus to Shirakawago from Kanazawa. You have to add bus fare on top of this.
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/shirakawago_kanazawa.html
I can’t recommend the hotels in Osaka because it’s too many.
Regarding Kyoto, I recommend you to stay there at least one night.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi there. I need to travel from osaka to shirakawago next week. I really depends on my japan rail pass. Is it possible to use the only my japan rail pass to reach shirakawago? How to reach shirakawago by using JRP?
Hi Fatah,
Unfortunately you can’t get there by JR Pass. You can get either Kanazawa, Takayama and Johhana. I think Takayama is the most accessible and easiest to get Shirakawago by Nohi bus.
I wrote about this bus service above. Please read the article above.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
How can I make a reservation with Gifu bus operator (Nagoya – Shirakawa-go)? I’ll first arrive in Nagoya for 1 night and then the next day, i’d like to take the bus directly to Shirakawa-go. Will I be in time to reserve for a seat on my day of arrival or if there’s an online system for reservation?
Thanks!
Hi Jenny,
There is no way to book it online. The only way to book this bus is by phone.
You will find a phone number at the bottom in the following link. This is English site. I think reservation can speak English:
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/shirakawago_kanazawa.html
I’m not sure that you will be able to make it or not after you arrive. If you really really want to book in advance, call this number from your country. Unfortunately this is only way to do it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
My route from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go in Feb 14-15 for lighted up festival. as you mentioned, it is very hard to get the guesthouse in Shirakawa-go for stay. But due to lighted up festival, we really wish to stay in Shirakawa-go guesthouse. Do you have any recommend or contact for us?
Btw, i saw your advice, best route is from takayama – Shirakawa-go – Kanzawa, i might will change my route. But back to my question. We need a one or two night stay in Shirakawa-go Guesthouse. I don’t to share with other, and we got 2 pax here.
many thnaks
Hi Amy,
Unfortunately I have no idea about accommodation there. As I mentioned below, I can answer you about transportation. But this site does not provide any info about accommodation.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
We are going to Japan on June 26-July 16. We are 2 adults. Here’s our itinerary:
June 26 – 28 – Tokyo
June 29 – Day trip to Kamakura
July 1 – Day trip to Nikko
July 2 – Tokyo – Hakone
July 3 – Hakone – Takayama
July 4-5 – Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa
July 6 – Kanazawa – Okayama
July 7 – Okayama- Miyajima – Hiroshima
July 8 – Hiroshima – Kyoto
July 11 – Kyoto – Osaka
July 13 – Osaka – Tokyo
July 14 – Day trip to Yokohama
July 15-16 – Tokyo
Is JR pass for 21 days useful? or Just buy two 7 day JR pass, for use from June 26 to July 1, then from July 10 to July 16.
Your advise would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Epi
Hi Epi,
I recommend you to use 14 days for July 1 to July 14. If you have any plan on June 30, you can start to use on June 30 and finish on July 13 until you arrive in Tokyo. Trip to Yokohama from Tokyo is not a big deal. And trip to Kamakura as well.
You can use these passes for trip to Yokohama and Kamakura.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/yokohama_minatomirai.html
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/kamakura_enoshima.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
We are going to Japan on 25-30 April 2013, 2 person.
Our itenerary are as follow :
25 April : Haneda airport to Aomori
28 April : Aomori to Tokyo
29April : Tokyo to Takayama ( Shirakawa go) -Tokyo
30 April : Tokyo to Haneda airport
Would it cheaper if we use JR pass for 7 days ?
Hi June,
It’s going to be much cheaper than single fares. JR pass gives you the best deal.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
We are going to Japan on March 21-28, 2013. We are 2 adults and 1 6-year old child. Our itnerary are as follows:
March 21 – Osaka to Kyoto
March 23 – Kyoto to Kanazawa
March 26- Kanazawa to Osaka
Would it be cheaper if we use a JRPass? How much would this cost us?
Thank you.
Hi Camille,
JR Pass is too expensive for your trip. Osaka-Kanazawa round trip ticket is around 15000 yen. It is way cheaper than JR Pass 7 days.
For your trip from KIX to Kyoto, think about ICOCA and Haruka.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/
Haruka is most convenient and the fastest train to Kyoto. And this is the best deal. You can purchase round trip and can be used for return trip to KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Another way is to take bus from Nagoya station to Shirakawagou. http://www.gifubus.co.jp/highway/express/ngo_hati.html If I have JR pass, I prefer JR Wide View Hida to Takayama and bus from Takayama to Shirakawago. The view between JR Nagoya and Takayama is very good and the Takayama city is a good place to visit too. If you use Green pass, I recommend the front row behind drive’s seat where you can have an excellent front view.