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 Takeshi San,
My planning as below, would like to get your advise if i should go with kansai hokuriku area 7days pass?
Day 1 – Osaka
Day 2 – Osaka to Kanazawa by limited express thunderbird
Kanazawa to Shirakawago by nohi bus (overnight in shirakawago)
Day 3 – Shirakawago back to osaka
Day 4 – Osaka to kyoto/arashiyama/nara/kobe back to osaka
Day 5 – Universal Studio
Day 6 – Osaka
Day 7 – Back to kansai airport
1) Taking Thunderbird from Osaka station to kanazawa
2) Alighting at Kanazawa at 938am
3) Taking the Bus at 1110am from Kanazawa
4) Alighting at Shirakawago at 1225pm
thanks in advance
Hi Chiristine san,
You may use Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass. But this pass does not cover the bus to Shirakawago. It is extra and you should book a seat in advance.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/kanazawa_en/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
May I know how often do Japanese trains/buses get cancelled due to Shirakawago weather in jan/feb please? Is there any possibility? Appreciate your advice. Thanks.
Hi Adrian san,
It is very very rare. I haven’t heard that all roads to Shirakawago was closed in the last few years. Usually it does not happen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I plan to take a non-reserved bus from Takayama to Shirakawago.
Is it easy to get seat for these non-reserved bus on 2 Jan 2020?
Thanks!
Hi Zac,
You may take a bus without booking. Please see the link below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/route_bus/takayama-shirakawago-line-en/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
We will be travelling to Takayam on 22nd January and will be staying there for 3 nights. We are planning to visit Shirakawago the next day. May I check should we buy the Nohi bus online or should we book from the bus station when we get there.
May I know which website I should go to make booking for the Nohi bus. Kindly advise. Thank you.
Hi Janet san,
You may take a bus without booking. Please see the link below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/route_bus/takayama-shirakawago-line-en/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
My family has booked a night stay at Ainokura on Sunday 15th December. The four of us are planning to take the Kaetsuno Bus there from Shirakawa-go. Will we be able to take our luggage with us on the Kaetsuno Bus?
Thanks
Liew
Hi Liew san,
Yes, you can. The bus has the luggage space.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
I will be arrive in Kansai airport on Jan 25 2020, time: 12:30pm. I plan to go to Kanazawa for two nights. Could you please guide me what Train should I take start from Kansai airport and what pass should I buy. As during my stay in Kanazawa I would like to visit Shirakawago and Takayama.
Thank you so much in advance for your kindly assistance.
Best regards,
Dave
Hi Dave san,
You can take the following trains:
KIX (The limited express Haruka) Shin-Osaka (The limited express Thunderbird) Kanazawa
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-thuderbird-raicho-%e9%9b%b7%e9%b3%a5.html
You may use Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist 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
Thank you so much Takeshi San.
Cheers,
Dave
No worries, Dave san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San! Thanks so much
No worries, Liew san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I am planning to go to Shirakawago as a day trip from Osaka. I do not have a JR pass. Do you think I should buy the JR day pass for this day trip or I should just pay the ticket price as it is? Also, do you think that I should book the train and bus ticket in advance first?
The route I am planning to take is:
1) Taking Thunderbird from Osaka station at 7am
2) Alighting at Kanazawa at 938am
3) Taking the Bus at 1110am from Kanazawa
4) Alighting at Shirakawago at 1225pm
Would gladly appreciate if you could help me with my planning. Thank you so much!
Hi Kelly,
You should use Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass. You can get the worth of this pass by the round trip to Shirakawago from Osaka.
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
Hey Takeshi,
For the Kaetsuno bus, do I just wait at the bus stop and then pay the bus driver directly? Or is there an office at Shin-Takaoka where I buy a ticket first and then board?
Thank you!
Hi Brendan,
There is no ticket offices at Shin-Takaoka. You may pay the fare to the driver.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We will visit Kanazawa in Summer 2019 and plan to take a day trip from Kanazawa to Takayama and Shirakawago and staying there couple of hours for each destination. We will purchase JR pass for our trip. How best can we do this?
For example:
Departs Kanazawa in the morning by taking JR train to Takayama.
From Takayama after lunch take bus to Shirakawago
From Shirakawago after 5pm take bus back to Kanazawa
For the bus option, do we purchase separate bus tickets from Takayama to Shirakawago and another ticket for Shirakawago to Kanazawa?
Thank you very much. Regards, Trang
Hi Trang,
Your plan is the best way. You must purchase a bus ticket separately by the segment.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I wonder how to buy ticket for World Heritage Bus to Shin Takaoka at Shirakawago? Did they have a ticket counter at site? Should I just queue along at the bus stop at Shirakawago to ride this bus? FYI, I had Takayama Hokuriku Area tourist pass & i believe this bus line covered under this pass. I already booked Nohi Bus for 1 way trip from Kanazawa to Shirakawago on 1st Feb but i had trouble to book return ticket using the same bus due to seats fully book. So, i’m thinking to use Kaetsuno Bus to return Kanazawa via Shin takaoka. Appreciate if you can advise on how to secure seat ( 2 seats actually) for Kaetsuno bus from Shirakawago to Shin Takaoka. Thanks
Hi Rosdi san,
Kaetsuno bus is covered by Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass. The ticket purchasing is not required. Just show your pass to the driver.
This bus cannot take a reservation. So basically it’s first come first serve. I’ve heard when the bus is full, the extra bus runs. But I don’t think it’s guaranteed. All I can say just go to Shirakawago bus terminal earlier. If I were you, I go at least 30 minutes before. But I don’t know this is enough or not.
In worst case, take a bus to Takayama. The last train departs from Takayama to Toyama at 20:55. If you take this train, you still can catch the last Shinkansen to Kanazawa. You can get Kanazawa in very very late night but you still can get there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com