How to access to Shirakawago from Takayama, Kanazawa, Takaoka and Toyama.

Chubu Area
2010.07.31
Very popular scene of Shirakawago from Tenshukaku view point
Very popular scene of Shirakawago from Tenshukaku view point

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:

Click to view large
Click to view large

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.

Overview of bus stop in Shirakawago. This photo was taken at the foot of the bridge to the village.
Overview of bus stop in Shirakawago. This photo was taken at the foot of the bridge to the village.

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.

2016 winter Japan trip 671

Shirakawago information center is located just beside bus stop.

Shirakawago information center
Shirakawago information center

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.

Information center window
Information center window

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

Nohi bus has the biggest network in this area.
Nohi bus has the biggest network in this area.

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.

Nohi Bus official site

Luggage space of Nohi bus
Luggage space of Nohi bus
Interior of Nohi bus motorcoach. It does not equip a bathroom.
Interior of Nohi bus motorcoach. It does not equip a bathroom.

Takayama bus terminal

Takayama bus terminal is just step away from Takayama station.

Takayama station (left / white building) and Nohi bus Takayama Bust Terminal (right / Brown and green sign)
Takayama station (left / white building) and Nohi bus Takayama Bust Terminal (right / Brown and green sign)

Kanazawa bus stop

You can take Nohi bus from bus stop #2 in east side of the station.

Nohi Bus ticket center is located at the ground level of this building. It is just in front of bus bay #2 at Kanazawa station east side.
Nohi Bus ticket center is located at the ground level of this building. It is just in front of bus bay #2 at Kanazawa station east side.

If you need the access information of Kanazawa or Takayama, please refer the links below:

How to access to Kanazawa and Toyama from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Niigata.
Kanazawa is very popular destination in Hokuriku region. Toyama is also well known as the gateway to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Kurobe gorge. In this post, I will show you the access to these cities from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya and Niigata.
jprail.com
2011.10.27
How to get to Takayama by a train and a bus
Takayama is very attractive small town. It is very closed to another popular spot, Shirakawago. In this post, I show you how to get Takayama by train and bus.
jprail.com
2020.05.17

Takaoka – Shin-Takaoka – Johana – Ainokura – Suganuma – Shirakawago route

Exterior of Kaetsuno Bus
Exterior of Kaetsuno Bus

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.

Suganuma village can be seen through the window when you are on Sekai-Isan bus.
Suganuma village can be seen through the window when you are on Sekai-Isan bus.

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.

JR Johana station is very small. Bus stop is just in front of the station.
JR Johana station is very small. Bus stop is just in front of the 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.

Shin-Takaoka station bus stops
Shin-Takaoka station bus stops

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.

Interior of Kaetsuno Bus
Interior of Kaetsuno 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.

Nohi Bus official site

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.

Toyama station south side
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.

Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass user guide. Perfect deal to travel Takayama, Kanazawa, Toyama, Shirakawago from Nagoya or Osaka
Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is very popular and convenient to travel Kanazawa, Takayama and Shirakawago. This post explains you how to use this pass.
jprail.com
2015.05.31

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.

Deaibashi bridge from the bus parking side
Deaibashi bridge from the bus parking side
Deaibashi from the village side
Deaibashi from the village side

Once you pass the bridge, it is village area. You may walk and enjoy the scenery.

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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.

Shuttle bus to viewpoint
Shuttle bus to viewpoint
Trailhead to the viewpoint. The sign says it is closed due to snow.
Trailhead to the viewpoint. The sign says it is closed due to snow.

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.

Trip to Tohoku, Chubu and Chugoku in 2016 winter – Part 6, Takaoka to Shirakawago via Himi line, Johana line and Shirakawago
This post is continued from Trip to Tohoku, Chubu and Chugoku in 2016 winter – Part 5, Matsumoto to Takaoka via Toya...
jprail.com
2016.06.04

I hope this post gives you lots of idea to build your trip plan.

Comments

  1. Desmond says:
    May 28, 2015 at 10:15 am

    Hi please help to guide me from tokyo shinjuku how to go Takayama , i plan day trip to Shirakawa-go via takayama .thanks kind regards

  2. Juliette says:
    May 26, 2015 at 8:47 am

    Hello,
    I would want to go to Go shirakawa this summer in July. But I do not know how to buy my tickets. Can we buy them from the station of Takayama a day before in the ticket office? But maybe that there will not be places anymore..
    Can we reserve our seats for the ticket office, or the only solution is to call?
    Thank you for your answer
    Regards

  3. Stephanie Lee says:
    April 6, 2015 at 6:10 am

    Hi,

    I am pretty confused now. I really want to take a visit Gokayama. But I will only be spending a night in Toyama before heading to Nagano. Is it doable to make a day trip to Gokayama from Toyama? Which is the most time saving way to do that?

    • Takeshi / JPRail says:
      April 6, 2015 at 9:42 am

      Hi Stephanie,

      It’s feasible. Please find the timetable below:
      http://www.japan-guide.com/bus/gokayama.html

      You can take a local train to Takaoka. If you have JR pass or other passes, you may take Shinkansen from Toyama to Shin-Takaoka. After Gokayama, you can take Shinkansen from Shin-Takaoka to Nagano.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Stephanie Lee says:
        April 6, 2015 at 5:57 pm

        Hi Takeshi,

        Roughly how long we need to visit the villages in Gokayama? Thanks!

        • Takeshi / JPRail says:
          April 6, 2015 at 9:33 pm

          Hi Stephanie,

          I say 2 hours. But it’s hard to say because depends on how much you like it.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

          • Stephanie Lee says:
            April 6, 2015 at 10:53 pm

            Hi Takeshi,

            Do you know if there is anywhere that we can deposit our luggage at Shin-Taraoka Station before going to shirakawa-go? Thanks!

            Good day!

            • Takeshi / JPRail says:
              April 7, 2015 at 12:44 pm

              Hi Stephanie,

              I’m not 100% sure but I don’t think there is coin locker and other storage service there. I checked the map of the station and I couldn’t find it.
              I recommend you to leave it at Toyama station.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JP Rail

  4. karen says:
    March 22, 2015 at 8:16 am

    what is the fastest way from kanazawa to ainokura? i’m thinking of taking the shinkansen shin-takaoka then regular jr train to johana (total 12:06 to 13:30), then transferring to bus at johana (leaving at 13:40). is that feasible? is 10 minutes enough time to find the bus departure at johana if i don’t speak japanese?

    otherwise i’m looking at buses: 12:45p kanazawa — arriving 14:10 at shirakawago. Then 14:50 shirakawago to to ainokura, arr 15:35.

    it seems the first option could save me an hour, but i’m nervous about the connections. thank you!

    • Takeshi / JPRail says:
      March 22, 2015 at 12:26 pm

      Hi Karen,

      10 minutes is okay to transfer. Bus stops in front of station. As long as train arrives on time, you can transfer in 1 minute. Johana station is very small.
      Johana station https://goo.gl/maps/psK9I

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • k says:
        March 22, 2015 at 4:59 pm

        thanks for clarfifying the discrepant schedules! in that case, in order to try to spend more time at kanazawa, i’m inclined to take Shinkansen from kanazawa to to Shin-Takaoka 15:12 to 15:26p, then bus from shin-takaoka 16:15 arriving Ainokura at 17:18 (total 2 hrs).

        OR shinkansen/JR from kanazawa to johana 12:06 to 1:30p, then bus from johana to ainokura 1:55p to 2:18pm.

        what will i be able to do in ainokura without a car? is it worth trying to spend the afternoon in ainokura (rather than a few more hours in kanazawa)? i’ll be there in mid-april, so i’m not sure when it will start to get dark in japan (i don’t think there’s daylight savings time…).

        could someone please doublecheck these two plans? are there better options (e.g., for the later afternoon schedule, did i miss a later shinkansen from kanazawa to shin-takaoka?)

        thanks!

        • Takeshi / JPRail says:
          March 22, 2015 at 7:27 pm

          Hi Karen,

          Sunset will be around 18:00. So you have no choice. 17:18 arrival is too late to see Ainokura in my opinion.
          If you go to Ainokura, I cannot find better schedule other than this.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi /JP Rail

          • k says:
            March 22, 2015 at 7:57 pm

            actually i am mostly interested in staying overnight and could see ainokura before 10a the following morning (if i wake up early)? will arrival in ainokura at 5:15p be too late even to find where i am staying?

  5. Isabella says:
    February 28, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    I would like to know whether there are lockers for hire at Shirakawa-go? I am planning to travel from Kanazawa to Takayama via Shirakawa-go, but will have luggage to bring along if I don’t want to do a round trip. Or is a round trip between these 2 towns the only way to go with the luggage?

  6. Kelly says:
    November 25, 2014 at 7:29 pm

    Hi Takeshi san

    7-10 i will be stay at kyoto ^^

  7. Kelly says:
    November 25, 2014 at 5:30 am

    Hi Takashi San

    My planning for japan trip is
    7-10 (3 night) think to spend 1 day travel to shirakawa-go.
    10-11 (1 night @ kobe)
    11-15 (3 night @ osaka)

    which type of rail pass i need to purchase, if i skip the shirakawa-go, i.can skip the JR pass right ?

    thks

  8. haslina says:
    September 21, 2014 at 7:50 pm

    Hi again…

    I am so sorry to ask you again…I am a bit confuse about this Takayama-Hokuriku pass…

    I will be staying in Osaka (Shijonawate), and do you mean within the 5 days validity of this pass, I can use it from Osaka to Kyoto and back to Osaka again, say on its first day and continue to use it to Kanazawa/Shirakawa/Takayama/Nagoya on the next 4 days? I know that this pass cannot be used for Kyoto city sightseeing and I need to take separate tickets to move around in the city. But if it covers the train from Osaka and Kyoto, it is good enough already.

    And which station should I get on/off the train in Osaka and Kyoto for this pass?

    Also,is this pass sold outside Japan only and must be bought before we arrive Japan?

    Thanking you so much, Takeshi San…

    cheers

    haslina

    • Takeshi / JPRail says:
      September 21, 2014 at 11:10 pm

      Hi Haslina,

      Once you get Osaka station, you can use this pass. It gives you unlimited travel. Unfortunately it does not cover Shijonawate. But you can use this pass for the trip to Kyoto from Osaka.

      In my understanding, this pass must be bought before you depart. There are vendors list on PDF that I gave it to you before. You can’t purchase this in Japan.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  9. HASLINA says:
    September 21, 2014 at 6:05 am

    Hi Takeshi,
    Thanks for your comments. I really appreciate it.
    I have read about Takayama-Hokuriku pass, and I think this is a good deal.

    But can I use this pass for a return trip from Osaka to Kyoto before going to Kanazawa, since this pass is valid for 5 days.

    I may rearrange my itinerary to maximise this pass if it is accepted for Kyoto ride

    Day 1 – Osaka
    Day 2 -USJ
    Day 3 – Kyoto
    Day 4 – maybe half day to Kobe and transfer to Kanazawa
    Day 5 – Kanazawa/ Shirakawa go
    Day 6 – Takayama/Nagoya
    Day 7 – Departure at 1730 from Chubu Nagoya Airport

    Thanks..

    regards
    haslina

  10. haslina says:
    September 14, 2014 at 12:18 am

    Hi Takeshi,
    I am coming to Osaka, arrival at KIX and departure from Nagoya airport. There will be 12 pax in our group inclusive children. I have secured a 3 BR apartment at Shijonawate, which I believe not too close to the city. We will be staying in that apartment for the whole trip, except on the last nite in Nagoya.
    I need your advice on the train passes or tickets for the group. Our tentative itinerary will be as follows :
    day 1: early morning – arrival at KIX
    transfer to apartment at Shijonawate
    Visit to Osaka landmarks : Osaka Castle/ Umeda/Minami/Dotonbori

    day 2 : USJ
    Tenjibashisuji

    day 3 : Nara (half day)
    Kobe ( half day)
    (Is this possible??)

    day 4 : Arashiyama, Kyoto

    day 5 : Kyoto : Fushimi Inari/ Gojo street/ Kiyomizudera/Higashiyama/Ginkakuji

    day 6 : (I am very interested to go to Shirakawa-go on our last 2 days, overnite at Nagoya, but I am not sure if it is possible especially about the transport. our departure flight from Nagoya will be at 1500 hrs on day 7)

    Also if you could advise, is taking taxis to certain places is a better option, considering the number of people in the group, rather than taking the trains or buses.

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