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,
I still try to work out the HyperDia wed. I search the route from Haneda to shin-osaka, it seems that dosen’t covered by the JR Pass, then I put Tokyo insteaded of shin- Osaka, it came out neither of the routes is fully covered by the pass. Is that right?
cheese
Hi Joe,
You can start using JR pass from Haneda. But there are two access trains from Haneda. One is Keihin Kyuko and other is Tokyo Monorail. Only Tokyo Monorail is covered by JR Pass. But the shortest way to get Osaka from Haneda is taking Keihin Kyuko to Shinagawa and taking Shinkansen from Shinagawa. I think Hyperdia shows you only Keihin Kyuko route because this is faster.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/haneda/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
A bit confuse about the sanyo train and the sakura train. Are they covered by the national JR Pass?
Hi Joe,
Do you mean Sanyo Shinkansen? Sanyo is line name and Sakura is train name. JR pass covers Sanyo Shinkansen. But there are Nozomi, Mizuho, Sakura, Hikari and Kodama running on Sanyo Shinkansen. Both Nozomi and Mizuho are not covered by JR pass. You can take other trains by JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thanks Takeshi-san
No problem, Joe san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Good to see the option from Takaoka to Shirakawa via Johana. If I have the JR 21 Day Pass, how to make the most from it to travel for a week in this region?
I ‘ll coming from Kyoto-Nagoya(will take Shinanon train to Tsumago via Nagiso and back first, does it covered by the Pass?)
The week stars with Nagayo and places I love to stay are Takayama, Kanazawa, Shirakawa. If I take the cheapest option to Shirakawa, how do I get to Takaoka from Takayama?
Thank a lot for your help.
Hi Joe,
I actually visited Magome, Shirakawago, Takayama and Kanazawa, I’m writing about this trip now. This trip report will help you to plan your trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2016-winter-tohoku-chubu-chugoku/trip-to-tohoku-chubu-and-chugoku-in-2016-winter-part-4-nagoya-to-matsumoto-via-magome.html
I haven’t finished this trip report yet. Please stick around.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks a lot Takeshi-san.
No problem, Joe san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Here is my itinerary in Japan in Aug for a month.
Tokyo – Osaca(4N)
day trip -Kobe
day trip – Kurashiki
day trip – Toba
Osaca – Nara – Kyoto (6N)
day trip – Sagano
day trip – Uji
Kyoto -Nagoya -Hagiso – Tsumago(1N)
Tsumago – Hagiso – Nagoya (3N)
Nagoya – Takayama(3N)
Takayama – Shirakawa – Kanazawa(3N)
Kanazawa – Kamakura(1N)
Kamakura – Yokohama(3N)
day trip – Fujikawaguchiku
Yokohama – Tokyo(6N)
day trip – Kawagoe
day trip – Izu
I ‘ii travel with my 21 day JR Pass, could you please tell me which JR Pass covered trasportation should I use to connect them in between? Where can I download a easy reading JR Time Table?
My JR Pass ends at Kamakura. Is it worth to buy another pass beside the Tokyo subway 3 day pass to travel in the last 10 days?
Again, thanks for your help!
For the next 10 days, wh
Hi Joe,
JR pass 21 day is a right choice and most part of your trip is covered. JR pass does not cover subway, local bus and non JR lines. So when you will be in major cities, like Osaka, Kyoto, you may need to add some fares or deals. Please see the link below to find the coverage of JR pass in Kansai area.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
For after Kamakura, basically single fare and subway pass in Tokyo are okay. But you may use Tokyo Wide Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-wide-pass-is-newer-version-of-kanto-area-pass-nikko-fuji-gala-yuzawa-and-odaiba-are-covered-by-this-pass.html
This pass covers, Kawaguchiko (lake Kawaguchi in Fuji), Izu and Kawagoe. This pass is valid for only 3 days, so try to gather these trips in 3 days. If you cannot, you can remove Kawagoe from this 3 days coverage. Kawagoe is just step away from downton Tokyo.
Subway pass is okay for Tokyo.
Unfortunately there are not many timetables available. There are too many trains in Japan and impossible to make simple timetable. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/japan-railways-timetables.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thanks again. With the JR Pass, could you please tell me how do I make reserved seat in advance?
For my itinerary described in the previous mail, which train route I can request for a reserved seat without a surcharge?
Thanks a lot.
Hi Joe,
Regarding reservation, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
JR pass basically covers all JR lines. There are a few exceptions. Please refer the link below:
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#Validity
And also hyperida can show you the best route.
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,
I have booked a return air ticket to Nagoya, I would like to visit Nagoya, Kyoto and takayama.
Please advice where should I go first and which type of travelling will be the best for me.
Tks a lot.
Alice
Hi Alice san,
If you want to save your cost, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is recommended.
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
But this pass does not cover Nagoya-Kyoto direct train service. So you have to add single fare, around 5500 yen (base fare+Shinkansen surcharge) or take Kyoto-Kanazawa-Toyama-Takayama-Nagoya route. It’s a long long trip if you take this route. If you pay extra and take Shinkansen, it takes less than one hour.
You can go any places, Nagoya, Takayama or Kyoto. It doesn’t matter.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
If I using Takayama Hokuriku pass, from Takayama back to Osaka-namba. What’s the best route for me n does the ticket cover all the fare. Thank you
Hi Kelly san,
You need to get Kanazawa first. You can take Nohi bus via Shirakawago or take a train via Toyama.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
And then take limited express Thunderbird to get Osaka. Change to local trains at Osaka and Shin-Imamiya to get JR-Namba.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi San
Can I use Takayama Hokuriku pass depart from Takayama to Nagoya, and from Nagoya I purchase Shinkansen ticket (¥3350) back to shin-Osaka ? Or I need to purchase ticket from Takayama to shin-Osaka (¥6250). By the way, do I need to purchase the ticket when I arrive at Kansai airport as the week I travel is fall on Japan golden week 🙁
Thank you very much
Hi Kelly san,
The pass covers trip to Nagoya. So you just need to add Nagoya to Shin-Osaka only. However 3350 yen is only base fare. You have to pay another 3210 yen (reserved seat) to take Shinkansen.
You can purchase this ticket at Kansai airport station when you arrive.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
Thanks for your advise. Since like Nagoya to Osaka fare is abit pricey ya. Another way I can do is purchase kintetsu rail pass? Is much cheaper right ^^
Hi Kelly san,
Kintetsu rail pass is not a bad choice and much cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi San
I’m planning a trip to shirakawa-go. I will be reaching Kansai airport on 30th april morning.
Wanna direct go to takayama stay for 2 night. I shall go to shirakawago on 1st may and back to takayama again OR I shall stay 2night then with my luggage go to shirakawago (is there any locker to keep my luggage at shirakawago bus station).
I was think that from shirakawago going to Kanazawa for 1 night stay . Leaving Kanazawa and heading to Osaka.
May I know what pass shall I get for my trip ? Thanks very much
Hi Kelly san,
The best deal is 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
But if you use this pass, you have to go through Kanazawa on the way to Takayama. You cannot take other route, such as Osaka-Nagoya-Takayama.
There are some lockers and baggage storage at information center beside bus stops.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
Thank you for your prompt response, appreciate! Ur meaning if I wanna go Takayama,i will be from Kansai airport to Kanazawa and changing Nouri bus to takayama ? And I right ? The only train to takayama is Tokaido Shinkansen. I have to pay more is I wanna skip to taking the Nouri bus to takayama ?
Thank you very much
Just read the blogs, 27/4 – 6/5 is a holidays for Japan. Will it be very crowde
Hi Kelly san,
If you pay more, you can take the following route:
Airport Express Haruka KIX to Shin-Osaka (You can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass for taking this train)
Tokaido Shinkansen Nozoimi Shin-Osaka to Nagoya (Extra)
Limited Express Wide View Hida Nagoya to Takayama (You also can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass for this train)
Trip time is 30 minutes to one hour shorter than Kanazawa route. This is the route that you mean. Tokaido Shinkansen cannot take you to Takayama.
When you trip Japan, it’s “Golden Week”. Please see the beginning of the post at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/seasonal-trains-schedule/schedule-of-2016-spring-seasonal-trains-of-japan-railways.html
Unfortunately there is no way to book the train before reaching Japan. So I recommend you to complete booking when you arrive in KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I will be staying in Takayama 13,14,15 April for the Spring Festival. I understand it is a busy time- will I have to make a reservation on the train from Kyoto on the 13th? And then from Takayama back to Omiya on 16th?
Thanks
Hi Katie,
I recommend you to book a seat. If you intend to use JR pass, it’s included. You can book a seat as many as you want without any extra.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My sister and I will be travelling to Japan in late March/early April 2016.
We are currently planning on visiting Shirakawa-go from Kanazawa and we then making our way to Matsumato from Shirakawa-go.
Is there any day tours that we can join in Shirakawa-go to visit Ogimachi village and Gokayama? Or any recommendations/advice would be great on how to access these two places in Shirakawa-go.
Thanks,
Shelly
Hi Shelly,
I have no idea about day tour to Gokayama from Shirakawago. I only know Kaetsuno bus that run between Shirakawago and Shin-Takaoka via Gokayama.
The following link shows you the timetable and some deals:
http://www.japan-guide.com/bus/gokayama.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be staying in Nagano for 5 days and plan to spend a one day trip to Toyama (to taste the famous sushi) and hopefully can make it to visit the World Heritage Gassho Village in Shirakawago too. Is this possible?
Among the three Gasso Villages in Ainokuraguchi, Suganuma and Shirakawago, which is the most popular to visit?
I will travel with JR Pass and can you suggest how should I plan it? When is the earliest train to catch from Nagano?
Thanks.
Hi Ching,
You can visit both Shirakawago and Toyama in one day. Trains start running around 6:00 am. Please find the timetable at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
You also can find the bus timetable at the link below:
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/shirakawago_toyama.html
Shirakawago is most popular site.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I have a group of 7 people going to Shirakawa-go on Feb 2016 and going to stay there for 1 night. So I’m thinking about the best way to go there from Kanazawa station without any trouble. I have 3 choices in mind there are nohi bus, car rental and taxi service. I compared nohi bus and car rental and found car rental is cheaper and more convenient but I have no idea about taxi fare. Could you please give suggestion?
Furthermore no one in my group ever driving on snow, would it be dangerous?
Thanks
Hi Rasaya,
I have no idea about taxi fare either. If you google “Kanazawa taxi”, you will find some taxi companies. Please contact them to find it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi -san,
Otsuki to Kawaguchiko
I understood the train from Kawaguchiko is a private train and not cover by JR pass.
Could you pls let me know how can I book it in advance? And where can I buy it?
Thanks
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
Reservation is not required. Just go to Otsuki station and purchase a ticket there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com