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,
We plan to visit Takayama, Kanazawa n Shirakawago from Osaka (arriving n departing city). Total of 3 nights (booked 1 night at Kanazawa n 2 night at Takayama currently).
Is the Takayama-Hokuriku pass good for us? Are allow to use the Thunderbird train with this pass?
Do you think it would be a better idea to stay all 3 nights at Kanazawa and make trips to Shirakawago?
Appreciate your thoughts n advise
Hi Chan Yew Chong,
Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is the best choice. It covers Thunderbird.
I think you should keep this plan that is Kanazawa 1 night and Takayama 2 nights. You can drop by Shirakawago on the way between Takayama and Kanazawa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning to travel from Tokyo to Hakone to Takayama and to Kanazawa and finally to Nara/Kyoto/Osaka in Nov 16. My itinerary is shown below:
Day 1-2: Tokyo
Day 3: Hakone
Day 4-5: Takyama
Day 6-8: Kanazawa
Day 9-20: Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe.
I would like your advice on the cheapest and and preferably efficient way to travel either by coach or train from Hakone to Takayama. I have checked via hyperdia that the most common way to travel is from Hakone-Yumato back to Odawara via the Hakone Torzan Railway, and from Nagoya to Takayama via the Shinkansen but the cost is around 14k Yen or more. Is there a cheaper alternative?
I have not gotten any JR pass yet but i am considering the to get the Takayama Hokuriku Pass as i will be visiting Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa for 5 consecutive days and travelling to Nara/Kyoto/Osaka. Appreciate your help and advice on this, thanks!
Hi Jason,
The best deal is single fare ticket + seat fee for Shinkansen, Odawara-Nagoya (around 9,000 yen) and Takayama Hokuriku area pass. JR pass is not your choice. If you have one more big trip when you are in Osaka/Kyoto, JR Pass will suit. But this trip must be a long trip, such as day trip to Hiroshima.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe do not work. These trips do not help to use JR pass. For these trips in Kansai area, Kansai thru pass and other passes are available.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
Please think about using these deals.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, ,
Just notice from hyperdia that kanzawa have 3 different statons and if from shinjuku to kanzawa wonder which station do I stop : kanzawa -bunko, kanzawa hakkei keikyu or kanzawa hakkei seaside before continuing to shirawagako? Thanks in advance .
Regards,Amy
Hi Amy,
I recommend you to use Hokuriku Arch Pass + Hakone Free Pass. Even if you use JR Pass, you need to purchase Hakone Free Pass at Odawara. Hokuriku Arch Pass + Hakone Free Pass (from Shijuku) are better choice.
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
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Kanazawa is “Kanazawa” station. Three stations that you mentioned, kanzawa -bunko, kanzawa hakkei keikyu or kanzawa hakkei seaside are not in Kanazawa. These are closed to Yokohama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thx for the reply Takeshi-san.
No worries, Amy san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My fiance and I will be visiting Hirayu, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Toyama between the 3rd of November and the 5th of November. We are trying to figure out what is the best way to travel around by bus.
Below is our intended itinerary.
3 November – Depart from Matsumoto, arrive in Hirayu
4 November – Depart Hirayu, arrive in Takayama
5 November – Depart Takayama to Toyama, via Shirakawago (hope to stop over for a few hours)
Is there a tourist pass you could recommend?
If we purchase a ticket from Takayama to Toyama, are we allowed to get off the bus at Shirakawa-go for a couple of hours and hop back on to the next bus to continue our journey? Or do we need to purchase 2 separate tickets for this?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you and kind regards
Hi Jo,
There is no deals to cover your trip unfortunately. You have to purchase a ticket separately. You have to purchase a ticket separately for Takayama to Shirakawago and Shirakawago to Toyama. Stopover is not allowed by one ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Here is my itinerary, i’m not sure the best route from tokyo to kyoto for covering Alpen Routes and Shirakawa Go. But do you think is enough if using 7 days JR Pass ?, Could you please advise.
Day 1 – Tokyo
Day 2 – Tokyo – Toyama
Day 3 – Toyama – Alpen routes
Day 4 – Toyama – Kanazawa
Day 5 – Kanazawa – Shirakawa go
Day 6 – Kanazawa – Kyoto
Day 7 – Kyoto – Kayosan
Day 8 – Kyoto – Miyajima
Day 9 – Kyoto/osaka
Day 10 – Kyoto
Day 11 – Kyoto – Hakone
Day 12 – Hakone/Mt.Fuji – Tokyo
Day 13 – Tokyo
Thank you
Hi Witchetty,
You need to have 14 days pass. 7 days pass is not enough to cover. Even if you use 14 days pass, it will be paid off.
But local transportation (like subway and city bus) in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, trip to Koyasan, trip to Shirakawago, Alpine route, Hakone and Fuji are not covered by JR pass. Please see the links below:
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/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-get-mt-koya.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route-one-of-most-spectacular-sightseeing-route-in-northern-japan-alps.html
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
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
Hello Takeshi,
What travel pass do you recommend from Takayama to Tokyo? There are 4 of us travelling and will be leaving for Tokyo on Dec 30 2016. Thanks a lot
Hi Dewi,
Unfortunately there is no deals to cover this segment. Only regular ticket is your choice.
December 30th is expected to be the busiest day in the year. I recommend you to book your train ticket right after you arrive in Japan. You can book a ticket at any major JR stations in advance. Unfortunately there is no online reservation available. Try to book after you arrive in Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi-san, i’m going to visit japan on 25dec to 1jan.. my route is osaka-kyoto-tokyo. I want to visit shirakawago from kyoto-shirakawago-tokyo. But i found out that nohi bus doesnt operate on 29dec to 3jan. So is there any other option how can i go to shirakawago from takayama or kanazawa? Or any other route suggestion? I’m planning to shirakawago from 30-31dec.
Thank you
Hi Ivana san,
The bus between Kanazawa, Shirakawago and Takayama will run in all season. Just one trip will be canceled in New Years season. Please see the timetable in the link carefully. It will be only one round trip suspended.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
December 30 will be the busiest season in the year. You will find the phone number and online reservation site address in the timetable. I strongly recommend you to book in advance. You can book one month prior to departure date. So that is November 30 to Shirakawago. Please try to book asap. It’s not surprised if it’s booked out right after ticket is on sale.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We are planning to go Shirakawago from Takayama by using Nori Bus. Can we change to Kaetsuno bus to visit Ainokura and Suganuma and return back to Shirakawago? After that we will change to Nori bus again to reach Kanazawa? For your information, we are using Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass.
We plan to visit Shirakawago on 27/11/16 which is Sunday, but from the above information, Nori bus is not operated during weekend. So is there another other alternative way to reach Shirakawago?
Thank you.
Hi Celest,
The bus runs among Shirakawago, Takayama and Kanazawa everyday. Please see the link below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Only Toyama route does not run on weekend.
You can change the bus at Shirakawago to Ainokura or Suganma.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi-san.
I am planning to go to Shirakawa-go to Gokayama (Suganuma and Ainokuraguchi) on November 20, 2016 which is Sunday via Takaoka. During this trip, I will be using the JR Pass (Kansai-Hokuriku Pass or I call as KHP) and will be staying in Takaoka. Since Gokayama-Shirakawa-go trip on the said date is not included in KHP, I will still use the said pass from Takaoka to Johana taking the first or second train from Takaoka to Johana to get on the 7:00 am bus ride from Johana to Shirakawa-go. However, as you mentioned the bus from Takaoka in Johana you rode is almost full. Will the driver let you stand in the middle of the bus say all the seats up to aisle have already been seated? By the way, the 7:00 am bus to Shirakawa-go will originate at Johana station.
Further, do you have any known information if one can really buy Gokayama and Shirakawa-go 2-day Pass inside the bus or with bus driver most specially in Johana? Purchasing them with the bus driver is timewise most feasible for me. My thought is that riding the bus from Takaoka will render KHP as unused for the day. I thought as well, worst case, that 7:00 am opening of Kaetsuno Bus Ticket Office just to purchase the 2-day Pass will let me ride on the second bus trip (first bus trip from Takaoka) at 8:00 am which would arrive at 10 am in Shirakawa-go considering the trip is weekend that is pretty sure crowded. I found an online brochure regarding purchase inside the bus and would like to verify if this is true http://foreign.info-toyama.com/_img/_news/_file/8/00000128-101.pdf.
I hope anyone here reading your blog who have taken this trip via Takaoka or Johana can answer my concerns as well. Thanks.
Hi Jini san,
As you mentioned, 7:00 am departure bus is from Johana. So you don’t need to worry about the seat. If you take next bus at Johana and the seat is full, you cannot take the bus. You have to wait for next one. When I took the bus at Johana, there were another two passengers waiting for the bus. Most of passengers board on the bus at Takaoka or Shin-Takaoka. Johana route is not very popular among the tourist and in my opinion, Kaetsuno bus does not care about passenger from Joahana so much. It’s low demand.
I’m not 100% sure but I think you can purchase a pass from driver. I recommend you to contact to Kaetsuno bus after you arrive in Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi, my mom, sis and i plan to go to japan for 7 days 6 nights trip. Below are our itinery. Can you please advise about it. Our arrival and departure both are kansai airport.
– Osaka 3 nights (attending conference)
– Shirakawago 1 night
– Mount Fuji 1 night
– Osaka 1 night
I have problem in planning the route from shirakawago to mount fuji or vise versa. Do i need to go back to osaka to go to mount fuji?
Hi Tina,
Which area in Fuji are you going to?
If you go to Hakone, go to Nagoya and take Shinkansen to Odawara. If you Lake Kawaguchi area, there is direct bus from Takayama to Lake Kawaguchi.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/38
So make sure which area you go. And then you can consider which deal you use. The direct bus above is very convenient. But it’s not covered by any deals. At this point, we cannot discuss about the deals.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi, we decided to go to lake kawaguchi and stay 1 night. What travel pass u would recommend? Our trip is in end of august this year.
Day 1 to 2: Osaka 2 nights
Day 3: kanazawa 1 night
Day 4: Shirakawago 1 night
Day 5: lake kawaguchi 1 night
Day 6: Osaka 1 night or overnight train to reach kansai airport on d7 morning.
Do u recommend to use jp rail pass + osaka 2 days pass or takayama hokuriku area travel pass?
Thank you
Hi Tina,
JR pass 7 days is the best choice. You may need other passes in Osaka. But JR pass covers many places. Please check it at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com