The Shirakawago Observation Deck (or Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck) is where guests can enjoy the iconic panoramic view of Shirakawago’s thatched houses and mountains. This viewpoint overlooks the entirety of the Shirakawago village and the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. Located on a steep incline, many tourists come here to take the perfect shot of the edo-themed Japanese village. Located near the bus terminal, it is easy to get to either by bus or by foot.
How To Get There
By Foot
Shirakawago Bus Terminal
~15 minutes (by foot)
Shirakawago Observatory
By Shuttle Bus
Ogimachi Bus Stop (Next to the water lily pond)
~10 minutes (by bus)
Shirakawago Observatory
Shirakawago Observatory Shuttle Time Table
The shuttle is scheduled to arrive every 20 minutes.
Times
Ogimachi (boarding point)
Shirakawago Observatory
9
00 20 40
10 30 50
10
00 20 40
10 30 50
11
00 20 40
10 30 50
12
10
13
30 50
30 50
14
00 20 40
10 30 50
15
00 20 40
10 30 50
16
10
Shuttle Info:
Fare: 300 yen one way (cash payment on board) (no money exchange available) *Service may not run on time due to snowfall, ice, or road conditions. *Service may be suspended due to poor visibility, snowfall, or road conditions.
Ogimachi Bus Stop (Boarding Point)
Ogimachi is the name of the main town area in Shirakawago. The Ogimachi bus stop is located towards the north end of Shirakawago, directly in front of the water lily pond and next to the Wada House. Lines can get quite long in summer.
Ogimachi Castle (Shirakawago) Observation Deck
Observation Deck View in Winter
Observation Deck Details
There is a small restaurant (Doccorasho) which serves traditional Hida set meals and a cafe (Tenboudai Cafe) which serves a variety ice cream, snacks, souvenirs, and drinks by the observation deck. The parking lot next to the observatory is not available for commercial parking. You can reach this point only by walking or by the shuttle bus.
There is a short hiking route to the observatory. Instead of the alternative concrete path east of the bus terminal, this path is surrounded by trees, a shrine, and castle ruins. It takes around 12 minutes to reach the observatory and is adjacent to the street left to the bus terminal.
*Note: This walking path is CLOSED in the winter.
TRYING TO TRANSFER TO OTHER TOURIST SPOTS FROM SHIRAKAWAGO BUS TERMINAL?
Shirakawago bus terminal has multiple connections to different tourist destinations.
The Shirawakago bus terminal has multiple coin lockers located on the outside of the bus terminal. There are several bus transfers that can be made from this bus terminal. Lockers are quite spacious and can fit large luggage easily. You can also ask the bus terminal to hold your luggage if there are no more lockers available. It will be stored in a separate building by the bus station.
There are a total of 18 storage lockers at Shirakawago bus terminal. If the coin lockers are full, you can ask the reception desk to hold your luggage. Prices vary by size.
Type:
Price
Amount
Size (LxWxH)
Large Locker
1000 yen
9
77cm x 49cm x 116cm
Small Locker
500 yen
9
77cm x 49cm x 62cm
Reception
~500 yen (depending on size)
Up to 100
Any
Note: Luggage cannot be stored over night. Please be careful to retrieve your luggage after hours.
Amount of Lockers
Total lockers: 18
Large lockers: 9 (77cm x 49cm x 116cm)
Small lockers: 9 (77cm x 49cm x 62cm)
Money Exchange
Larger bills can be exchanged for 100 yen coins at the reception desk.
Note: Breaking change for larger bills (10,000 yen or 5,000 yen) may be difficult so please prepare smaller bills if possible.
Shirakawago Bus Terminal Waiting Room
Facilities: Restroom, tourist center, large coin lockers, luggage storage, automatic foreign currency exchange, bus reservation counter, WIFI
Here you can exchange money for coin lockers or pay to store your luggage in the separate buildings. You can also buy bus tickets connecting you to places such as Takayama, Kanazawa, and more.
TRYING TO TRANSFER TO OTHER TOURIST SPOTS FROM SHIRAKAWAGO BUS TERMINAL?
Shirakawago bus terminal has multiple connections to different tourist destinations.
Topic: Shibuya Sky Tickets/ Entrance Fee Info Post date: Nov 25th, 2024
What is Shibuya Sky?
Shibuya sky observation deck
Shibuya Sky is an observation deck located on the 46th floor and rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square, a high-rise building directly connected to Shibuya Station. Standing at around 230m high, you can see the entirety of the city of Tokyo all the way to Mt.Fuji.
To enjoy Shibuya Sky, you need a ticket which states the date and time of entry. Entry times are in 20 minute intervals and there is no limit to how long a person can stay. You can stay as long as you want as long as it is within opening hours. Sunset times are most popular, but can sell out weeks in advance.
Shibuya Sky Ticket Types:
Ticket Types: Adult, Middle / High Schoolers, Elementary Schoolers, Children (3-5y/o), Under 3y/o
How to Get Tickets Regularly:
There are three main ways to get Shibuya Sky Tickets.
Ticket Counter
Official Website
Online Travel Agency
Adult
2,500 yen
2,200 yen
2,500 yen
Middle / High Schoolers
2,000 yen
1,700 yen
2,000 yen
Elementary Schoolers
1,200 yen
(Ticket window only)
(Ticket window only)
Children (3-5 y/o)
700 yen
(Ticket window only)
(Ticket window only)
Under 3y/o
Free
Free
Free
*Notes
-Can be quite congested -Tickets often sold out
-Recommended for Japan residents to buy ASAP -Evenings and weekends are sold out often -Credit cards not issued in Japan not accepted
-Recommended for foreigners -Credit cards not issued in Japan are accepted
1. Ticket Counter
Shibuya Scramble Square’s reception is on the 14th floor. You can buy tickets the day of, but there are many instances where tickets are sold out due to online reservations. We highly recommend reserving a ticket in advance.
You can buy tickets for elementary schoolers, children (3-5 y/o), and children (under 3 y/o), only at the ticket counter.
If a child is accompanying an adult or middle/high schooler who has a ticket, you can still buy tickets for the child at the front desk, even if it is listed as sold out.
The ticket counter is open from 10AM-9:20PM.
2. Shibuya Sky’s Official Website
*This is a more economic method and is recommended for residents of Japan.
Buying on the official site is cheaper than going directly at the ticket counter. You can choose an entry time up to 4 weeks in advance. We recommend buying the tickets early. If you go to the ticket counter, it can also get quite busy in the evening and on the weekends.
If tickets reservations were canceled on the same day, the spot will open on the website.
*Note: You cannot use credit cards issued outside of Japan
Topic: Nagoya day tours / Day trips from Nagoya / Nagoya Travel/ Shirakawago Day Trip Itinerary
Why Nagoya As A Base for Day Trips?
Thatched roofs in ShirakawagoDeer in Nara
Nagoya as a Base
Nagoya is the 4th largest city in Japan. As it is in the center of Japan, it is in an ideal spot to travel from as it is very easily accessible to other areas. We recommend traveling from Nagoya as a base because it is very convenient, affordable, and most importantly, fun. We’ll explain how to get to Shirakawago, Takayama, and even Nara in the cheapest way possible from Nagoya below.
Benefits of Nagoya include:
Easy Day Tours Day trips from Nagoya include “Shirakawago”, “Takayama”, “Nara”, and “Kyoto”. Each of these sightseeing spots can be accessed comfortably, allowing you to have a fulfilling day. By highway bus, you can conveniently go to Shirakawago in about 2 hours and 40 minutes one way, Takayama in about 2 hours and 50 minutes one way, Nara in about 2 hours and 30 minutes one way, and Kyoto in about 2 hours and 50 minutes one way.
Convenience Nagoya is one of Japan’s major cities, and there are many restaurants open late at night and early in the morning. Whether it be early in the morning or late at night, you can always find a place to eat.
Great Shopping With an abundance of department stores and bustling shopping streets, Nagoya is a perfect shopper’s paradise. You can find everything from the latest fashions to traditional souvenirs.
Popular Theme Parks Nagoya has a variety of theme parks that you can enjoy with your family and friends, such as Ghibli Park and Legoland. They are perfect for making memories.
Cheap Lodging Compared to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, lodging costs in Nagoya are often cheaper. You can enjoy sightseeing and shopping while keeping travel costs low.
If you use Nagoya as your base, you can easily go to famous spots such as: Shirakawago, Takayama, and Naraall in less than 3 hours. We highly recommend you reserve bus tickets in advance as they often sell out!
Shirakawago, registered as a World Heritage site, is a beautiful thatched-roof village built in the Gassho-zukuri style. The scenery is breathtaking no matter what time of year you visit. With its old townscape, strolling in Takayama is like stepping back in time to old Japan. You can enjoy various local specialties as well as delicious Hida beef.
Recommended one day trip route from Nagoya (1) Shirakawago and Takayama
Shirakawago in SummerShirakawago with Snow
Getting to these two spots from Nagoya is fairly easy. You can get there by train, bus, or car, but going by bus is by far the cheapest method. We’ll teach you how to get to Shirakawago and Takayama by bus below.
Shirakawago
Shirakawago is a picturesque village which preserves a glimpse of ancient Japan with its traditional gassho-zukuri houses. Once remote and inaccessible, its preserved history and buildings eventually earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even today, it is not possible to go there directly by train, but with the opening of the expressway, going by express bus has become quite popular.
Takayama
Known as “Little Kyoto,” Takayama has a charming townscape that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. Lined with traditional townhouses and beautiful wooden buildings, visitors will feel as if they have stepped back in time.
* If you also want to go to Takayama, please book a one-way highway bus from Nagoya to Shirakawago. * If you wish to go ticketless, please select Keitai Ticket as the ticket type. * Keitai tickets will be sent to the e-mail address entered at the time of reservation. * Web tickets must be printed.
Bus to Shirakawago and Takayama from Nagoya
Around 7:30AM
I arrived at the Meitetsu Bus Center, located in the Meitetsu Department Store building near Nagoya Station.
The bus bound for Shirakawa-go departs from the third floor at bus stop 7.
Since I didn’t have much time, I bought breakfast at a convenience store on the third floor of the Meitetsu Bus Center and waited for the buses to arrive at the waiting room on the same third floor.
There is also a cafe (Doutor Coffee) on the 4th floor, but please note that it is only open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
Around 7:40 AM
A bus bound for Shirakawago enters bus stop No. 7. Show your mobile ticket to the crew and board the bus. All seats are reserved, so sit in your seat indicated on the ticket and wait for the departure. The bus is fully equipped with AC power and free Wifi for all seats, and a restroom at the end of the bus.
Around 7:50 AM
Use the Meitetsu Bus to get to Shirakawago.
Next to Nagoya Station is the Meitetsu Bus Center.
(From Meitetsu Bus Center, 3rd floor, bus stop #7) Depart for Shirakawago.
This bus terminal is exclusively for local and highway buses and is conveniently located for sightseeing in Shirakawago. It is convenient for visiting Gassho-zukuri villages and the Shirakawago Observatory.
Hours of operation: 8:30AM – 5:30PM Facilities: waiting room, restroom, tourist center, large coin lockers, luggage storage, automatic foreign currency exchange, bus reservation counter, WIFI
For a detailed report of Shirakawago’s luggage storage (including measurements) click here.
Upon arrival in Shirakawago, we recommend first visiting the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory, which offers a panoramic view of Shirakawago.
After viewing Shirakawa-go from the observatory, next visit Hagi-cho, the center of Shirakawa-go. Hagi-cho is a wonderful place where beautiful natural scenery and rich history are in harmony.
Distance by foot (from the bus terminal)
It is 15 minutes walk from Shirakawago Bus Terminal to the Shirakawago Observatory Details (Google map)
Other Shirakawago Attractions
Gassho-zukuri Houses Hagicho is lined with approximately 30 historic gassho-zukuri houses. These houses are a precious reminder of the traditional architectural style of the past, and are astonishing in both their beauty and functionality. Hagicho is part of the Shirakawago World Heritage Site area. It resembles the Edo Period (1603-1868) in Japan.
Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine is an ancient and historically significant Shinto shrine believed to have been founded in the 17th century. Surrounded by huge cedar trees, its known as one of the oldest areas of Shirakawago.
Traditional Food and Fashionable Cafes In Hachigo you can cafe hop between the gassho-style houses. One of the famous foods in Shirakawago is soba noodles, and there are a lot of restaurants that serve it here. You can also buy a variety of snacks and walk through the streets as if you were living in old Japan.
After enjoying Shirakawago, take the express bus to Takayama.
A 1 hour trip from Shirakawago ⇒ Takayama
It takes about one hour from Shirakawago to Takayama. This bus is available by reservation or by non-reservation. We recommend making a reservation as this is a busy route.
Upon arrival in Takayama, enjoy the atmosphere of Little Kyoto with its old streets and camps, and Takayama’s gourmet food such as Takayama ramen and Hida beef.
After enjoying Takayama, take a highway bus back to Nagoya.
Nara is the oldest capital city in Japan and is renowned for its many historical legacies. In Nara Park, you’ll be greeted by friendly deer. Beautiful and famous temples like the Great Buddha and the Five-Story Pagoda also create a calm and historic atmosphere. Walking along the old streets, you can also find a lot of stylish cafes and traditional souvenir shops scattered throughout the area. Nara sells a lot of local delicacies such as Nara zuke (pickles) and kakinoha sushi (persimmon leaf sushi).
Express buses connect Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center) and Nara (Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station) in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, offering good value and convenience.
A less known one day trip from Nagoya is Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. By bus it only takes 2 1/2 hours to get to Nara from Nagoya. There are four round-trip express buses that run directly from Nagoya to Nara every day, providing easy and inexpensive access. This makes it easy to enjoy Nara as a day trip. Places to visit in Nara
World Heritage Sites (cultural, natural, etc.) Nara is home to eight World Heritage sites including: Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Simply visiting these historically and culturally rich sites truly showcase Nara’s ancient history.
Nara Park In Nara Park, you will be greeted by cute deer roaming freely. Interacting with the deer is one of the major attractions of sightseeing in Nara.
Old town In Naramachi, you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of the old town. While strolling around, stop by stylish cafes and traditional souvenir shops. A day trip from Nagoya to Nara is a wonderful way to experience history, nature, and healing. We hope you will visit Nara!
First, head to the Meitetsu Bus Center, located in the Meitetsu Department Store building near Nagoya Station. The bus bound for Nara departs from the 3rd floor at bus stop 8.
Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center, 3rd floor, #8) 7:40 AM ↓ Arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station
at 10:05 (JR Nara Station at 10:15)
If you are heading for Nara Park, we recommend getting off at Kintetsu Nara Station.
Nara Park is about a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.
We also recommend that you purchase a bus pass, which allows you to freely get on and off local buses in Nara City.
The bus pass is available on the opposite side of the road when you get off the express bus at Kintetsu Nara Station. Available at ” NARAKOTSU BUS INFORMATION “.
Nara Day Trip Recommendation
First time in Nara/ Basic Sightseeing Course (about 4 hours)
Todaiji Temple Todaiji Temple, registered as a World Heritage site, is a symbol of Nara. Visit the Big Buddha and stroll through the beautiful gardens.
Kofukuji Temple Like Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple is a World Heritage Site and is lined with buildings from the Nara period. You can feel the history in the still and quiet atmosphere.
Nara Park Nara Park is famous as a place where you can spend time with deer. Relax and enjoy nature in this spacious park.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a World Heritage Site, is a cultural asset of the ancient capital of Nara. Approaching the shrine, you will see old architectural structures and stone monuments scattered throughout the area. The deer fortune is also popular, and an English version is also available.
Visit Kasuga Taisha, a World Heritage Site 15 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station to the main shrine of Kasuga Taisha by bus.
Hike to the summit of Mt.Wakakusa It takes about 5 minutes by foot from the main shrine of Kasuga Taisha to get to the base gate of Mt.Wakakusa. It is about a 40-minute walk from the foot gate to the summit. At the peak of Mt.Wakakusa, you can see a panoramic view of Nara, with its surround temples, shrines, and even mountains in the distance. You can also enjoy interacting with cute wild deer. *Hours of entry are from 9:00 to 17:00 *Closed during winter (mid-December to mid-March).
Naramachi: Shopping/ A Gourmet Stroll (about 2 to 3 hours)
Naramachi is an area with a traditional townscape in the central part of Nara City. The narrow streets are lined with many historical buildings called machiya. There are also many restaurants and souvenir stores where you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping unique to this area.
