If you are planning to do a round trip journey from Tokyo, there is actually a cheaper way to get to Kamikochi if you make one transfer via bus. It can save you up to 10,000 yen.
Kamikochi is one of the most popular national parks in all of Japan, located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture. Annually, visitors flock to the area to enjoy the park’s pristine clear waters, fresh air, and hiking routes. Kamikochi can be reached in around 5 hours by bus from Tokyo and 1 hour by bus from central Takayama. Once a year the park closes during the winter season and reopens in spring due to the high amounts of snow. Spring in Kamikochi can still be a bit cool, but flowers and greenery start to take light again. Kamikochi is beautiful year-round, but spring offers unique sights that set it apart from other seasons.
Enjoy Nirinso Flowers Blooming
In Kamikochi there is a famous wildflower which blooms in Spring. The Nirinso is a small, delicate flower that blooms in fields around Kamikochi. You can spot these flowers by taking only a five minute walk from Kappa Bridge, the main photo spot in Kamikochi, or a 10 minute walk from the bus parking lot to Konashidaira Campground.
Nirinso
Nirinso is a wildflower that is part of the buttercup flower family, and is native to Japan and commonly found in the woodlands. The flowers can be spotted at Konashidaira Campground, located next to Kappa Bridge, the main bridge in Kamikochi and bloom starting May.
Enjoy Wildlife Make Their Return
If you’re a fan of birdwatching, in spring, many birds wake from their hibernation and can be seen all around the park. Other wildlife such as monkeys, ducks and weasels can also be seen all around the park as they make their return for spring.
Wild Birds
The Kamikochi area has over 100 variety of birds. Some varieties include the Grey Wagtail, Brown Dipper, Bush Warbler, and Pygmy Woodpecker.
Tips for Spring in Kamikochi:
Cold Temperatures: Although it is spring, temperatures in Kamikochi can still be quite cold especially during early April. It is advisable to wear thermals and prepare for some snow to still be on the ground. There also instances where you can still see snow on the mountains or on the paths during early spring.
Some Hiking Routes in Kamikochi:
Route (from Parking Lot)
Time Taken (one way/way up)
Taisho Pond Trail
1 hour
Mt.Yakedake
5 hours
Karasawa Hutte
5 hours
Opening dates:
Kamikochi reopens April 17th, 2025.
While day trips are possible, if you truly want to enjoy the Japanese Alps, we recommend booking a hotel on the premises or staying in the nearby onsen area, Okuhida or in Takayama City so you can take your time in Kamikochi. For those with more time on their hands, we recommend staying 2 or more days as the area has many breathtaking hiking routes spread throughout the Nagano and Gifu regions. Okuhida also offers many ryokan (Japanese Inn) and onsen (hot spring bathing) for nature lovers.
Nearby Attractions/ Hiking Routes
Mt.Norikura
Mt.Norikura is the highest mountain that can be reached by bus (and bicycle!). The mountain is only a 1 1/2 hours away by bus from Kamikochi. To get here, depart from Hirayu Bus Terminal for Honokidaira Bus Terminal. From Honokidaira Bus Terminal, there are buses once an hour that take you to Mt. Norikura.
Okuhida Onsengo
Okuhida Onsengo is a onsen resort area 20 minutes from Kamikochi. Some popular hiking routes include: Mt.Kasagatake, Mt.Yake, and Nishihotakadake
Garyuzakura is one of the oldest cherry blossom trees in Japan (over 1,100 years old) and is surrounded by a park and tranquil nature.The surrounding neighborhood, Ichinomiya, has hundreds of cherry blossom trees lined up against the natural rivers and mountains, making it a beautiful place to experience the surrounding nature. Next to Garyuzakura around 3 minutes by foot is Mizunashi Shrine, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Takayama. Ichinomiya is known as the heart of Takayama and because there are less buildings, visitors can truly enjoy a true sense of the countryside here.
🌸 Ichinomiya Cherry Blossom Festival 🌸 Date: April 14th, 2025 (tentative)
Hours: 11:00AM~2:00PM Check updates about the event: here
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #1 (Gero Line) ⬇ Ichinomiya Bus Stop (15 mins)
Fukuji Onsen is an adorable onsen town with a retro morning market, ramen shops, and plently of onsen or Japanese hot springs. This cherry blossom garden in Fukuji is the only one of its magnitude in the area. Fukuji is one out of the 7 hot spring neighborhoods in the Okuhida area of Takayama. The Okuhida area includes not only the hot spring but also hiking, waterfalls, and the Shinhotaka Ropeway. In Fukuji Onsen, there is also a (secret) open mountain viewing balcony area where anyone is free to sit and relax here.
🌸 Fukuji Onsen 🌸
While you’re in the area, you can enjoy the Okuhida Area (home of Shinhotaka Ropeway, mountain hiking, and high quality hot springs!)
Fukuji Onsen Morning Market
Hot springs & local Hida cuisine
Hida Beef at Izakaya TaranokiOnsen at Isurugi no Yu
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #5 (for Hirayu) ⬇ Hirayu Bus Terminal (Platform 1) ⬇ Fukuji Spa
3. Sakurano Park (Kokufu, Takayama)
What to do in the area: Sakurano Park is a spot spacious park in Takayama City where most locals can enjoy picnics and enjoy looking over the river. During the cherry blossom season, vendors sell hot snacks in the park area. It is also close to Hida Furukawa, the town that inspired the anime movie, Kimi no Nawa (your name). You can take a picture of the train station and library in the movie while enjoying cherry blossoms in the surrounding area.
🌸 Sakurano Park 🌸
Directly next to the park is a restaurant famous for yakiniku (Japanese bbq) and also a large assortment of Japanese set dishes.
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2 (for Furukawa/Kamioka) ⬇ Sakurano (19 minutes)
What to do in the area: Miyagawa Ryouchi Park is a local spot with enough space to host several hanabi (flower viewing) parties. Many people bring their pets here in the spring season. The park is a 12 minute walk from the main shrine in town, Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.
🌸 Miyagawa Ryouchi Park 🌸
Nearby is a local favorite cheesecake store, Le Ceil! They sell seasonal cheesecakes but careful–they sell out quickly and only make a limited amount a day!
Strawberry Basque CheesecakeLe Ceil Cheesecakes
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2 (for Furukawa/Kamioka) ⬇ Sakurano (19 minutes)
Hida City is home of the neighborhoods Hida Furukawa and Hida Kamioka. The charm of Hida City is that there are less buildings compared to Takayama, so you can really “feel the countryside” of the Hida Area. The cherry blossoms are scattered all over town, so if you rent a bicycle and ride around, you are bound to find many local spots local students and commuters get to enjoy. Some of the main cherry blossom attractions in town will be listed below.
1. Kamioka Castle (Hida Kamioka)
What to do in the area: Kamioka Castle overlooks the entire city of Kamioka and is breathtaking in the spring. Around the castle grounds are a wide variety of cherry blossom trees scattered all over the premises. As it is next to a middle school, sometimes you can catch children running around playing tag here.
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2 (for Furukawa/Kamioka) ⬇ Nissato (1 hour~)
What to do in the area: Gosho Sakura is a long road of cherry blossom trees that line the Miyagawa River in Hida Furukawa. Every spring, they light up this beautiful road from 6PM~10PM. The cherry blossoms are right next to Ayuno Bridge– officially, the spot isn’t on google maps but is greatly celebrate by the locals
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2 (for Furukawa/Kamioka) ⬇ Hida Furukawa Station ⬇ Sugisaki Station (~4 minute walk) ⬇ Gosho Sakura (on the intersection of Ayuno Bridge and Daie River)
You can access Shirakawago from several major cities in Japan by direct bus. Shirakawago cannot be accessed by train, but you can get there by the following cities without any transfers. Below we’ll show you the different bus timetables departing from Nagoya, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Toyama.
Route #1: Takayama to Shirakawago by Bus
Warning: Tickets for this route is extremely popular. Often you cannot buy a ticket the same day from the station. We advise you to book a mobile ticket on the website above, or buy your tickets in person a day prior. There are two types of tickets: unreserved and reserved. Unreserved means that you can stand in line and pay for the ticket directly, but most likely all seats will already be sold out. There are also special tickets that stops at Ainokura Village and Shirakawago (this is a separate set ticket that must be purchased directly with Takayama Nohi Bus Center).
*Those who hold the “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass” and ”SHORYUDO Bus Pass” cannot use it to make an online reservation. If you hold either of these passes, please proceed with Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal.
The bus center at Meitetsu Nagoya Station is located on the 3rd floor. To access from Nagoya Station, exit at the Sakura-dori side, and head towards the separate building, Meitetsu Nagoya Station. If you enter Meitetsu Nagoya Station from the basement floor, turn right at the cake store HARBS and board the elevators on the left side only (the right side doesn’t stop at the 3rd floor). There is a small waiting room and a family mart next to the ticket office.
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 explain in detail how transfer to Shirakawago, Takayama, and even Nara in the cheapest way possible from Nagoya below.
This bus stop is located outside Kanazawa Station right before the famous wooden station gate. Purchase your ticket online or at the ticket office located next to the bus terminal. This route is useful for those who arrive in Kanazawa via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. You can access Kanazawa station from Tokyo if you take the Kagayaki Shinkansen (~2hrs 30 mins) or the Hakutaka Shinkansen (~3hrs). If you are coming from Kyoto, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Line and transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (~3hrs to get to Kanazawa Station.
This boarding point is convenient if you are coming from Tokyo. To reach Toyama Station from Tokyo, use the Hokuriku Shinkansen. From Tokyo, you can access Toyama Station on the Kagayaki Shinkansen (~2hrs 8mins) or the Hakutaka Shinkansen (~2hrs 30 mins). If you are coming from Nagano, take the Kagayaki Shinkansen (~1hr 20 mins) or the Hakutaka Shinkansen (~1hr 40 mins). There are also special set tickets which take you to Gokayama and Shirakawago (only in Japanese) that can be purchased from convenience store ticket machines.
Gokayama (Ainokura Village), a less busy alternative to Shirakawago
Gokayama’s Ainokura Village & Shirakawago from TAKAOKA STATION
Located ~23km north of Shirakawago, Gokayama (famous for its Ainokura Village) is another thatched roof village so isolated, it can mostly only be accessed by car. It offers a far less busy and more intimate experience than Shirakawago. From Takaoka Station there are also set bus tickets that stop at both Gokayama and Shirakawago. The following set tickets can be purchased at convenience stores (Japanese only). Tickets must be redeemed at the Kaetsuno Bus Ticket Center on the first floor of Takaoka Station.
More information on the set tickets (Japanese only): here
Set tickets: 1. Kaetsuno Bus Gokayama-Shirakawago Free Ticket Ticket from Takaoka Station/Shin-Takaoka Station → Gokayama → Shirakawago. Sale period: January 29, 2025 to March 31, 2025 Price: 3,500 yen (adults) / 1,750 yen (adults)
2. Kaetsuno Bus Gokayama Free Ticket Ticket between Takaoka Station, Shin-Takaoka Station and Gokayama (Sasarakan-mae). Sale period: January 29, 2025 to March 31, 2025 Price: 2,500 yen (adults) / 1,250 yen (children)
3. Kaetsuno Bus Takaoka ⇒ Shirakawago One-way Free Ticket One way ticket from Takaoka Station/Shin-Takaoka Station to Shirakawago. Sale period: January 29, 2025 to March 31, 2025 Price: 2,000 yen (adults) / 1,000 yen (children)
Gokayama’s Ainokura Village & Shirakawago from TAKAYAMA STATION
You can also visit Gokayama from Takayama Nohi Bus Station, with one departure time at 8:30 AM. This set ticket tour runs for 8,000 yen.
This set ticket tour includes: -Roundtrip ticket to and from Takayama Station -Stops at Gokayama (50 minutes) -Stops at Shirakawago (2 hrs & 40 mins)
There are five main ways to access central Tokyo from Narita Airport (New Tokyo International Airport).
1. Express Bus (Airport Limousine Bus) 2. Railways ① Keisei Skyliner (express train with all seats reserved) 3. Railway ② Rapid train on Keisei Line 4. Railway ③ JR’s Narita Express limited express train 5. Taxi
*Please note that there is no Grab or Uber in Japan.
Characteristics of Transportation Between Narita Airport and Central Tokyo
1. Express Bus (Airport Limousine Bus)
Direct service runs not only between Narita Airport and terminal stations such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Stations, but also to major hotels, towns outside Tokyo, regional cities, and various other locations. It is also convenient because it departs from the arrival lobby. Recommended for: those who have a lot of luggage, want to make the most of their time, or are unfamiliar with Tokyo.
2. Railways ① Keisei Skyliner (express train with all seats reserved)
This is an all-seat limited express train that connects Narita Airport to Nippori Station and Ueno Station (Keisei Ueno Station) in approximately 40 minutes. The buses run approximately every 20 minutes from approximately 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM Recommended for: speed and comfort
3. Railway ② Rapid train on Keisei Line
This conventional line connects Narita Airport with Nippori Station and Ueno Station (Keisei Ueno Station). It is an inexpensive and stable way to travel, although it may take longer and requires transfers. Recommended for: cheapness and punctuality
This is an all-seat limited express train operated by JR East connecting Narita Airport with Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku stations. Recommended for: those who wish to go to Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station or Yokohama Station without changing trains on schedule.
5. Taxi
Many cabs are waiting at the airport. It is possible to board a cab without a reservation and go anywhere you wish. In addition to regular metered cabs, there are also fixed fare airport cabs. Flat fare cabs (airport cabs) are also available without a reservation. The fare from Narita Airport to central Tokyo costs approximately 30,000 yen.
* There is no Grab or Uber service in Japan.
Ranking of Popular Sightseeing Spots in Tokyo
Number of visitors 1st Shibuya 2nd Shinjuku/Okubo 3rd Ginza
Satisfaction 1stShibuya 2nd Akihabara 3rd Ginza
*Source: From the 2023 Survey Report on the Behavioral Characteristics of Foreign Travelers by Country/Region.
Most travelers stop at Shibuya as their first destination.
Underground Because there is no station at *T3, Please board the train from T2.
Cab
1 hour and 30 minutes
0 times
Approx. 30,000 yen
N/A
Arrivals Lobby
Highway Bus (Airport Limousine Bus) Experience from Narita Airport to Shibuya
Flights departing the night before from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport, or Singapore’s Changi International Airport all arrive at Narita Airport around 7:00AM to 8:30AM one after another. The flight I boarded from Bangkok also took about 6 hours to arrive at Narita Airport. By the time I arrived in Japan, it was only 8:00 AM.
The flight was short and I felt sleep deprived. After getting off the plane, we proceeded through immigration, baggage claim, customs, and arrived safely at the arrival lobby of Terminal 1 (T1) before 9:00. There’s so many ways to get to Shibuya, but should I take a bus? the train?
Since I wanted to sleep a little longer and had a lot of luggage, I decided to take an express bus (airport limousine bus) that goes directly to Shibuya, which I could board right in front of the arrival lobby. As you can see in the photo, there was an express bus ticket sales counter right in front of me as I exited the arrival lobby. It is located right in front of Narita Airport Terminal 1 (T1) North Wing, or South Wing, depending on which one you arrive at.
After arriving, I immediately purchased a highway bus ticket to Shibuya. There was only a 9:20 AM. highway bus bound for Shibuya available.
Route: Narita Airport Terminal 3 (T3) ↓ Terminal 2 (T2) ↓ Terminal 1 (T1) ↓ Shibuya Station (Shibuya Fuclas) ↓ Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel The bus stopped at Shibuya Mark City (Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu) in that order.
Express bus tickets can be purchased at a manned counter or from an automatic ticket vending machine, which is available in English, Korean, and Chinese as well as Japanese. Tickets should be bought at the machine by credit card.
Purchase a boarding pass and go outside the arrival lobby. Go to Terminal 1, bus stop No. 10, which is the bus stop for the highway bus to Shibuya. For North Wing arrivals, exit from the North Exit (N2) in front of you and you will see the express bus stop #1. After that, walk along the street to stop #10 (about 2 minutes). For South Wing arrivals, exit from the South Exit (S2), and bus stop No. 10 will be right in front of you.
(See the overall map of the T1 bus stop for a clearer view.)
As I waited for the express bus bound for Shibuya to arrive at Terminal 1, Bus Stop No. 10, people began to line up.
The photo on the left shows a convenience store in the South Wing arrival lobby. You may want to shop here for water and snacks, just in case! Credit cards were also accepted here, so there is no need to worry even if you haven’t exchanged your currency yet. To exchange money into Japanese yen, the Tourist Information Center at the Shibuya Fukuras Bus Terminal is convenient.
As the attendant was making her rounds with the passengers, I realized more and more people were showing up for the Shibuya bus. Bus stop No. 10 doubled as both a bus stop for express buses bound for Shibuya and Tokyo Station, separating customers bound for Shibuya (the first bus to arrive) and Tokyo Station (the second bus to arrive) into two rows. The attendant will ask you if you want to go to Shibuya, and if you say “Shibuya,” he or she will direct you to the Shibuya-bound line. The bus bound for Shibuya comes first, so they put the suitcases to be checked in the trunk of our bus closer to the road. Each person can leave up to two suitcases in the trunk of the express bus bound for Shibuya. (As shown in the photo on the right, two lines will be formed. The line closer to the road is for Shibuya.)
9:18 AM A high speed bus bound for Shibuya entered platform 10. Suitcases left on the side of the road will be placed in the trunk of the bus by the attendant, so you only have to board the bus with your hand luggage.
Seats are unreserved; passengers who boarded from T3 or T2 were already seated, so I sat in an empty seat.
9:21 AM Departure was 1 minute behind schedule. The train was equipped with Wi-Fi and restroom facilities, but with a little sleep deprivation and the comfortable shaking of the bus, I fell asleep quickly. The seats were also equipped with electrical outlets, so I charged my phone before I slept.
10:30 AM I was awakened by an announcement. It appears that we will be arriving at Shibuya shortly.
10:40 AM The express bus from Narita Airport had almost no traffic and arrived at the Shibuya Fukurusu Bus Terminal right in front of Shibuya Station at around 10:40 AM, 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. The ride was so comfortable that I slept through the whole bus ride. I felt so refreshed afterwards despite my sleep deprivation. I think the best thing about taking a highway bus is that you can take your time to rest! Next, mot of us got off at the Shibuya Fukuras Bus Terminal. The highway bus will then head to Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel → Shibuya Mark City (Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu).
When you get off the bus, the tourist information center “shibuya-san” will be right in front of you. It offers a variety of services related to sightseeing, including luggage storage, currency exchange, tourist information (with multilingual staff), Wi-Fi rental, smartphone charging service, and ticket sales for express buses and other services. Next door was also Starbucks to my relief!
When I went to the back of the tourist information center, I found a café space and next to it, many suitcases. Many tourists left their luggage here. This is very convenient if you immediately want to start sightseeing in Shibuya! The staff also seemed to speak English and other languages, so I was able to talk to them easily.
We still had some time before our hotel check-in, so we decided to look around the Tourist Information Center. There was a place to rest and it was warm and heated.
At the info center, we learned about the ” SHIBUYA STREET RIDE ” sightseeing bus, an open-top bus that tours around the Shibuya area! This sightseeing bus allows you to see Shibuya in a different way and is fun for the family.
Conveniently, the departure time was also from the Shibuya Fukuras bus terminal where we are now! And the departure time is 11:25 AM, which was perfect! I immediately left my luggage as the tourist information center and bought a ticket! Tickets for “SHIBUYA STREET RIDE” are more economical to purchase on the web vs. at a ticket vending machine, so purchasing tickets on the web is recommended! → Discover the official website
The person at the counter was kind enough to tell us this tip, and there was also a QR code to the website on the counter, as shown in the photo. Of course, you can also purchase tickets from a ticket machine.
“SHIBUYA STREET RIDE” is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for national holidays. Please be careful.
The photo on the right shows the fee for baggage storage. Many people checked their baggage.
Business hours: 10:00-19:30 Large luggage: 1,000 yen per piece per day Small luggage (55 cm high x 40 cm wide): 500 yen per piece per day
Around 11:00 AM An open-top bus with a lively design entered the terminal. Since I was there, I took pictures of the open-top bus from various angles to commemorate the event. I quickly showed my ticket to the crew and boarded the train!
11:25 AM And we were off for downtown! After a long overnight journey, we finally arrived at Shibuya. It felt quite unique to experience the known spots such as Scramble Crossing and Hachiko from the open-top bus (SHIBUYA STREET RIDE). It gives you a different perspective of the area.
Walking around Shibuya afterwards became more enjoyable, and can be fun for the whole family. You can also enjoy just sitting on the bus, which was nice after long flight and trip.
After enjoying Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Jingu Gaien, National Stadium, Omotesando, etc. on the bus for about an hour, we returned to the Shibuya Fukuras Bus Terminal.
After getting off the bus, passengers can enjoy sightseeing in Shibuya while looking at their smartphones with the “SHIBUYA STREET RIDE” passengers-only city walking guide, which picks up the highlights of the Shibuya area!
We took the daytime bus, but if you take the evening bus (6:20 PM), you can see the Omotesando illumination from the second floor of the open-top bus during the winter season. You romantically move under the lights at a leisurely pace; I wanted to try it the next time I come!
Around 12:30 PM We returned to the Shibuya Fukuras bus terminal.
What should we have for our first lunch in Japan? We once again consulted with the tourist information!
Shibuya is the most popular and often the first stop for foreign tourists in Tokyo. In Shibuya, you can feel the energy and dynamism of Tokyo.
Shibuya is home to Tokyo’s leading terminal station and is one of Tokyo’s most popular downtown areas. It is also a popular and fashion and culture destination for young people comparable to Times Square in New York, Piccadilly Circus in London, and Siam in Bangkok.
What are popular places for foreign tourists near Shibuya Station and Shibuya Bus Terminal?
Shibuya Scramble Crossing: This is a world-famous intersection and a photo-op spot for many tourists.
Hachiko: A symbol of fidelity and love, Hachiko’s story is known not only in Japan but also around the world.
Shibuya 109: The center of Japanese fashion, where you can enjoy the latest trends.
SHIBUYA SKY: This new symbol of Shibuya is popular for its spectacular view from the rooftop observation deck 229 meters above the ground, from which you can see as far as Mt.Fuji.
SHIBUYA STREET RIDE: This is a regular sightseeing bus that allows passengers to enjoy the streets of Shibuya and the Shibuya area on a double-decker open-top bus.
Upon arrival in Japan, we recommend that you first head to Shibuya to enjoy the Shibuya area!
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.
