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  • 2025.02.18

Takayama Cherry Blossom Spots: 2025

1. Garyuzakura (Ichinomiya, Takayama)

What to do in the area:

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. A 3 minute walk away is Mizunashi Shrine, the main shrine of the area. It is also one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Takayama. Ichinomiya is known as the heart of Takayama and you can really get a 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)

Boarding times:
8:05, 9:05, 10:05, 11:05, 12:05, 1:05, 2:05, 3:05, 4:05, 5:05, 6:05, 7:05


2. Fukuji Onsen (Fukuji, Takayama)

What to do in the area:

Fukuji Onsen is an adorable onsen town with a retro morning market, ramen shops, and (well of course) onsen or Japanese hot springs. This hot spring town is one out of 7 in the Okuhida Area of Takayama. While you’re in the area, you can enjoy not only hot springs but also hiking, waterfalls, and the Shinhotaka Ropeway. There is also a (secret) open 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 Taranoki
Onsen 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 where most locals enjoy picnics and enjoy looking over the river. During the cherry blossom season, vendors sell hot snacks. As it is close to Hida Furukawa, you can also take the bus to visit the town where you can overlook even more cherry blossoms.

🌸 Sakurano Park 🌸

Hours: 11:00AM~2:00PM Check updates about the event: here

How to get there:


By bus:
Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2
(for Furukawa/Kamioka)
⬇
Sakurano (19 minutes)

Boarding times:
7:00, 7:10, 8:10, 9:10, 11:10, 12:40, 2:10, 3:10, 3:40, 4:10, 4:40, 5:50, 6:10, 6:40, 7:10, 7:40


4. Miyagawa Ryouchi Park


Miyagawa Ryouchi Park is a local spot with enough space to host several hanabi (flower viewing) parties.

🌸 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 Cheesecake
Le Ceil Cheesecakes
Le Ceil Cheesecakes

How to get there:



By bus:
Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2
(for Furukawa/Kamioka)
⬇
Sakurano (19 minutes)

Boarding times:
7:00, 7:10, 8:10, 9:10, 11:10, 12:40, 2:10, 3:10, 3:40, 4:10, 4:40, 5:50, 6:10, 6:40, 7:10, 7:40


BONUS: Hida City Cherry Blossoms

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)


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~)

Boarding times:
9:10, 11:10, 12:40, 14:10, 15:40, 16:40


2. Gosho Sakura (Hida Furukawa)


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)


  • 2025.01.29

Shirakawago Bus Timetable (from Toyama, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Nagoya)

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

Takayama Shirakawago time table. The departure times are 7:20, 7:50, 8:10, 8:50, 9:35, 9:40, 10:50, 11:20, 11:50, 12:10, 12:50, 1:10, 1:20, 1:50, 2:30, 3:50, 4:20, 4:30. Make reservations at japanbusonline.com


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.

Reserve Bus Tickets Here

Departs from:
Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
Platform #4

Google Maps:
Map link

Price:
2,800 yen (one way)

Route #2: Nagoya to Shirakawago Bus


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.

Reserve Bus Tickets Here

Departs from:
Meitetsu Bus Center (3F)
Platform #4

Google Maps:
Map link

Price:
4,200 yen (one way)

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 explain in detail how transfer to Shirakawago, Takayama, and even Nara in the cheapest way possible from Nagoya below.

More Detail

Route #3: Kanazawa to Shirakawago Bus

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.

Reserve Bus Tickets Here

Departs from:
Kanazawa Station West Exit Bus Stop
Bus stop #4

Google Maps:
Map link

Price:
2,800 yen (one way)

Route #4: Toyama to Shirakawago Bus

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.

Reserve Bus Tickets Here

Departs from:
Toyama Station
Bus stop #1

Google Maps:
Map link

Price:
2,400 yen (one way)


Departs from:
Takaoka Station (in Toyama)
Bus stop #7

Google Maps:
Map link

Price:
2,200 yen (one way)

Gokayama (Ainokura Village), a less busy alternative to Shirakawago

Gokayama Village

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)

Read more and book: here

What to do in Shirakawago?

  • 2024.12.13

Shirakawago Observation Deck Shuttle Bus Information

Topic: Shirakawago observatory, Shirakawago transportation Publish Date: 12/13/2024

What is the Shirakawago Observatory Deck?

Shirakawago Observatory Shuttle Banner
Shirakawago Observatory View

Shirakawago Observation Deck

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.

TimesOgimachi (boarding point)Shirakawago Observatory
9 00 20 4010 30 50
10 00 20 4010 30 50
11 00 20 4010 30 50
1210
1330 5030 50
14 00 20 4010 30 50
15 00 20 4010 30 50
1610

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

Shirakawago Observation Deck View in the Winter
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.

By foot
From Deai Bridge: ~30 minutes
From Wada House: ~20 mintues
From Shirakawago Bus Terminal: ~15 minutes
Google maps: Click here

Short Hiking Route (Alternative Walking Route)

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.

>>> Read more here <<<

  • 2024.12.09

Shirakawago Luggage Storage / Coin Locker Info

Topic: Shirakawago coin locker price, Shirakawago bus terminal Publish Date: 12/09/2024
Shirakawago bus terminal coin lockers

Shirakawago Bus Terminal

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.

Shirakawago luggage storage map (3 locations)

Google maps: Storage 1, Storage 2, Coin Lockers

Operating Times: 8:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM

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:PriceAmountSize (LxWxH)
Large Locker1000 yen977cm x 49cm x 116cm
Small Locker500 yen977cm x 49cm x 62cm
Reception~500 yen (depending on size)Up to 100Any
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)

shirakawago coin lockers inside
shirakawago bus terminal reception

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

Shirakawago Terminal Waiting Room

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.

>>> Read more here <<<