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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?

  • 2024.12.19

Hakuba ⟷ Matsumoto｜Cheap Shuttle Bus Jan 2025 – Feb 2025

This winter, a limited-edition shuttle bus service will connect between Matsumoto and Hakuba, one of the world’s best snow resorts abundant with slopes, powder snow, and a variety of courses that attract skiers and snowboarders from Japan and abroad.

This shuttle bus is only: 1,000 yen/one way

To Hakuba (Matsumoto→Hakuba)

Cheap shuttle bus: 1,000 yen

This is convenient for heading to Hakuba after sightseeing in Matsumoto.
Date of operation: January 24th, 2025 ~ February 12th, 2025

Matsumoto Bus Terminal　Departure: 8:30 PM
↓
Arrive at Hakuba Goryu 10:20 PM
Arrive at JR Hakuba Station at 10:25 PM
Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal 10:30 PM arrival

Shuttle Bus Online Reservations

JR Oito Line
1,170 yen｜Time required: about 1 hour and 50 minutes
(in case of express train: about 1 hour｜+1,020 yen)

It is also possible to go from Matsumoto Station to Hakuba Station by train.
Direct train timetable from Matsumoto Station
Departure: 9:20 AM
Departure at 10:41 AM (Limited Express Azusa +1,020 yen)
Departs at 11:20 AM
Departs at 2:09 PM

Above is the timetable for direct trains.　Some trains transfer at Shinano-Omachi Station.

To Matsumoto (Hakuba→Matsumoto)

1,000 yen shuttle bus｜Reservations required

This is convenient when traveling between Hakuba and Matsumoto
Date of operation: January 24, 2025 ~February 12, 2025

Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal Departure: 9:00 AM
JR Hakuba Station Departure: 9:05 AM
Hakuba Goryu Departure: 9:10 AM
↓
Arrive at Matsumoto Bus Terminal at 11:00 AM
Matsumoto City Museum (Daimyo-machi) Arrival at 11:05 AM
Arrive at Matsumoto Castle (in front of City Hall) at 11:10 AM

Shuttle Bus Online Reservations

Traveling from Matsumoto
Highway bus from Shinjuku to Matsumoto
  • 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 <<<

  • 2024.09.03

Things to Know Before Booking Sunset Shibuya Sky Tickets

How to Get Guaranteed Access to Shibuya Sky at Sunset Hour/Sunset Time

Did you know there’s a rooftop observation deck at the top of Shibuya’s tallest high-rise building, Shibuya Scramble Square?

Shibuya at night

Shibuya Sky (SHIBUYA SKY) is directly connected to Shibuya Station about 230 meters above ground.

With the “SKY STAGE” skyscraper rooftop observation deck and the “SKY GALLERY” indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor, Shibuya Sky offers open and vast views from Shibuya skyline. While Shibuya Sky during the day is great in its own sense, sunset time (sunset hour) at dusk and the night time view are most popular!

We recommend that you purchase an online ticket in advance because this Shibuya Sky is a popular spot and it will be crowded. If you can’t secure a sunset ticket, we’ll teach you a loophole below.

※Estimated sunset times at SHIBUYA SKY

shibuya sky during the day
shibuya sky couple at night

Unfortunately, admission tickets for later evenings sell out quickly, and reservations are often sold out months in advance.

This is the booking calendar on the official website as of September 19, 2024.
As you can see, there’s almost no availability after 15:00 until October 17, 2024.

※ Although there is a designated time for entering Shibuya Sky, you can leave at any time as long as it is during business hours.

sold out reservation screen
sold out shibuya sky reservation screen
one available time left shibuya sky reservation screen
Shibuya Sky reservations (Official Website)

Most people come all the way to SHIBUYA SKY, but find out that sunset tickets have been sold out. There’s actually a way to fix this problem!

How to secure SHIBUYA SKY tickets at sunset times.

All you have to do is…

Purchase a ticket for the open-top bus “SHIBUYA STREET RIDE” that includes an admission voucher, also known as the “SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket”! The “SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket” gives you guaranteed access to SHIBUYA SKY at any time in the day.

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket

By purchasing this set of tickets, you will be able to get into Shibuya Sky even during sold-out times!

First, what is a SHIBUYA SKY set ticket?

shibuya bus top view
shibuya street ride
view of shibuya sky

The SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket is an online ticket voucher you are given when you ride SHIBUYA STREET RIDE.

The greatest advantage of this ticket voucher is that it guarantees admission to Shibuya Sky at any time.

When purchasing a regular ticket, you must specify the time of admission. This makes it almost impossible to purchase a ticket during sold-out times. You can use the “SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket” any time after you get off at SHIBUYA STREET RIDE as long as its the same day. This is perfect if you are trying to secure a sunset ticket for a certain day on your trip, but didn’t have time to book ahead.


However, please note that this pass will only be available until the final entrance time of Shibuya Sky on the day of your trip. Re-entry is also not permitted.

During the daytime, you can take the open-top bus, and in the evening, you can enjoy the city of Shibuya on the Shibuya Sky.

The places you tour by bus are small and spread out around your feet, making for an interesting and memorable experience.

Details of SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY set ticket

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE has two routes:
・Shibuya Excursion Route
・Shibuya⇔Shinjuku Route（※September 2024～January 2025）
These are two popular routes.

Both routes are designed to take in the sights.

shibuya street ride car
view from shibuya street ride

The bus is an open-top bus specification with no roof on the second floor, allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing from a perspective they would not normally be able to see.

Seats are equipped with multilingual audio guides and in-train monitors that provide information on each area during the trip. Of course, Japanese is also available.

It also comes with a digital version of a city walking guide to enjoy the streets of Shibuya even after getting off the bus.

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE Ride Experience

I immediately booked a SHIBUYA STREET and RIDE SHIBUYA SKY online set ticket.
This time, I rode on the round-trip route of SHIBUYA on the Shibuya Excursion route.

At the south exit of Shibuya Station is Shibuya Fuclas. There is a bus terminal there on the first floor.

The departure time was 11:25 but I arrived a before 11:00.
I was able to relax in the stylish area waiting area right in front of the bus stop.

shibuya fuclas bus terminal
shibuya street ride at shibuya fuclas

Before I knew it, a stylish open-top bus entered the boarding area shortly after 11:15.

Next, all you have to do is show the screen of your cell phone to the crew and board the train!

At this time, I received a voucher for admission to Shibuya Sky on the same day.

Now you can enjoy the evening and night views from Shibuya Sky ^^.

shibuya sky set ticket


This time, the route took me from the Scramble Crossing to Harajuku, Omotesando, and other areas around Shibuya.

The colorful seating inside the car will surely be Instagram-worthy if you take pictures!

On the second floor, you can feel the breeze and enjoy the view from a different perspective than usual.

The thrill of passing under an overpass is especially unique to this bus.

shibuya street ride seats
shibuya street ride view of national stadium

The bus first departs from Shibuya Fuklas and head towards Harajuku on Meiji Street.

Along the way, you can see Meiji Shrine and Takeshita-dori Avenue from a slightly elevated vantage point. After that we headed towards Sendagaya and Gaienmae.

As we reach Omotesando, we can see the National Stadium, which was the main venue for the Olympics. There were no power lines so you could see the view of the sky really clearly and it felt great!

In Omotesando, you can feel the street trees up close while overlooking the rows of high-end fashion stores.

Finally, I returned to Shibuya for the last time to view the scramble crossing. It is a luxurious feeling to be able to see the scene of many people coming and going from above, up close and personal.

I returned to the bus terminal on the ground floor of the Shibuya Fuklas– the area I departed from around 12:30 p.m.

After a leisurely lunch, I went for a stroll in Shibuya, using the digital version of the city walking guide that was in the pocket of the car!

Don’t forget to check the passcode in the car!
Since the audio is also recorded, wearing earphones is recommended.

shibuya street ride digital walking guide

It’s evening, and SHIBUYA SKY is located in Shibuya Scramble Square.

With this same-day admission voucher, I went to SHIBUYA SKY, and on the 14th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square I was able to register and enjoy the evening and night views.

“Crossing Lights,” a light show held every 30 minutes after 7:00 p.m. every day, is a unique nighttime experience. The performance is said to change with the seasons.

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket Details

shibuya sky at sunset pic 1
shibuya sky at sunset pic 2
twilight hour at shibuya sky
couple enjoying shibuya sky at night

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket Details

Estimated Sunset Times at SHIBUYA SKY

“Twilight Time” in Shibuya takes place 15 minutes after sunset.

This is the most beautiful time to see Shibuya Sky as day transitions into night. “Twilight Time” can be seen only in this 15 minute time frame.

Sunset times may vary by month. Please use this as a reference.

Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)		Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)
January4:40PM~5:10PM~
February5:10PM~5:35PM~
March5:35PM~6:00PM~
April6:00PM~6:25PM~
May6:25PM~6:50PM~
June6:50PM~7:00PM~
July7:00PM~6:45PM~
*Around July and August, the sun sets a bit earlier.
Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)		Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)
August6:35PM~6:10PM~
September6:10PM~5:25PM~
October5:25PM~4:45PM~
November4:45PM~4:30PM~
December4:30PM~4:40PM~
*From around December 12th, the sun sets a little later.

Even if tickets are sold out, as long as you have the Shibuya Sky Set Ticket, you can enjoy the beautiful views of SHIBUYA SKY at any time.

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket