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.
Departs from:
Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
Platform #4
Google Maps:
Map link
Price:
2,800 yen (one way)
Route #2: Nagoya to Shirakawago by 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.
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.
Route #3: Kanazawa to Shirakawago by 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.
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 by 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.
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)
Read more and book: here
