Recommended day trips from Nagoya: “Shirakawa-go, Takayama” and “Nara/ Using Nagoya As A Base

Enjoy your trip to Japan with Nagoya as your base!
We recommend traveling from Nagoya as a base because it is very convenient, affordable, and most importantly, fun.

1. Easy Day Trips
   From Nagoya, it is very easy to make individual day trips to “Shirakawa-go”, “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 Shirakawa-go 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.
2. A Convenient Metropolis
   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.
3. There’s also great shopping too!
   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.
4. 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.
5. 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 are traveling in central Japan, you should definitely use Nagoya as your base!If you use Nagoya as your base, you can easily go to “Shirakawa-go”, “Takayama”, and “Nara”.

Table of Contents

1. Recommended Route ① Shirakawago and Takayama
2. Recommended Route ②「Nara」

Shirakawa-go, 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.Step back in time and experience history and nature woven together.

Recommended one-day trip route from Nagoya (1)
Shirakawa-go and Takayama

From Nagoya! The most popular “Shirakawa-go” and “Takayama” one-day model route
Explore the beauty of Shirakawa-go and charming Takayama, often referred to as “Little Kyoto,” with our recommended itinerary from Nagoya.

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go 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.

Two popular day trips from Nagoya are the World Heritage Site, Shirakawago, and the town of Takayama, known for its old townscape.

Nagoya – Shirakawa-go Highway Bus Online Reservation

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* If you also want to go to Takayama, please book a one-way highway bus from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go.
* 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.

Departure day to Shirakawa-go and Takayama

Around 7:30

We 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 we have little time, we 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 open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

Around 7:40 a.m.

A bus bound for Shirakawa-go 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

Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center, 3rd floor, bus stop #7) Depart for Shirakawa-go.

　

Around 8:40

We will take a 10-minute break at the Hirugano service area.

Around 10:32 a.m.

Arrival at Shirakawa-go bus terminal.

Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal Information

This bus terminal is exclusively for local and highway buses and is conveniently located for sightseeing in Shirakawa-go.
It is convenient for visiting Gassho-zukuri villages and the Shiroyama Observatory.

Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Facilities: waiting room, restroom, tourist center, large coin lockers, luggage storage, automatic foreign currency exchange, bus reservation counter, WIFI

Upon arrival in Shirakawa-go, we recommend first visiting the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory, which offers a panoramic view of Shirakawa-go.

15 minutes walk from Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal
Details (Google map)

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.

Hagicho Attractions

1. Part of the World Heritage Site
   Part of the Shirakawa-go World Heritage Site area, this area retains the classic beauty of traditional Japan.
2. 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.
3. Experience Traditional Culture
   In Hagicho, you can cafe hop through the gassho-style houses and enjoy local cuisine such as delicious soba noodles. Leisurely strolling through the gassho houses and trying the local foods brings you back in time to the Edo Period.
   Travel from Nagoya and experience the charms of Shirakawa-go and Hagicho. You’ll be swept away by both the natural beauty and cultural traditions of the area.

Hagicho is home to about 30 gassho-zukuri, historic buildings with a strong traditional culture, making it a popular place for tourists. You can also enjoy the calm atmosphere of the Gassho-zukuri style cafes, soba noodles, and local cuisine.

After enjoying Shirakawa-go, take an express bus to Takayama.

Taking an express bus from Shirakawa-go to Takayama.It takes about one hour from Shirakawa-go to Takayama.
This bus is available by reservation or non-reservation.
We recommend making a reservation as this is a busy route.

By appointment only

Shirakawa-go 12:35 → Takayama 13:25
Shirakawa-go 13:30 → Takayama 14:20
Shirakawa-go 13:50 → Takayama 14:50

Non-reserved regular (first-come, first-served)

Shirakawa-go 13:15 → Takayama 14:05

Reservations can be made through
Fare 2,600 yen/one-way (revised in December 2024, to be confirmed)

Shirakawa-go – Takayama Highway Bus Online Reservation

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 an highway bus back to Nagoya.

It takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Takayama ( Takayama Nohi Bus Center ) to Nagoya ( Meitetsu Bus Center) by direct bus.

Takayama – Nagoya Highway Bus Online Booking

Takayama 17:30 → Nagoya 20:15
Takayama 19:00 → Nagoya 21:45

Takayama → Nagoya
Fare 3,400 yen
Time required: approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes

Remember to take a break at your hotel after your trip!

Express Bus Online Reservations

Shirakawa-go from Nagoya
　Fare: 3,400 yen to 4,200 yen
　Travel time: approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
Shirakawa-go to Takayama
　Fare: 2,600 yen
　Time required: approx. 60 min.
Takayama to Nagoya
　Fare: 3,400 yen
　Travel time: approx. 2 hr. 50 min.

Another recommended course is Nara.

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 will also find many stylish cafes and traditional souvenir shops scattered throughout the area, where you can enjoy delicious Nara delicacies such as Nara zuke (pickles) and kakinoha sushi (persimmon leaf sushi).
Why not take a trip from Nagoya to experience the atmosphere and history of the ancient Japanese capital?

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.

Nagoya – Nara Highway Bus Online Reservation

Recommended day trip route from Nagoya (2)
Nara

A recommended area for a one-day trip from Nagoya is Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, home to eight World Heritage sites. Many people may think of Osaka or Kyoto when they hear the word “Nara,” but Nara on its own is a wonderful tourist destination with a lot to offer.
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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!

Nagoya – Nara Highway Bus Online Reservation

Recommended course of action.

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 a.m.
↓
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.

Bus Pass Details

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 Individual Travel Model Course

First time in Nara. Basic Sightseeing Course (about 4 hours)

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Nara Park
   Nara Park is famous as a place where you can spend time with deer.
   Relax and enjoy nature in this spacious park.
4. 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.

Wakakusa, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todaiji Daibutsuden Course (approx. 7 hours)

1. Visit Kasuga Taisha, a World Heritage Site
   15 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station to the main shrine of Kasuga Taisha by bus.
2. 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).
3. Todaiji Temple
4. Naramachi (shopping district in Kyoto)
   Visitors can enjoy strolling, shopping, and dining.

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.

• A temple hall with an enshrined statue of Kobo Daishi (at Shingon temple)
  They are famous for their high-speed rice cake pounding in the store, and their freshly made mugwort rice cakes are not only delicious but also very popular.
  Google Map
• Kuki Cake.
  This cozy cafe is popular for its soft cakes and pastries that contain lots of Nara’s rich natural air.
  Google Map

Other recommended spots

• Nara Goldfish Museum
  It is a photogenic art space with the theme of Nara x goldfish x art.
  Google Map
• YAMATO Craft Beer Table
  This is a craft beer store in Nara. More than 8 to 10 kinds of craft beers are always available.
  Google Map
• Sakura Burger
  This is an original hamburger store with delicious smoked homemade bacon.
  Google Map

Highway bus from Nara back to Nagoya

Highway Bus Facilities
Restroom, AC power supply, free WiFi

Where to board the train in Nara
Kintetsu Nara Station, Bus Stop No. 20
JR Nara Station, No. 4 bus stop

Nagoya – Nara Highway Bus Online Reservation

< This content was produced in cooperation with Meitetsu Bus Co. >