Mt.Anbou (also spelled Mt.Ambo) is the most popular hiking route in the city of Hida Furukawa. Its easy accessibility and stunning views is widely loved amongst both locals and travelers. From the mountain summit, you can see all of Furukawa, stretching to parts of Takayama. Furukawa is a landlocked town with an elevation of 495 meters (1624 ft). If you do an early morning hike (often before 10 AM), clouds form above the town, creating a blanket that makes you appear as if you are standing above the clouds. After the morning fog clears, you can see the basin of the town appear.
Gallery
Iris JaponicaDeck for WheelchairsMt.Anbou Map at EntrancePagoda with SeatingEntrance Trail After GateMt.Anbou Picture Op➤View More Steep Trailhead to BalconyRoad to EntranceMountain View of OkuhidaSign/Journal + Mountain ViewNarrow Dirt Path
Hiking Details
Level
Beginner/ Lower Intermediate
Total time
1 hour ~ 1hr 15 mins (ascent) 50 minutes (descent)
Elevation
1,058m (3,471 ft)
Toilet
Available (at summit and entrance)
Other
*Wifi/Data is usable on the summit peak (no free wifi available) *If you reach the summit before 10AM there is a chance you can see a layer of clouds
Bathrooms
There is a bathroom at the summit of the mountain. On the left side of the trail, walk three minutes down the concrete road (meant for cars) to reach the bathroom. The bathroom is also located next to a trail that will bring you down the mountain you came up from.
Extra Info
Besides the deck overlooking the town of Hida Furukawa, if you walk down and to the right, there is another photo spot. Here you can hold a commemorative sign and take a picture, or write down your memory in the public journal!
Route Experience
12:30PM
Before entering the hiking trail, lift the bar from the red gate and put it back in place once you’re inside.
12:40PM
There is a steep incline but after 10 minutes you should reach the entrance of the hiking trail. From here the hike should take around 1 hour.
1:00PM
The first 30 minutes of the hike are quite steep, but gets less intense the second half. At the half way point, you’ll find a bear bell and column post. If you’re counting, there are 3 total this entire hike!
1:40PM
Before reaching the top, a path splits into two. The left route with the column leads directly to the public toilet, and to reach the terrace from there you need to walk an additional 3 minutes on a concrete road.
On the right there is a path with a bear bell which leads directly to the terrace (this route however is very steep).
1:48PM
Reach the top of the mountain! If you turn backside to the view, on the right side is an additional photo spot and on the left is the public bathroom.
・Nohi Bus to Hida Furukawa Station ・25 minute walk from Hida Furukawa Station
Parking
・There is a parking space located in front of the entrance (for hiking) ・Summit parking (if you drive, the roads are narrow and enough for 1 car only so beware)
Facilities
・Bathroom at parking lot ・Bathroom mountain peak (3 minute walk from summit)
*From Takayama to Hida Furukawa, you can take the “Hida Furukawa Food & Sake Set”which includes roundtrip fares between Takayama Station and Hida Furukawa Station, a 3,000 yen voucher for local eateries, and a voucher for Sake, which the town has won many national awards for.
Map
Other Things to Do in Town
Hida Furukawa’s’ Onsen: Nukumori no Yu Spaful
By bus: Hida Furukawa Station → Spa-ful Tougenkyou-Onsen Stop Times: 8:29, 12:26, 3:30, 6:11 (200 yen)
Rent a bicycle at the town square: Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall (rentals close at 4PM)
By bus: Takayama Nohi Bus Center (Platform 2) → Hida Furukawa Stationvia the Furukawa Kamioka Line (380 yen) Times: 6:40, 7:00, 9:10, 11:10, 12:40, 1:40, 2:40, 3:40, 4:40, 5:10, 6:10, 6:40PM
Local homemade Japanese fooddeli: Yamamoto Delicatessen *We recommend the fried chicken!
By foot: From Hida Furukawa Station, 10 minutes
➤To check the best ways to get around Japan and the Takayama/Hida area, check out this link for detailed routes, pricing, and travel ideas! ➤For Nagoya access to Takayama and Shirakawago learn more: here ➤For information about transportation in Nara learn more: here
Publish date: April 1st, 2025 Topic: Transportation to Takayama, Takayama Bus
Going between Kyoto and Takayama can range from around 3 1/2 hours to 5 hours. There are currently two direct buses departing from Kyoto Station, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. From July to October, one more bus is added and departs around lunch time and can be seen in the table below. If you want to visit Shirakawago or Kanazawa on the way to Takayama, there is also a tour bus that runs once a day, but it costs significantly more.
Kyoto to Takayama Bus Departure Times (direct bus)
*Note: If you want to also go to Shirakawago, you will have to board from Takayama Nohi Bus Center. (Reservations in advance are recommended)
How to board the Takayama Bus from Kyoto Station
Aim for Hachiko West Exit
If you’re arriving from the Kyoto Tower side of the station, follow the signs for Hachiko West Exit. After passing the shinkansen (bullet train) entrance, keep walking straight passing the Kintetsu train entrance until you are outside.
Sit in the waiting area
Right outside the station exit is a waiting area with plenty of seating and a roof. There is no bathroom, but a smoking area. Take the stairs or escalator down and head for bus stop F3.
Board the bus
At bus stop F3, the bus driver will check your reservation. If you did not book a ticket in advance, if there are still seats available, you can pay the driver directly in cash and still board.
Morning Kyoto Bus
In both Kyoto and Takayama, many stores and restaurants don’t open until 10 or 11AM, which can be inconvenient at times. If you board the 9:50AM bus, there are convenience stores, bread stores, and McDonalds at Kyoto station for breakfast. By taking this bus, you will arrive in Takayama in time for dinner.
Afternoon Kyoto Bus
If you want to spend time in Kyoto and reach Takayama at night, the 4:45PM bus is ideal as it gives you time to eat lunch beforehand. We recommend buying a dinner to-go as when you arrive in Takayama (around 9PM), most restaurants have already been closed.
Kyoto to Takayama via the Lemon Tour Bus (with stops at Kanazawa and Shirakawago)
There is a bus that makes a brief 40 minute stop in Kanazawa and a 1 hour 30 minute bus stop in Shirakawago. This bus is not a guided tour but instead transports you between each location.
NOTE: If you want to make all the stops in one day, this is a good option as getting to Shirakawago from Takayama takes 1 hour one way and departs only once an hour (5,600 yen roundtrip).
Price Analysis: Bus vs Train
Other methods to get from Kyoto to Takayama are by train and bus, or train, and shinkansen. Express trains such as the Hida Express or buses may depart only once an hour, so you may have to align your departure times. Reservations are recommended for the bus and express trains.
From Takayama you can also easily get to places like: Shirakawago, Okuhida, Kamikochi, and Kanazawa.
Okuhida Onsen Resort Town 1 hour from Takayama City
Kamikochi National Park 1hr 20 mins from Takayama City
Observation Deck View at Shirakawago 1 hour from Takayama City
Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa 2hrs 30 mins from Takayama City
If you use Takayama as a base, getting to these locations take only 2 hours or less. The Takayama area offers a lot of outdoor activities such as hiking, nature bathing, and natural hotsprings. Nearby are also popular tourist towns such as Hida Furukawa, Kamioka, and Gero.
While Nagoya is a huge metropolitan hub, it’s also surrounded by some of the most rich history in all of Japan! Gifu Prefecture, one hour from Nagoya is culturally rich in Samurai culture, and just west to Nagoya is Kansai with famous cultural capitals such as Kyoto and Nara. If you’re interested in old Japan, or deep nature and cultural history, Nagoya is a great option as a base for you to explore these places. Being the third largest city in Japan, there are countless of transportation methods to reach all of these places in around 2-3 hours or less.
Aichi Area
1. Inuyama Castle Town
Inuyama Castle Street
Located in Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama is home to one of Japan’s oldest and most well-preserved castles, Inuyama Castle. The castle town is charming, with a traditional atmosphere and several historical buildings, including merchant houses and shrines. Inuyama-jokamachi, a shopping street leading to the castle, is lined with delicious udon shops and souvenir areas to browse through. The castle offers stunning views of the Kiso River and the surrounding landscape. At Kiso River, from August 1st-August 10th there is a fireworks festival with fireworks being set off every 10 minutes from 8PM.
Nagoya Station ➞ Inuyamayuen Station By train: ~30 minutes Cost: 690 JPY *This Meitetsu Limited Express bound for Inuyamayuen Station departs every 30 minutes.
2. Meiji Mura Museum
Meiji Styled Building
The Meiji-Mura Museum is an open-air museum that showcases architecture from the Meiji era (1868-1912). It features a real Meiji era train that runs through town and buildings that were relocated and restructured from all over Japan, allowing visitors to not only enjoy looking at Meiji styled buildings and interior, but also experience the life during that period (Meiji era clothing is also available for rental). It’s great for history lovers and also makes for a great photo-op! Meiji-Mura occasionally offers interactive events including a roleplaying, period themed mystery solving game that takes place at the museum’s school (in Japanese only).
Meitetsu Nagoya Station ➞ Inuyama Station ➞Meiji-Mura By train & bus: ~1 hour 10 minutes Cost: 1,130 JPY *At Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the Inuyama Line on Platform 1. *After you arrive at Inuyama Station, take the Meijimura Bus 「明治村行き」 (it stops services at 4:30PM)
Kansai Area
3. Nara
Known for its historical sites and friendly, free-roaming deer, Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital. Key attractions include Todai-ji Temple, housing a massive bronze Buddha, and Nara Park, where visitors can interact with the deer. Nara is also home to several other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofuku-ji Temple. A site less known by travelers is Mt.Wakakusa, a beautiful mountain point that overlooks all of Nara. This can be reached by bus or bus tour. Visitors can also roam the streets similar to the deer and eat hand made mochi or delicious Nara pudding!
Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center ➞ Kintetsu Nara Station By bus: 2 1/2 hours Cost: 3,000 JPY *The Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center is on the third floor of the Meitetsu Nagoya building and the boarding stop for Nara is #8.
Gifu Area
4. Gifu Castle
Gifu Castle’s Panoramic Scenery
Gifu castle, which dates back to the 16th century, was the home of famous samurai lord Oda Nobunaga and sits on a mountain top overlooking all of Gifu prefecture. Visitors can hike or take a cable car to reach the base of the castle ground where you can find food, drinks, and even a small squirrel park! At the observatory is a gorgeous panoramic view over the entirety of Gifu Prefecture. If you look hard enough, you can even see into Aichi prefecture, home of Nagoya.
Nagoya Station ➞ Gifu Station ➞ Gifu Park➞ Gifu Castle By train + bus + ropeway: ~1 hr 20 mins Cost: 1,510 JPY (train and bus) + 1,300 JPY (ropeway for adults) / 650 JPY (ropeway for children) *From Gifu Station, take bus No.45 「岐阜大学病院行き」. It is headed towards the Gifu Uni. Hospital.
5. Tsumago-juku
Post Town of Tsumago Juku
This historic post town on the Nakasendo Trail was a former highway that connected Kyoto and Edo (modern Tokyo) during the Edo period. The Nakasendo Trail stretched between modern Tokyo to Kyoto, and was where most delivery men made their rounds between capitals. It’s a popular destination for those wanting to experience old Japan, as there are interactive buildings and a special post office where you can send messages with limited edition stamps. Tsumago-juku has preserved its traditional wooden buildings and picturesque streets, allowing visitors to feel as if they’re traveling through traditional Japan.
Nagoya Station ➞ Nakatsugawa Station ➞ Nagisoeki Station ➞ Tsumago Juku By train: ~2 hours Cost: 1,990 JPY *At Nagisoeki Station, take the Magome Line or Hogami Line and get off at Omatabashi.
6. Takayama
Takayama Festival Bridge
Located in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a peaceful city hidden in the mountains and known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and carpentry. The town is famous for its traditional wooden houses, bustling morning markets, delicious local wagyu beef, and the Takayama Matsuri (a popular festival in Japan). For anime lovers, it is also the inspiration for the anime, Hyouka. Takayama also serves as a gateway to explore the nearby mountainous regions including Shirakawago and the hot spring town of Okuhida, making it a perfect countryside escape.
Nagoya Station (or Nagoya Meitetsu Center) ➞ Takayama Station By bus: ~2 1/2 hours Cost: 2,400 ~ 2,700 JPY *You can book the bus here: highwaybus.com
7. Shirakawago
Shirakawago in Winter
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, built with steep thatched roofs and designed to withstand heavy snowfalls. Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawago offers a glimpse into rural Japan’s past and is beautiful all seasons round. Visitors can relax being surrounded by the beautiful mountains while experiencing the slow life people of the past once lived. One of the most popular times to visit is during the winter when the village is covered in snow.
Nagoya Meitetsu Center ➞ Shirakawago By train & bus: ~2 hours 40 mins Cost: 4,200 JPY *Direct buses to Shirakawago can only be made through the Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center. You can book it here: highwaybus.com
8. Hida Furukawa
This town’s picturesque streets, traditional buildings, and beautiful natural surroundings make it a popular destination for photographers. Located only 20 minutes from Takayama, it makes a popular half day trip for those already in the region. A popular attraction is feeding hundreds of carp in the river that flows through town. It is also popular for inspiring the hit anime movie, “Your Name”. Spots such as the train station, library, and Wakamiya Shrine are famous points in the movie.
Nagoya Station (or Nagoya Meitetsu Center) ➞ Takayama Station➞ Hida Furukawa Station By train & bus: 2 hours 40 mins Cost: ~3,000 JPY You can book the way to Takayama here: highwaybus.com *Either take the train (once an hour) or bus to Hida Furukawa from Takayama Station. Please schedule accordingly.
Mie Area
9. Ise Jingu
Town Area Surrounding Ise Jingu
Located in Mie Prefecture, Ise Jingu is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines where the imperial family often visits. Annually, thousands of visitors come here to pray for good luck or health. The shrine complex is surrounded by beautiful nature and is considered a spiritual site. The inner shrine, known as Naiku, is particularly significant and is rebuilt every 20 years as part of the Shinto tradition. It’s known as a powerful place to go pray!
Nagoya Station ➞ Ujiyamada Station ➞ Naiku-mae bus stop By train & bus: ~2 hours Cost: 3,390 yen *You can also choose to get off at Ujiyamada Station if you would like to walk and enjoy the surrounding tourist town of Ise.
Shiga Area
10. Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle in the Spring
Located in Shiga Prefecture on the shores of Lake Biwa, Hikone Castle is one of the few original castles remaining in Japan. The castle grounds are beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season, and the castle’s interior offers a glimpse into feudal-era life. It is also home to one of the top 5 famous mascots in Japan, “Hikonyan”.
Nagoya Station ➞ Maibara Station ➞ Hikone Station By train: ~1 hour 10 mins Cost: 3,610 JPY
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.
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.
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:
Price
Amount
Size (LxWxH)
Large Locker
1000 yen
9
77cm x 49cm x 116cm
Small Locker
500 yen
9
77cm x 49cm x 62cm
Reception
~500 yen (depending on size)
Up to 100
Any
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)
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
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.
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