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  • 2025.06.11

Gero Onsen Day Trip from Takayama!

Did you know one of Japan’s top 3 onsen towns is only one hour from Takayama?


♨️Gero Onsen is a stylish sweets haven also more commonly known as one of the top 3 hot spring towns in all of Japan. Gero in Japanese directly translates to “ribbet”, and because of that, a lot of tourist attractions are frog themed. Conveniently located around an hour south of Takayama, it makes a perfect day trip for those wanting to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery of the Gifu Area for under 2200 yen!

1. Board the bus at Takayama Station for Gero
2. Buy a Yumeguri Pass (Onsen pass!)
3. Frogs, Nature, and Shopping!
4. Rental Bikes
5. Gero’s Ultimate Attraction: the Slide
6. Enjoy Gero Gourmet Foods
7. Board the bus back to Takayama

1. Board the bus at Takayama Station for Gero


There are two modes of transportation to Gero Onsen, train or bus. The bus runs to Gero hourly while the local train runs every other hour. Alternatively, there are express trains that come hourly, however these cost up to 2000 yen one way, making the trip cost double the amount while taking the same amount of time as the bus. If you plan on returning to Takayama, we recommend taking the earliest bus at 8AM and then the last bus back at 5:00PM. Most of the restaurants are closed in Gero by that time.

If you are based in Takayama, we recommend buying the “Gero Onsen 2-Day Ticket” by Nohi Bus. This pass allows unlimited bus usage from Takayama Nohi Bus Center to Gero for 2 days for only 2,040 yen. This is the regular price of the roundtrip bus–reservations are made online and you can board with an online voucher.

How to ride the bus to Gero:

① Board from Takayama Nohi Bus Center and simply wait at bus stop 1 and get on the bus. Get off at the Gero Station bus stop after paying 1,060 yen (cash/coins only).

②If you buy the “Gero Onsen 2-Day Ticket”, buy it online through this website. You will receive the voucher digitally. Go to bus stop 1 and board the bus normally and show the bus driver your voucher when you get off.

►Boarding times from Takayama Nohi Bus Center:
8:05, 9:05, 10:05, 11:05, 12:05, 1:05, 2:05, 3:05, 4:05, 5:05, 6:05, 7:05
Price: 1,060 yen (one way)

Get off at Gero Station


After getting off at Gero Station, there is a locker space along with some souvenir stores, a bathroom, and information center. Past the information center and the bathrooms is an underground stairway that leads to the main part of Gero.

2. Buy a Yumeguri Onsen Pass!


The Yumeguri Onsen Pass is highly recommended for onsen (hot spring) lovers. This pass allows you to enter any 3 participating hot springs in Gero for only 1,500 yen! Its a great deal as some onsen can cost up to 1,500 yen on its own. Plus, you can save the pass and use it any time within 6 months. Entrance time differs per hotel, which you can check here (Japanese only). Otherwise, please refer to this time chart.


For the sake of time , we recommend going to the following hot springs immediately after arriving in Gero. The onsen are open only during small time windows that are easy to miss. We recommend going to: Suimeikan, Ogawaya, Yamagataya, Bosenkan (12-2 PM on weekends only) before their service ends for the day at 2PM. Each of these hotels have usual entrance fees of 1500 yen each, so to get the most money out of your pass we recommend going to these more expensive and larger inns.

Where to buy the Yumeuri Pass?


You can buy the Yumeguri pass at several locations such as Daily Mart convenience stores or Japanese inns. On the path to the main town, the souvenir store Sakuraen sells it along with the Gero City Tourism & Cultural Center.

Full list of sellers (Japanese Only): here


When entering an onsen, the attendant will peel 1 out of 3 stickers on the back of your pass. Generally each bather needs their own pass, but if you are accompanied by children aged 4-12, you can use the same pass. Whether its one or two children, if accompanied by an adult, they will account for only 1 sticker. Also, if you have a child less than 3 years old, the child can bathe for free.

3. Frogs, Nature, and Shopping!


No matter where you go around Gero, you’re going to see everything from posters, statues, and manholes, all in frog form. If you have a phobia of frogs–beware. 🐸 Gero in Japanese directly translates to “ribbet” and this town really went with that theme and ran. Everything frog themed was so cute and personally I felt happy finding frog versions of everything everywhere I went. There’s even a frog shrine!


Aside from cool frogs, Geros natural scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Crossing the bridge to the town, you can get a glimpse of the mountains and the large park where the town holds frequent firework shows, especially in the summer. There are also a bunch of foot baths to rest your feet throughout the town. The shopping street has not only snacks but ceramics and games to enjoy, making it fun for anyone of any age.


Foot baths around Gero are almost all free. You can find them on regular streets or even inside hotels. Just make sure not to bathe in them as they are strictly just for your feet!

4. Rental Bikes in Gero


Next to the Tourist Information Center, Gero provides stylish E-bikes for rental. While most of the town is walkable, the deep nature really is beautiful and fun to bike around. The bikes can be rented by downloading an app or paying by cash. If you want to pay by cash, you have to speak to the receptionist at the information center (open until 5:30 PM).

Bike Rental Info:
Rental time: 24 hours
6 hours: 1,000 yen
12 hours: 1,500 yen

5. Ride Gero’s Infamous Slide


One of Gero’s most popular attractions is the slide that overlooks Gero City. This slide isnt just for kids–actually when I went only adults were riding it! The slide is high speed and lasted up to a minute going down. At the curves it could be quite scary at times, but the thrill was worth it. The slide is guarded by protection rails and has cushions for landing.


To get to the Gero Slide, you have to go through the Gero Onsen Gassho Village and pay the entrance fee of 800 yen. The Village is similar to Shirakawago with a lot of displays and even a very modern foot bath. There are cafes, funny and cute statues, and even a shrine dedicated to cooking. Once you reach the other side of the mountain, you have to pay 100 yen to use the slide.

6. Enjoy Gero’s Gourmet Foods

Gero has a lot of delicious food, but they excel in desserts (especially parfaits). Sakae-machi dori is a stylish street by the station with many cafes and souvenir stores. Here you can find many parfait or other sweets stores. Other popular foods are butter ramen (ramen cooked with a butter and milk broth), frog themed tiramissu, pudding, crepes, and more!


One of the more popular souvenirs to buy in the area is Gero butter sandwiches, a butter cookie made out of fresh milk from the area. Around the area is a lot of finger food and desserts, but for a bigger lunch the town offers a lot of international foods in additional to traditional Japanese like German and Italian.

7. Going from Gero back to Takayama


To get back you can take the train or the bus. Trains leave at the 30 minute mark each hour, where as buses leave 30 minutes prior to the train. The last bus back to Takayama from Gero is at 5PM. By this time, a lot of the restaurants and souvenir stores have closed up, so we recommend going back at this time. To ride back, simply hop on the bus or show your pass if you had purchased the Geron-Onsen 2 Day Pass. Payment is when you get off.

How to board the bus back to Takayama

① Board from Gero Station bus stop

Boarding times for Takayama Nohi Bus Center:
6:00, 7:00, 7:42, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00. 5:30
Price: 1,060 yen (one way)



OR

②Board from Shirasagaibashi Bridge bus stop (center of town in front of Lawson)

Boarding times for Takayama Nohi Bus Center:
7:01, 8:01, 9:01, 10:01, 11:01, 12:01, 2:01, 4:01
Weekends only: 6:01 AM, 3:01 PM, 5:01 PM
Price: 1,060 yen (one way)

➤To check the cheapest ways to get around Japan and the Takayama/Hida area, check out this page 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



  • 2025.05.23

Nagoya Chubu Centrair Airport Access | Route Access from Nagoya and Gifu, Takayama


If you are trying to get to Nagoya Chubu Centrair Airport, the most common way is to transfer there via the Meitestu Line from Meitetsu Nagoya Station. Currently the only way to get there is by train or by taxi/rental car. If you are boarding from Takayama, the discounted set ticket can only be bought in person from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center. Below, well show you detailed instructions on how to get to Nagoya Centrair Airport.

TypeTime RequiredTransfersCostBoarding Area
By bus (from Takayama)3 hours14400 yen (one way)①Nohi Bus Center Platform 3
②Meitetsu Gifu Station Platform 2
By train
(from Meitetsu Nagoya Station)		40-50 minutes (Rapid Limited Express Train)0980 yen (one way)Meitetsu Nagoya Station Platform 4
By taxi (from Nagoya Station)76 minutes0~18,600 yen (toll fees included)Nagoya Station

Make bus reservations in Japan at: highway-bus.jp


By Taxi


In Japan, the apps for taxis are called GO and DiDi. You can make reservations and pay by card directly through the app without speaking to anyone. The cost of a taxi ride from JR Nagoya Station to Chubu Airport may around 18,600 yen with the toll road fare included. Please check the app for a more precise estimate. Most of the time there are no bigger sized cars for rental.

By Train


There are two types of trains headed to the Nagoya Centrair Airport. There is the Rapid Ltd. Exp., Limited Express (RED, cheaper, and can purchase from the ticket machines) and the SKY Limited Express (BLUE train with reserved seating, faster service) and other express/local trains. We rode the Rapid Ltd. Exp. and will explain how to do so below.

How to use the train:

Step ①
The train leading to Nagoya Centrair Airport is located at Meitetsu Nagoya Station. Follow for signs pointing to the Meitetsu Line. If you exit JR Nagoya station, Meitetsu Nagoya Station will be on the right side of the station past the Starbucks.

Step ②
At the ticket machine, you can purchase the ticket by:

  1. Change the language to English
  2. Press “Ticket”
  3. Press the green button “Select by line name”
  4. Press “Cent Japan Int’l Airport”
  5. Pay 980 yen

Step ③
Enter the Central gate and follow the signs for Platform 4. At platform 4 there are seats by the vending machine, a Family Mart convenience store, and even Yoshinoya restaurant.

Step ④
To board on the train headed for the airport, line behind the green line. You will know your train has arrived when the green sign saying Cen. Japan Airport begins to flash. Board the train and you’re set!

By Bus (from Takayama)

If you are departing from Takayama, the best kept way to get to the airport is through Gifu City (at Meitetsu Gifu Station). This is the very first train stop before the airport, meaning you get first dibs on seating before the train reaches Nagoya. It also means less commute time and walking and is generally less crowded and confusing than Nagoya Station, so I highly recommend this route.

How to use the bus and train:

Step ①
Purchase a ticket online heading for Meitetsu Gifu (LOFT) here. You can also go to the ticket office at Takayama Nohi Bus Center and buy one there. The reception opens as early as 6 AM. After buying the ticket board the bus at bus stop #3.

Step ②
Upon reaching Meitetsu Gifu, buy a ticket at the machines or from the ticket office by the Central Gates. There is a family mart and resting area after entering the gates.

Step ③

  1. Change the language to English
  2. Press “Ticket”
  3. Press the green button “Select by line name”
  4. Press “Cent Japan Int’l Airport”
  5. Pay 1,150 yen


Step ④
Head towards Platform #2. There will be signs that say “for Central Japan Int`l Airport”. It will be nonstop so stay on board until they announce the final stop!

TIP:

Car #1 and #2 of the train are by reservation only (including an extra fare) and the rest are for regular passengers. The other cars are standard seats but if you go to car #3 there are single and double seats that can be adjusted.

Departing from Nagoya Airport

Nohi Bus provides a discounted set ticket which covers the bus fair to Meitetsu Gifu where you can board the train to Nagoya Centrair Airport. To use this set ticket you can purchase it from the ticket counter. If you purchase this ticket set, you will have to get off at Meitetsu Gifu and transfer by bus to get to Takayama.

How to board the train from Nagoya Airport

Step ①
If you are coming from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, make your way for the main lobby where you can buy tickets. Buy a ticket for Nagoya Station or Gifu Meitetsu Station.

Step ②
If you are going to Nagoya or Gifu, take Track 2 which is on the left side and marked as red.

Step ③
Depending on your stop, get off at Meitetsu Nagoya Station or if you’re trying to go to Takayama, get off at Meitetsu Gifu Station (the last stop).

Step ④
After exiting the gates, turn left and go down the escalators. Across the street to the left is bus stop #6 in front of the Gifu Bus Information Office. To make a seat reservation, go into the office and reserve a seat. If already done, you can line up and board the bus for Takayama!

Hotels near Nagoya Airport

In the case that you have an early flight, Nagoya Airport has a actually very clean and modern capsule hotel called Tube Square, located on the B1 floor of Terminal 1. Rooms are separated by gender and come with a shower. You can book a room in time increments of 9 hours or 12 hours and reception runs late so you don’t have to worry about rushing! Off the premises are also a few hotels close by if you want a bigger room.

 

Nagoya as a Base

Nagoya is an ideal spot as a base to travel to famous towns such as Takayama, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Nara, and more! It’s abundant transportation network, central location, and cheap hotel prices make it a great option for savvy travelers.

Read more

Nagoya Chubu Airport Shopping/Dining


Before the boarding gates, located in Terminal 1 is a large shopping and dining area with a European/Japanese outdoor theme. You can grab your last minute souvenir snack shopping on the first floor while the second floor has a dining area with kebabs, curry, ramen, sandwiches, onigiri and even a Uniqlo! The spacious area boasts local food stalls, stage, a piano, and plenty of seating. Outside the dining you can even step onto the outdoor deck and watch planes fly off.

Nagoya Flight of Dreams

Nagoya Flight of Dreams is located in Terminal 2 of the airport. There are fewer flights departing here (often domestic flights). We recommend to budget an extra 30 minutes to get to this terminal because it is quite a lot of walking! The Flight of Dreams is a stylish area with bars, shopping, and a starbucks overlooking a massive real life sized airplane!

The airplane is available for all visitors to get close to. You can even enter the airplane and view the cockpit. It’s a great way to pass time in case you get there too early!

  • 2025.04.21

Takayama Festival | April 15th Information


Every year the Takayama Festival (Spring) is held on April 14th and 15th. April 14th is where most of the major festivities are held including the night festival. If you missed the festival on the 14th, don’t fret! You can still see the floats another day. On the 15th, the parade returns to the main shrine and several dances and puppet shows are held throughout the day. Depending on the weather, there are cases where the festival finishes early or is cancelled due to the fragile nature of the floats so please keep this in mind.

How to get to Takayama from Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka

Boarding AreaTime TakenBus FareReservation link
Tokyo (Shinjuku Station)~7 hoursAdult: 8,000 yen
Child: 4,000 yen		Direct bus
Nagoya Station~2 1/2 hoursAdult: 3,600 yen
Child: 3,600 yen		Direct bus
Kyoto Station~5 hoursAdult: 6,000 yen
Child: 2,750 yen		Direct bus
Osaka Station~6 hoursAdult: 7,000 yen
Child: 3,550 yen		Direct bus

Festival Schedule for April 15th (Tentative)


April 15th: On this day, a procession makes its way back to Hie Shrine where they departed the day before. There are also puppet shows put on through different times throughout the day. At the procession locals dress up in traditional wear and play music as they march back to Hie Shrine. There are also Shishimai (lion) dances that take place in front of the Takayama Historical Government House.

Takayama Spring Festival April 15th Schedule

Note: This is the basic schedule, however often schedules can be completely changed due to weather conditions so pay attention to live updates.

Marionette Performance #1　　　10:00 AM (around 15 mins)
Procession starts
(in front of Takayama Historical Government House )		　　　12:30 PM
Marionette Performance #2　　　2:00 PM (around 15 mins)
Procession ends at Hie Shrine　　　4:00 PM
The schedule is subject to change depending on weather (such as rain).

Takayama City decides and has live updates on which events are cancelled the day of found on their Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Takayama Float Locations (for the marionette dances)


*Each float has a unique performance. For example, the Shakkyo marionette includes a lion dance and lion transformation while the Ryujin marionette includes a blast of confetti. Floats in red show which ones are putting on shows.

12:30 PM

Get off at Takayama Nohi Bus Center adjacent to Takayama Station. I missed the lion dance earlier, but the streets were lively with a lot of tourists.

1:20 PM

Around Honmachi street, there are festival food and game stalls selling classic festival foods like chocolate bananas, sugar coated fruits, fried foods and more! Many local children were out with their friends playing games.


Similar to the Ponshukan Sake Museum in Niigata Prefecture, Takayama also opened a sake sample bar located in the souvenir store Maryuhyaku where you can sample 100 different types of the areas award winning sake, which is proudly produced in the area.



1:50 PM

After walking through the main streets and even doing some shopping, people started to make their ways to several different float stalls. I arrived 10 minutes early and was already far behind in the crowd!

Not all Takayama floats have puppets on them–my best advice is to see where the Japanese crowds migrate to (lol). Those with puppets will have a protruding stage in front of it for the doll. Floats with dolls on them are: Ebisu, Ryujin, Sanbasou, Shakkyo, Koukondai.

2:00 PM

The puppet dances start at each respective stall at 2PM and lasts around 15 minutes. This particular float (Shakkyo) was located right in front of the Takayama Municipal Government Memorial Hall. It did some pretty nifty tricks that were totally unexpected.

Hotels/ Lodging

Most guests opt to stay the night in Takayama to enjoy the festival and area at a more leisurely pace. The area is abundant in nature activities, luxurious foods like Hida beef, and natural hot springs. To truly experience the hot springs and hiking, the Okuhida region of Takayama has hiking trails, hot springs, and access to the national park Kamikochi. Next door is also Hida Furukawa famous for inspiring the anime movie, “Your Name” where many people enjoy riding bicycles by the rice fields. Lastly, the Kamioka region is a retro town famous for its outdoor bicycle experience on an old abandoned railway track!

 

Check more detailed information about the bus routes/ prices in the area: here

  • 2025.04.01

Cheapest way from Kyoto to Takayama by Bus

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)

Boarding time (from Kyoto)Arrival time (in Takayama)PriceReservation link
9:50 AM2:02 PMAdult: 6,000 yen
Child: 2,750 yen		Reservation
11:50 AM (From 7/19～ 10/23)4:02 PMAdult: 6,000 yen
Child: 2,750 yen		Reservation
4:45 PM8:57 PMAdult: 6,000 yen
Child: 2,750 yen		Reservation

*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.

Bus route schedule:
Kyoto Station (8:40AM departure)
Kanazawa (1:10~1:50PM) [40mins]
Shirakawago (3:10PM~4:40PM)
[1hr 30mins]
Takayama (ETA 5:40PM)

Price: 16,000 yen (both adult/child fare)
Check the website/ make a reservation

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.

Transportation MethodTime TakenCost
Bullet train (Shinkansen) + Express Train (Hida Express)~3hr 30 mins12,420 yen
Bullet train (Shinkansen) + Bus (from Nagoya)~3hr 30 mins9,720 yen
Direct bus from Kyoto to Takayama~4hr 10 mins6,000 yen

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
Shirakawago Observation Deck View in the Winter
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.

You can check the following bus routes here.

 








  • 2025.01.29

Going to Shirakawago by 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 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.

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 Details

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.

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 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.

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?