For travelers seeking to explore both a historic castle town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a visit to Shirakawa-go from Kanazawa is highly recommended. Renowned for its gassho-zukuri houses, Shirakawa-go offers a unique glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture. Below are several transportation options for reaching this remarkable destination.
Note: The following information is accurate as of December 1, 2024. Please confirm details prior to travel.
1. Direct Bus from Kanazawa
Convenience: High
Travel Time: 75–90 minutes
Fare: 2,800 JPY (one way)
Direct buses operated by Hokuriku Rail Road (Hokutetsu) and Nohi Bus provide the most straightforward means of travel from Kanazawa Station to Shirakawa-go. With no transfers required, this option is both time-efficient and convenient, with travel times averaging 75 minutes.
Reservations can be made online and are highly recommended, especially during weekends or peak seasons, as buses may reach capacity.
For more information and reservations, visit the Hokuriku Rail Road website.
AND IF YOU Failed to make reservation, here are some options.
2. Train and Bus Combination
Convenience: Moderate
Reservation: Required
Fare: Train and bus fares apply
Nohi Bus and other bus companies offer bus routes to Shirakawa-go from various cities beyond Kanazawa, including Takaoka, Toyama, and Takayama. If you manage to reserve one of them, it provides good access to Shirakawa-go as well. However, please note that you’ll need to pay for both local or Shinkansen train fares in addition to the bus fare, and transfers between trains and buses can add travel time. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you may be able to use it on the Shinkansen train.
For more information and reservation, visit the Nohi Bus website.
JR Kanazawa station Shinkansen timetable
IR Kanazawa station local train timetable
Takaoka
Train to Takaoka: Approximately 40 minutes by local train from Kanazawa
Bus to Shirakawa-go: 1 hour 40 minutes; 3 buses in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, 2,200 JPY (one way)
Shin-Takaoka
Train to Shin-Takaoka: Less than 15 minutes by Shinkansen from Kanazawa
Bus to Shirakawa-go: Same bus from Takaoka
Toyama
Train to Toyama: Approximately 25 minutes by Shinkansen from Kanazawa
Bus to Shirakawa-go: 1 hour 20 minutes; 3 buses in the morning, with a one-way fare of 2,400 JPY.
Takayama
Train to Takayama: About 2 hours by Shinkansen and local express train from Kanazawa to Takayama (requires a transfer at Toyama station)
Bus to Shirakawa-go: 50 minutes; 8 buses in the morning and 10 in the afternoon. Some buses do NOT require reservations. The one-way fare is 2,800 JPY.
3. Non-reservation Bus Option
Reservations: Not required
Travel Time: More than 3hours
Fare: Cheaper; 870 JPY (train) and 1,800 JPY (bus), one way
Another option is taking a local train to Takaoka and connecting to the World Heritage Bus to Shirakawa-go. You do NOT have to make reservations and the fare is cheaper than taking a highway express bus.
The bus runs four times daily from Takaoka Station to Shirakawa-go. It is a 40-minute local train ride from Kanazawa to Takaoka and the trip from Takaoka takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Note that seats cannot be reserved, and boarding at the terminal station (Takaoka) is advisable to secure a seat.
World Heritage Bus official website
4. Join a Group Bus Tour
Convenience: High
Reservation: Required
Operation: Limited days of a week
Organized group tours are available for travelers who prefer a guided experience. These tours often include additional destinations such as Gokayama or Takayama, making them a convenient and informative choice.
Shirakawa-go/Gokayama/Takayama 1-day Bus Tour
This fascinating one-day tour is organized by the West Japan JR Bus Company and includes three must-visit locations; Gokayama, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, and returns to Kanazawa at a roundtrip fare of 6,800 JPY (cheap!). It operates on every Saturday, Sunday, and Japanese holiday.
For schedules and reservations, visit the 3つ星街道バス website.
The Japanese name of the tour is “3つ星街道バス”, which literally means “Tree-star highway bus.
World Heritage Shirakawa-go One-Day Bus Tour
White Ring Co. Bus & Tours also offers some one-day bus tours to Shirakawa-go. And an English-speaking guide will accompany you. The tours operate on limited days of the week and reservations are required at least one day in advance.
For schedules and reservations, visit the White Ring Co., website.
5. Taxi Charter and Car Rental
Convenience: High (charter), Moderate (rental)
Reservation: Required
Cost: High (charter)
For travelers seeking maximum flexibility, chartering a taxi or renting a car is an excellent option. This allows for personalized itineraries, including stops at nearby sites such as Gokayama.
Some taxi companies offer charter services, such as Fuji Taxi.
If you have an international driver’s license and experience driving in Japan, it is a good idea to rent a car and go on your own adventure. Winter travelers should take note of road conditions, as snow chains or winter tires are mandatory during the colder months.
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Conclusion
Shirakawa-go is a must-visit destination for its cultural and architectural significance. With a range of transportation options available, visitors can select the method that best suits their preferences and schedule. Advance planning is strongly recommended to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
