Route from Tokyo to Shirakawa-go

Hi,

I am planning for a trip to Tokyo in end November and probably stating around Hotels at Shinjuku. I read about Shirakawa-go and was impressed by the farmhouses. I would appreciate if you could share with me the route and the types of transport and the estimated transportation cost that is required to travel from Shinjuku to Shirakawa-go. Alternatively, is there a local tour from Tokyo to Shirakawa-go?

Hope to hear from you.

Many thanks !

It is explained on the following page:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5953.html

Hi Japfriend. Shirakawa-go is lovely, but a LONG way from Tokyo. I suggest you plan to break the journey with a night or two along the way. If you like traditional stuff try Tsumago or Takayama. And if you go to Shirakawa-go, stay overnight for the full farmhouse experience. The Koemon is greatapparently - A friend booked it (and some other stuff) with Inside Japan Tours.

- Shirakawa Village: Tourist info
http://www.shirakawa-go.org/english/index.html

A route on which you utilize railroad as much as possible....
Shinjuku
| 20 min.: JR: Yamanote Line's inner loop train (for Shibuya)
Shinagawa
| 100 min.: JR: Tokaido Shinkansen HIKARI or NOZOMI
Nagoya
| 130 - 150 min.: JR: Ltd. Express (WideView) Hida
Takayama
| 50 min. or more: Nohi Bus
Shirakawa-go
If you start your trip from Shinjuku around 6 am, you will arrive in Shirakawa-go around 1 pm.
Transportation Cost (one way, ordinary class on JR, in November 2009):
- when you get there on the same date: 15,940 to 16,900 yen;
- when you lodge near Nagoya Station: 16,990 to 18,210 yen + some in Nagoya.
- Purchase all JR tickets together at once.
- JR cost for a round trip surpasses the price of a 7-day Japan Rail Pass (28,300 yen)
when you take reserved seats in a Shinkansen and a Ltd. Express.

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