Nagoya to Shirakawago & Gokayama: How to get to and around Shirakawago & Gokayama

From/To:

1) How to travel between Nagoya and Takayama
2) How to travel between Takayama and Shirakawago

Gifu Bus, Meitetsu Bus and Hokutetsu operate multiple direct buses per day between Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station) and Shirakawa-go. Travel time is 2.5 to 3 hours, and the fare is 3600-4700 yen one way depending on the day of travel. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on this bus. Online bookings can be made through Willer.

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Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are two formerly remote regions in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture and Toyama Prefecture respectively. These days, the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway has brought them to within an hour of the nearby cities of Kanazawa, Toyama and Takayama.

Both regions cover a large area of mountainous terrain with a few small villages here and there. Among the villages, Ogimachi has the largest number of old farmhouses and is most easily accessible by public transportation. Ainokura and Suganuma are the nicest villages in Gokayama, but a little bit more time-consuming to access.

Ogimachi is the region's transportation hub, with bus connections to Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Takaoka and Toyama. The Shirakawa-go IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway is located just outside of the village.

The Gokayama region is located in Toyama Prefecture along the bus route that connects Takaoka with Ogimachi. Bus service along this route has much improved in recent decades; nevertheless, a rental car can still provide more flexibility and convenience for getting around, except during winter when driving can be hazardous. From Gokayama IC along the expressway, Suganuma is only two minutes by car, while Ainokura can be reached in about 15 minutes.

Ogimachi, Suganuma and Ainokura are all small enough to be explored on foot. Coin lockers are provided at the Shirakawago bus stop in Ogimachi.

Many tickets and passes are offered to tourists for accessing and exploring Shirakawago, Gokayama and surrounding destinations. Below are some of them:

Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass (19,800 yen)
Unlimited use of JR trains between Nagoya, Takayama and Toyama, and between Osaka, Kanazawa and Toyama, as well as of buses between Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Toyama and Takaoka. More details...
Shirakawago Gokayama Route Ticket (3,980 yen)
One way trip between Takaoka and Takayama in either direction, using Kaetsuno Bus between Takaoka and Shirakawago and Nohi Bus between Shirakawago and Takayama. Ticket holders can get on an off the bus freely between Takaoka and Shirakwago, but no backtracking is allowed. The ticket is valid for up to three consecutive calendar days and can be purchased at the Takayama Bus Terminal, the bus ticket counter at Takaoka Station and the tourist information desks at Shin-Takaoka and Johana stations.
Gokayama Free Kippu (2,500 yen)
Unlimited use of Kaetsuno buses between Takaoka and Gokayama on two consecutive calendar days, but not as far as Shirakawago.
Gokayama-Shirakawago Free Kippu (3,500 yen)
Unlimited use of Kaetsuno buses between Takaoka and Gokayama on two consecutive calendar days.
Takaoka-Shirakawago One Way Free Kippu (2,000 yen)
One way trip from Takaoka Station to Shirakawago on Kaetsuno buses with stopovers allowed, but no backtracking. The ticket is valid for up to two consecutive calendar days.

Questions? Ask in our forum.

English

Nohi Bus
Official website of the local bus operator.

Japanese

Budget:

- Shiroyamakan
  Luxury
  
  Historic Setting
  Shiroyamakan in Shirakawa offers a 4-star ryokan experience within a historic building. Guests enjoy river views and a tranquil garden setting.
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and tatami floors. Additional amenities include yukata, slippers, and free WiFi.
  Dining Experience
  A local breakfast is served each morning, including local specialities. Dinner options are highly praised by guests.
  Leisure Facilities
  The ryokan provides a hot tub, family rooms, and free bicycles for exploring the area. Free on-site private parking is available.
  Nearby Attractions
  Shirakawago is a 16-minute walk away. Other points of interest include Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village (47 km) and Takayama Station (48 km). Toyama Airport is 83 km from the property.
  View on Booking.com
  9.8Booking.com
- Onyado Yuinosho, Shirakawago
  Luxury
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Onyado Yuinosho in Shirakawa offers traditional Japanese rooms with tatami floors and mountain views. Each room includes air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and free WiFi.
  Relaxing Facilities
  Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and open-air bath. The ryokan also features a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine in a traditional ambience, a bar, and a lounge.
  Dining Experience
  The on-site restaurant offers Asian breakfast with local specialities. Dinner is highly praised by guests for its quality and comfort.
  Convenient Location
  Located less than 1 km from Shirakawago, the ryokan is 81 km from Toyama Airport. Nearby attractions include Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village (45 km) and Takayama Station (46 km).
  View on Booking.com
  9.2Booking.com
- Shirakawago Guest House Kei
  Budget-friendly
  
  600 metres from Shirakawago, Shirakawago Guest House Kei is set in Shirakawa and offers rooms with free WiFi. All rooms feature a kitchen and a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests. All guest rooms in the guest house are fitted with a coffee machine. The units will provide guests with a microwave. The nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, 46 km from the property.
  View on Booking.com
  9.0Booking.com
- CURIO Shirakawago
  Luxury
  
  Elegant Accommodation
  CURIO Shirakawago in Shirakawa offers a 5-star hotel experience with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a refrigerator, microwave, and free toiletries.
  Comfortable Amenities
  Guests can enjoy free on-site private parking, bicycle parking, and luggage storage. Additional facilities include a hairdryer, yukata, shower, slippers, and carpeted floors.
  Prime Location
  Located a few steps from Shirakawago, the hotel is 82 km from Toyama Airport. Nearby attractions include Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village (46 km) and Takayama Station (47 km). Guests appreciate the room cleanliness, comfort, and convenient location.
  View on Booking.com
  8.5Booking.com
- Minsyuku Koshiyama
  Budget-friendly
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Minsyuku Koshiyama in Shirakawa offers family rooms with air-conditioning, shared bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a TV, work desk, and wardrobe, ensuring a pleasant stay.
  Convenient Facilities
  Guests can enjoy a lounge, daily housekeeping service, bike hire, and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available, along with mountain views and a quiet street setting.
  Prime Location
  Located less than 1 km from Shirakawago, the property is 83 km from Toyama Airport. Nearby attractions include Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village (46 km) and Takayama Station (48 km).
  Guest Satisfaction
  Highly rated for its friendly host, convenient location, and excellent staff support, Minsyuku Koshiyama provides excellent service and comfort.
  View on Booking.com
  8.4Booking.com
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