Nohi and Hokutetsu Bus operate almost hourly highway buses between Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go (see timetable). The one way trip takes 75 minutes and costs 2800 yen. Seat reservations are mandatory. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on these buses, but the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is. Reservations can be made via Japan Bus Online.
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:
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