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Option 1: Direct Bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go (Most Popular Choice)
The direct bus is what 80% of tourists take. Just 75 minutes through the mountains and you're there.
Grab a window seat on the right side if you can. After about 40 minutes, you start climbing into the mountains and the views are beautiful, especially in autumn or winter. The left side just shows the mountain wall most of the time.
The bus makes one stop at Gokayama, which is actually another historic village about 30 minutes before Shirakawa-go. Don't get off there by mistake - wait for the driver to clearly announce "Shirakawa-go" in English.
Though honestly, if you have time on a future trip, Gokayama is worth visiting. It's smaller and less touristy than Shirakawa-go.
Basic Information You Need
Cost: 2,000 yen one way, 3,600 yen round trip (about $14/$25)
Time: 75 minutes direct
Operator: Nohi Bus and Hokutetsu Bus (they share the same service)
Where to catch it: Kanazawa Station East Exit, Platform 2
Where it drops you: Shirakawa-go village center
Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go Bus Timetable (Peak Season & Winter)
| Item | March to November (Peak Season) | December to February (Winter) |
|---|---|---|
| First bus from Kanazawa | 8:40 AM | 4:50 PM |
| Last bus back from Shirakawa-go | 8:10 PM | 4:15 PM |
| Frequency | Every 1–2 hours (about 8 buses/day) | 4–5 buses per day |
How to Book Your Tickets (Do This First!)
You must book ahead. The bus only has 45 seats and sells out, especially April to November. Three ways to book:
Go to Japan Bus Online (Easiest). The English site works fine. You'll get a QR code by email. At the station, scan it at the ticket machine next to Platform 2 to get physical tickets. Do this 15 minutes before departure.
At Kanazawa Station: Hokutetsu ticket counter near the East Exit. Open 6 AM to 8 PM. They speak basic English. Best if you're buying tickets a day before.
By PhoneCall 0577-32-1688 (Nohi Bus). English speakers available 9 AM to 5 PM. Useful for last-minute bookings.
Finding the Bus at Kanazawa Station & Arrival at Shirakawa-go
Exit through the East Exit (follow signs for "Kenrokuen"). Turn right immediately after the exit doors. Walk 30 seconds. Platform 2 is clearly marked with "Shirakawa-go" in English.
When You Arrive: The bus drops you at a big parking area that might seem like the middle of nowhere. You'll see everyone walking toward a suspension bridge. Follow them. It's about a 5-minute walk across the bridge to the actual village.
Option 2: Kanazawa to Shirakawago Train and Bus Combination
Sometimes the direct bus is fully booked, or maybe you have a JR Pass and want to use it. That's when these train-bus combinations become your friend. Takaoka, Toyama, Takayama are the stops. Experience Japan at Bullet Train Speed >>
Quick Comparison of All Transfer Routes
| Route | Total Time | Total Cost (without JR Pass) | Total Cost (with JR Pass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via Takayama | 2h 50min | ¥6,000 | ¥2,600 |
| Via Shin-Takaoka | 1h 55min | ¥3,610 | ¥1,800 |
| Via Toyama | 2h 10min | ¥4,590 | ¥1,730 |
The Shin-Takaoka Route (Easiest with JR Pass)
You take the Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Shin-Takaoka (just 14 minutes!), then catch a bus to Shirakawa-go from there.
The Shinkansen runs every 30 minutes from Kanazawa to Shin-Takaoka. With a JR Pass, this ride is free. At Shin-Takaoka Station, walk to the bus stop out front (it's literally 50 meters from the station exit).
The Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus runs from here to Shirakawa-go, taking about 70 minutes and costing 1,800 yen.
The Toyama Route (More Options, More Complex)
Toyama is a bigger city between Kanazawa and Takayama. ou want backup options or might explore Toyama itself. Take the Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Toyama (20 minutes), then catch a bus to Shirakawa-go (90 minutes).
The Shinkansen to Toyama runs every 20-30 minutes and is free with a JR Pass. Without a pass, it's 2,860 yen. The bus from Toyama to Shirakawa-go costs 1,730 yen and runs about 5 times daily.
The Takayama Route (The Classic Stop)
The city itself is gorgeous - they call it "Little Kyoto" - and the connections actually work well. You take the Limited Express Hida from Kanazawa to Takayama (90 minutes), then hop on a bus to Shirakawa-go (50 minutes).
If you have time between connections, Takayama's old town is a 10-minute walk away. Even with just an hour, you can try Hida beef sushi at the station or grab amazing coffee at a local shop.
The morning market (until noon) sells local pickles and crafts. Some people actually prefer spending the morning in Takayama and afternoon in Shirakawa-go.
Takayama to Shirakawago: Bus & Travel Guide (2026)
Hida Takayama Map: Tourist, Old Town & Walking Map (2025)
Option 3: Join a Tour (Best for First Timer)
Sometimes a tour just makes sense. You're already dealing with a new language, different money, and unfamiliar trains. Let someone else handle the bus tickets and restaurant reservations while you enjoy the scenery.
Traveling in winter & Going during peak season. Cherry blossom and autumn buses sell out three weeks ahead. Tours keep reserved seats, so they're often your only option if you didn't plan far ahead.
Asia Odyssey Travel runs small groups from our Tokyo office - just 16 people max, not those huge 40-person tours. They'll tell you stories about the villages, not just read from a script. Email us anytime - we answer within 24 hours, even weekends.
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Option 4: Rent a Car or Take a Taxi
Renting a Car: A basic car costs 6,000-8,000 yen per day, plus 1,500 yen in highway tolls each way. Gas adds another 2,000 yen. Rent a car if you're comfortable driving on the left side, want to explore beyond just Shirakawa-go, or are traveling with family or a group.
Taking a Taxi: A taxi from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go costs about 25,000-30,000 yen one way.
Some hotels can arrange shared taxis with other guests going the same direction. Costs drop to about 8,000 yen per person. Ask your concierge - they know which taxi companies are reliable for mountain routes.
Kanazawa to Shirakawago Day Trip vs Overnight Stay
Day Trip from Kanazawa
Most visitors do Shirakawa-go as a day trip - it's the standard approach. Take the morning bus from Kanazawa, spend 4-5 hours in the village, return by evening.
You'll see all the main sights: the traditional houses, the viewpoint for photos, maybe go inside one or two house museums. It's enough to understand why this place is special.
Staying Overnight
After the last bus leaves at 5 PM, the village transforms. Locals emerge, tourist shops close, and you see real village life.
The overnight strategy is simple: arrive late afternoon when crowds are leaving, or take your time getting there with stops in Takayama or Gokayama.
Spend two mornings and one full day exploring not just Shirakawa-go but nearby villages too. You can walk to neighboring Ogimachi or take local buses to quieter spots day-trippers never reach.
What to See Between Kanazawa and Shirakawago
The journey between Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go passes through beautiful mountain scenery, and there are several worthwhile stops if you're driving or have flexibility with your transport.
Gokayama Villages
Just 20 minutes before Shirakawa-go, Gokayama has the same UNESCO-listed thatched houses but fewer tourists. The two main villages are Ainokura (23 houses) and Suganuma (9 houses).
They're smaller and quieter than Shirakawa-go - what Shirakawa-go was like 20 years ago.
Takayama
If you're transferring through Takayama, the old town is a 10-minute walk from the station. Even with just an hour between connections, you can explore Sanmachi Suji - streets lined with 200-year-old wooden buildings, sake breweries, and craft shops.
The morning market (daily until noon) sells local pickles and crafts. Try Hida beef sushi at the station - it's Takayama's famous snack.
Takayama to Shirakawago: Bus & Travel Guide (2026)
Hida Takayama Map: Tourist, Old Town & Walking Map (2025)
White Road (Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road)
If driving between June and November, consider the White Road - a mountain toll road with waterfalls, hot springs, and spectacular views. It adds 90 minutes and 1,700 yen to your journey but shows you wild Japan. Closed in winter due to snow.
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FAQs about Traveling to Shirakawago from Kanazawa
1. How far is Shirakawa-go from Kanazawa?
It's 70 kilometers (43 miles), taking 75 minutes by direct bus or about an hour by car through mountain roads.
2. Is Shirakawa-go Worth Visiting in Winter?
Absolutely. Snow-covered houses are the postcard view everyone wants. Roads can close 5-10 days per winter, so have flexible plans. Tours are more reliable than buses in bad weather.
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3. How Much Time Do I Need in Shirakawa-go?
Half a day (4-5 hours) covers the main sights. You can walk the village, visit 1-2 house museums, climb the viewpoint, and have lunch. Stay overnight for the real experience without crowds.
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Discover Shirakawa-go & Japan with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel
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