Express Bus Timetable From Takayama to Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa
The Nohi Bus Company operates express bus services between Takayama and several major cities as well as the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go. Note that some buses connecting Takayama with Shirakawa-go are operated by bus companies from Kanazawa and Toyama. Tickets for all buses can be purchased at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, next to Takayama Station. Buses for Shirakawa-go depart from Bus Stop No.4, right in front of the bus center. For full details regarding how to use the Shirakawa-go Express bus services, please refer to our ‘Express Bus From Takayama to Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa ’ page.
On this page you will find the following information:
— Key Bus Terminals for Your Journey
— Shirakawa-go Express Bus Timetable
— Buying Tickets for The Shirakawa-go Express Bus
— Shirakawa-go Charters & Taxis
— Discover Tours from Takayama to Kanazawa and from Kanazawa to Takayama
— 15 Things to Do in Shirakawa-go & Where To Stay
— Book With Us! Accommodation & Charter Packages in Shirakawa-go
KEY BUS TERMINALS FOR YOUR JOURNEY
Takayama Bus Terminal: Your Gateway to the Region
Located conveniently next to Takayama Station, the Takayama Bus Terminal—also known as the Nohi Bus Center—serves as a major transportation hub for exploring Gifu Prefecture and beyond. With direct bus routes to Shirakawa-go, Kamikochi, Shinhotaka Ropeway, and other popular destinations, the terminal offers seamless connectivity for travelers. Equipped with a ticket counter, rest area, and clear signage, it ensures a smooth travel experience. For detailed route and fare information, check out our comprehensive guide to the Takayama Bus Terminal.
Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal: Access to World Heritage Splendor
Located a short walk from the iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal serves as a vital link for travelers exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Offering regular services to Takayama, Kanazawa, and Takaoka, the terminal makes accessing Shirakawa-go convenient and stress-free. With its proximity to the village and on-site facilities like a ticket counter and rest area, it’s a key hub for visitors. For more details, see our guide to the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal.
SHIRAKAWA-GO EXPRESS BUS TIMETABLE
From Takayama to Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa / Toyama / Takaoka (northbound direction):
Several buses (R = Reserved) require reservations so plan accordingly. Reservations are available online.
Seats on other buses can not be reserved – you just buy your ticket and get on line. Considering how popular a destination Shirakawa-go is, you might wonder whether a non-reserved bus might fill up, leaving you there at the bus center waiting for the next departure. The Nohi people assure us that they provide extra buses to accommodate large numbers of ticket holders, so it is unlikely that you will not be able to snag a seat on a bus at the time you want.
Then again, things do – and have – happened. If you’re on a tight schedule, consider reserving a seat.
NOTE that many northbound buses continuing on from Shirakawa-go terminate at Kanazawa, but some do not, going instead to Toyama, Takaoka, or Maki. If you are going to Shirakawa-go, you will need to buy one ticket to Shirakawa-go and a separate ticket from Shirakawa-go to your next destination; you can not use one ticket for both legs of your journey.
From Kanazawa/ Toyama / Takaoka to Shirakawa-go to Takayama (southbound direction):
Unlike the northbound buses, which terminate in various places, all southbound buses leaving from Shirakawa-go go to Takayama. Remember, you may stay on the bus at Shirakawa-go and continue on to Takayama if you wish, but if you get off at Shirakawa-go you will have to purchase another ticket in order to continue on your way.
BUYING TICKETS FOR THE SHIRAKAWA-GO EXPRESS BUS
There are two ways to purchase bus tickets:
(1) At the ticket counter inside the Takayama Nohi Bus Center. You can pay with cash or credit card. Foreign currency exchange machine is also available.
(2) For buses requiring reservations, tickets are available online. As Shirakawa-go is an extremely popular destination, reserving your seat is highly recommended. Note that you will receive your e-ticket via your smartphone, but as of this writing you must print it out and hand it to the bus driver or attendant when you board.
SHIRAKAWA-GO CHARTERS & TAXIS
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a fully-accredited charter operator with the expertise to ensure your journey is safe, comfortable and convenient. With vehicles to accommodate single travelers, couples and families as well as groups of up to 45 people, we can transport you and all your luggage from downtown Nagano all the way to Shirakawa-go. Get on your way starting here.
We also have you covered for pick-up and drop-off anywhere in the wider Shirakawa-go region, including Kanazawa and Takayama, as well as more distant points including Nagoya, Tokyo, and even your airport. Which vehicle suits you best depends on your group size and amount of luggage. Learn more about charters on this page.
DISCOVER TOURS FROM TAKAYAMA TO KANAZAWA AND FROM KANAZAWA TO TAKAYAMA
Take the hassle out of planning your travel and book a tour with us:
From Takayama:
Embark on a picturesque journey with the ‘1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go.’ Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of these historic destinations, and choose to be dropped off either where you started or in Kanazawa at the end of the tour.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥20,800 / 22,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,000 / 14,000 |
From Kanazawa:
Discover the hidden treasures of Japan’s countryside with the ‘1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, and Wood Carving Village.’ Explore quaint villages, traditional culture, and breathtaking scenery at your convenience, and choose to be dropped off either where you started or in Kanazawa at the end of the tour.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 / 25,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,000 / 17,000 |
15 THINGS TO DO IN SHIRAKAWAGO & WHERE TO STAY
The villages of Ogimachi, Suganuma and Ainokura – collectively known as Shirakawa-go – are like nothing else in Japan. Ogimachi is the largest and most popular of the three, but they all leave a deep and lasting impression. To get the most out of your trip to Shirakawa-go check out our ’15 Things To Do Around Shirakawa-go & Where To Stay’ page.
BOOK WITH US! ACCOMMODATION & CHARTER PACKAGES IN SHIRAKAWA-GO
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a registered travel agent and tour and charter operator offering a full suite of services including accommodations, private charters, and a range of tour packages including both group and private options covering the Kanazawa/Takayama region. So get your game on and PLAN YOUR TRIP!
