Visiting Shirakawa Go has long been on my travel bucket list—and I finally made it happen through a convenient and budget-friendly day tour from Tokyo. If you’re wondering how to reach this picturesque village from Tokyo and how to make the most of your day, here’s how we did it—starting from Omiya Saitama, with a one-night stopover in Nagoya.
Location: Toyoko Inn Nagoya Meiekiminami
Price/night: ¥7560 for two
We chose to stay one night at Toyoko Inn in Nagoya to rest up after the tour. The city is a good base for exploring central Japan and has convenient access to the Gifu region.
This place is clean, budget-friendly, and just a 15-minute walk (or a quick free shuttle ride!) from Nagoya Station.
The rooms? Compact — yes. But they’ve packed in everything you need: comfy bed, free Wi-Fi, AC that actually works, and even pajamas (yes, really).
Breakfast was a sweet bonus: a free buffet with enough variety to power your sightseeing or Shinkansen sprint.
For anyone looking for a practical, no-fuss stay with thoughtful perks and a great location, Toyoko Inn totally delivers.
Would I stay again? 100%.
To explore Shirakawa Go, Takayama, and Gujo Hachiman, we booked a 1-day bus tour on Klook for just ¥7000. It was a self-guided style trip, meaning transportation and itinerary were provided, but we had the freedom to explore each destination at our own pace. For us, it struck the right balance between structure and flexibility.
From Tokyo to Nagoya: Our Night Bus Journey
Our trip began in Omiya, Saitama, where we boarded a night bus bound for Nagoya. The overnight ride was surprisingly comfortable and a great way to save on both accommodation and travel time. We arrived in Nagoya early in the morning and grabbed breakfast at a cozy local favorite—Komeda Coffee Shop. Their morning sets are simple but satisfying, and the perfect way to ease into a full day of sightseeing.
Stop 1: Gujo Hachiman — Japan’s Town of Water and Craftsmanship
The first stop of the tour was Gujo Hachiman, a charming castle town known for its pristine waterways and traditional crafts. We had about an hour to wander its serene alleys, admire old wooden buildings, and even spot a few local workshops.
Despite the short time, Gujo Hachiman felt refreshingly untouched. It’s easy to see why this town is beloved by those looking for a slower, more traditional pace of life.
Stop 2: Takayama — A Taste of Old Japan (and Hida Beef!)
Next, we headed to Takayama, where we had about two hours of free time. Though lunch wasn’t included in the tour, Takayama is a great place to discover local food specialties.
We tried:
- Hida beef (Takumiya Yasukawa) – Roast beef bowl was juicy and tender, grilled to perfection.
- Miso dengaku (grilled miso on skewers) – sweet and savory
- Honey icecream– many shops offer free samples
The old town area of Takayama is beautifully preserved, with merchant houses, sake breweries, and souvenir shops lining the streets. Even with limited time, we managed to soak in the atmosphere and savor the flavors of this historic town.
Stop 3: Shirakawa Go — The Highlight of the Day
Our final and most anticipated stop was Shirakawa Go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These steep thatched-roof houses are designed to withstand heavy snow and resemble hands pressed together in prayer (“gassho”).
We had about 1 hour and 35 minutes to explore the village. While it’s not a huge area, there’s plenty to see:
- Cross the suspension bridge leading into the village
- Visit a Gassho-style house museum to see traditional interiors
- Snap panoramic views from one of the nearby lookouts
- Try local snacks like gohei mochi or soft-serve ice cream
Even with other tourists around, Shirakawa Go retains its rustic charm. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the sound of water running through irrigation channels, made this a memorable and calming experience.
How to Get to Shirakawa Go from Tokyo
If you’re not joining a tour, there are a few ways to reach Shirakawa Go from Tokyo:
Option 1: Train + Bus (Most Common)
- Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya (~1 hour 40 minutes)
- Transfer to the JR Hida Limited Express to Takayama (~2 hours 20 minutes)
- From Takayama, take the Nohi Bus to Shirakawa Go (~50 minutes)
Option 2: Highway Bus
There are direct overnight buses from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Shirakawa Go operated by Nohi Bus and Willer Express. Travel time is around 7 hours.
contact number: TEL (0577)32-1688
Option 3: Join a Guided Tour
For convenience, especially if you want to visit multiple destinations like we did, tours from Nagoya or Kanazawa (like our Klook tour) are a great choice.
Option 4: Car rental
Car rental from Nagoya would probably costs you between ¥5,000 and ¥15,000 depending on the vehicle type, rental company, and any additional services or fees.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to visit Shirakawa Go, combining it with stops in Takayama and Gujo Hachiman makes for a perfect day trip. The entire experience—from our night bus from Saitama to standing amidst Gassho-style houses—was seamless, affordable, and unforgettable.
For just ¥7000, the Klook tour gave us a full day of cultural immersion and scenic beauty. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or short on time, this itinerary is a great way to explore the heart of Japan.
