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How to Get from Kanazawa to Shirakawa

How to Get from Kanazawa to Shirakawa

Last updated: October 16, 2026
🇯🇵 Japan
Contents

The direct bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.[1] Shirakawa-go has no train service, so the highway bus is how most independent travellers get there from Kanazawa.[2]

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go by Bus

Hokuriku Railroad (Hokutetsu) and Nohi Bus run the service jointly.[1] Buses leave from Kanazawa Station West Gate, Bus Terminal 4.[3] The Nohi Bus timetable lists 9 departures from Kanazawa Station between 08:10 and 16:00.[4] Timetables can change by season, so check the operators' current timetable before you plan the day.

The one-way fare is ¥2,800 for adults and ¥1,400 for children.[4][3] The bus ends at the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal, about 1 minute on foot from the heritage village.[2]

Nohi Bus coaches at Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal
Nohi Bus coaches at Shirakawa-go Bus TerminalPhoto: Tbatb / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Fare, Duration and Reservations

ModeFare (adult, one way)DurationReservation
Highway bus¥2,800[4]About 1h 15min[1]Required on most services[3]

All buses except certain services run by Nohi Bus and Kaetsunou Bus require a reservation.[3] Hokutetsu links to online booking from its timetable page.[1] Shirakawa-go is busy at weekends, in the autumn foliage season and in winter, so book early for those dates.

Planning a Day Trip

For a day trip, the 08:10 departure from Kanazawa reaches Shirakawa-go at 09:25. A bus that leaves Shirakawa-go at 17:30 is back in Kanazawa at 18:45. If you continue to Takayama instead, the ride from Kanazawa takes 2 hours 15 minutes.[3] Check the time of the last bus home before you decide how long to stay.

Timetable

Kanazawa - Shirakawago Gifu More info / Tickets
Bus Kanazawa - Shirakawago Gifu $ 20.84 1h 15m
  • →  Standard 08:10, 08:40, 09:10, 09:40, 11:10, 13:00, 13:20, 14:00, 16:00

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Kanazawa to Shirakawa?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kanazawa to Shirakawa, including current prices and schedules.

How long does the bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go take?

The direct highway bus from Kanazawa Station takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

How much does the bus cost?

The one-way fare is 2,800 yen for adults and 1,400 yen for children.

Do I need to reserve the bus?

Most services require a reservation. Only certain Nohi Bus and Kaetsunou Bus services do not. Book ahead for weekends, the autumn foliage season and winter.

Is there a train to Shirakawa-go?

No. Shirakawa-go has no train service, so the highway bus from Kanazawa is the usual way to get there.

Where does the bus leave from in Kanazawa?

Buses leave from Kanazawa Station West Gate, Bus Terminal 4.

Can I visit Shirakawa-go as a day trip from Kanazawa?

Yes. The 08:10 bus from Kanazawa arrives at 09:25, and a bus leaving Shirakawa-go at 17:30 is back in Kanazawa at 18:45. Check the current timetable and the last bus home before you go.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] Hokuriku Railroad (Hokutetsu): Highway Express: Shirakawa-go and Takayama timetable and fares. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  2. [2] Shirakawa-go Tourist Association: Access. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  3. [3] Visit Kanazawa: Highway Bus from Kanazawa to Gokayama, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  4. [4] Nohi Bus: Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa: timetable and bus fare. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.