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Takayama gets busier every year, and it has become one of the most popular places in Japan for international visitors. I was born and raised here, and I’m genuinely proud of this town’s traditions and culture. On this site, I want to share the things only a local would know: experiences where you can feel the real Japan, places to stay, neighborhood sento (public baths), and the best spots for street food.
Let’s start with the question I hear most often: “How do I get to Shirakawa-go?” Most visitors fly into Chubu Centrair Airport near Nagoya, so this guide covers the whole journey, from the airport to Takayama and Shirakawa-go, plus what to do when buses are sold out or delayed by snow.
Quick answer
- Centrair Airport to Nagoya: Meitetsu train, about 30 minutes
- Nagoya to Takayama: highway bus (about 2 hours 45 minutes) or Limited Express Hida train (about 2.5 hours)
- Nagoya to Shirakawa-go: direct highway bus (about 2 hours 40 minutes)
- Takayama to Shirakawa-go: Nohi Bus, about 50 minutes, 2,800 yen one way
- Book early: trains and buses in this area often sell out
- My tip: highway buses guarantee you a seat and carry your big luggage underneath, which makes the trip much easier
- Traveling from November to March? Book one bus earlier than you think you need
Book early: seats sell out
This is my number one tip. Takayama and Shirakawa-go are popular, and the trains and buses that serve them are not huge. In spring and autumn festival seasons, autumn leaves, winter snow and Japanese holidays, reserved seats often sell out. As soon as your dates are fixed, book your seats.
Step 1: Centrair Airport to Nagoya
Take the Meitetsu train from the airport station, which is connected to the terminal.
- Meitetsu μSKY (Mu-Sky): the fastest option, about 28 minutes to Meitetsu Nagoya Station. All seats are reserved, so you need a “μticket” (seat ticket) on top of the regular fare.
- Meitetsu Limited Express: a little slower (about 38 minutes) and a little cheaper.
- Note: the Japan Rail Pass does not cover Meitetsu trains.
Leave yourself plenty of time after landing. Immigration, baggage claim and customs can take an hour or more, and flights can be delayed. I don’t recommend booking a train or bus out of Nagoya that leaves soon after your landing time.
Step 2: Nagoya to Takayama or Shirakawa-go
You have three good options.
Option A: Highway bus to Takayama
Buses run from the Meitetsu Bus Center (next to Meitetsu Nagoya Station) to Takayama in about 2 hours 45 minutes, via Gujo-Hachiman. Reservations are required.
Option B: Direct highway bus to Shirakawa-go
If you want to go straight to Shirakawa-go, direct buses run from the Meitetsu Bus Center in about 2 hours 40 minutes. All seats are reserved, and some buses continue on to Kanazawa. Fares can change depending on the date, so check when you book.
Option C: Limited Express Hida train to Takayama
The JR Limited Express Hida runs from JR Nagoya Station to Takayama in about 2 hours 30 minutes, with around 10 trains a day. The views of the Hida River gorge are beautiful. There are reserved seats, non-reserved seats and Green Car (first class) seats, but during busy periods all seats become reserved, so book ahead. From Takayama, take the Nohi Bus to Shirakawa-go (see below).
Which should you choose? My personal recommendation is the bus. Highway buses on these routes are reserved, so once you’ve booked, you’re guaranteed a seat, and you can put your large suitcase in the luggage compartment under the bus instead of carrying it on board. After a long flight, that makes the journey much easier. The Hida train is a great choice too, especially for the scenery, but in busy seasons the non-reserved cars can be crowded. If you’re staying in Takayama first, take the bus or the Hida train to Takayama. If you want to see Shirakawa-go first and then continue to Kanazawa, the direct bus from Nagoya is the easiest.
Step 3: Takayama to Shirakawa-go
The Nohi Bus runs from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center (right next to JR Takayama Station) to Shirakawa-go in about 50 minutes. There are around 16 round trips a day, and the fare is 2,800 yen one way.
Reserved buses vs. non-reserved buses
This is the part most people miss. There are two kinds of buses on this route:
- Reserved buses: you must book a seat in advance. These are usually the buses that continue on to Kanazawa, Toyama or Takaoka.
- Non-reserved buses: no booking needed. You buy a ticket and line up, and seats go to whoever is in line first.
On the official timetable, reserved buses are marked with an “R”.
How to book a reserved seat online
- Go to Japan Bus Online (japanbusonline.com) and search for the “Takayama/Shirakawa-go-Takaoka/Toyama/Kanazawa Line”.
- Choose Takayama Nohi Bus Center as your departure and Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi) as your arrival.
- Pick your date and bus. Bookings open about one month ahead, so set a reminder.
- Pay by credit card and save your confirmation email.
- Read the confirmation carefully. It tells you whether you need to show a printed ticket, a mobile ticket, or exchange your booking at the counter before boarding.
If you have the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass, you can’t book online. Call the Nohi Bus Reservation Center instead: +81-577-32-1688 (9:00am to 5:00pm Japan time).
Buying a ticket on the day (non-reserved buses)
Buy your ticket at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center counter (credit cards accepted) or as a mobile ticket on the day of travel. In busy periods, Nohi Bus adds extra buses, but you may get a fold-down seat, or have to wait for the next bus if everything is full. Arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes early.
Snow season: book one bus earlier
In this area, snow can start falling in November, and winter weather can ruin a carefully planned schedule.
Nohi Bus warns that buses can be delayed by two hours or more because of heavy snow, expressway closures, or traffic from cars waiting to park at Shirakawa-go. Fares are not refunded for delays.
So here’s my advice: if you have something fixed later that day, such as a train, a flight, a hotel check-in with dinner, or a booked tour, reserve one bus earlier than you think you need. Waiting an extra hour at the station is much better than missing your connection.
A few more winter tips:
- Check the operating status on the Nohi Bus “Bus Service Information” page on the morning you travel.
- Avoid same-day flights from Centrair after visiting Shirakawa-go if you can.
- Wear waterproof boots with good grip. The village paths can be icy.
- Only drive if you’re confident on snowy mountain roads and your car has winter tires. For most visitors, the bus is the safer choice.
The bus is sold out. Now what?
- Take a non-reserved bus. Look for buses without an “R” and line up early.
- Change your time, not your day. Early buses often have more space, and Shirakawa-go is more peaceful before the crowds arrive.
- Reverse your route. Try visiting Shirakawa-go on the way to or from Kanazawa or Toyama instead.
- Join a day tour. Guided day trips include transport, so you don’t need to worry about bus seats.
- Try a Nohi Bus sightseeing tour, including one that combines Shirakawa-go with Gokayama Ainokura, another thatched-roof village.
- Taxi or private car. It’s expensive, but it can work for small groups. Ask the tourist information office near Takayama Station for help.
Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2027
The winter light-up is Shirakawa-go’s most famous event, and one of the hardest tickets to get.
- 2027 dates: January 11, 17, 24 and 31
- There are no regular buses back to Takayama after the light-up, so the easiest way to go is the Nohi Bus Light-Up Bus Tour from Takayama.
- Tickets go on sale online at 2:00pm Japan time on October 13, October 19, October 26 and November 2, 2026 (one sale date for each light-up date).
- What time is 2:00pm Japan time where you are? US West Coast & Vancouver: 10:00pm the day before (9:00pm on November 1 for the November 2 sale). US East Coast & Toronto: 1:00am the same day (midnight for the November 2 sale). Sydney & Melbourne: 4:00pm the same day.
- Tours are online only and sell out fast. Have your credit card ready.
Going on to Kanazawa or Toyama
Many buses continue past Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa, Toyama and Takaoka. A popular plan is to leave Takayama in the morning, spend a few hours in Shirakawa-go, and continue to Kanazawa in the afternoon. Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa is 2,800 yen one way, and large luggage can go in the bus trunk.
FAQ
Can I visit Shirakawa-go as a day trip from Takayama?
Yes. With around 16 buses a day, a half-day or full-day trip is easy.
Can I go from Centrair Airport to Takayama in one day?
Yes. Take the train to Nagoya, then a highway bus or the Hida train to Takayama. Just leave a good buffer after your flight lands.
Should I take the bus or the train from Nagoya?
I recommend the bus. Your seat is guaranteed once you book, and your suitcase goes under the bus, so the trip is much more relaxing. The Hida train is great for scenery, but it can be crowded in busy seasons.
Do I need to book in advance?
For reserved buses and busy-season trains, yes. Even when it’s not required, booking early is the best way to avoid stress.
Is there a toilet on the bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go?
No. The trip is short, but use the restroom at the bus center before boarding.
Information last checked: October 2026. Fares and timetables can change, so always check the official Nohi Bus, JR Central and Meitetsu websites before you travel.
About the author: I’m Kojiro. I was born and raised in Takayama and lived there for 18 years, and I now live in Aichi. On Japan with Kojiro, I share the practical, local tips I wish every visitor knew before their trip.