Day Trip to Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Ainokura: Exploring Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites by Bus from Kanazawa
Shirakawa-go, a picturesque village that changes with the seasons, is one of Japan’s most popular destinations year-round.
But sometimes, you might think:
“I want to go, but I’m not confident driving…”
“I want to take beautiful photos, but I don’t know the hidden spots…”
“I want to visit multiple traditional villages efficiently!”
The Hokuriku Railway Regular Sightseeing Bus is the perfect choice. Today, we’ll introduce the highlights of the Shirakawa-go & Gokayama tour.
▼Trip Overview (As of May 2025)
- Departure: Kanazawa Station
- Route: Kanazawa Station → Gokayama Ainokura Gassho Village → Shirakawa-go Ogimachi Gassho Village & Gassho-zukuri Minkaen → Kanazawa Station
- Round-trip Fare: 7,000 JPY (adults)
Contents
What is the Hokuriku Railway Regular Sightseeing Bus?
This Sightseeing Bus follows a fixed schedule and route, allowing passengers to enjoy sightseeing along the way.
Highlights:
- Efficient day trips to popular destinations from Kanazawa Station
- Onboard guides provide local insights
- Luggage can be stored in the bus trunk, so you can start sightseeing right after hotel checkout
With a guide on board, even first-time visitors can enjoy the area with ease and comfort.
＞＞Check out the current tours!
Day Trip to Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
This tour visits Gokayama Ainokura Gassho Village and Shirakawa-go Ogimachi Gassho Village & Gassho-zukuri Minkaen in a single day.
Cost includes:
- Round-trip transportation
- Highway & parking fees
- Gassho-zukuri Minkaen admission
Prices:
- Adults (Junior high and above): 7,000 JPY
- Children (Elementary school): 6,000 JPY
Route & Tips:
- Reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance
- Arrive at the ticket counter 15 minutes before departure
- Buses depart from Kanazawa Station West Exit, Bus Terminal Platform 2
- All courses are reservation-based, but you may board on the day if seats are available
- Schedule and fees may change due to circumstances
The tour operates only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays until March 31, 2026 — book early!
9:25 – Departure from Kanazawa Station
Kanazawa Station is your starting point. Since the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened in 2015, tourism here has skyrocketed. Why not explore the historic Gassho-style villages like Shirakawa-go?
After checking in at the Hokuriku Railway Ticket Center, head to Platform 2 for departure.
The bus is stylish and comfortable.
Wi-Fi is available, but bring a portable charger as there are no power outlets.
The bus also features a GPS-linked multilingual guide system in Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. You can read text or use headphones for audio guidance.
10:35 – Hidden Gem: Gokayama Ainokura Gassho Village
We arrived at Gokayama Ainokura Gassho Village around 10:35.
With a stay of about 50 minutes, this quiet village is a true hidden gem.
Even on weekends, you can stroll and take photos without the crowds.
- Spring: Green shoots and rice paddies
- Summer: Lush greenery
- Autumn: Colorful foliage
- Winter: Snow-covered landscapes
Parking fees are included in the bus tour, so no extra cost for sightseeing here.
◎Basic Info – Gokayama Ainokura Gassho Village:
| Hours | 8：30～17：00 |
| Regular holiday | Open daily |
| Google Maps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/A4gvLT71e4MkhxEUA |
| Tel | 0763-66-2123 |
| Official Website | http://www.g-ainokura.com/ |
12:30 – Shirakawa-go Ogimachi: Famous World Heritage Site
Next stop: Shirakawa-go Ogimachi Gassho Village, arrival at 12:30 for a 3-hour visit.
A bustling tourist hotspot, especially popular with international visitors.
The village has restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
For quick lunches, try takeout options like Gohei-mochi, a sweet-savory grilled rice skewer, perfect for a light snack while exploring.
◎Basic Info – Gassho:
| Hours | 9:00 〜 16:00 |
| Regular holiday |
Thursday |
| Google Maps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/WQjLzkwjhSU65jLn6 |
| Tel | 05769‑6‑1419 |
| Official Website | https://shirakawa-go-gassho.com/ |
Gassho-zukuri Minkaen: Explore Traditional Houses
At Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, visitors can:
- Explore historic Gassho-style houses, shrines, and water mills
- Enter some buildings, including attics and upper floors
- Enjoy exhibits of local history
- Normal adult admission: 600 JPY (increasing to 800 JPY from Oct 1, 2025)
- Free with the tour by showing your tour sticker
Allow 1–2 hours for a relaxed visit. Watch your step on steep staircases inside the houses.
◎Basic Info – Gokayama Ainokura Gassho Village:
| Hours | Mar–Nov：8:40–17:00 / Dec–Feb：9:00–16:00 |
| Regular holiday | Mar–Nov：Thursday / Dec–Feb：No holidays |
| Google Maps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/vkee7wZr3fBML2Js9 |
| Tel | 05769-6-1231 |
| Official Website | https://www.shirakawago-minkaen.jp/ |
Enjoy Two Stunning Villages in One Tour
This tour allows you to fully enjoy both Gokayama Ainokura and Shirakawa-go Ogimachi in one day.
If you’re visiting Kanazawa, joining this Shirakawa-go & Gokayama bus tour is highly recommended — all-inclusive for 7,000 JPY, a fantastic value for a memorable day trip.
Your journey through Japan’s timeless villages is just a bus ride away!
>>For bus details, please go to https://japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/11900050001
Please go to “Japan Bus Online”.
The information in this article is current at the time of writing.
It may differ from the latest information.
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