Toyama City, though less famous than some of its neighbors, is a unique destination that beautifully blends natural scenery with modern culture. It is celebrated for its stunning vistas of the Tateyama Mountain Range, exceptional seafood from Toyama Bay, and a deep-rooted history in glassmaking and traditional medicine. This combination offers visitors a chance to experience the city's rich traditions and vibrant contemporary spirit.
If you'd like to read more about Toyama, you might be interested in our guides, "25 Things to Do Around Toyama," "Best Onsen Hot Springs in Toyama," "Best Souvenirs from Toyama" and "Famous Foods in Toyama."
Shirakawa-go is a historic mountain village in Japan celebrated for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. These traditional houses feature steep, thatched roofs resembling praying hands, a design crafted to shed heavy snow and provide a large attic space for silkworm cultivation.
Where is Shirakawago?
Shirakawa-go is a historic mountain village located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in a remote, mountainous region, it is often visited in conjunction with other nearby attractions such as the city of Takayama and the equally famous gassho-zukuri village of Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture.
Directions to Shirakawago from Toyama by Car
Feel free to click on this map and use Google Maps to get precise directions to the Shirakawago.
If you've rented a car and are looking to get to Shirakawago directly from Toyama, the route is relatively simple and takes around 80 minutes. This uses a toll road and the parking lots at Shirakawago also are paid lots.
For those renting a car for the first time in Japan, please prepare yourself for any differences in traffic laws compared to your home country. Remember that Japan drives on the left side of the road. Non-residents must have an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Japan.
Accessing Shirakawago via Toyama
Shirakawago is accessible from Toyama, so the city is a convenient hub to spend a few days in Japan exploring the immediate area, then setting off towards Nagano via the Alpine Route or the Kurobe Gorge. If you have decided against renting a car, there are a variety of other options available to you. Keep in mind, there is no train station anywhere near Shirakawago. We've listed the options below:
--By Public Transport
Shirakawago is directly accessible by bus from Toyama Station.
There are 3 buses a day from Toyama Station to Shirakawago. They are at 9:00, 10:10 and 12:00
The buses from Shirakawago to Toyama Station leave at 9:10, 14:10 and 15:30.
The one way cost is 2,800 yen.
Shirakawago is a good transfer spot if you are traveling to some other place in central Japan. There are buses that connect Shirakawago and Takayama, Kanazawa, Takaoka and even Nagoya. The buses after 16:00 to Kanazawa are usually sold out days in advance, especially in the busy season, so make preparations ahead of time! Check out our "How to get to Shirakawago..." from Kanazawa and Takayama pages too!
--By Private Tour or Charter Bus
Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Toyama area, and other regional destinations. We can also arrange for both custom tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
With door-to-door service, we can pick you up from where you are and take you to where you want to go anywhere in Central Japan and the neighbouring regions.
For more information, please check our standard charter rates or contact us for a custom trip. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Japan and help you discover even more!
Shirakawago General Information
Shirakawa-go's history is deeply tied to its unique architectural style. The remote, mountainous location made the village relatively isolated, which allowed the gassho-zukuri farmhouses to be preserved over centuries. These homes, with their steeply pitched thatched roofs, were not only designed to withstand heavy snowfall but also to provide space for sericulture (silkworm cultivation), a major source of income for the villagers.
The best time to visit Shirakawa-go is highly dependent on what you want to see. The most famous images are from winter, when the village is blanketed in snow and beautifully illuminated during special light-up events, though this season is also the most crowded and difficult to access. For lush greenery and a more peaceful experience, late spring and summer are ideal, while autumn offers stunning foliage and a comfortable climate for exploring.
When you visit, a must-do is exploring the many gassho-zukuri houses, some of which are open to the public as museums or lodgings. You can also enjoy local food and souvenirs at the main village area, with specialties including soba noodles and goheimochi, a grilled rice cake with a sweet miso glaze. The Shiroyama Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of the entire village, providing a perfect photo opportunity of the iconic landscape.
Tours and Charters Around Toyama
We are proud to offer a number of tours in the Toyama area, as well as charter services to bring you wherever it is you would like to go, including to destinations such as Kanazawa, Takayama, and Nagano. Please read on below for more information about our tours operating from Toyama.
On this walking tour, you will see the best of Toyama in one day, all on foot! First walk around the city and see the beautiful Tateyama Mountain Range from the top of city hall, visit a traditional medicine store, admire glass works at the Toyama Glass Museum before having some lunch. In the afternoon you'll get a chance to explore the famous traditional streetscapes of Ecchu Yatsuo! This tour is all you need to see the best of Toyama!
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen
- Spots:
- KanazawaKurobe Gorge
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
This a walking/scenic train tour that will take you through the deepest v-shaped gorge in Japan. There are so many excellent views that you will be shown by your guide as you walk the Yamabiko Walking Trail. After eating lunch by yourself in the village, hop on the train to to see the beautiful gorge with translation of the announcements, deepening your knowledge of the area and the train itself. Join us for a relaxing tour through beautiful nature!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Shirakawago worth visiting?
Shirakawa-go is widely considered a worthwhile destination due to its unique and stunning gassho-zukuri architecture and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, its immense popularity means the village can be crowded, and the mountainous location can make access challenging, particularly during peak seasons.
I want to go to Shirakawago, but public transport seems difficult. What can I do?
We have several tours to the Shirakawago running from Takayama and/or Kanazawa. Leave it all to us, and we'll make sure you get the best sights of the region so you can get the most out of your trip!
When is the best time to visit Shirakawago?
The best time to visit Shirakawa-go depends on your preferred scenery and travel style. While the village is most famous during winter for its magical snow-covered landscape and special light-up events, this is also the most crowded and logistically challenging time to visit. In contrast, spring and summer offer lush greenery and a vibrant landscape with a more peaceful atmosphere, while autumn provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains blanketed in vibrant foliage, making it another beautiful and popular choice.
