Head north from Kyoto, towards the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps
Japan Experience
Head north from Kyoto, towards the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps
Japan Experience
SHIRAKAWAGO Bus Pass
Enjoy visiting Shirakawa-go with this pass!
You can visit the Shirakawa-go area with this pass from Takayama Nohi Bus Center (next to JR Takayama station).
With this pass, you can visit a Gassho-zukuri village, a Japanese mountain settlement in what was once considered a wild and unexplored region.
<For the cancellation policy, see the Pass Conditions button>
Why choose the SHIRAKAWAGO Bus Pass?
Your ticket to discovering the timeless charm and captivating scenery of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go village is the Shirakawago Bus Pass. This mountain town, which is well-known for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses, provides an insight into the rural customs and architectural creativity of Japan. You can easily travel to this historic location and beyond with the Shirakawago Bus Pass, which makes your trip both practical and affordable. The pass, which includes unlimited rides on specific bus lines in the Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Gokayama areas, is ideal for tourists who want to experience the tranquil beauty of rural Japan.
Highlights of the SHIRAKAWAGO Bus Pass
How to use the SHIRAKAWAGO Bus Pass
Delivery
We will send an e-voucher with a QR code to your email address within 5 business days. Please always check your junk mail folder, just in case it lands there. If you need the e-voucher sooner, please notify us and we will do our best to accommodate.
Exchange
- Scan or click the QR code on the voucher to access the e-ticket page (an internet connection is required).
- At the Nohi Bus Center in Takayama, show your e-ticket to the bus driver by clicking "Use".
- In Shirakawago, you can get free entry to Minka-en with this e-ticket. Please show it at the entrance after clicking "Use".
- To travel back to Takayama station, please go to Shirakawa-go Bus Center and show your ticket after clicking "Use".
Validity
This pass is usable for one day with access between Shirakawago, Takayama, and Gokayama (located in Toyama Prefecture).
The following are included:
- The round trip bus ticket between Takayama <-> Shirakawa-go (non-reserved bus).
- The entrance ticket for Minka-en folk museum.
Extra information:
- The voucher is valid for around 3 months from the purchase date. Please check the expiration date on your voucher for the exact expiry date.
- This pass is valid for ONE day, so you must make the round trip on the same date. (Eg: if you want to take a bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go on September 1st, you must take the bus back to Takayama on September 1st as well; you cannot take the bus back on September 2nd.)
- This pass is available to everyone, including foreign residents and Japanese nationals.
Cancellation and Modification
- No refund is possible after the start of use.
- Cancellation is possible up to 5 days before the voucher expiration date, as long as it has not been used.
- A 15% cancellation fee will be withheld from the refund.
Eligibility
This pass is available for all travelers, both with foreign and Japanese passports.
Go back in time at Shirakawago and Gokayama!
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are known for their characteristic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are distinguished by their steeply sloping thatched roofs made to withstand severe snowfall. With serene surroundings that make you feel as though you've entered a living postcard, these settlements have an enduring allure. In addition to learning about ancient crafts and exploring well-preserved homes, visitors may experience a way of life that is closely tied to the seasons and the natural world.
Takayama is a historic town known for its exquisitely maintained alleys and roads from the Edo Period, lively morning markets, and exquisite woodworking. It provides the ideal fusion of environment and culture, surrounded by the Japanese Alps. Additionally, the town is well-known for its spring and fall festivals, which are among the most lively and beloved within Japan.
