Nagoya, the central gateway of Japan, is a manufacturing and business hub. Some say it’s a boring city, but I don’t agree with this. It’s probably one of the best base if you plan to see the Japanese Alps and its surrounding ancient villages. The city is also a great food and shopping destination. If you’ve recently snagged a seat sale to Nagoya, and you want to know how to get to Shirakawa-go from Nagoya, then this travel guide might be useful!
How to get to Shirakawa-go from Nagoya
Option # 1 (Nagoya – Takayama – Shirakawa-go for JR Pass Holders)
Thinking of exploring Takayama first before Shirakawa-go? Then this option is for you. Board a Limited Express Train or Local Train from Nagoya to Takayama. You can get your bus tickets to Shirakawa-go at Takayama Hida Bus Center located next to JR Takayama Station. Train rides are covered by JR Pass but bus tickets are not.
You can get your JR Pass (7, 14, or 21 Days) here.
Option # 2 (Gifu Bus for Non-JR Pass Holders)
If your base is Nagoya and you would like to go to Shirakawa-go as a side trip, then you may take Gifu Bus at Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station. Travel time is roughly 3 hours and one way bus fare is JPY 3,900.
Option # 3 (Takayama – Hokuriku Pass for Non-JR Pass Holders)
For Non-JR Pass holders, you may take advantage of the Takayama – Hokuriku Pass if you will be travelling by train and bus between Osaka with Kanazawa and Toyama or Nagoya with Takayama and Toyama for 5 consecutive days. The price is JPY 14,000 (50% reduced rates to children aged 6-11), which provides unlimited use of JR Trains and buses in the area covered.
Option # 4 (Shoryudo Highway Bus Ticket for Non-JR Pass Holders)
For Non-JR Pass holders, you may also consider getting a Shoryudo Highway Bus Ticket, which provides unlimited use of buses between Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa. It also caters bus transport from/to Nagoya’s Central Japan International Airport Centrair. The Shoryudo Highway Bus Ticket is valid for three (JPY 7,000) or five consecutive days (JPY 14,000).