Kyoto to Shirakawago day trip

We offer private Shirakawago day trip

You can start from Kyoto, Osaka or other major cities along the Tokaido Shinkansen line. It is also possible to take this tour if you are traveling from Kyoto (Osaka) to Tokyo or vice versa.

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Are you staying in Kyoto and like to visit Shirakawago? Yes, it is a little far from Kyoto. Tours to Shirakawago are mostly available from Kanazawa, Nagoya and Takayama.

We propose another tour. If you can come to Gifu Hashima Shinkansen Station from Kyoto, or even from Osaka, our car takes you to Shirakawago. This route is not well known. But we think this is the best route to make a Kyoto to Shirakawago day trip.

Gifu Hashima Station is located in Gifu Prefecture between Kyoto and Nagoya. Only Kodama or some Hikari Shinkansen Super Express trains stop there. Nozomi skips the Gifu Hashima Station. It is an only 40-minute Shinkansen ride from Kyoto to Gifu Hashima (50 minutes from Shin Osaka Station). If you have a JR Pass, it covers the trip.

Shirakawago is 2 hours 30 minutes by car from Gifu Hashima Station. That means, you can arrive in Shirakawago around 11:30 a.m. if you leave Kyoto at the 08:10 a.m. Kodama.

We usually use a van (Toyota Estima or similar size), which has a capacity of up to 6 guests. If you are 4 or less, you can sit comfortably. If there are five or six of you, it is a bit cramped since three people sit in a row. We may prepare child safety seats if you are with children.

For a smaller number of passengers, we may use a smaller car. If your group is 7 or larger, then we find a larger car with a professional driver. If you like to have a luxurious Toyota Alphard, it requires additional fee. Please inquire.

Pricing

This tour typically costs 75,000 yen. This price includes car hiring, driver/guide, highway tolls, parking fees and fuel. Shinkansen tickets, admission fees, meals, etc. are not included in the price.

Tour guests are required to pay 10,000 yen as a deposit at the time of reservation. The payment of the deposit can be made by WISE, Revolut, PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer. The balance is to be paid in cash, WISE or Revolut before or on the day of the tour.

If you are traveling alone or as a couple and are looking for less expensive tours, consider package tours departing from Nagoya or Kanazawa. There are daily group tours from these cities.

Tour options

There are some options for this tour. The tour price remains the same. In the case of Takayama drop, the number of passengers will be reduced if there is a lot of luggage. Please consult with us first. Takayama drop/pickup options do not include Takayama tours.

• Shirakawago guided tour only
• Takayama 2-hour self-guided tour and Shirakawago guided tour
• Gokayama guided tour and Shirakawago guided tour
• Takayama drop after Shirakawago guided tour

Sample Itinerary

This itinerary is for a tour of Shirakawago only. It does not take into account bad weather or road conditions. If you also visit Takayama or Gokayama, your return time to Gifu Hashima Station will be 3 hours later.

7:54 Leave from Shin Osaka Station by Kodama 708 bound for Tokyo
8:10 Leave from Kyoto Station by Kodama 708 bound for Tokyo
8:46 Arrive at Gifu Hashima Station and meet with the guides
11:30 Arrive at Shirakawago
Lunch and tour in Shirakawago
14:00 Leave from Shirakawago
16:30 Arrive at Gifu Hashima Station
16:35 Leave from Gifu Hashima Station by Hikari 647
17:12 Arrive at Kyoto Station
17:27 Arrive at Shin Osaka Station

Further information and Contact

If you want to know what other travelers say about our services, click here.

Interested in this tour? please check our Shirakawago tour homepage. If you have any questions, please contact us through the link below.

Contact us from here for availability and price

Introduction to Shirakawago

Shirakawago lies in the heart of Japan’s mountainous Gifu Prefecture. This village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These houses have steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a glimpse into Japan’s rural past.

Historical Significance

The history of Shirakawa-go dates back over 250 years. The village’s unique architecture evolved from the need to survive harsh winters. The design of the gassho-zukuri houses allows snow to slide off easily, preventing damage. These houses also feature large attics used for silkworm cultivation, contributing to the local economy in the past.

What to See and Do

Visitors to Shirakawago can explore open-air museums and preserved houses. The most notable is the Wada House, the largest gassho-zukuri farmhouse in the village. Inside, you can see traditional furnishings and tools. Other attractions include the Shirakawago Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, an outdoor museum featuring 27 relocated farmhouses. Here, guests can experience traditional crafts and daily life activities.

Seasonal Beauty

Shirakawago is stunning year-round. In spring, cherry blossoms add a splash of color. Summer brings lush greenery. Fall covers the landscape in vibrant hues. Winter turns the village into a snowy wonderland. The illumination event in winter is particularly magical, drawing visitors from around the world.

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