[Day trip bus tour from Kanazawa Station] Weekend only! World Heritage Shirakawago Day Bus Tour
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[Day trip bus tour from Kanazawa Station] Weekend only! World Heritage Shirakawago Day Bus Tour
By White Ring
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About
This is a weekend-only bus tour to and from Kanazawa Station.This tour will take you to Shirakawago, a World Heritage Site.The tour is accompanied by an English speaking staff, so it is safe for foreigners.Your guide will give you a walking map on the bus.You will also be guided in advance on highlights and souvenirs.Lunch is a Japanese set meal full of local dishes from the Hida region and mountain produce.You don't have to worry about food, so you can take a leisurely stroll.
This is a 9:30 bus tour from Kanazawa Station.You can also take the Hokuriku Shinkansen or the Limited Express Thunderbird from Tokyo, Nagano, Osaka and Kyoto for a day trip.The tour is scheduled to end at 15:30.You can enjoy sightseeing and shopping in Kanazawa before returning to Tokyo, Nagano, Osaka and Kyoto.
<Itinerary>
09:20 ScienceDaily JR Kanazawa Station Meet Kanazawa Port Exit (West Exit) Group Bus Stop
09:30 Hibs depart JR Kanazawa Station
10:45 - 11:00 Road Station "Shirakawago"
11:10 - 11:55 Lunch
11:55 - 14:10 Shirakawa-go Freedom walk
15:30 Group bus stop at the west exit of Kanazawa Port Station
*Schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to road conditions, weather, etc.
*Michi no Eki Shirakawago is closed from December 29 to January 1.On regular holidays, we will stop at Jottekale Castleside (Toyama Prefecture).
*The price of the trip does not include admission to each facility or meals during free time.
*Infants do not include meals.Bus seat prices only.If you require infant meals, please book as a child.
*Under 2s are free.Bus seats and meals are not included.
Notes
Please climb the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory yourself.Walking is about 10 to 15 minutes one way.A paid shuttle bus costs 300 yen one way (paid locally).
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 2-99
Duration: 6h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Japanese, English
More
- Japanese set meal using traditional food from the Hida region
What's not included- Meals are not included for infants. Only the bus seat fee will be charged. If you require infant meals, please book as a child.
- Transportation expenses, lodging expenses, food and beverage expenses, etc. in case of activities other than the travel itinerary
- personal expenses
- Medical expenses related to disability/illness
- Optional travel accident insurance premium
- The price of the trip does not include admission to each facility or meals during free time.
- Entry/Admission - The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses
- Start:
- Kanazawa Station West Plaza - Short-term Car Park, 1-chōme-6-802 Hirooka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0031, JapanJR Kanazawa Station Kanazawa Port Exit (West Exit) Group Bus Stop (About 1 minute walk from Kanazawa Port Exit, to the right of the taxi stand / Follow the signs for "Group Bus Stop") *Not on the rotary side of Kanazawa Station Kanazawa Port Exit (West Exit). *Does not depart from Kanazawa Station Kenrokuen Exit (East Exit).
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Near public transportation
- Stroller accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 181326P3- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 181326P3
From
$68.15
per adult
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Itinerary
- 1-chōme-6-802 Hirooka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0031, JapanJR Kanazawa Station Kanazawa Port Exit (West Exit) Group Bus Stop (About 1 minute walk from Kanazawa Port Exit, to the right of the taxi stand / Follow the signs for "Group Bus Stop") *Not on the rotary side of Kanazawa Station Kanazawa Port Exit (West Exit). *Does not depart from Kanazawa Station Kenrokuen Exit (East Exit).
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 606shaem0 contributionsA hidden gem!The Kanazawa tour blends beautiful gardens, historic samurai districts, and mesmerizing tea houses. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate. Highly recommend for a unique, peaceful Japanese experience!Written February 1, 2025
- patsandsox0 contributionsVery efficient/no hassle way to see Shirakawago and TakayamaOur group of 7 friends went on this tour on a rainy fall day---occasionally pouring rain; most important, the elderly gentleman who was the guide at the front of the bus spoke fantastic English (this is truly unusual) and was helpfulu throughout. Be aware that essentially all of the guidance is while on the bus; once we were off (in Shirakawa and then in Takayama) we are entirely on our own. Pacing is reasonable, a couple of hours in Shirakawa, enough time to see a couple of houses, and then hike or bus up to the nearby observation peak; nice full lunch in a separate spot (qualitiy was better than we expected); and bus to Takayama, charming, but we were hit by pouring rain! Everything was very much on schedule. It was an efficient and effective way to see both Shirakawago and Takayama. Would recommend.Written January 19, 2025
- lineslittle0 contributionsShirakawa go, go goWhat a great day! We were so happy with our tour guide, he was very informative. The shirakawago was amazing. So picturesque in the snow. We had 2 hours if free time, which was ample to explore. Take the lower roads, they less touristy with lovely cafes overlooking the river. Lunch provided in a traditional gassho house was amazing. The second village Gokoyama was even more surreal. Much less tourist, quieter and serene. Winter is amazing time to visit.Written January 13, 2025
- Destination7425780 contributionsJapanese umbrellas and geishaNozomi was such a wonderful guide on our half day artisan tour of Kanazawa. During the year-end holidays when most artisans are unavailable, Nozomi was able to arrange a session with a local Japanese umbrella maker. The session was educational and fun, with the artisan engaging my 9-year old grandson in the activities. As an added treat, Nozomi took us on a tour of the geisha district, including a tour of a typical geisha house. Nozomi was incredibly informative and really made the experience come to life. I recommend this tour (and Nozomi) very highly.Written January 8, 2025
- Seaside600627764340 contributionsDefinitely recommend.We really enjoyed this bus tour to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. Our host was very knowledgeable and friendly. He spoke both Japanese and English. We enjoyed the traditional Japanese style lunch in one of the village houses. Would definitely recommend.Written January 5, 2025
- RoxiesHolidays0 contributionsBreathtaking ExperienceWhen we left Kanazawa it had had a very light dusting of snow ❄️. As we emerged from one of the many tunnels at Shirakawa-go it was like a wonderland and the snow kept falling. Lunch was a tasty traditional Japanese cuisine. Our guide was very informative and was able to answer any questions. The next town Gokayama was a lot smaller and a small number of tourists. Both were exceptional in different ways.Written December 29, 2024
- alexandratravelsnow0 contributionsExtra amazing with snow!Very nice Japanese guide, he talked very enthousiastically. There are also toilet stops on the way which is nice and then even explained where the best photo spots are etc. Relaxing trip :)Written December 27, 2024
- Chris H0 contributionsA must do experience in Japan!This day tour allows you to experience the true history and beauty of Shirakawago and surrounds. Once you visit it is easy to understand why this place is World Heritage listed, a truly unique experience and one that I will not forget. Will likely return to experience the Winter Night Illuminations! The guides were informative and they provide an english translator.Written December 27, 2024
- 280johans0 contributionsComfortable, memorable, and perfectly paced journey through Japan’s heritage.We joined the one-day bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station to Shirakawa-go and Takayama, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The bus was comfortable, well-organized, and punctual. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging, adding interesting insights about both the historic village of Shirakawa-go and the charming streets of Takayama. Shirakawa-go offered breathtaking views with its traditional gassho-zukuri houses, while Takayama provided a wonderful mix of history and culture. There was enough time to explore both locations without feeling rushed. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to experience Japan’s traditional countryside in a smooth and memorable way. A solid 5/5!Written December 16, 2024
- StephieeeeeT0 contributionsUnhappy guide hurt this must do experienceThe villages are lovely and we totally recommend seeing them with a bus tour. There are a couple trips offered from Kanazawa and this one had a nice lunch and a good pace. Unfortunately our guide was having a bad day or generally didn’t like her job and, in contrast to the very happy and energetic Japanese guide, the English guide was not only hard to understand but acted like this was the last place she wanted to be. Not very fun when you are on holiday. The Japanese guide was super sweet and greeted us every time we saw him. The English guide just stayed on the bus with her head down. She also made comments that were so negative like “too bad you won’t see snow, you will have to come back when there is snow” before we even got there. And then, turned out there was snow and still she was miserable. Also, there is a lunch included which we missed. We are vegetarians and when we found out on the bus that there was lunch, the guide never said we could change our meal- or at that moment it was our only chance to change it. So when we arrived for lunch and requested vegetarian meals she said we only had a chance to change it in the morning. I used to be a tour guide and I know having someone leave such a review can put this guides your job into danger. But this person obviously doesn’t want to be a tour guide and it’s something we will remember for our trip to these lovely villages.Written December 2, 2024
- Sandra C0 contributionsStunning Scenery!I loved the scenery and the locations. The travel, lunch and organisation all went really well. My only slight change would be to have a little more information about what I was seeing, the people, their way of life and their culture.Written December 2, 2024
- rafaelcS6264IW0 contributionsRecommended tourThe trip was very good planned, everything on time. Our guide was fun and share a lot of interesting facts. The places visited and the food was awesome.Written November 6, 2024
- Angela V0 contributionsHighly recommendI really highly recommend doing this tour. I am very thankful that tour guide and bus driver waited for 5 minutes on me. Also there was much information explained and I do really appreciate that.Written October 12, 2024
- JeremyH_UK0 contributionsExcellent bus trip to fascinating old villageVery well organised tour. Guide spoke excellent English. Varied and very interesting traditional lunch. Tell them in advance if you're vegetarian. Sites explained on bus, then free time to walk around on your own, which was ideal for us. Beautiful scenery. Village and its old thatched houses unmissable for history of rural Japan.Written October 9, 2024
- timothycD659HT0 contributionsMemorable, well organised trip to Shirakawago.Excellent trip to Shirakawago and Gokoyama. It was well organised and had very good guides in English and Japanese. The scenery en route was very good and the two villages of traditional housing lived up to their reputation and were spectacular. There was also a very good Japanese meal included.Written October 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
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8
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Andy I
1 contribution
The tour started at the rear of the Kanazawa train station. I had to ask where the bus would wait for us. It was a bilingual tour. First the Japanese speaker, there were a lot of Japanese on the tour, would speak then the American born university student would interpret. If she did not know an answer, she would ask or look it up. It was great. I got a lot of information. The best part of the tour was we were able to park inside the town of Shirakawago. Other companies had to park farther away and walk to the town. Our luncheon restaurant was right next to our parking space! Lunch was good and was included in the price. It was Japanese and was tasty. The bus up to the observatory, you had to pay, was right next to us! You could catch the bus down but the walk down the mountain was not too bad.
I took many photos but the one place that our guide had stressed was not available. It was on the outskirts of town and I lost 30 minutes.
All in all, it was a wonderful tour!
I took many photos but the one place that our guide had stressed was not available. It was on the outskirts of town and I lost 30 minutes.
All in all, it was a wonderful tour!
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking part in our tour. We are glad to hear that you are satisfied with the tour content. Your detailed description will be very helpful to other travelers. Thank you again for your high evaluation.
Written November 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Madelene S
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
This tour was easily one of the best things about our time in Japan. Excellent customer service, features and facilities! I'd highly recommend this tour for anyone who's looking for an option to visit Shirakawago. Great value and the set lunch that was provided was beautiful. Even though it was pouring rain for the majority of the day, we still had the best time! Thank you so much!
Written October 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words. We are happy to hear that you were very satisfied with the contents of the tour, the original Japanese landscape and the countryside cuisine. Thank you again for your high evaluation.
Written November 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
eddiechan123
Hong Kong, China30 contributions
The tour was very well organised. Clear instructions. And sufficient time to see the whole Shirakawa-go village. It is ideal for someone who has limited time in Kanazawa to do this in half a day. The tour ends around 3:30pm so if you have only one day in Kanazawa this is perfect.
The traditional meal included on the tour was delicious and adequate in portions. It was the perfect fuel for the hike up to the observatory point and the rest of the visit. The bus ride to and back was very comfortable in a big coach bus. I’m glad I signed up to it!
The traditional meal included on the tour was delicious and adequate in portions. It was the perfect fuel for the hike up to the observatory point and the rest of the visit. The bus ride to and back was very comfortable in a big coach bus. I’m glad I signed up to it!
Written June 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for joining our tour. That is exactly right. This tour was created with the concept that you can come to Kanazawa from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka on a day trip and still be able to visit Shirakawa-go. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed both Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa.
Written June 24, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Explorer19059203644
3 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
Weekend of the Immaculate Conception spent in Lazio discovering wonderful places (Montecassino, Anagni, Sacro Speco, Isola del Liri). Tour organized with care and attention to detail (bus, guides, hotel). I highly recommend it.
Automatically translated
Written December 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benjamin C
Okinawa City, Japan17 contributions
One of the highlights of my trip to Kanazawa! Great experience with a really good tour guide who spoke excellent English. I highly recommend this tour!
Written April 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for taking part in our tour. We are very sorry for the delay in replying to you. We are glad that you had a meaningful time with our tour. Thank you for recommending our tour.
Written December 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alison K
Milford, PA2,953 contributions
Great day trip to Shirakawa-go. The bus stop was easy to find - we checked in with the bus company and they directed us to the bus (2 were running that day). We rode to the village, stopping once to do some shopping at a local shop then continued on.
The ticket includes a traditional meal. Ours was at Hakusuien. The meal was pre-set with a variety of small dishes - seated on the floor. Overall, it was satisfying, though a few dishes weren't our "cup of tea". The beef was very good and we wished there was more of it. We ate at our own pace and then were free to explore on our own.
After lunch, we went up to the observatory then visited one of the gassho houses recommended by the guide. During the bus ride, the guide provided suggestions to visit and tips to avoid the crowds. He passed around printed maps to everyone.
We met back at the location of the bus (outside the restaurant) at the designated time and returned to Kanazawa on time. The guide was very knowledgeable and made the bus ride fun, pointing out cool things along the way.
See my separate reviews for the restaurant and village.
The ticket includes a traditional meal. Ours was at Hakusuien. The meal was pre-set with a variety of small dishes - seated on the floor. Overall, it was satisfying, though a few dishes weren't our "cup of tea". The beef was very good and we wished there was more of it. We ate at our own pace and then were free to explore on our own.
After lunch, we went up to the observatory then visited one of the gassho houses recommended by the guide. During the bus ride, the guide provided suggestions to visit and tips to avoid the crowds. He passed around printed maps to everyone.
We met back at the location of the bus (outside the restaurant) at the designated time and returned to Kanazawa on time. The guide was very knowledgeable and made the bus ride fun, pointing out cool things along the way.
See my separate reviews for the restaurant and village.
Written July 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for joining our tour. Thank you for the helpful information for other travelers. We are very happy to hear that you were generally satisfied with the tour content. Thank you again for your high evaluation.
Written July 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim B
Nelson, New Zealand12 contributions
Perfect day trip from Kanazawa. The guide was fabulous. Wonderful English. Highly recommend. Plenty of time to check out the whole village.
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking our tour. Thank you again for recommending our tours. We are glad to hear that you had a relaxing time exploring Shirakawa-go.
Written June 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
aliciapuigfernan2020
Barcelona9 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We have had a great time, in our favorite and best hotel in the world for us, where we always find a very very clean atmosphere, everything very welcoming and very friendly people always willing to make our stay unforgettable, the room very clean and spacious, with good views of the sea since the hotel is next to the beach, the fabulous food every shift and especially very varied and freshly made, with lots of fruit, with variety for children and adults, we enjoyed the Mexican dinner in the hotel that is held on Saturdays and made us a great time, we were very sorry to have to come home but we always have the hope that right away we can return to the Sorra because it is a pleasure to be there, we feel like home always q we go and I feel very sorry for the bad reviews I read sometimes of some bitter q put them to hurt without being true what they put in them😡😡
Automatically translated
Written July 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. However, this does not seem to be a review of Shirakawa-go tour to us.
Written August 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
東京から金沢へ旅行する予定の日本人です。
質問1:この週末限定ツアーというのは、土日限定ということですか?
質問2:具体的なスケジュールを教えて欲しいです。
質問3:昼食はどのようなメニューが提供されますか?
質問4:英語と日本語の両方のガイドさんが同行されるのですか?
Written February 9, 2020
質問1: はい、土曜日と日曜日のみツアーです。
質問2: 金沢駅9:30出発です。帰りは15:40金沢駅着です。
質問3: 日によって内容変わりますが、飛騨地方の朴葉味噌と山菜など郷土料理です。
質問4: ガイドは日本人で日本語と英語で説明します、
Written January 8, 2021
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