Shirakawago Day Trip from Kyoto or Osaka

Private Guided Tour via Shinkansen & Car

Looking for the best way to visit Shirakawago from Kyoto or Osaka in one day?
This private day trip combines the speed of the Shinkansen bullet train and the comfort of a private car for a smooth, efficient, and scenic journey.

Please also check our YouTube video.

You’ll take the Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen from Kyoto Station or Shin-Osaka Station to Gifu-Hashima Station (about 45–60 minutes). Our English-speaking driver-guide will meet you at Gifu-Hashima Station for a 10-hour private tour to explore Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage village known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

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

Contact us from here for availability and price

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🚄 Why Gifu-Hashima Route Is the Smartest Choice

Many travelers think of starting from Nagoya or Kanazawa, but the Gifu-Hashima route is often faster and more comfortable for those staying in Kyoto or Osaka.

• No transfers required between Kyoto/Osaka and Gifu-Hashima
• Avoid Nagoya’s heavy highway traffic
• Smooth Shinkansen access (Hikari and Kodama trains stop at Gifu-Hashima; Nozomi does not)
• Quick connection to the expressway, making the drive to Shirakawago easier and more scenic

This route allows you to maximize your time at Shirakawago instead of spending hours on the road.

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🏔️ Model Itinerary (Example Schedule)

Time	Schedule
7:54	Depart Shin-Osaka by Kodama 708 bound for Tokyo
8:10	Depart Kyoto by Kodama 708
8:46	Arrive at Gifu-Hashima Station – meet your guide
11:30	Arrive in Shirakawago – guided walking tour and lunch
14:00	Depart Shirakawago
16:30	Arrive back at Gifu-Hashima Station
17:12	Arrive at Kyoto Station
17:27	Arrive at Shin-Osaka Station

Times may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions. The train timetable changes twice a year. Please contact us for the latest information and we will let you know.

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🚐 Comfortable Private Vehicle

We usually use a Toyota Estima or similar-sized van, accommodating up to 6 guests comfortably. However, if there is a lot of luggage, the capacity of the car will be reduced because the rear seats cannot be used.

• Passenger seat
• Middle row: 2–3 seats (child seat available upon request)
• Rear row: 2-3 seats

For smaller groups, a compact car may be arranged.

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📍 Tour Options

Optional tour fees are calculated by adding the hourly rate to Basic.

• Shirakawago guided tour only (Basic)
• Shirakawago + Takayama self-guided 2-hour visit
• Shirakawago + Gokayama guided visit
• Drop-off in Takayama after Shirakawago
• Pickup in Takayama before Shirakawago

Please contact us if you have large luggage or special requests.

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🏔️ About Shirakawago

Nestled in a remote mountain valley in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is a living museum, a window into a traditional way of life that has been preserved for centuries. What makes this village truly unique are its iconic farmhouses, known as Gassho-zukuri. As you look around, you’ll see dozens of these houses, some over 250 years old, dotting the landscape.

Gassho-zukuri houses

The name “Gassho-zukuri” translates to “praying hands style,” and you can easily see why. The steep, thatched roofs, angled at about 60 degrees, resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. This clever design is not just for aesthetic appeal; it’s a brilliant adaptation to the region’s harsh, snowy winters. The steep slope allows the heavy snow to slide off easily, preventing the roofs from collapsing.

For centuries, the multi-storied attics of these farmhouses were dedicated to sericulture – the raising of silkworms. This industry was the lifeblood of the village, allowing it to prosper in its isolated environment. As you explore some of the houses that are open to the public, such as the Wada House, you can still see the tools and spaces that tell the story of this fascinating history.

Local life in Shirakawago

Life in Shirakawa-go has always been a communal effort. The harsh environment fostered a strong spirit of cooperation known as yui. This tradition of mutual help is most evident during the re-thatching of the roofs, a massive undertaking that requires the entire village to come together. This deep sense of community is a vital part of Shirakawa-go’s cultural heritage.

Shirakawa-go’s beauty is captivating in every season. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the village in delicate pink. Summer brings a vibrant green landscape, a perfect backdrop for the historic houses. Autumn sets the surrounding mountains ablaze with fiery colors, and in winter, a thick blanket of pure white snow transforms the village into a magical winter wonderland.

During your visit, I encourage you to wander through the village streets, cross the scenic Deai Suspension Bridge over the Shogawa River, and perhaps visit the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum to see farmhouses relocated from surrounding areas. For a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire village, a short trip up to the Shiroyama Viewpoint is an absolute must.

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💴 Tour Price

• From 75,000 JPY per vehicle (tax included) for up to 6 guests
• Includes: English-speaking driver-guide, fuel, highway tolls, parking fees, and tax
• Excludes: Shinkansen tickets, meals, and entrance fees

Estimated Shinkansen cost: about 10,500 JPY per adult (reserved seat, return tickets)
JR Pass holders can use the Hikari or Kodama trains.

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🧾 Booking and Payment

You can pay in Japanese yen or an equivalent amount in major currencies. In some currencies, payments can be made by domestic remittance. Please contact us.

• Deposit: 10,000 JPY required to confirm your booking
  Payment: via WISE, Revolut, PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer
• Balance: Payable before or on the tour day (cash, WISE, or Revolut)

Cancellation Policy:

Please check our cancellation policy here.

In summary,

• Cancellation within 2 days before or on the day → deposit non-refundable
• In winter, if highways close or Shinkansen delays due to snow, full refund applies even on the day of departure.

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🗣️ What Travelers Say

See what other travelers say about our tours — [click here for reviews].
We’ve guided hundreds of guests from Kyoto and Osaka to Shirakawago safely and comfortably, in all seasons.

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🏔️ Why Travelers Love This Tour

• Perfect for Kyoto or Osaka visitors who want to see Shirakawago in one day
• Comfortable private car & English-speaking driver
• Smooth Shinkansen connection (JR Pass friendly)
• Avoid crowds and traffic around Nagoya
• Flexible itinerary options including Takayama and Gokayama

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🔗 Contact Us

For availability, price confirmation, or custom requests,
please [contact us here].
We’ll respond within 24 hours.

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