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sean
sean
about 10 years ago
5 responses

Darn, you mean there is no way i could get to shirakawa by public transport? what about taking a train to takayama from kansai airport and then take a hida bus service to shirakawa instead of renting a car.

I have not driven in snowy conditions b4 albeit that i have driven in the united kingdom during winter. is it difficult journey drive to shirakawa with my wife and a 13 year old kid in tow.

avatar
Daniel-san
18830 posts
about 10 years ago
Expert

Hi Sean,

I looked at your previous post and let me first day sorry. Somehow I read that your arrival would be 6 PM! This would make it impossible to reach it the same day but 6 AM gives you ample time. Sorry I really have no idea how I missed that.

It is still quite a trip but here's how to go about it. First take the train to Kanazawa like this. You should arrive at Kanazawa between 12-13.00 as it is about 4H by train. From Kanazawa station you can take an express bus to Shirakawago.which takes an other 75-90 minutes.
buses only leave at 8.45 12.35 16.00 so you'd probably have to use the 16.00 bus however it would be possible to make the trip. Be sure to reserve your bus tickets the moment that you come to Kanazawa as the bus is by reservation only. Also you would have to stay the night in Shirakawago as there won't be any return buses the same day.

I hope this helps and good luck with your trip!
Daniel

PS: I'd still recommend at least considering renting a car from Kanazawa, simply because it allows you to come and go whenever you please.

sean
sean
5 posts
about 10 years ago

thanks heaps dan.

Its the drive to shirakawa ok? would the road be congested or dangerous (snowing and all) at this time of the year??
is it easier to drive fr kanazawa to shirakawa or takayama to shirakawa?

what would the cost be like to rent a medium size car for a day or two? i am not having any luck in booking accomodation in shirikawa itself hence i may be forced to put up a nite at takayama after the winter light up.

i m serious considering renting a car or even perhaps a charter one, any suggestion?

sean.

avatar
Daniel-san
18830 posts
about 10 years ago
Expert

Hi Sean,

Yes I think that you should have to problem getting there by car, Japanese drive on the left side of the road like the UK. Last time when I made the trip it was not difficult, roads where pretty much clean and are traveled a lot so you won't have to worry about snow hazards. Prices for rental cars start at around 7,000yen a day so this may actually be cheaper than going by express bus. You can check prices as eurocar.jp. I would recommend making the approach from Kanazawa as the route seems to be a little shorter.

Many accomodations in Shirakawago can only be reserved by phone, so you may want to try giving them a call.

Hope this helps!
Daniel

sean
sean
5 posts
about 10 years ago

Hi Dan

Thanks for the prompt infor. I shall try our car rental to achieve my mission which to visit shirakawa (since i cant find accomodation in any of the farm houses) then spend time at takayama.

thanks once again.

Sean.

sean
sean
5 posts
about 10 years ago

Hi dan,

Looks like i need one final input from. I was studying the various routes available to kanazawa railway station... i was wondering whether you are able to assist me in whether which combination will be most convenient for my family to adopt as i will be travelling with my wife and kid 13 hence there will be luggages being lugged around.

ps i have taken the plunged and booked a rental car for my last leg fr kanaZawa to takayama check in to a hotel and drive to shirakawa for the winter light up thereafter. as per your suggestion.
thanks heaps once again

sean

avatar
Daniel-san
18830 posts
about 10 years ago
Expert

Hi Sean,

Glad to hear you made the decision! I visited Shirakawago mid-March last year myself and it was very beautiful.

Also more than happy to help with rail travel between Kansai Airport and Kanazawa. The trip takes about 4 hours all together but the trains on which you'll be traveling are very comfortable and offer extra storage for suitcases in each compartment. First take the Haruka Express from Kansai Airport to Kyoto station. At Kyoto station you can transfer to Thunderbird Express to Kanazawa. Here is an example itinerary.

Let me know if I can help with anything!
Daniel


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