Shirakawa-gotoKanazawa

Shirakawago

Shirakawa-go’s UNESCO-listed Ogimachi village is famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, traditional craft culture, and beautiful seasonal scenery. If you’re heading from Shirakawago to Kanazawa, a highway bus is the most convenient and budget-friendly way to travel—direct access with no complicated transfers, comfortable seating, and scenic mountain views along the route.

The bus ride to Kanazawa typically takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the service you choose. This makes it perfect for a day trip or a relaxed onward journey. Compared with tours or taxis, the bus offers a much more affordable option while still getting you to Kanazawa Station or other central stops efficiently.

Highway buses usually run multiple times per day, and you can book in English with ease. We recommend reserving seats in advance—especially on weekends and during peak seasons—so you can arrive in Kanazawa refreshed and ready to explore highlights such as Kenrokuen Garden, the Higashi Chaya District, and the city’s renowned museums and craft workshops.

If the bus code starts with an X or a Z then you can make a booking from one month in advance. For all other buses, bookings can be made between 1 and 4 months before the intended departure date. We suggest that you visit our website closer to your desired departure date and make a booking then.

Major Bus Stops

Other popular routes

Recommended Local Tours

FAQ

How about luggage size?
Stored luggage sizes vary by bus booked.
Please check the specific details for the bus that you intend on using.
(There are even some buses that have no trunk available)

In terms of carry on luggage there is not a specific size limit, but the passenger must be able to carry it on their lap or by their feet without causing an inconvenience to other passengers.

Suitcases are not allowed aboard the bus as they may prevent passengers from reclining their seats. We also ask that customers refrain from putting luggage in the aisles.
What is the size of luggage we can store in the trunk?
Luggage sizes vary by bus booked.
Please check the specific details for the bus that you intend on using.
(There are even some buses that have no trunk available)

If you wish to make an inquiry regarding this please inform us of the following.

・Luggage size(length x width x height 3 dimensions):
・Amount of luggage:
・If it is not a suitcase or a travel bag、Type of luggage:
・Prospective bus name:

▶✉ Contact Customer Support
Does size of a suitcase include the suitcase wheels?
Suitcase wheels are included in the measurement for height.
How long is the bus ride from Shirakawago to Kanazawa?
The trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
How much is a one-way ticket?
One-way fares typically range from 2,000 to 3,000 yen depending on the operator and season.
Do I need to book in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons.
Is there luggage storage on the bus?
Yes, highway buses have luggage compartments where you can store medium-sized suitcases or backpacks.
What do we do if the size of our suitcase exceeds the size given?
The bus staff will not physically measure your luggage, but if it is too large to fit in the trunk or is clearly over-sized, the bus staff may refuse to carry it on board.
If there is trunk space then at the bus staff's discretion, you may be allowed to carry it on board.
This can not be guaranteed so we request that all customers bring luggage that fits within the size perimeters given.

There is no set size limit for carry on luggage.
However, it needs to be carried on the passengers lap or stored by their feet.
If you have 2 or more pieces of luggage we suggest that you split them and store one in the trunk and carry one aboard the bus.
If the luggage we have is larger than allowed in the rules, can we pay a surcharge to have them carried in the trunk?
Unfortunately you can not pay for excess baggage.

The bus staff will not physically measure your luggage, but if it is too large to fit in the trunk or is clearly over-sized, the bus staff may refuse to carry it on board.
If there is trunk space then at the bus staff's discretion, you may be allowed to carry it on board.
This can not be guaranteed so we request that all customers bring luggage that fits within the size perimeters given.

There is no set size limit for carry on luggage.
However, it needs to be carried on the passengers lap or stored by their feet.
If you have 2 or more pieces of luggage, we suggest that you split them and store one in the trunk and carry one aboard the bus.
How about carry-on luggage?
In terms of carry-on luggage there is no specific size limits, but the passenger must be able to carry it on their lap or by their feet without causing an inconvenience to other passengers.

Suitcases are not allowed aboard the bus as they may prevent passengers from reclining their seats.
We also ask that customers refrain from putting luggage in the aisles.
Can we store bikes,musical instruments, and sports equipment on the bus?
This will depend on the bus booked.
Please check the rules regarding luggage size and what can be carried on board. This can be found on the bus details page.
Although it is rare, there are buses with no available trunk space.

Also bicycles (including folding bikes) musical instruments and sports equipment may not be able to be stored in the trunk of the bus to prevent damage during travel.

If you are not able to store your items on the bus, you may have to find another means of transporting your items.
Can we carry pets on board?
Unfortunately, as not to be a nuisance to other passengers pets are not allowed to be carried on board or stored in the trunk.
We ask for your understanding.
Can we store wheelchairs on board?
This will be dependent on the bus in question.

We can inform you whether or not the bus company can fulfill your request.
Please inform us of the following details.

・Wheelchair(Width,length and height):
・Other luggage(Width,length and height):
・Number of luggage excluding wheelchair:
・If there is luggage other than suitcases or travel bags, please inform us of their details:
・Prospective bus name:

▶✉ Contact Customer Support

Luggage left behind

I forgot something on the bus.
We will confirm whether or not your lost property is found on the bus.
Please inform us of the details below to the customer center of Kosokubus.com.

-------------------------------------
◆Requirements

Booking number:
Lost item:
Colour and shape (as specific as possible):
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▶✉ Contact Customer Support

If your lost property is found there are two ways of retrieving it.
1. Collect it from the bus company's lost property office. (free)
2. Postage withing Japan using payment on receipt (requires a fee)*

* We can not confirm the price of the payment on receipt postal service, this will be confirmed when you receive the item.

Please note that we can not post lost property overseas. We appreciate your understanding.

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