World heritage sites to visit
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Shirakawago Gassho-style Village
(Get off at Shirakawago) -
Ainokura Gassho-style Village
(Get off at Ainokura) -
Suganuma Gassho-style Village
(Get off at Suganuma)
You'll also explore historical landscapes and regional highlights like the National Treasure Takaoka Zuiryuji Temple and the Sasarakan, a shop featuring local crafts and souvenirs.
Sightseeing Spots on the World Heritage Bus Route
The World Heritage bus route is packed with unique attractions at each stop.
A free hop-on, hop-off pass is highly recommended!
Enjoy worry-free sightseeing with no additional costs.
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０１Takaokasan Takaoka Station Get off at Takaoka StationBuilt by Lord Toshitsune Maeda of the Kaga Domain to memorialize Lord Toshinaga Maeda, this Soto Zen temple features the Somon Gate, Zen Hall, Great Kitchen, Tea Room, and three cloisters, all designated Important Cultural Properties, and is a notable example of early Edo period Zen architecture.
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０２Johana Betsuin Zentokuji TempleGet off at Johana Hikiyama Kaikan Hall
This ancient temple, founded by Saint Rennyo, has a history of over 530 years. Its principal image is an Amida Nyorai statue, said to be the work of Gyōki. You can view valuable ancient documents and treasures in the Treasure House.
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０３World Heritage Suganuma Gassho-style VillageGet off at Suganuma
This small village is located almost in the center of the former Kamitaira Village. The area, including 9 Gassho-style houses, traditional buildings such as storehouses and wooden storehouses, and mountain forests such as snow-protecting forests and thatched fields, is designated as a historic site.
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０４World Heritage Shirakawago Gassho-style VillageGet off at Shirakawago
This is the largest of the three villages registered as a World Heritage Site. Approximately 45.6 hectares, including the entire village area and a part of the mountain forest, is preserved as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, maintaining its historical landscape
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０５World Heritage Ainokura Gassho-style Village Get off at Ainokura-guchi
More than 20 Gassho-style houses still exist and are inhabited, allowing you to witness the beautiful scenery created by the village and its surrounding environment. The light-up events held seasonally are a must-see! You will be captivated by the magical atmosphere.
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０６Michi-no-Eki Kamitaira SasarakanGet off at Sasarakan-ma
his roadside rest area features a diverse selection of local products and souvenirs unique to Gokayama. It also offers a casual dining experience with delicious dishes like char dishes, wild vegetable soba, and Gokayama tofu.
Bus stops
Bus Stop List
(Red: World Heritage, Blue: Recommended)
Takaoka Station (Bus Stop 7) → Shin-Takaoka Station (Bus Stop 4) → Nousaku-mae → Johana Station → Johana Hirokoji → Johana Hikiyama Kaikan → Johana Chosha-mae → Johana Minamimachi → Aradamachi-jima → Okoya Kami-guchi → Okoya → Gokayama Tunnel Entrance → Nashitani → Kokesu → Kurusu → Ainokura-guchi → Miza → Nakabata → Shimonashi → Urushihara → Kaminashi → Minamugi → Ohara → Hosojima → Suganuma → Gassho-no-Sato → Tashita → Shinya →Nishi-Akao → Sasarakan-mae → Kaji-guchi → Kaji → Koshirakawa → Naride Power Plant → Naride → Ashikura → Tsubakihara → Arikegahara → Hida-Shimotaguchi → Hida-Iijima → Hatogaya → Shirakawago (Ogimachi)
*Click the URL below to check the timetable
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Ticket reservation
World Heritage Bus
"Hop-on, Hop-off Pass" (4 types)
Hop on and off freely between Takaoka and Shirakawago.
The "Gokayama & Shirakawago Hop-on, Hop-off Pass" is highly recommended.
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Gokayama & Shirakawago Hop-on, Hop-off Pass
Adult 3,500 yen/
Child 1,750 yenTakaoka Sta. / Shin-Takaoka Sta. ⇔ Shirakawago Hop-on, Hop-off Pass
(2-Day Validity from Issue Date)Recommended Stops
- Takaoka Station: Takaoka Zuiryuji Temple
- Johana Hikiyama Kaikan: Zentokuji Temple
- Ainokura-guchi: Ainokura Gassho-style Village
- Suganuma: Suganuma Gassho-style Village
- Shirakawago: Shirakawago Gassho-style Village
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Gokayama Hop-on, Hop-off Pass
Adult 2,500 yen /
Child 1,250 yenTakaoka Sta. / Shin-Takaoka Sta. ⇔ Sasarakan-mae Hop-on, Hop-off Pass
(2-Day Validity from Issue Date)Recommended Stops
- Takaoka Station: Takaoka Zuiryuji Temple
- Johana Hikiyama Kaikan: Zentokuji Temple
- Ainokura-guchi: Ainokura Gassho-style Village
- Suganuma: Suganuma Gassho-style Village
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Takaoka ⇒ Gokayama / Shirakawago One Way Pass
Adult 2,000 yen /
Child 1,000 yenFrom Takaoka Station/Shin-Takaoka Station towards Gokayama/Shirakawa-go, unlimited hop-on, hop-off is available in a single direction.
(2-Day Validity from Issue Date)Recommended Stops
- Takaoka Station: Takaoka Zuiryuji Temple
- Johana Hikiyama Kaikan: Zentokuji Temple
- Ainokura-guchi: Ainokura Gassho-style Village
- Suganuma: Suganuma Gassho-style Village
- Shirakawago: Shirakawago Gassho-style Village
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Shirakawago / Gokayama ⇒ Takaoka One Way Pass
Adult 2,000 yen /
Child 1,000 yenFrom Takaoka Station/Shin-Takaoka Station towards Gokayama/Shirakawa-go, unlimited hop-on, hop-off is available in a single direction.
(2-Day Validity from Issue Date)Recommended Stops
- Takaoka Station: Takaoka Zuiryuji Temple
- Johana Hikiyama Kaikan: Zentokuji Temple
- Ainokura-guchi: Ainokura Gassho-style Villag
- Suganuma: Suganuma Gassho-style Village
- Shirakawago: Shirakawago Gassho-style Village
Non-reserved bus tickets
If you have a specific destination or section in mind,
you can reserve a bus ticket
for your required section
with our point-to-point tickets.