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Kyōtango to Shirakawa

Updated: March 14, 2024 08:21 PM
Shirakawa

Kyoto to Shirakawa-go: Language, Currency, Distance, How to Reach, Expenses, Best Time to Go, What to Eat, Where to Go, FAQ

Language

The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, many people in Kyoto and Shirakawa-go speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Currency

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese yen (JPY). You can exchange your currency at banks, currency exchange offices, and hotels.

Distance

The distance between Kyoto and Shirakawa-go is about 110 kilometers (68 miles). It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Kyoto to Shirakawa-go.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Shirakawa-go from Kyoto.

  • By train: You can take a train from Kyoto Station to Takayama Station, and then take a bus from Takayama Station to Shirakawa-go. The train ride takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the bus ride takes about 50 minutes.
  • By bus: You can take a direct bus from Kyoto Station to Shirakawa-go. The bus ride takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
  • By car: You can rent a car and drive from Kyoto to Shirakawa-go. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Expenses

The cost of traveling from Kyoto to Shirakawa-go depends on the method of transportation you choose and the time of year you travel. Here is a general estimate of the expenses:

  • Train: The cost of a train ticket from Kyoto Station to Takayama Station is about 6,000 yen (US$55). The cost of a bus ticket from Takayama Station to Shirakawa-go is about 2,500 yen (US$23).
  • Bus: The cost of a direct bus ticket from Kyoto Station to Shirakawa-go is about 6,500 yen (US$60).
  • Car: The cost of renting a car in Kyoto is about 5,000 yen (US$45) per day. The cost of gas will vary depending on the price of gas and the distance you drive.

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Shirakawa-go is in the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-November). During these months, the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. The winter (December-February) can be very cold and snowy, but it is also a beautiful time to visit Shirakawa-go, as the snow-covered houses create a magical winter wonderland.

What to Eat

Shirakawa-go is known for its traditional Japanese cuisine. Here are some of the most popular dishes to try:

  • Hoba miso: This is a miso soup made with local vegetables and miso paste, and cooked on a magnolia leaf.
  • Gohei mochi: This is a grilled rice cake made with glutinous rice and miso paste.
  • Soba noodles: These are buckwheat noodles that are served with a variety of toppings, such as tempura, vegetables, and meat.

Where to Go

There are several things to see and do in Shirakawa-go. Here are some of the most popular attractions:

  • Ogimachi Village: This is the main village in Shirakawa-go, and it is home to many traditional gassho-zukuri houses.
  • Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to a collection of gassho-zukuri houses.
  • Ainokura Village: This is a smaller village located near Shirakawa-go, and it is also home to many gassho-zukuri houses.
  • Hida Folk Village: This is an open-air museum that showcases the traditional architecture and culture of the Hida region.

FAQ

How do I get to Shirakawa-go from Kyoto?

You can take a train, bus, or car to Shirakawa-go from Kyoto.

What is the best time to visit Shirakawa-go?

The best time to visit Shirakawa-go is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful.

What are some of the most popular dishes to try in Shirakawa-go?

Some of the most popular dishes to try in Shirakawa-go include hoba miso, gohei mochi, and soba noodles.

What are some of the most popular attractions in Shirakawa-go?

Some of the most popular attractions in Shirakawa-go include Ogimachi Village, Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village, Ainokura Village, and Hida Folk Village.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

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