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Shirakawa to Arashiyama

Updated: March 13, 2024 10:42 AM

Shirakawa-go to Arashiyama

Shirakawa-go and Arashiyama are two of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, while Arashiyama is a beautiful mountain village known for its bamboo forests. Both destinations are easily accessible from Kyoto, making it easy to combine them into a single trip.

Language

The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, so you shouldn't have any problems getting around.

Currency

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

Distance

The distance between Shirakawa-go and Arashiyama is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles). It takes about 3 hours to drive from one destination to the other.

How to Reach

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

  • By train: The fastest way to get from Shirakawa-go to Arashiyama is by train. Take the JR Hida Limited Express train from Takayama Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line train to Arashiyama Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
  • By bus: There are several bus companies that operate bus services between Shirakawa-go and Arashiyama. The journey takes about 4 hours.
  • By car: If you are driving, the best way to get from Shirakawa-go to Arashiyama is to take the Hokuriku Expressway. The journey takes about 3 hours.

Expenses

The cost of getting from Shirakawa-go to Arashiyama will vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose.

  • By train: The cost of a train ticket from Takayama Station to Kyoto Station is approximately 5,000 yen. The cost of a train ticket from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama Station is approximately 400 yen.
  • By bus: The cost of a bus ticket from Shirakawa-go to Arashiyama is approximately 3,000 yen.
  • By car: The cost of gasoline and tolls for a car journey from Shirakawa-go to Arashiyama is approximately 5,000 yen.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Shirakawa-go and Arashiyama is during the spring or autumn months. During these months, the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful.

What to Eat

There are many delicious foods to try in Shirakawa-go and Arashiyama.

  • Shirakawa-go: Hoba miso (miso paste grilled on a magnolia leaf), gohei mochi (grilled rice cakes), and sake (rice wine).
  • Arashiyama: Tofu (bean curd), yuba (tofu skin), and sake.

Where to Go

There are many things to see and do in Shirakawa-go and Arashiyama.

  • Shirakawa-go: Visit the Ogimachi Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the traditional thatched-roof houses. Visit the Wada House, a former samurai residence, and learn about the history of the village. Hike in the surrounding mountains and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • Arashiyama: Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a popular tourist destination. Take a boat ride on the Hozugawa River and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Visit the Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the beautiful gardens.

FAQ

  • How long does it take to get from Shirakawa-go to Arashiyama? The journey takes about 3 hours by train, 4 hours by bus, or 3 hours by car.
  • How much does it cost to get from Shirakawa-go to Arashiyama? The cost will vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose.
  • What is the best time to visit Shirakawa-go and Arashiyama? The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months.
  • What are some things to do in Shirakawa-go and Arashiyama? There are many things to see and do in Shirakawa-go and Arashiyama, including visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hiking in the mountains, and taking a boat ride on the river.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

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