Shogawa River
Shirakawa-go, Japan • 
Underrated
UnderratedShirakawa-go, Japan
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Jul
-7°C – 2°C, january in shirakawa-go is characterized by heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, with daytime highs around 2°c and nighttime lows reaching -7°c, high crowds, peak season
-7°C – 2°C, january in shirakawa-go is characterized by heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, with daytime highs around 2°c and nighttime lows reaching -7°c, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Village has uneven terrain; some areas may be challenging for wheelchairs.
Village has uneven terrain; some areas may be challenging for wheelchairs.
Value for money
Medium
Scenic views justify price, but access is a challenge.
Scenic views justify price, but access is a challenge.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Scenic Beauty
Couples found the river cruise breathtaking, especially the autumn foliage.
Peaceful Escape
Visitors felt the cruise offered a tranquil getaway, far from city life.
Unique Experience
Travelers raved about the exclusive access to Omaki Onsen by boat.
Difficult Access
Couples noted that reaching the cruise departure point was quite challenging.
Long Journey
Travelers mentioned the long travel times via public transport from Shirakawa-go.
Limited Services
Some couples wished for more amenities or options on the cruise itself.
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience the thrill of sightseeing via an enchanting Shogawa River cruise in this captivating video.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
HIGH
-6-3°C
February continues with cold temperatures and frequent snowfall, with daytime highs around 3°C and nighttime lows near -6°C. The snow-covered landscape remains a highlight.
February continues with cold temperatures and frequent snowfall, with daytime highs around 3°C and nighttime lows near -6°C. The snow-covered landscape remains a highlight.
Open
Early February requires advance reservations for events and accommodations. Availability improves towards the end of the month.
Early February requires advance reservations for events and accommodations. Availability improves towards the end of the month.
Recommended
February offers continued winter charm with the Light-Up events. Visitors should plan ahead for early February visits and be prepared for cold conditions.
February offers continued winter charm with the Light-Up events. Visitors should plan ahead for early February visits and be prepared for cold conditions.
March
MEDIUM
3-12°C
March marks the transition to spring, with temperatures rising to daytime highs around 12°C and lows around 3°C. Snow begins to melt, revealing the village's traditional architecture.
March marks the transition to spring, with temperatures rising to daytime highs around 12°C and lows around 3°C. Snow begins to melt, revealing the village's traditional architecture.
Open
Accommodations are more readily available, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially during weekends.
Accommodations are more readily available, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially during weekends.
Recommended
March provides a balance between winter scenery and milder weather, making it a pleasant time to visit Shirakawa-go with fewer crowds.
March provides a balance between winter scenery and milder weather, making it a pleasant time to visit Shirakawa-go with fewer crowds.
April
MEDIUM
8-18°C
April brings warmer temperatures, with daytime highs around 18°C and lows near 8°C. The village experiences blooming cherry blossoms and lush greenery.
April brings warmer temperatures, with daytime highs around 18°C and lows near 8°C. The village experiences blooming cherry blossoms and lush greenery.
Open
Accommodations are generally available, but booking ahead is recommended during cherry blossom season.
Accommodations are generally available, but booking ahead is recommended during cherry blossom season.
Recommended
April offers a vibrant and colorful landscape in Shirakawa-go, with comfortable weather and moderate crowds, ideal for exploring the village and its surroundings.
April offers a vibrant and colorful landscape in Shirakawa-go, with comfortable weather and moderate crowds, ideal for exploring the village and its surroundings.
May
MEDIUM
9-23°C
May in Shirakawa-go offers pleasant temperatures ranging from 9°C to 22.9°C. The month experiences moderate rainfall, averaging around 147 mm, with approximately 18 rainy days. Despite the rain, there are about 13 sunny days, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
May in Shirakawa-go offers pleasant temperatures ranging from 9°C to 22.9°C. The month experiences moderate rainfall, averaging around 147 mm, with approximately 18 rainy days. Despite the rain, there are about 13 sunny days, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Open
No significant restrictions; however, it's advisable to book accommodations in advance due to moderate tourist activity.
No significant restrictions; however, it's advisable to book accommodations in advance due to moderate tourist activity.
Recommended
May is an excellent time to visit Shirakawa-go, with comfortable temperatures and the beauty of spring in full bloom. While there is moderate rainfall, the numerous sunny days make it ideal for exploring the village and its surroundings. It's recommended to dress in layers to accommodate the temperature variations and carry rain gear for occasional showers.
May is an excellent time to visit Shirakawa-go, with comfortable temperatures and the beauty of spring in full bloom. While there is moderate rainfall, the numerous sunny days make it ideal for exploring the village and its surroundings. It's recommended to dress in layers to accommodate the temperature variations and carry rain gear for occasional showers.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Express buses are the most common way to reach Shirakawa-go, with services from Takayama (Takayama Nohi Bus Center), Kanazawa (JR Kanazawa Station), Toyama (JR Toyama Station), and Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center). For the Shogawa River Cruise, take the Kaetsuno Bus from Shin-Takaoka Station to the Komaki bus stop.
Car
Recommended
Shirakawa-go is accessible via the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, exiting at the Shirakawa-go Interchange (IC). All vehicles must park at the Seseragi Park Parking Area.
Boat
The Shogawa River Cruise departs from Komaki Harbor, accessible by bus or car.
Taxi
Taxis are available in the area, though they may be limited and costly due to the remote location.
Walking
The main village of Shirakawa-go is compact and best explored on foot from the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
