Best Winter Day Trips from Nagoya

Nagoya is located in central Japan, making it a great base for exploring some of the best spots in the region. There are plenty of day trips from Nagoya that take only one to two hours by train or bus.

I recently traveled to Nagoya and visited one of the top winter destinations just outside the city. If you’re looking for the best winter day trips from Nagoya, this guide will help you plan your itinerary with ease.

Start planning your trip with my Travel Planner for a more organized experience.

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is at the top of the list for the best winter day trips from Nagoya and is considered one of the must-visit destinations in Japan. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s the perfect getaway for a winter wonderland experience. The entire place feels magical, with its snow-covered traditional gassho-zukuri houses and steep thatched roofs across the village.

Shirakawa-go village in winter with a frozen pond and snow-covered trees

snow-covered torii gate at a shrine in Shirakawa-go surrounded by trees in winter

During winter, Shirakawa-go is blanketed in snow, making it the best time to visit the village. Every street and corner looks dreamy, especially as the snow falls. The scenery is like something straight out of a postcard that can only be fully experienced in person. Simply walking around is enough to take in the beauty of the surroundings.

winter scene in Shirakawa-go with snow-covered houses and mountain backdrop

panoramic view of Shirakawa-go village from the observatory in winter

Another highlight of Shirakawa-go is the observatory, where you can enjoy views of the entire village. There is a shuttle that takes visitors to the observation area, but the lines can get quite long, so walking to the viewpoint is also an option. The view of Shirakawa-go from the observatory is nothing short of amazing, especially in winter.

traditional shop entrance in Shirakawa-go village

local food display featuring Hida beef snacks in Shirakawa-go

Aside from the beautiful scenery, you can find food stalls selling Hida beef around the village. We tried the A5 Hida beef on a skewer, and it was incredibly tender and flavorful. The Hida beef bun was also worth a try, along with other local street food like beef croquettes. There are also shops where you can buy Japanese snacks and souvenirs to take home.

Japanese souvenir snacks and sweets displayed in a shop in Shirakawa-go

traditional building and street view in Shirakawa-go with visitors during winter

You can browse tours and activities on KKday or Trip.com to book experiences and attractions for your trip.

How much time to Spend in Shirakawa-go

Based on our experience, it’s ideal to spend at least 4 hours in Shirakawa-go. This gives you enough time to explore the village at a slower pace. While it’s possible to walk around the area in about 2 hours, allowing 4 to 5 hours gives you time to stop, eat, and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

How to Get to Shirakawa-go

You can travel between Nagoya and Shirakawa-go by bus, which usually takes around 2.5 hours. Bus tickets can be purchased at the Meitetsu Bus Center near Nagoya Station or online. In our case, we traveled from Takayama to Shirakawa-go, and the bus ride takes about 50 minutes. We were able to purchase our tickets at the Nohi Bus Center in Takayama on the day of our trip, including our return trip from Shirakawa-go to Nagoya.

Takayama

Takayama is another beautiful winter destination you can visit from Nagoya. Just like Shirakawa-go, the city becomes even more special in winter. Exploring Takayama in the snow adds charm to its historic old town. Discovering small local shops and popular spots on a snowy day becomes a simple yet memorable experience.

Quiet street in Takayama with snow-capped mountains in the background during winter

If you’re visiting both Shirakawa-go and Takayama, I recommend making Takayama your base and staying for at least one or two nights, then visiting Shirakawa-go from there. There are plenty of day tours from Nagoya that include both Takayama and Shirakawa-go, but it’s best to do it DIY so you can explore these two areas at your own pace.

For a more detailed post on why you should visit Takayama in winter, including the top things to do and how to get there, you can check out my Takayama Travel Guide.

Looking for a place to stay? You can check hotels on Agoda or Trip.com.

Mt.Gozaisho Ropeway

Another winter getaway from Nagoya is the Mt. Gozaisho Ropeway in Yunoyama Onsen in Mie Prefecture. You can ride the gondola up the mountain and take in spectacular scenery from the summit. At the top, the views of the mountain ranges dusted with snow, along with the ski area, create a scenic winter setting.

Gozaisho Ropeway cable car cabin at the station before boarding

Besides the ropeway ride and the breathtaking views, visitors can also enjoy snow activities like skiing and sledding. However, it’s best to check the weather before your visit to make sure there’s enough snow, especially if you plan to do any snow activities. We visited during the last week of December, and although there wasn’t much snow yet at the time, some visitors were still able to go sledding.

Mt. Gozaisho summit view with snow-covered mountains and ski area in winter

Mt. Gozaisho summit map and information board overlooking the mountains

Keep in mind that it can get quite windy and cold at the summit. During our visit, I didn’t expect it to be that cold and windy, but it was still a lovely experience. Just make sure to come prepared and wear snow boots if you plan to visit the ski area. You can reach the ski area either by ski lift or on foot. If you choose to walk, the path can be quite slippery, and with the strong winds, you’ll need to be extra careful.

For peace of mind during your trip, you can check out SafetyWing for flexible travel insurance coverage.

restaurant seating area at Mt. Gozaisho summit with large windows and mountain views

view from Mt. Gozaisho summit with coffee overlooking snow-covered mountains

There are also restaurants at the summit where you can enjoy a set meal or have a cup of hot cocoa while enjoying the scenery. At the base of Mt. Gozaisho, you can purchase tickets for the ropeway before heading up. You can also find souvenir shops, a clothing store, and a waiting area to keep you warm while waiting for your bus ride.

souvenir shop at Mt. Gozaisho selling local snacks and products

waiting area at Mt. Gozaisho Ropeway station for bus passengers

How to Get to Mt. Gozaisho Ropeway

The most direct way to get to Mt. Gozaisho from Nagoya is by bus, which takes a little over an hour. Buses depart from the Meitetsu Bus Center near Nagoya Station. On weekdays, there is only one morning bus with a return trip in the late afternoon, while weekends and holidays offer two bus options in the morning and two in the afternoon.

Since bus schedules are limited, waiting times can be quite long, especially on weekdays. If you’re visiting on a weekday, taking the train may be a more flexible option, although it is not a direct route. In our case, we took the 8:45 AM bus and returned to Nagoya at 2:44 PM, which worked well for our itinerary.

During our visit, tickets could not be purchased in advance and were paid directly to the driver on the bus. You can use a Manaca card or pay in cash, but if paying cash, make sure to prepare the exact amount. Schedules may change, so it’s best to check the official Mt. Gozaisho website for the latest updates before your visit.

Whether you’re exploring Shirakawa-go, Takayama, or Mt. Gozaisho, these are some of the best winter day trips to add to your itinerary from Nagoya.

Related Blog Posts
→ Takayama Travel Guide
→ Nagoya Itinerary for 1 Day

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