World Heritage Shirakawa-go Light-up & Kanazawa 2 Days Tour from Tokyo by Bullet Train
- Limited to only 4 days in January and February! Visit the exclusive Shirakawa-go Light-Up, accessible only to designated vehicles.
- Explore Toyama! Enjoy the breathtaking sea and mountain views at Amaharashi Coast.
- Discover Kanazawa! Visit famous landmarks, including Kenrokuen Garden.
- Stroll through Higashi Chaya District and Omicho Market for local snacks and shopping.
- Stay at a hotel with a large public bath, available until midnight for a relaxing soak after your day.
Product Info
Purchase Notice
This tour is a Japanese tour with an English-speaking assistant.
The tour price and conditions are based on transportation fares, charges, and schedules as of October 3, 2025. Train names, numbers, and departure/arrival times may change due to timetable revisions by railway companies.
If the train name is not confirmed at the time of booking, the finalized train name and departure time will be sent via email no later than 14 days before departure. Please make sure to check this information.
Reservations for this tour are accepted until 7 days prior to departure at 17:00.
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. During winter, roads may be icy and slippery — we recommend wearing winter boots or shoes with good traction.
The snow scenery may not be visible depending on weather conditions.
The Tateyama Mountain Range view in Toyama may not be visible due to weather.
At Takaoka Manten Hotel Ekimae, even if booked as a twin room, guests may be assigned two single rooms (decided on the day).
The hotel is located about a 10-minute walk from Takaoka Station.
About the Shirakawa-go Light-Up
The Light-Up visit will be conducted via a regular sightseeing bus operated by Kaetsuno Bus departing from Takaoka Station. Seats are non-reserved and may be shared with other passengers.
Delays may occur due to snow or traffic conditions, which could result in a shorter visit time at Shirakawa-go.
Drone use is strictly prohibited within Shirakawa-go.
As the Light-Up takes place at night, temperatures can drop to -10°C to 0°C, and roads may be icy. Please wear warm, waterproof winter clothing and boots, and bring a flashlight for safety.
Important: Access to the observation deck is restricted during the Light-Up. This tour does not include entry to the viewpoint, and can not walk to observation deck.
For Guests Requesting Boarding/Disembarking at Intermediate Stations
You may board or disembark at Ueno Station or Omiya Station (same station for both directions). Please inform us at the time of reservation.
For boarding, please purchase a platform ticket and proceed to the departure platform. The ticket cost is at your own expense.
Boarding instructions will be provided by the tour conductor by phone the day before departure.
No refunds or discounts apply for partial boarding/disembarking.
All members of the same group must select the same departure/arrival station. If different stations are desired within a group, please indicate this in the remarks section when booking.
Changes to departure/arrival stations cannot be made within 20 days before the tour start date. If you wish to change after booking, you must cancel and rebook. (Cancellation fees will apply if within the applicable period.)
Reminders
Tickets: Train tickets and limited express tickets will not be sent in advance. They will be handed to you by the tour conductor on the day of departure. Transportation expenses between your home and the designated departure/arrival station are at your own cost.
Punctuality: Please arrive at the meeting point on time. The tour will depart as scheduled at the discretion of the staff, even if some participants are late.
In case of a missed departure for any reason, no refunds will be issued and any alternative transportation costs will be the customer’s responsibility. You will also need to arrange alternative transport on your own.
Itinerary Changes: The listed itinerary and times may change due to transportation delays or road or weather conditions. Depending on the day’s situation, the order of sightseeing may be reversed or certain stops may be skipped.
Train Seats: Unless otherwise noted, reserved seats in ordinary cars will be used.
Delays: The company will not be responsible for additional costs (e.g., taxi fares, accommodation) caused by delays.
Bus Type: Depending on the number of participants, a medium or small-size bus may be used.
Bus Facilities: Buses do not have onboard toilets.
No Smoking / Reclining: Smoking is prohibited on both trains and buses. Reclining seats are generally not permitted (except for certain courses).
Seat Assignments: Train and bus seats will be assigned by the company. Due to the use of group tickets, seat preferences (window/aisle) cannot be accommodated. Even for bookings of two or more people, adjacent seats may not always be available.
Entrance Fees: Facility admission fees included in the tour price may differ from the official posted rates. No refunds or additional charges will be made for such differences after tour departure.
Requests: Specific requests such as seat location, hotel smoking/non-smoking preference, or food allergy accommodations may not be possible. We may decline participation after explaining the situation in advance.
Minimum Participants: If the minimum number of participants (4) is not met, or in the event of unavoidable circumstances such as natural disasters or accidents, the tour may be changed or canceled up to 14 days before departure.
Meals: Meal contents may change depending on ingredient availability at the facility.
Changes: Listed information regarding trains, hotels, etc., is subject to change without notice.
Refund Policy: No refunds will be provided for unused benefits, options, or special inclusions in the tour plan.
Lost Items: Lost items will be kept for two weeks after the tour ends. However, perishable or difficult-to-store items will be disposed of immediately.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on this tour.
Health Notice: Guests with pre-existing medical conditions or who are pregnant should consult their doctor before joining the tour.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 21 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- For cancellations made 0 to 0 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Shirakawa-go Light-up event typically begins around 5:30 PM, shortly after sunset, and usually concludes by 7:30 PM. During these evening hours, the historic gassho-zukuri houses are beautifully illuminated, offering visitors a magical and enchanting winter experience. Exact timings can vary slightly each year based on specific event dates.
To fully experience Shirakawa-go Village, especially when attending the Light-up event, it's recommended to allocate at least 2 to 3 hours. This allows ample time to leisurely explore the unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses, ascend to the Shiroyama Observatory for panoramic views, and soak in the serene atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Shirakawa-go Light-up event is unique due to its extremely limited annual schedule, held only on a few specific days in winter. Its exclusivity is further enhanced by restricted access, often requiring advance reservations or participation in designated tours to enter the village during the event. This controlled environment ensures a tranquil and visually stunning experience of the illuminated thatched-roof houses against the snowy landscape.
The Shirakawa-go Light-up is a highly anticipated winter event, typically held on a very limited number of days, usually four, spread across January and February each year. The exact dates are announced annually by the Shirakawa-go Light-up Executive Committee, and prospective visitors must check these official announcements as early as possible for planning.
Shirakawa-go is most commonly reached by bus from major cities like Takayama, Kanazawa, or Toyama. During the special Light-up event, general private vehicle access to the village is strictly prohibited. Entry is typically limited to designated tour buses or pre-booked local shuttles, which require prior reservations due to the event's controlled access policy. Shirakawa-go does not have a train station.
Shirakawa-go is renowned for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These traditional homes feature steeply-pitched thatched roofs, designed to resemble hands clasped in prayer ('gassho'), which helps them withstand heavy snowfall. This unique architectural style is a crucial part of the village's cultural heritage and why it's designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors to Shirakawa-go can find various facilities and services to enhance their experience. These include souvenir shops selling local crafts, traditional restaurants offering regional cuisine, and cafes. Several gassho-zukuri houses are open as museums, providing insights into the historical lifestyle. Restrooms and a tourist information center are also available for visitor convenience.
Visitors attending the Shirakawa-go Light-up should anticipate severe winter weather conditions. Temperatures often drop significantly below freezing, and heavy snowfall is common, creating the picturesque snowy backdrop for the illumination. It is essential to dress warmly in multiple layers, including thermal wear, a waterproof and windproof outer shell, a hat, gloves, and sturdy, slip-resistant winter boots.
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