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Product #153735
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Dreamy night view of Shirakawa-go World Heritage Gassho-zukuri village, illuminated houses sparkling in falling snow, creating a magical winter ambiance.
Kanazawa's Kenrokuen Garden featuring iconic winter yukitsuri (snow ropes) on pine trees over a pond, showcasing unique Japanese garden aesthetics under a blue sky.
Majestic daytime view of Shirakawa-go World Heritage Gassho-zukuri village covered in deep snow, traditional houses against distant mountains, embodying pure winter tranquility.
Panoramic winter view of Gokayama World Heritage Gassho-zukuri village, thatched roofs blanketed in snow, blending harmoniously with surrounding snow-capped mountains, a picturesque scene.
Spacious communal bath (daiyokujo) inside the hotel, steamy hot spring water providing a comfortable and relaxing soaking experience for travelers after a day of sightseeing.

Limited-time offer! 2-day tour of Shirakawa-go illuminations, Kanazawa Kenrokuen Garden, and the World Heritage Site of Gokayama (departing from Tokyo)


Booking confirmation: within 20 days before the departure
Duration:2 day(s)
Guided language: 日本語
Free cancellation 21 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present your e-voucher and passport on-site

・Enjoy the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, a Gassho-style village, both day and night.

・This is a limited-time course available for 4 days only! Reservations are required and only a limited number of buses can enter.

・Depart from Shinjuku on the Azusa Limited Express

・We will also take you to Kenrokuen Garden, famous for its snow hangings in Kanazawa, and Suganuma Lake in Gokayama, a World Heritage Site.

・Hotels with large public baths ・Stay at Kanazawa Manten Hotel Ekimae or APA Hotel Kanazawa Ekimae

・This tour will be conducted in Japanese, but foreigners can also enjoy it (important information such as meeting times will be provided using a translation app).

[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Sightseeing Tours

Tour TypeShared tour
Departure TimeLate Departure (After 9 am)
Minimum participant requirement20 travelers
Meal arrangementBreakfast included, Lunch included, With dinner, Arrange yourself
Accommodation typeHotel
SeasonalWinter Snow Exclusive
Sightseeing typeNatural sights, Historic site tour, Bus tour
TransportBus tour

Product Info

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.

[About the Shirakawa-go illuminations]

①Depending on weather conditions, you may not be able to see the snow scenery, and the illumination may be canceled due to bad weather.

②Please wear waterproof, non-slip footwear as the road surface may be slippery. Also, it is very dangerous to walk on snowy roads at night, so we recommend bringing a flashlight.

③The temperature will drop below freezing at night, so please bring warm clothing.

④This course does not go to the Shirakawa-go observation deck.

[About the course content]

・You will check into the accommodation after viewing the Shirakawa-go illuminations, so you will be expected to arrive at the accommodation around 9:30 PM.

・Please note that the snow scenery may not be viewable depending on the weather.

  • This tour is conducted in Japanese only.

Please note that all guidance from the tour conductor during the trip will be in Japanese only. However, to ensure the smooth running of the tour and safety, we will provide as much information as possible using a translation app (meeting place, departure time, etc.). Please observe the following when participating.

・Please make your reservation using your correct name and email address.

・Please be sure to arrive on time during the tour. If you arrive late, the tour will depart.

  • Due to the nature of group tickets, we cannot accommodate requests for specific train departure/arrival times or requests for window/aisle seats. Also, even if you apply for two or more people, you may not be seated next to each other.
  • Regarding seats on transportation etc.: In order to ensure the smooth running of group tours, we ask that you leave the allocation of seats on transportation (buses, airplanes, trains, etc.) and at designated facilities during the trip to our discretion.


Purchase Notice

[Travel conditions]

Departure/Destination: Tokyo, Gifu/Ishikawa/Toyama

Length of trip: 1 night, 2 days

Transportation: JR and chartered bus

Bus company: Alpico Kotsu or equivalent

Meal conditions: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (box lunch), 1 dinner

Accommodation: Kanazawa Manten Hotel Ekimae/Western-style room (single/twin)

Or APA Hotel Kanazawa Ekimae/Western-style room (single or twin)

Please leave the room allocation and room type of your accommodation to us.

■Room layouts and views from the rooms vary depending on the accommodation facility.

Tour conductor: 1

Guide: 0 (no guide-interpreters will accompany)

[Travel planning/implementation]

Company name: CLUB TOURISM INTERNATIONAL INC

Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Registration number: Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registered Travel Agency No. 1693

Travel industry association: Full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents

[Consignment sales]

KKDAY JAPAN Inc.

2nd floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004

Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registered Travel Agency No. 2045

Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Reminders

  • A minimum of 20 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 20 day(s) before the departure date

  • This tour is conducted in Japanese only.

  • Due to the nature of group tickets, we cannot accommodate requests for specific train departure/arrival times or window/aisle seats. Also, even if you apply for two or more people, you may not be seated next to each other.

  • Regarding seats on transportation etc.: In order to ensure the smooth running of group tours, we ask that you leave the allocation of seats on transportation (buses, airplanes, trains, etc.) and at designated facilities during the trip to our discretion.

  • The price for children (ages 6-11) is 3,000 yen off the adult price. The travel price for children aged 3-5 (preschoolers) is a flat rate of 20,000 yen.

  • Depending on the weather conditions, you may not be able to see the snow scenery, and the illumination may be canceled due to bad weather.

  • For domestic trips departing on or after May 1, 2025, any changes to meal contents due to food allergies, religious reasons, etc. will incur a fee of 1,500 yen per meal, and any difference in price will be charged at the actual cost. As a general rule, please notify us at least 14 days before your departure date. For changes after that, please contact us.

  • Accommodation will be at Kanazawa Manten Hotel Ekimae or APA Hotel Kanazawa Ekimae.

  • Even if you have applied for a room for two people, you may be assigned to two rooms, one for each person.

  • On the second day, if you would like to go to the observation deck during the day in Shirakawa-go, you can either walk or take the shuttle bus (additional charge applies). However, please note that you may not be able to go to the observation deck if the shuttle bus is full or due to bad weather or snow.

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
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • 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

1. Why is Shirakawa-go famous?

Shirakawa-go is renowned for its unique Gassho-style farmhouses, characterized by steeply pitched thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. This architectural style, resembling 'praying hands,' is a distinctive feature. The village, along with Gokayama, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving traditional Japanese mountain village life and culture. Its scenic beauty, especially during winter illuminations, draws visitors seeking a glimpse into a bygone era.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Shirakawa-go?

Key attractions in Shirakawa-go include the Ogimachi Village, where most Gassho-style houses are located. Visitors should explore the Wada House and Kanda House, which are open to the public and offer insights into traditional living. The Shiroyama Viewpoint provides a panoramic vista of the village. Also, don't miss Myozenji Temple, a unique Gassho-style temple. During winter, the evening illuminations are a highly sought-after experience.

3. How much time is recommended to fully experience Shirakawa-go?

To fully appreciate Shirakawa-go, a visit of at least 3-4 hours during the day is recommended to explore the main Ogimachi village, visit a Gassho-style house like Kanda House, and enjoy the Shiroyama viewpoint. For those attending the special winter illuminations, additional time in the evening is required, as the atmosphere transforms significantly. A comprehensive visit allows for a deeper understanding of its unique heritage.

4. Does Shirakawa-go have its own train station for access?

Shirakawa-go does not have a train station. The primary way to access the village is by bus. Visitors typically take a train to a nearby city like Takayama or Kanazawa, and then transfer to a Nohi Bus or similar highway bus directly to Shirakawa-go. This makes planning transportation in advance essential for a smooth journey to the World Heritage site.

5. Where is Shirakawa-go located within Japan?

Shirakawa-go is located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, nestled in a mountainous region. It is situated in the Shogawa river valley and is part of the Hida region. Its remote, snowy location historically contributed to the preservation of its unique Gassho-style villages. It's often visited in conjunction with other destinations like Takayama and Kanazawa in central Japan.

6. What is the significance of the Shirakawa-go illuminations?

The Shirakawa-go illuminations are a special, limited-time event that transforms the Gassho-style village into a magical winter wonderland at night. These illuminations are highly significant because they are reservation-only and only a limited number of vehicles are permitted entry, making it a rare and valuable experience. It allows visitors to enjoy the unique architecture and snowy landscape under a different, enchanting light, offering a distinct atmosphere from daytime visits.

7. What can visitors expect to see at Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa?

Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is celebrated as one of Japan's 'Three Great Gardens' and offers a picturesque landscape throughout the year. Visitors can expect to see exquisite classical Japanese garden features, including ponds, artificial hills, tea houses, and streams. It's particularly famous for its winter 'yukitsuri' (snow hanging) ropes, which protect the trees from heavy snow, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

8. What makes the Gassho-style houses in Gokayama a World Heritage site?

The Gassho-style houses in Gokayama, similar to Shirakawa-go, are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their unique architectural design and their representation of traditional mountain village life. These distinctive steep-roofed farmhouses are perfectly adapted to the heavy snowfall of the region, and the villages like Suganuma preserve a rare example of traditional communal living and sustainable craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

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