| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | With dinner |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
*If you cannot eat beef, please reserve the " Selectable dinner plan at the restaurant " here.
[Travel conditions]
Departure/Destination: Aichi/Gifu
Length of trip: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Operating bus company: Meitetsu Sightseeing Bus
Meal conditions: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 1 time
Minimum number of participants: 1
Tour conductor: 1
Guides: 1
[Travel planning/implementation]
Company name: Meitetsu Sightseeing Bus Co., Ltd.
Address: 2-3-5 Nishihioki, Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya, 454-0004
Registration number: Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registered Travel Agency No. 1857
Travel industry association: Full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 2
Foreign tourists will be provided with tourist information materials in English and Chinese, and English-speaking staff will accompany them.
This tour is designed for foreign tourists and is primarily guided by English-speaking staff.
If there is an odd number of participants, you may be seated with other guests.
In the event of heavy snowfall or other inclement weather that could affect the safety of your trip, we will notify you by email the day before or the morning of your departure date.
The itinerary may be changed or shortened depending on road traffic conditions, weather, etc. In the event of traffic congestion, the return time may be delayed.
We will not change the menu for allergies or religious reasons.
The illumination will begin at 5:30 p.m.
This tour does not include the Shirakawa-go Observatory.
Please be careful about how you get home as you will be returning late at night.
Children aged 0-1 travel free of charge if they do not occupy a seat.
Children aged 0-15 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
The Shirakawa-go light-up events typically commence in the early evening. As dusk settles, the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses gradually begin to illuminate. The specific lighting times may vary slightly each year depending on the sunset and the event's schedule, but they generally run from evening into the night. It's recommended to refer to the official announcement for the current year's event for the most accurate information. Visitors are encouraged to arrive before dark to first appreciate the village's daytime charm before experiencing the magical scenery as night falls.
The Shirakawa-go light-up events are usually held in winter, with the best viewing months being the specific weekends in late January to late February. During this period, Shirakawa-go is blanketed in snow, and the Gassho-zukuri houses, illuminated against the snowy backdrop, create a fairytale-like, enchanting scene, making it the prime season for the event. As the light-up is a limited-time evening activity, early planning is advised to ensure participation in this winter spectacle.
Participation in the Shirakawa-go light-up events typically requires booking a package tour through a travel agency, especially for group tours that include bus transportation, a guide, and dinner. This is because local transportation and accommodation are very limited during the event. You can book through KKday for convenient bus transfers departing from Nagoya, saving you the hassle of planning your own transportation and ensuring smooth participation in this seasonal event. Early booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
When attending the Shirakawa-go light-up event, be sure to dress warmly. Winter mountain temperatures are extremely low with deep snow, so it's advisable to wear insulated, non-slip footwear, layered clothing, a hat, and gloves. Due to the large crowds during the event, please follow the guidance of the on-site staff and be mindful of safety. Furthermore, to protect the local cultural heritage, please refrain from entering private residences or touching the buildings, and take your trash with you to help maintain the beauty of Shirakawa-go.
The Shirakawa-go light-up event not only allows you to admire the magical illuminated snowy scenery but also provides an opportunity to deeply experience the unique culture of the Gassho-zukuri village. For instance, tours often include dinner served inside an authentic Gassho-zukuri building, where you can savor Hida beef steak mini-don and soba noodles, experiencing local traditional flavors. Additionally, during the event, some Gassho houses are open for visits, allowing you to learn about their architectural ingenuity and history, making it a unique highlight that combines visual splendor with cultural immersion.
On this Shirakawa-go light-up tour, you will enjoy dinner within a unique, authentic Gassho-zukuri building. The dinner features tender Hida beef steak mini-don, served alongside refreshing soba noodles. This allows you to savor local specialty cuisine in a space filled with traditional Japanese ambiance. It's not just a delicious meal but also a rare cultural experience, enabling you to feel the history and lifestyle of the Gassho-zukuri village while admiring the illuminated scenery.
During your free time in Hida Takayama, it's recommended to stroll through 'Sanmachi Suji' (Old Town) to admire the well-preserved Edo-period architecture and experience the ancient castle town's atmosphere. You can also sample local delicacies such as Hida beef skewers, Takayama ramen, and gohei mochi. Visiting the 'Takayama Jinya' to learn about local history or browsing street-side shops for unique souvenirs are also excellent options.
The one-day bus tour to the Shirakawa-go light-up event departing from Nagoya offers several convenient services. Firstly, reliable English-speaking staff will accompany the bus to provide language assistance and guidance, ensuring smooth communication. Secondly, the tour includes round-trip bus transportation, eliminating the need to research routes and transfers yourself. This allows you to comfortably and easily participate in the light-up event without worrying about transportation, so you can focus on enjoying your journey.