[Day trip bus tour departing from Nagoya Station] Shirakawa-go Minkaen Private night special illumination
- Special nighttime illumination
- We will take you by special bus from Nagoya Station.
- During the day, you can enjoy a stroll through the Shirakawa-go Gassho Village.
Sightseeing Tours
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 25 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | With dinner |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Japanese castles |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
[Tour conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Aichi Prefecture/Gifu Prefecture
Length of trip: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company: Teizan Tourist Bus or Meitetsu Tourist Bus
Meal conditions: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 1 time, Dinner (bento) 1 time
Available accommodation: None
Minimum number of participants: 25
Tour conductor: 1
Guide: 0 ※No guide-interpreters will accompany the tour
[Travel planning/implementation]
Company name: CLUB TOURISM INTERNATIONAL INC.
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Travel industry association: Full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents
[Consignment sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Affiliated organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 25 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 4 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Currently, large-scale construction work is underway at the west exit of Nagoya Station. Please note that the route to the meeting point and the scenery may change depending on the progress of the work.
This tour will only visit the Minkaen Garden night illumination, not the one at Shirakawa-go Gassho Village. Please note that this is different from the "Shirakawa-go Light-up Event."
During the special nighttime opening hours at Minkaen, you will not be able to stroll around the Shirakawa-go Gassho Village as the area is different. Please note that you can only stroll around the Shirakawa-go Gassho Village during the day.
In principle, the illuminations will be held even in rain or snow, but in the event of severe weather, they may be cancelled for safety reasons.
Please note that if there is not enough snowfall and the Corridor of Lights cannot be held, you will instead be able to see the Bamboo Lanterns.
This will be an outdoor night walk. The temperature will drop below freezing at night, so please prepare cold weather gear (warm clothes, coat, hand warmer, warm gloves, warm hat, earmuffs, etc.). We also recommend bringing a flashlight.
As the road surface may be slippery, please be sure to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
The order of the tour may be changed.
Return time may be delayed depending on road conditions, etc.
Snowfall in Shirakawa-go varies depending on weather, etc. Please note that even if you cancel your reservation due to snowfall, you will be charged a cancellation fee.
Lunch is not provided on this tour. Please eat on your own during your free time in Takayama.
Travel time and stay time may vary depending on road conditions. Also, due to unexpected road congestion or crowded tourist spots, we may be forced to omit some sightseeing spots, shorten sightseeing time, or delay return time. Please note that even in such cases, we will not be responsible for covering accommodation, meals, taxi fares, etc.
Children aged 3 and above will be charged the same travel fare as adults.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 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.
- 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
To fully experience Shirakawa-go Gassho Village, a recommended visit duration is typically 2-3 hours for a leisurely stroll. This allows ample time to explore the traditional thatched-roof houses, visit the folk museums, and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding natural landscape. You can also savor local delicacies and browse unique souvenir shops at a comfortable pace within this timeframe.
The Shirakawa-go Minkaen Private Night Illumination event usually has a specific duration during the evening. For tours that include this special event, visitors are typically allocated about 1.5 to 2 hours to enjoy the illuminated Gassho-style houses in the Minkaen Garden. This duration provides sufficient time to wander through the beautifully lit village, capture stunning photographs, and appreciate the unique, tranquil nighttime atmosphere.
From Nagoya, the most common and convenient way to reach Shirakawa-go is by bus. Direct express buses, such as those included in day trip tours, depart from Nagoya Station and offer a comfortable journey, typically taking around 2.5 to 3 hours. While rental cars provide flexibility, they involve navigating mountain roads. Shirakawa-go does not have a train station, so bus travel is the primary public transport option.
No, Shirakawa-go does not have its own train station. The village is situated in a mountainous region, and the most common public transportation method to reach it is by bus. Visitors typically take a bus from major cities like Nagoya, Takayama, or Kanazawa. The nearest major train stations are located in cities such as Takayama or Toyama, requiring a transfer to a bus for the final leg of the journey to Shirakawa-go.
This tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the Shirakawa-go Minkaen Garden illuminated at night, transforming the traditional Gassho-style houses into a magical spectacle. Unlike daytime visits, the evening illumination creates a serene and enchanting atmosphere, offering exclusive photographic opportunities and a rare glimpse into the historical village in a dramatically different light. The tour also includes convenient special bus transportation from Nagoya Station.
During a daytime visit to Shirakawa-go Gassho Village, you can stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage site, admiring the iconic thatched-roof houses. Popular activities include exploring open-air museums like the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen to learn about local history and traditional life, ascending to the Shiroyama Viewpoint for panoramic village views, and browsing various craft shops and local cafes. You can also sample regional food specialties such as Goheimochi.
The special illumination event at Shirakawa-go Minkaen Garden primarily takes place during the winter months. The sight of the Gassho-style houses blanketed in snow and lit up at night is exceptionally beautiful and creates a truly magical atmosphere. While specific dates are announced annually, winter is widely considered the most picturesque season to experience this unique illumination, offering a memorable and stunning visual experience.
For a day trip bus tour to Shirakawa-go from Nagoya, it's advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring the village on foot. Depending on the season, pack appropriate layered clothing, especially for cooler evenings during the illumination. A camera is essential to capture the scenic beauty. It's also recommended to carry some Japanese Yen for small purchases and local snacks, though many establishments accept card payments.
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