Winter Limited-Time Tour: 2-Day Illumination Trip to Shirakawa-go and Hida-Takayama, Japan | Departing from Tokyo
- Full-time Chinese-speaking driver service, no language barriers.
- Starting from Tokyo, a hassle-free journey awaits!
- One of the three world-famous Gassho-zukuri villages!
- The dreamlike winter scenery of Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site, will only be available for 4 days in 2026. This is a rare opportunity and tickets are hard to come by!
- Chinese-speaking driver and guide throughout the trip, maximum 8 people, high degree of freedom, comfortable and efficient!
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.
- Shirakawa-go, a hidden gem in Japan
Stepping into a fairytale village like a paradise – the countryside, fields, and thatched cottages depicted in Miyazaki Hayao's films, the leisurely rural atmosphere, many people think of Shirakawa-go. Here, the appearance of an ancient Japanese village is preserved, a fairytale village like a paradise. Its unique Gassho-style thatched cottages are listed as a World Heritage Site. The village stretches from south to north within a 1-kilometer radius, its tranquil rural scenery like a beautiful painting. Here, you can not only experience the rustic charm of the Japanese countryside but also feel the romance of medieval European-style pointed-roof cottages. Every winter, the village hosts the romantic "Shirakawa-go Winter Illumination Event," one of the most dreamlike and representative winter scenes in Japan. When the lights are turned on, the snow-covered Shirakawa-go transforms into a dreamlike fairytale world.
- Hida Folk Village
It is an open-air folk museum dedicated to showcasing the traditional architecture, lifestyle, and folk culture of the Hida region. It is considered an ideal place to learn about Japanese rural life and the style of residential houses from the Edo to Meiji periods.
Due to the large number of people at the meeting point, please arrive 10 to 15 minutes in advance to avoid affecting your departure time and that of other passengers. After checking in with your EASYGO guide, you will be arranged to board the bus.
The Toriwako Service Area is located behind Toriwako Lake, offering a very open and expansive view! Since lunch is not included in this itinerary, please purchase your own lunch at the service area!
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its well-preserved Gassho-zukuri (sho-sho-zukuri) thatched-roof houses. The traditional buildings here feature steep, clasped-hand roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall, showcasing the wisdom and aesthetics of rural Japan. The Shirakawa-go Illumination Festival lasts only four days a year; miss it and you'll have to wait another year!
We recommend visiting the Miyagawa Morning Market and the Takayama Old House Town (free time until 12:00, meet at JR Takayama Station).
Hida Folk Village, once a small mountain village, now boasts 30 ancient buildings dating back 200 years, showcasing life as it was centuries ago. The village also features demonstrations of traditional craft making.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point/destination: Tokyo/Gifu
Trip duration: 2 days 1 night
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: スカイ観光バス Co., Ltd./Gunma セイワ観光 Co., Ltd./スターバス Co., Ltd./KEY Co., Ltd. JAPAN/ニューhengrong/Oshima Kanko Co., Ltd./Nisshin Kanko Co., Ltd./Yahagi Kanko Co., Ltd./Lin Kotsu/Shinhara Kanko
Meals: Breakfast 1 time, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation: Hida Takayama Washington Square Hotel or similar / None
Minimum group size: 6
Team Leader: 0
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Name of the operating company: J&R Tokyo Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Address: 〒151-0051 Shinjuku Hall 9th floor, 5-33-8 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Osaka Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-2181
Name of travel industry association: National Travel Industry Association (Osaka Prefecture Branch), Regular Member
Regular member of the Osaka Prefecture Travel Industry Association (General Incorporated Company)
JATA is a cooperative member.
Reminders
A minimum of 6 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
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 17:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Heart disease, Pregnant women, Epilepsy, Asthma
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 3
For guests who book a package including a hotel, the hotel on the day of booking is subject to final arrangement, such as Hida Takayama Washington Square Hotel or similar.
Because of limited space in the car, each person can only carry one simple piece of luggage.
One seat per person, maximum of 9 people.
Guests who book a package that does not include accommodation should make their own hotel reservations, and it is recommended to book near Takayama Station.
Cancellation Policy
- Once the order has been completed, it cannot be canceled, modified, or refunded
- 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
Takayama Old Street, often referred to as "Little Kyoto," is renowned for its beautifully preserved Edo-era merchant houses and traditional craftsmanship. Visitors can explore various sake breweries, local miso shops, and craft stores offering unique regional specialties. The Sanmachi Suji district is particularly famous for its historical ambiance and authentic cultural experiences.
The Lawson convenience store near Lake Kawaguchi is globally recognized for its unique photo opportunity, offering an iconic view of Mount Fuji situated directly behind the store. Beyond this scenic backdrop, visitors can find a wide selection of Japanese snacks, beverages, pre-made meals, and essential daily items, making it a convenient stop for refreshments and memorable pictures.
Shirakawa-go Gassho Village is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These traditional homes feature steeply pitched thatched roofs, resembling hands in prayer, designed to withstand heavy snowfall. They exemplify a unique architectural style adapted to the local environment and represent a sustainable way of life maintained over centuries.
Oishi Park, located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, provides exceptional panoramic views of Mount Fuji, especially on clear days. The park's "Flower Street" showcases seasonal blooms that create a vibrant foreground for the mountain. The lakeside promenade also offers multiple unobstructed vantage points to capture stunning reflections of Fuji in the lake.
To access the famous Chureito Pagoda viewpoint within Arakurayama Sengen Park, visitors typically ascend approximately 400 steps from the park entrance. This path leads to an observation deck that provides the iconic view of the five-storied pagoda set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, particularly stunning during the cherry blossom season.
Travel durations between attractions vary by route and traffic. For instance, the journey from Shirakawa-go to Takayama Old Street typically takes about 50 to 60 minutes by coach. The tour ensures comfortable transportation between these historic sites, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenic countryside of Gifu Prefecture.
Professional tour guides fluent in both Mandarin and English accompany visitors to the attractions, including Shirakawa-go and those around Lake Kawaguchi. This service ensures clear communication, allowing guests to fully understand the historical, cultural, and scenic insights shared, enhancing their overall experience without language barriers.
During the winter itinerary, Lake Kawaguchi offers distinct scenic features, most notably the majestic snow-capped Mount Fuji, which stands out brilliantly against clear winter skies. The tranquil winter landscape around the lake and the possibility of seeing its surface partially frozen create a uniquely serene and picturesque experience for visitors.
Get Help
