2026 Shirakawago Light Up 2 Days Tour from Nagoya
- Be part of the wonderful world of Shirakawago dressed in snow and warm light.
- Experience food sample maiking with a phone stand in the shape of spilled ice cream.
- Stroll around Takayama Old Town, enjoying some local food and handcrafts.
- This tour is also a great opportunity to make your snow-play debut! Enjoy the snow with sledding and snow tubing!
Product Info
Purchase Notice
This is not a private tour, you will enjoy the tour with other guests together.
We might cancel the tour if we do not have at least 15 participants by 30 days before the scheduled departure.
This tour includes the play in the snow. Please prepare and bring clothing and shoes that are suitable for snow playing.
Please note that there is a possibility that the available room types will be divided into Twin and Single rooms.
Reminders
Customer Guidelines:
Please arrive at the meeting location 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
IMPORTANT: The bus will depart according to the schedule and will not wait for late arrivals.
Please be aware that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience high levels of congestion.
The schedule is subject to change without prior notice.
This tour basically utilizes a bus, and there may be delays in arrival time due to traffic or other factors.
Due to traffic or other reasons, the duration of visits at each destination may be shortened, and arrival times may be delayed.
Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).
In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.
Wearing your seatbelt is mandatory while the bus is in motion due to legal regulations.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on the bus.
Please refrain from standing up while the bus is in motion.
If you accidentally leave any belongings on the bus, please be aware that they will be disposed of.
Please personally take responsibility for your valuables.
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when you book. especially if the tour includes lunch.
When playing in the snow
If you dig a hole, please put it back (to avoid falling in and injuring yourself).
Please do not enter the off-limits area (to protect the flower garden under the snow).
If you stop sledding in the middle of the course, please exit the course immediately.
Please be careful not to disturb other visitors when taking pictures.
It is forbidden to enter this area with skis, snowboards.
We will issue an IC card as your admission ticket. 500JPY deposit will be charged if the card is lost or damaged.
Please enjoy the activities safely by following the instructions given by your guide on the day.
When picking strawberries
Please listen carefully to and follow the explanations of local staff and guides.
Please do not run in the park.
Please do not pick strawberries outside the range.
Please do not play tricks on the bees.
Please eat strawberries in the greenhouses.
Please do not leave leftovers.
Note: These guidelines are provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 29 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 28 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 4 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–3 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 truly appreciate Shirakawa-go's charm, a visit of 3 to 4 hours is generally recommended. This allows ample time to stroll through the village, explore several gassho-zukuri houses (some open to the public), visit temples like Myozenji, and take in the panoramic views from the Shiroyama Viewpoint. During special events like the Light Up, additional time may be desired for evening photography and enjoying the illuminated scenery.
In Shirakawa-go, don't miss exploring the traditional gassho-zukuri houses, such as Wada House and Nagase House, which offer insights into local life. A visit to the Shiroyama Viewpoint provides breathtaking panoramic views of the entire village, especially stunning when covered in snow or illuminated during the Light Up event. Also, consider experiencing local cuisine and browsing unique handicrafts.
Yes, Shirakawa-go village is highly walkable. The main area of Ogimachi village, where most gassho-zukuri houses are located, is relatively flat and compact, making it easy to explore on foot. Pathways connect the key attractions, allowing visitors to leisurely stroll between the traditional farmhouses, shops, and eateries. During winter, paths are usually cleared, but sturdy, waterproof footwear is highly recommended due to snow and potential ice.
While both showcase traditional Japanese architecture, Shirakawa-go is a living, inhabited village with active residents and farming. Its gassho-zukuri houses are largely original to their locations, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site for its authenticity. Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato) is an open-air museum near Takayama, featuring relocated gassho-zukuri and other traditional houses from across the Hida region, providing a comprehensive historical and cultural overview in a curated setting.
In Takayama Old Town, visitors can step back in time by strolling through preserved Edo-period streets lined with traditional wooden merchants' houses. Key experiences include sampling local street food like Hida beef sushi or mitarashi dango, browsing sake breweries and tasting local sake, and discovering unique handicrafts. The area also features several historical temples and shrines, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
Shirakawa-go is primarily accessed by bus. Regular bus services connect Shirakawa-go with major hubs such as Takayama, Kanazawa, and Nagoya. There is no direct train station in Shirakawa-go; the nearest train stations are in cities like Takayama or Toyama, from where bus connections are necessary. Many visitors opt for guided tours which provide convenient round-trip transportation directly to the village.
Yes, for those visiting Shirakawa-go during the winter months, especially as part of a tour designed for the season, there are often dedicated opportunities for snow-play. Activities such as sledding and snow tubing are popular ways to enjoy the abundant snowfall unique to the region. These activities provide a fun and engaging experience for all ages amidst the picturesque winter landscape of the area, making for a memorable visit.
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