Tsuruga Lantern Floating Fireworks & Shirakawa-go, Takayama 2 Day Tour from Osaka
- Experience the Tsuruga Toro Nagashi Grand Fireworks Festival featuring approximately 10,000 fireworks and around 6,000 floating lanterns
- Enjoy a tasting of local Echizen soba noodles
- Spend a full 90 minutes exploring the UNESCO World Heritage village Shirakawa-go at your own pace
- Enjoy free time in the charming old town streets of Takayama, famous for its traditional atmosphere and historic scenery
- Overnight stay at Crown Hills Kanazawa or a similar class hotel
Package Options
Product Info
Purchase Notice
This tour is a Japanese tour. The tour conductor will provide language support using a translator (Pocket Talk).
Eligibility: This tour is not valid for Japanese nationals. It is available to overseas tourists only.
This is not a private tour; you will enjoy the tour with other guests.
If the minimum number of participants (20) is not met by (14) days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date might be canceled.
Even if twin-room accommodation is requested, guests may occasionally be assigned to two separate single rooms
For groups with an odd number of participants, bus seating may be shared with other guests
Staying time at sightseeing spots may be shortened due to traffic conditions
The contents of the lantern floating event, fireworks program, and total number of fireworks are subject to change without notice
Floating lanterns will be sold on the day of the event. Guests wishing to participate may purchase them near the entrance area (subject to availability)
The fireworks festival may still be held in rainy weather, and the tour will operate as scheduled
The event may be cancelled in cases of severe weather such as typhoons, strong winds, or rising river conditions if fireworks launches are considered unsafe
Even if severe weather is expected, the tour will proceed unless the event organizers officially announce cancellation before departure. In some cases, the final cancellation decision may be made early on the morning of the event, and guests may be informed by the tour escort on the day
No refunds will be provided if the fireworks festival is cancelled or postponed after the tour has departed due to sudden bad weather
If the fireworks festival is officially postponed before departure due to a typhoon or other severe weather, the tour will be cancelled. In this case, the tour price minus the fireworks viewing seat fee (JPY 3,000) will be refunded
If the fireworks festival is officially cancelled before the day prior to departure, the tour price will be refunded. However, if the fireworks are cancelled after the tour has departed, no refunds will be issued
Guests will walk approximately 20 minutes from the parking area to the venue. Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
Please bring your own items for heatstroke prevention, such as hats, cooling towels, or drinks
Dinner on Day 1 is not included. Guests may purchase boxed meals or food at service areas or sightseeing stops
Heavy traffic may result in a late-night hotel arrival
Reminders
Important Notes During Bus Tour
Please refrain from drinking alcohol on the bus.
Members of the odd-numbered group may need to share seats with other passengers on the bus.
As stipulated by Japanese law, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus.
Please remain seated and avoid walking while the tour bus is moving.
Seating on the bus is assigned by H.I.S staff. Please do not change your seat during the tour.
Please be punctual and arrive at the designated meeting place on time. The bus will depart on time and will not wait for latecomers.
Latecomers who wish to rejoin the group will be responsible for all transportation fees.
8.Please wear the sticker provided by the tour guide visibly.
Avoid sticking the sticker on leather goods, as it may leave marks.
Do not use the seat reclining function or adjust the seat settings.
Please set all electronic devices, including mobile phones and game consoles, to silent mode.
Talking on mobile phones and making video calls are prohibited on the tour bus.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on the tour bus.
Arrival times at each sightseeing spot may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The use of drones for filming or other purposes is prohibited during the tour.
Please do not use perfume, sprays, or change baby diapers on the bus, as it may disturb other passengers.
Manage your valuable belongings yourself.
After the tour, please take all your trash with you and do not leave any on the bus.
Ensure you do not forget or leave any personal belongings on the bus after the tour.
If you fail to follow these regulations and cause a disturbance on the bus, you may be asked to leave the bus, even during the tour.
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
- For cancellations made 0 to 0 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- 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
The floating lanterns (Toro Nagashi) at festivals like Tsuruga's are a traditional Japanese custom. They are launched onto the water to honor and guide the spirits of ancestors, especially during the Obon festival period. The sight of thousands of lanterns drifting on the water, often accompanied by fireworks, creates a beautiful and poignant tribute, symbolizing peace and remembrance.
The official name of the event is the Tsuruga Toro Nagashi Grand Fireworks Festival. This significant summer event combines the tradition of floating lanterns (Toro Nagashi) with a large-scale fireworks display, creating a unique spectacle over the water and illuminating the night sky.
To fully appreciate the unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses and serene atmosphere of Shirakawa-go village, it is recommended to spend around 90 minutes. This allows ample time to wander through the village, observe the distinctive architecture, visit a museum house, and take photos without feeling rushed.
"Shirakawa-go" specifically refers to the historic village of Ogimachi, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. "Shirakawa" is a broader geographical term that might refer to the Shirakawa Village area in Gifu Prefecture, which encompasses Shirakawa-go but also other areas. When planning a visit to see the iconic thatched-roof houses, ensure you are heading to "Shirakawa-go" (Ogimachi).
Yes, it is feasible to experience the main attractions of Takayama's historic old town in a single day, especially with focused exploration. The old town, known as Sanmachi Suji, is compact and walkable, allowing visitors to enjoy its traditional merchant houses, sake breweries, craft shops, and morning markets within a dedicated period of free time.
The approximate travel time from Shirakawa-go to Takayama by bus or car is typically around 50 minutes to 1 hour. This route offers scenic views as you travel through the mountainous region between these two charming destinations, making for an enjoyable journey.
At the Tsuruga Toro Nagashi Grand Fireworks Festival, visitors can expect a truly unique waterfront spectacle. You will witness approximately 10,000 fireworks illuminating the night sky, synchronized with around 6,000 colorful floating lanterns drifting across the sea. This creates a breathtaking scene of light and reflection, offering an unforgettable summer night experience.
In Takayama's historic old town, visitors are encouraged to explore the beautifully preserved Sanmachi Suji district with its traditional merchant homes, sake breweries offering tastings, and craft shops. You can also visit the morning markets (Jinya-mae and Miyagawa), browse local handicrafts, or simply soak in the Edo-period atmosphere while walking the charming streets.
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