[Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2-Day Tour] 2026 Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Light-Up Night View, Shinhotaka Ropeway & Aspite Line, Hida Takayama｜Includes 1-Night Accommodation in Toyama (Departing from Nagoya)
Uncover Japan's winter magic on this limited-time tour from Nagoya! Experience, Shinhotaka Ropeway, Hida Takayama, and the stunning night views of the UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawago Light-up Festival.
- Experience the magic of the limited-time Shirakawago Winter Light-Up in the historic Gassho Village – a popular winter attraction that lasts for 4 days only each year (All departure dates are guaranteed departures.)
- Visit the scenic Hida Takayama for a relaxing vacation
- Book with KKday and guarantee your seat for the entire lighting schedule during this exclusive period. Don't miss out!
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Late Departure (After 9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 20 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, Lunch included, With dinner, Arrange yourself |
| Accommodation type | Hotel |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Historic site tour, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
- Departure/Destination: Aichi/Gifu
- Travel time: 2 days and 1 night
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus company name: Meitetsu Sightseeing Bus, Gifu Motors, Tannogawa Sightseeing, or equivalent
- Meals: Breakfast 1 time, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 1 time
- Accommodation facilities: APA Hotel Toyama Ekimae
- Minimum group size: 20 travelers
- Team leader: 1 person
- Tour guide: 0 (tour guide and interpreter will not accompany you)
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
- Company name: CLUB TOURISM INTERNATIONAL INC
- Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- License number: Registered travel agency No. 1693 approved by the Director of the Tourism Agency
- Travel industry association name: Full member of Japan Travel Association (JATA)
[Entrusted Sales]
- KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
- Address: 〒160-0004 1-22-5 WESTALL Yotsuya Hall 2F, Yotsuya 1-22-5, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Registered Travel Agency, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Registration No. 2045
- Travel industry association name: Japan Travel Industry Association (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 20 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 14 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
In order to visit the night view of Shirakawa-go on this trip, dinner on the first day will be served early at 4:00 pm
Due to the visit of Shirakawa-go night view, the tour won't arrive at the hotel on the first day until after 9:00 pm
Priority is given to visiting Shirakawa-go light projections. If the trip is delayed due to road conditions, etc., the Hida Takayama walk time may be shortened or canceled, and the Shirakawa-go stay time may also be shortened
The planned tour itinerary may be changed due to the traffic conditions on the day
The snow view or light-up event may be canceled depending on the weather. In this case, there will be no refund
Please note that the main language of the tour leader is Japanese. During the trip, the tour leader will use written or AI translation to provide as much information as possible (important matters such as meeting time, location), but there is no attraction introduction service.
The bus will depart on time and will not wait for late arrivals. Please note that late arrivals will be considered a no-show and no refunds will be issued
Access to the observation deck on the north side of the venue is restricted. It is not possible to enjoy the scenery from the observation deck on this tour
The road is slippery, so please wear waterproof and non-slip shoes. In addition, walking on snowy roads at night is very dangerous, so it is recommended to bring a flashlight
This is a nighttime outdoor walk. After nightfall, the temperature will drop below freezing, so please prepare cold-proof equipment (cold-proof clothes, jackets, disposable thermal bags, cold-proof gloves, cold-proof hats, earmuffs, etc.)
If you are an odd-numbered passenger, you will be seated with another group of odd-numbered guests
Shinhotaka Ropeway may be closed depending on the weather. In this case, the ropeway group ticket fee will be refunded
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 15 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 14 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 appreciate the unique atmosphere of Shirakawa-go Gassho Village during the light-up, a recommended visit duration is around 2-3 hours. This allows ample time to stroll through the snow-covered village, admire the illuminated gassho-zukuri houses from various viewpoints, and capture memorable photographs. Consider arriving slightly before sunset to experience the transition from dusk to full night illumination.
The Shirakawa-go Light-Up Festival is a highly sought-after winter event, typically held for only a few specific days each year in January and February. Visiting during these exclusive dates allows you to witness the enchanting spectacle of the snow-covered gassho-zukuri houses illuminated against the night sky, creating a truly magical and unique experience that is limited to these special occasions.
Shirakawa-go is famous for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses, characterized by their steeply-slanted, thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Visitors can explore these unique architectural wonders, some of which are open as museums or guesthouses, offering insights into traditional Japanese rural life and culture. The village is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving its historical charm and authenticity.
Shirakawa-go Gassho Village served as the primary inspiration for the fictional village of Hinamizawa in the popular Japanese horror-mystery anime series "Higurashi When They Cry" (ひぐらしのなく頃に). Fans of the series often visit Shirakawa-go to see the real-life locations that resemble those depicted in the anime, adding an extra layer of interest for pop culture enthusiasts and creating a unique pilgrimage experience.
The Shinhotaka Ropeway provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps. It is unique for its double-decker gondolas, ascending to an observation deck at over 2,000 meters. From the top, you can enjoy stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, and valleys, especially beautiful in winter with fresh snow. There are also walking trails, a souvenir shop, and a post office at the upper station.
Hida Takayama, often called "Little Kyoto," offers a charming step back in time. Key attractions include Sanmachi Suji, a preserved old town district with traditional merchants' homes, sake breweries, and craft shops. Visitors can also explore the lively morning markets (Jinyamae and Miyagawa), visit the Hida Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, and sample local delicacies like Hida beef and sake.
Visiting Shirakawa-go in winter means preparing for heavy snow and cold temperatures. It's crucial to wear warm, waterproof clothing, non-slip footwear, and gloves. Pathways can be slippery, so walk with caution. Ensure you arrive early for the light-up event to secure a good viewing spot, as it can get very crowded. Public transportation might be affected by weather conditions, so consider tour options for convenience.
To maximize your experience, plan to visit popular viewpoints like the Shiroyama Observation Deck for iconic panoramic photos of the illuminated village. Arrive before dusk to witness the magical transformation as the lights come on. Explore the village on foot, visiting open gassho-zukuri houses and enjoying local food. Dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear to comfortably navigate the snowy paths and fully immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere.
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