Complete Guide to Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2026: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning

Post date: 2025-07-06 | Categories: Japan Travel

The 40th Shirakawa-go Light-Up in 2026 will be held in January and February 2026. Similar to 2025, there will only be four sessions in 2026, two fewer than in previous years. The dates for the 2026 Shirakawa-go Light-Up are January 12 (Monday), January 18 (Sunday), January 25 (Sunday), and February 1 (Sunday). Except for January 12, which falls on a Monday (a Japanese holiday), the other sessions are scheduled for Sundays. The light-up time remains from 17:30 to 19:30.

Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, and the annual light-up event held in January and February is a dream experience for many. I visited Shirakawa-go twice before, during the cherry blossom season in April and the autumn foliage season in November. This year (2018), I decided to visit again in February during winter, with the goal of seeing the light-up.

The Shirakawa-go Light-Up event is held only a few days each year. To ensure a successful trip to see the light-up, I did a lot of preparation. Here, I’ve compiled the information and experiences into this Shirakawa-go Light-Up guide, hoping it will be helpful for those planning to visit.

Since 2019, some regulations for the light-up event (such as self-driving parking, the method of issuing observation deck tickets, and how to book accommodations) have undergone significant changes, and these vary slightly each year. Starting in 2024, an admission ticket (entry pass) system was introduced for the first time. Every visitor entering Shirakawa-go during the light-up event must hold an admission ticket issued by the Shirakawa-go Tourism Association. This system will continue in 2026.

This article covers almost all the information you need to know about the Shirakawa-go Light-Up event, including:

I. Light-Up Dates and Times
- 2026 Light-Up Event Dates and Times
II. 5 Ways to Attend the Shirakawa-go Light-Up
III. Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay for Convenience?
IV. Itinerary Planning: Time Management and Route Suggestions
- 1. How to Get to the Tenshukaku Observatory?
- 2. How to Plan Your Time and Route?
  - 2.1 Route and Time Plan Without Observatory Access
  - 2.2 Route and Time Plan With Observatory Access
V. Suggested Itineraries from Nagoya and Osaka

Shirakawa-go Light-Up Dates and Times

The Shirakawa-go Light-Up event is held only during the heaviest snowfall periods in January and February. The dates vary each year, usually falling between mid-January and mid-February, typically on Saturdays and Sundays. Since 2017, if a Monday is a public holiday, it may also be included. The light-up time is generally from 17:30 to 19:30, lasting only two hours.

Although the start and end dates of the light-up event change annually, and there seems to be a trend toward earlier scheduling, it is highly likely that the event will take place on Sundays between late January and early February. If you need to apply for leave in advance, you can plan for this period, but make sure the Sunday falls in the middle of your vacation for easier itinerary arrangements.

In the past, the light-up event was held over seven sessions, but this was reduced to six in 2017. Starting in 2025, it was further cut to just four sessions. Fewer sessions mean more concentrated crowds, resulting in larger numbers of visitors per session, more congestion at the venue, and greater difficulty in securing bus tickets to Shirakawa-go during the event.

2026 Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event Dates and Times

The 40th Shirakawa-go Light-Up in 2026 will be held in January and February, with two fewer sessions than in previous years, totaling only four. The dates are:

January 12 (Monday);
January 18 (Sunday);
January 25 (Sunday); and
February 1 (Sunday).

Except for January 12, which is a Monday (a Japanese holiday), the other sessions are on Sundays. The light-up time remains from 17:30 to 19:30.

5 Ways to Attend the Shirakawa-go Light-Up

There is no official “reservation” requirement for the Shirakawa-go Light-Up event, and no prior booking is needed to attend. However, due to the large number of visitors during the event, traffic and crowd control measures are implemented in Shirakawa-go, limiting the number of vehicles and people entering the area.

To further strengthen the measures restricting the number of visitors during the light-up, an admission ticket system was introduced for the first time in 2024. Every visitor entering Shirakawa-go during the light-up must hold an admission ticket issued by the Shirakawa-go Tourism Association. This system will remain in place for 2026.

Essentially, there are five ways to obtain an admission ticket and enter Shirakawa-go during the 2026 light-up:

The first method is to stay at a guesthouse or hotel within Shirakawa-go;
The second method is to obtain a parking permit and drive to Shirakawa-go;
The third method is to join a public transportation light-up bus tour to Shirakawa-go;
The fourth method is to join a travel agency’s light-up day tour to Shirakawa-go;
The fifth method is to obtain a parking permit and take a taxi to Shirakawa-go.

Note: Since 2022, only two types of visitors can obtain tickets to enter the Tenshukaku Observatory during the light-up: those staying in Shirakawa-go accommodations and those participating in designated bus tours. Other visitors, including self-drivers, taxi riders, and tour group participants, cannot access the observatory.

If you plan to attend the Shirakawa-go Light-Up, you must carefully follow the reservation timelines for accommodations, parking, or bus tickets based on your chosen method. Below is a summary of the 2025 schedule for these tasks. (Note: The 2026 arrangements have not yet been announced. This section will be updated once the official details are released.)

Time (Japan Time)	Accommodation Reservations	Parking Reservations	Ticket Purchases
September 10, 2024, 13:00		First-round parking reservations begin
October 1, 2024, 13:00	Accommodation lottery applications open
October 4, 2024, 14:00			January 13 light-up bus tickets go on sale
October 11, 2024, 14:00			January 19 light-up bus tickets go on sale
October 18, 2024, 14:00			January 26 light-up bus tickets go on sale
October 25, 2024, 14:00			February 2 light-up bus tickets go on sale
October 31, 2024, 24:00	Accommodation lottery applications close
November 10, 2024	Accommodation lottery results announced
November 26, 2024, 13:00	Cancelled reservations reopen for booking
December 1, 2024, 13:00		Second-round parking reservations begin

Accommodation in Shirakawa-go: How to Book a Stay During the Light-Up

If you stay at a guesthouse or hotel in Shirakawa-go on the day of the light-up, you can attend the event that night. Additionally, each guest will receive an admission ticket for the light-up and a ticket to the Tenshukaku Observatory. If you drive to Shirakawa-go, you do not need to reserve a parking space; you can park directly at your accommodation. If you are not driving, you can take a highway bus operated by Nohi Bus, Hokuriku Tetsudo, Toyama Chitetsu, Gifu Bus, or Kaetsunou Bus from Takayama, Toyama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, or Takaoka to Shirakawa-go. The timetable for highway buses to and from Shirakawa-go can be found here.

Tickets for highway buses from Takayama, Kanazawa, Toyama, or Takaoka to Shirakawa-go can be purchased up to one month in advance on “Japan Bus Online” or “Hassha Ohrai Net.” Tickets for buses from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go can be purchased up to one month in advance on Willer Express or Rakuten Travel.

Shirakawa-go Accommodations Accepting Reservations for the 2026 Light-Up

There are approximately 40 guesthouses and hotels around Shirakawa-go. During the light-up, some accommodations may close or not accept public bookings, but others will remain open and accept reservations.

In 2025, 12 guesthouses and hotels accepted reservations for the light-up, though not all were available for every session. Below is the list of accommodations accepting reservations during the 2025 light-up and their available dates. For details, refer here. (Note: The 2026 arrangements have not yet been announced. This section will be updated once the official details are released.)

Guesthouse/Hotel Name	Type	Location	January 12	January 18	January 25	February 1
Hisamatsu	Gassho-style guesthouse	Ogimachi	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Yamamoto-ya	Gassho-style guesthouse	Ogimachi	Yes	–	Yes	Yes
Bunroku	Gassho-style guesthouse	Ogimachi	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Koemon	Gassho-style guesthouse	Ogimachi	Yes	–	Yes	Yes
Kidoya	Gassho-style guesthouse	Ogimachi	Yes	–	–	Yes
Gensaku	Gassho-style guesthouse	Ogimachi	–	Yes	Yes	–
Isaburo	Gassho-style guesthouse	Ogimachi	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sumireso	Hotel	Ogimachi	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Shirakawa-go no Yu	Hotel	Ogimachi	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Yunosato	Hotel	Hirase	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hirase Onsen Guest House	Hotel	Hirase	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Yuinoshou	Hot spring hotel	Iijima	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Below are detailed descriptions of the guesthouses and hotels listed above, including prices, room types, sizes, whether meals are included, and whether children are allowed.

Guesthouses and hotels available for January 12, 2025:

Guesthouses and hotels available for January 18, 2025:

Guesthouses and hotels available for January 25, 2025:

Guesthouses and hotels available for February 1, 2025:

Below is a map showing the locations of the guesthouses and hotels in Shirakawa-go relative to Ogimachi:

How to Book Accommodation for the 2026 Light-Up

The reservation method for guesthouses during the 2026 light-up will be the same as in 2025, using a lottery system. To stay at a Shirakawa-go guesthouse or hotel during the 2026 light-up, you must first apply for the lottery by sending an email to the Shirakawa-go Tourism Association. If selected, you can then book your stay through the accommodation reservation system on the association’s website. (Note: The 2026 arrangements have not yet been announced. This section will be updated once the official details are released.)

For the 2025 light-up, the lottery application period for guesthouses and hotels will open at 13:00 Japan Time on October 1, 2024, and close at 23:59 on October 31, 2024. Results will be announced starting November 10, 2024. If you are not selected, you will not receive a notification. For details, refer here.

Winners must complete their bookings and payments within the specified period; otherwise, their reservations will be cancelled. The Shirakawa-go Tourism Association will announce any remaining available rooms due to cancellations on its website at 13:00 Japan Time on November 26, 2024. These rooms will then be available for booking on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are not selected in the lottery, you can check the association’s website at this time for available options.

Self-Driving to Shirakawa-go: Rules and Parking Reservations During the Light-Up

If you have experience and confidence driving in snowy conditions, you can drive to Shirakawa-go for the light-up. Since 2019, on light-up days, all vehicles entering Shirakawa-go must have a pre-approved parking permit or reserved parking space. Vehicles without reservations cannot park in Shirakawa-go during the event.

However, note that since 2022, only visitors staying in Shirakawa-go accommodations or participating in designated bus tours can obtain tickets to the Tenshukaku Observatory. This means self-drivers cannot access the observatory during the light-up.

For the 2026 light-up, parking reservations for private vehicles (10 seats or fewer) will follow the same first-come, first-served system as in previous years. Each vehicle can accommodate up to 10 passengers (including the driver), and the number of passengers must be specified when booking. Each person will receive an admission ticket upon entry. (Note: The 2026 arrangements have not yet been announced. This section will be updated once the official details are released.)

Parking reservations for the 2025 light-up will be conducted in two rounds, with the first round being 1,000 JPY cheaper than the second.

The first round opens at 13:00 Japan Time on September 10, 2024. For 1–5 passengers (including the driver), the fee is 5,000 JPY; for 6–10 passengers, it is 8,000 JPY.
The second round opens at 13:00 Japan Time on December 1, 2024. For 1–5 passengers, the fee is 6,000 JPY; for 6–10 passengers, it is 9,000 JPY.

Parking fees are non-refundable. If the actual number of passengers exceeds the booked number (e.g., booking for 1–5 but bringing 6–10), an additional 4,000 JPY will be charged.

Parking Lots for Private Vehicles During the Light-Up

In Shirakawago, there are two parking lots available for self-driving vehicles. One is the Seseragi Park Parking located across the river from Shirakawa Street, next to the Gassho-style Folk Village [Map Code: 549 018 350]. This parking lot is the main one in Shirakawago, where tourists’ vehicles and tour buses usually park. From the parking lot, you can cross the suspension bridge over the river to reach Shirakawa Street.

The other parking lot is the Midashima Park Parking [Map Code: 549 018 085], which is a temporary parking lot located further south along Shirakawa Street, approximately 500 meters from the Shirakawago Tourist Information Center and closer to the Three Houses. During the 2025 illumination period, the parking lot open for self-driving vehicles will be the Midashima Park Parking, which is different from the Terao Parking used in 2024.

Below is the location of Seseragi Park Parking and Midashima Park Parking:

Below is a Google Maps screenshot of the entrance to Seseragi Park Parking. Note that this is the scene without snow; it will look quite different when covered in snow during winter.

Below is a photo of Seseragi Park Parking taken during the 2018 illumination event.

Seseragi Park Parking During Illumination

Daytime Parking Arrangements in Shirakawago During Illumination Days

If you drive to Shirakawago during the day on an illumination day and do not have a parking permit for the evening illumination event, you will need to leave the parking lot by 17:00. Additionally, the parking lot will prohibit entry for vehicles without permits from 15:00 onwards.

Winter Driving Information for Shirakawago

Mid-January to mid-February is the snowiest period in Shirakawago. If you plan to drive there during this time, your vehicle must be equipped with snow tires (anti-slip tires) and possibly snow chains. If you rent a car in areas like Takayama, Kanazawa, or Toyama, where snow is guaranteed in winter, rental companies may pre-install snow tires. However, if you rent a car in areas with less snow, such as Nagoya, you must request snow tires or chains in advance.

The Central Nippon Expressway Company (NEXCO Central Japan) website has a “Winter Snow Driving Guide” page that provides information on driving in snowy conditions in Japan. It covers essential equipment, cautionary road sections, knowledge about snow tires and chains, and how to handle potential highway restrictions. This is a useful resource if you plan to drive to Shirakawago for the illumination.

NEXCO Central Japan also operates a dedicated website called “iHighway Central Japan” that offers real-time highway conditions. You can check where snow is falling, which roads require snow tires, or if any roads are closed. It also provides live camera feeds from highways.

Shirakawago is one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas and is located in the mountains, making winter driving challenging, especially at night. During the illumination event, the roads become extremely congested due to the high volume of vehicles, and the parking lots are not very close to Shirakawago. Therefore, driving to see the illumination is not the wisest choice. However, driving allows you to control your schedule, arrive earlier than buses, and have more time to explore, including experiencing Shirakawago during both day and night.

Road conditions near Shirakawago during the 2018 illumination event:

Klook.com

Illumination Bus Tours: Information and Ticket Purchasing Methods for Bus Companies During the Illumination Period

Takayama, Kanazawa, and Toyama have daily highway buses operated by Nohi Bus, Hokuriku Railway, and Toyama Chitetsu. These regular buses operate on the Takayama-Shirakawago-Kanazawa and Takayama-Shirakawago-Toyama routes, though some services terminate or originate in Shirakawago. Additionally, Gifu Bus operates six daily highway buses between Nagoya and Shirakawago, while Kaetsunou Bus runs five daily buses between Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture and Shirakawago.

Even on illumination days, these regular highway buses to Shirakawago continue to operate. However, the last bus departing Shirakawago for Takayama or Kanazawa leaves at 17:30, which coincides with the start of the illumination. The last buses to Toyama, Nagoya, and Takaoka depart even earlier. Starting from 2024, an admission ticket is required to enter Shirakawago during the illumination, and regular bus passengers do not receive one. Therefore, taking a regular highway bus makes it impossible to see the illumination unless you stay overnight in Shirakawago.

During the illumination period, Nohi Bus, Kaetsunou Bus, Toyama Chitetsu Bus, and Hokuriku Railway Bus offer special bus services exclusively for the illumination event. These limited-time services can be referred to as Shirakawago Illumination Bus Tours, which are essentially round-trip ticket packages to Shirakawago. Some include simple dinners, and all passengers on these special buses receive an admission ticket for the illumination. Certain tours also include tickets to the Tenshukaku Observatory, though they do not come with a guide or tour leader. If you are not driving or staying overnight in Shirakawago, joining an illumination bus tour is the most convenient and affordable way to see the event.

Participants in illumination bus tours must take the same bus for both the outbound and return trips. You cannot, for example, take a regular highway bus to Shirakawago and then use a tour bus for the return trip.

The illumination bus tours offered by Nohi Bus, Kaetsunou Bus, Toyama Chitetsu Bus, and Hokuriku Railway Bus depart from different locations. Nohi Bus tours depart from Takayama City, Hokuriku Railway Bus tours depart from Kanazawa City, while Kaetsunou Bus and Toyama Chitetsu Bus tours depart from Takaoka City and Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture, respectively. For international tourists, the Nohi Bus tour from Takayama is usually the most convenient option.

During the illumination, the best viewing spot is the Tenshukaku Observatory. However, due to the large crowds, the number of visitors allowed on the observatory is limited, and all visitors must hold a ticket. (Note: In previous years, shuttle buses were provided to the observatory, and visitors had to walk back. Starting in 2022, the shuttle buses were discontinued, and visitors with observatory tickets must walk both ways (those with mobility issues can apply in advance to the Shirakawago Tourist Association for shuttle bus access).)

During the 2026 illumination event, only two groups of people will receive Tenshukaku Observatory tickets: those staying overnight in Shirakawago and participants in bus tours that include observatory tickets. Therefore, if you are not staying in Shirakawago, the only way to access the observatory is by joining a bus tour that includes the ticket. (Note: The 2026 illumination bus arrangements have not yet been announced; the following content will be updated once they are.)

Some Shirakawago illumination bus tours include Tenshukaku Observatory tickets, allowing participants to view the panoramic scenery of the illuminated village. Below are the 2025 illumination bus tours that include observatory tickets:

Nohi Bus’s “Course B Shirakawago Light-up Bus with Observatory Ticket” departing from Takayama Station (details and booking methods can be found in the “(1) Nohi Bus Illumination Bus Tour” section below).
Toyama Chitetsu Bus’s “Round-trip Bus Plan with Observatory Admission Ticket” departing from Toyama Station (details and booking methods can be found in the “(2) Toyama Chitetsu Bus Illumination Bus Tour” section below).
Kaetsunou Bus’s “Course S: Observatory Admission Ticket Included” departing from Takaoka Station (details and booking methods can be found in the “(3) Kaetsunou Bus Illumination Bus Tour” section below).
Hokuriku Railway Bus’s illumination bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station (details and booking methods can be found in the “(4) Hokuriku Railway Bus Illumination Bus Tour” section below).

Note: All four illumination bus tours that include observatory tickets only provide the ticket; there is no transportation to or from the observatory. You must walk both ways, which takes about 30 minutes each way (approximately 1 hour round trip). The path is snowy and difficult to traverse. Additionally, you cannot choose your own time to enter the observatory.

Below is information about the special buses operated by each bus company during the 2025 illumination period:

(1) Nohi Bus Illumination Bus Tour

Nohi Bus offers two types of Shirakawago illumination bus tours for 2025: “Course A Shirakawago Light-up Bus” and “Course B Shirakawago Light-up Bus with Observatory Ticket,” with the latter including the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket.

1. “Course B Shirakawago Light-up Bus with Observatory Ticket” Illumination Bus Tour

This tour includes the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket, but participants must walk both ways, taking about 1 hour round trip. The path is snowy and challenging. This tour does not include dinner but offers some local Shirakawago snacks. The tour departs at 15:10 from Takayama, with boarding and disembarking at the Nohi Bus Terminal next to JR Takayama Station. The price is 13,000 yen for adults (12 years and older) and 11,000 yen for children (6–12 years). Children under 6 are free but do not get a separate seat; if a seat is required, a child ticket must be purchased. Below is the tour schedule:

Outbound: Takayama [15:10] → Shirakawago [16:20]
Return: Shirakawago [19:45] → Takayama [20:45]

2. “Course A Shirakawago Light-up Bus” Illumination Bus Tour

This tour only includes round-trip bus tickets to Shirakawago and does not provide dinner or snacks, but it does include admission to the Gassho-style Folk Village. The tour departs at 15:40 from Takayama, with boarding and disembarking at the Nohi Bus Terminal next to JR Takayama Station. The price is 10,000 yen for adults and 8,000 yen for children (6–12 years). Children under 6 are free but do not get a separate seat; if a seat is required, a child ticket must be purchased. Below is the tour schedule:

Outbound: Takayama [15:40] → Shirakawago [16:40]
Return: Shirakawago [19:30] → Takayama [20:30]

How to Purchase Nohi Bus Illumination Bus Tour Tickets?

Nohi Bus’s illumination bus tour tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis through online sales, which is convenient for international travelers. In previous years, tickets for all illumination days went on sale simultaneously, but this year, tickets for different dates will be released at different times.

Below are the sale times (Japan Time) for Nohi Bus’s 2025 illumination bus tour tickets for each illumination date:

Ticket Date	Sale Time
January 13, 2025	October 4, 2024, at 14:00
January 19, 2025	October 11, 2024, at 14:00
January 26, 2025	October 18, 2024, at 14:00
February 2, 2025	October 25, 2024, at 14:00

As in previous years, Nohi Bus’s 2025 illumination bus tour tickets will be sold through the Japanese bus ticket purchase websites “Hassha Ohrai Net” and “Japan Bus Online.” Tickets are not sold on the official website, and phone reservations are not accepted.

The “Hassha Ohrai Net” website is only available in Japanese, but Japan Bus Online has Chinese and English versions and is easy to use.

The online travel platform KKday also sells Nohi Bus’s illumination bus tour tickets. Below is the link to purchase them on KKday:

【Limited Observatory Option】2025 Illumination Bus Half-Day Tour｜Departing from Takayama・Guanteed Seat

(2) Toyama Chitetsu Bus Illumination Bus Tour

During the 2025 illumination period, Toyama Chitetsu Bus will also operate illumination bus tours, with two tours per day. One tour, the “Round-trip Bus Plan with Observatory Admission Ticket,” includes the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket, but participants must walk both ways. The other tour, the “Round-trip Bus Plan,” does not include the observatory ticket.

Below is information about Toyama Chitetsu Bus’s 2025 Illumination Bus Tours:

Tour Code	≪Round-trip Bus Plan≫	≪Round-trip Bus Plan with Observatory Admission Ticket≫
Observatory Ticket	Not included	Included
Price	10,000 yen (8,000 for children)	15,000 yen (13,000 for children)
Schedule	Outbound: Toyama Station (14:30) → Shirakawago (16:20) Return: Shirakawago (19:40) → Toyama Station (21:00)	Outbound: Toyama Station (14:30) → Shirakawago (16:20) Return: Shirakawago (19:40) → Toyama Station (21:00)
Booking Method	– Japan Bus Online – Hassha Ohrai Net	– Japan Bus Online – Hassha Ohrai Net

Toyama Chitetsu Bus’s 2025 illumination bus tour tickets can also be purchased through “Hassha Ohrai Net” and “Japan Bus Online,” with sale times matching Nohi Bus’s schedule.

Below are the sale times (Japan Time) for Toyama Chitetsu Bus’s 2025 illumination bus tour tickets for each illumination date:

Ticket Date	Sale Time
January 13, 2025	October 4, 2024, at 14:00
January 19, 2025	October 11, 2024, at 14:00
January 26, 2025	October 18, 2024, at 14:00
February 2, 2025	October 25, 2024, at 14:00

(3) Kaetsunou Bus Illumination Bus Tour

During the 2025 illumination period, Kaetsunou Bus will also operate two illumination bus tours per day. One tour, ≪Course S: Observatory Admission Ticket Included≫, includes the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket, but participants must walk both ways. The other tour, ≪Course A: Gassho Village Strolling Course≫, does not include the observatory ticket.

Below is information about Kaetsunou Bus’s 2025 Illumination Bus Tours:

Tour Code	≪Course A: Gassho Village Strolling Course≫	≪Course S: Observatory Admission Ticket Included≫
Observatory Ticket	Not included	Included
Price	10,000 yen (8,000 for children)	15,000 yen (13,000 for children)
Schedule	Outbound: Takaoka Station (14:50) → Shin-Takaoka Station (15:05) → Shirakawago (16:30) Return: Shirakawago (19:50) → Takaoka (21:10)	Outbound: Takaoka Station (14:30) → Shin-Takaoka Station (14:45) → Shirakawago (16:10) Return: Shirakawago (19:50) → Takaoka (21:10)
Booking Method	– Japan Bus Online – Hassha Ohrai Net	– Japan Bus Online – Hassha Ohrai Net

Kaetsunou Bus’s 2025 illumination bus tour tickets can also be purchased through Hassha Ohrai Net and Japan Bus Online, with sale times matching other bus companies.

Below are the sale times (Japan Time) for Kaetsunou Bus’s 2025 illumination bus tour tickets for each illumination date:

Ticket Date	Sale Time
January 13, 2025	October 4, 2024, at 14:00
January 19, 2025	October 11, 2024, at 14:00
January 26, 2025	October 18, 2024, at 14:00
February 2, 2025	October 25, 2024, at 14:00

(4) Hokuriku Railway Bus Illumination Bus Tour

Hokuriku Railway Bus will offer its first illumination bus tour from Kanazawa to Shirakawago in 2025. One tour will operate per illumination day, departing from Kanazawa City. This tour includes the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket, but participants must walk both ways. The price is 15,500 yen for adults and 13,300 yen for children. Below is the tour schedule:

Outbound: Kanazawa Station West Exit [14:30] → Shirakawago [16:30]
Return: Shirakawago [19:50] → Kanazawa Station [21:50]

Tickets for the 2025 Hokuriku Railway Bus Illumination Bus Tour can be purchased through the Hokuriku Railway Bus official website, with sale times matching other bus companies.

Below are the sale times (Japan Time) for Hokuriku Railway Bus’s 2025 illumination bus tour tickets for each illumination date:

Ticket Date	Sale Time
January 13, 2025	October 4, 2024, at 14:00
January 19, 2025	October 11, 2024, at 14:00
January 26, 2025	October 18, 2024, at 14:00
February 2, 2025	October 25, 2024, at 14:00

Joining an Illumination Tour

Although there are various ways to attend the illumination event, the sheer number of tourists visiting Shirakawago for the light-up each year makes securing accommodations, parking spots, and bus tickets a challenging and often unsuccessful endeavor. To ensure a hassle-free trip, the best option is to join a one-day light-up tour organized by a local travel agency, even if it comes at a higher cost. Alternatively, if you’re not traveling independently in Japan, local travel agencies also offer tours that include the light-up experience.

Many Japanese travel agencies offer light-up tours, with most being one-day trips departing from Nagoya. There are also two-day tours from Osaka or Tokyo that include other attractions. While most of these tours cater primarily to Japanese customers, a few are designed for foreign tourists. These one-day or two-day light-up tours can also be booked through local travel platforms.

Klook and KKday also feature several light-up tours to Shirakawago this year, organized by local travel agencies:

Taking a Taxi to Shirakawago

During the light-up period, taxi companies in Takayama offer round-trip charter services to Shirakawago, such as Hato Taxi Co., Ltd. and Nohi Bus Guided Taxi Service. While the cost is higher than bus tours, the price per person can be comparable if traveling in a group. Note that taxis entering Shirakawago during the light-up event require reserved parking. If the taxi company hasn’t made arrangements in advance, passengers must secure a parking reservation before booking the taxi.

Agoda Booking Deals!

【Agoda 10% Discount Code (incl. taxes)】(Valid worldwide, with discounts applied to taxes and service fees.)

【Bonus Guide: How to Use Agoda Promo Codes? | How to Avoid Agoda’s 5% Service Fee?】

Shirakawago Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay for Convenience?

Accommodations in Shirakawago are fully booked during the light-up event. If you’re not lucky enough to secure a spot in one of the village’s guesthouses, consider staying in nearby cities. Takayama is the closest city to Shirakawago, making it the top choice for visitors attending the light-up. Most light-up bus tours depart from Takayama, so if you’re not driving, it’s the ideal base for your trip.

For those driving to Shirakawago, Takayama remains the best option despite the flexibility in accommodation choices. The distance from Takayama to Shirakawago is about 50 km, significantly shorter than the 75 km from Kanazawa. Additionally, nearly 40 km of the highway from Takayama to Shirakawago consists of tunnels, which, while tedious under normal circumstances, offer safer travel during winter compared to snowy roads.

Takayama is a key tourist destination in Gifu Prefecture, offering a wide range of accommodations, from business hotels to hot spring inns and guesthouses. If you’re joining a bus tour or renting a car in Takayama, staying near JR Takayama Station is highly recommended. Winter snow can make walking with luggage challenging, so proximity to the station is a plus.

For our Shirakawago light-up trip, we stayed at Spa Hotel Alpina Hida Takayama. I first stayed here in 2010 and consider it one of the best hotels near Takayama Station. It’s only 300 meters from the station, a 7-8 minute walk even in snowy conditions. The hotel is also conveniently located near Takayama’s old town, Nakabashi Bridge, Takayama Jinya, and the Miyagawa Morning Market, making it an excellent choice.

Another option is Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan Annex, a hot spring inn I stayed at during my second visit to Takayama in 2013. Located across from the old town near Nakabashi Bridge and Takayama Jinya, it offers stunning views and high-quality service. The inn provides shuttle services from Takayama Station, eliminating the hassle of dragging luggage through snow.

If you’re joining a light-up bus tour departing from Toyama, it’s best to stay in Toyama City.

Snow is inevitable in Takayama during January and February. On days without snowfall, the streets are manageable, even with luggage.

Traveling from Takayama to Shirakawago for the light-up

After a night of snowfall, the streets become more difficult to navigate, but Takayama becomes even more beautiful in winter.

Itinerary Planning: Time Management and Route Guide

The Shirakawago light-up runs from 17:30 to 19:30, just two hours long. Exploring the illuminated village in this short timeframe can be challenging, especially if you’re lucky enough to access the observatory.

1. How to Reach the Tenshukaku Observatory?

The most stunning views of the light-up are from the Tenshukaku Observatory, offering a panoramic vista of Shirakawago illuminated against the snowy backdrop. However, due to its limited space, visitor numbers are restricted during the light-up for safety reasons. Over the years, the access method has evolved from shuttle bus tickets to a reservation-only system.

Since 2022, no shuttle buses operate to the Tenshukaku Observatory during the light-up. Visitors must walk to and from the observatory and present a reserved ticket for entry. These tickets are exclusively available to guests staying in Shirakawago accommodations or passengers on designated light-up bus tours (Nohi Bus, Toyama Chihou Railway Bus, or Kaetsunou Bus). As a result, only lodging guests and specific tour participants can access the observatory, leaving self-driving tourists without this opportunity.

Since I couldn’t visit the observatory during my light-up trip, here’s a photo of Shirakawago taken from the Tenshukaku Observatory during spring. The winter light-up would showcase the same scene covered in snow and dotted with lights.

If you’re staying overnight in Shirakawago or driving there, consider arriving by noon to experience the village by day and night. Before the light-up begins, you can take the shuttle bus to the Tenshukaku Observatory to enjoy the snowy daytime scenery.

The shuttle bus between Ogimachi and the Tenshukaku Observatory typically runs from 9:00 to 16:00, departing every 20 minutes. For the detailed schedule, refer here. The shuttle stop in Ogimachi is located 200 meters south of the Shirakawago Tourist Information Center, near the restaurant Hakusuen. The one-way fare is 200 yen, payable onboard.

2. How to Plan Your Light-Up Itinerary and Route?

Winter days in Shirakawago grow dark by 17:00, with the light-up running from 17:30 to 19:30—just two hours. While the village isn’t large, navigating the illuminated spots in this timeframe is tight due to snowy paths and crowds. If you secure an observatory ticket, accounting for the 40-60 minute round-trip walk and time spent there, you’ll have only about an hour left in the village, so plan carefully.

The light-up involves projecting white spotlights onto select gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof houses), creating the illusion of glowing interiors when viewed from afar. Officially, illuminated houses are scattered across five areas: near Wada House, Myozenji Temple, the western side, Kanmachi, and Shitago. However, Shitago is remote and rarely visited, while Wada House, Myozenji Temple, and the western side are clustered in Ogimachi, drawing most visitors. Kanmachi is farther but features the photogenic “Three Houses,” a popular spot for photos.

Below is the 2022 Shirakawago light-up map, which remains largely unchanged and can serve as a reference for this year.

Note: Drones are prohibited in Shirakawago.

1. How to Plan Your Itinerary Without Observatory Access?

Without an observatory ticket, focus on exploring the illuminated spots in Ogimachi. Two hours is sufficient to visit the main areas and photograph the Three Houses in Kanmachi.

If you’re on a bus tour, you’ll likely arrive by 16:30, giving you about three hours in Shirakawago. Start by photographing the snowy scenery near Myozenji Temple and Wada House before the light-up begins at 17:30. The most concentrated lighting areas are between Myozenji Temple and Wada House. If time allows, walk to Wada House and wait for the illumination before heading back to Myozenji.

The walk from Myozenji to the Three Houses in Kanmachi takes about 15 minutes. To photograph them, depart Myozenji by 19:00 to return to your bus on time.

For self-drivers, arriving in the morning allows daytime exploration and a shuttle bus ride to the observatory. The daytime shuttle operates until 15:40, with the last departure from the observatory at 16:10.

Here are photos from my 2018 light-up visit. My photography skills were lacking, so few turned out well.

Bus tours and one-day tours park at Seseragi Park Parking on the opposite side of Ogimachi, the starting point for exploration. Self-drivers must park at Terao Parking and take a shuttle to Seseragi Park.

From Seseragi Park Parking, cross the Deai Bridge to reach Ogimachi.

Capture the village’s daytime charm before darkness falls.

Decorations outside gassho-zukuri houses

In the freezing cold, warm snacks and drinks are a comfort, so food stalls are crowded.

At 17:30 sharp, the light-up begins as staff turn on the spotlights outside the houses.

The Three Houses in Kanmachi are farther from Ogimachi and less crowded. To reach them, follow Shirakawa Street away from the observatory. The photo spot requires stepping into a snow-covered field about half a meter higher than the road—watch your step!

Return to the parking lot on time after the light-up. With many buses parked there, remember your vehicle’s license plate number.

Self-drivers face longer waits post-event, queuing for shuttles back to Terao Parking.

Tip: During the light-up, snowy paths are slippery. If prone to falls, consider packing ice cleats, a small flashlight, and hand warmers.

2. How to Plan Your Itinerary With Observatory Access?

Observatory tickets have entry time slots but no departure limits. If you have one, prioritize the panoramic views. However, the 40-60 minute round-trip walk leaves little time for exploring Ogimachi or Kanmachi. Focus on the Myozenji Temple to Wada House area and skip the Three Houses.

Suggested Itineraries from Nagoya and Osaka

The nearest international airport to Shirakawago is Chubu Centrair Airport near Nagoya, making it the primary gateway for foreign visitors. Alternatively, Kansai Airport in Osaka offers cheaper flights and more options. Below are sample itineraries from Nagoya and Osaka.

1. Itineraries from Nagoya

For winter light-up trips, consider combining Shirakawago with Takayama, Kanazawa, and Gero Onsen. Snow is rare in Nagoya but guaranteed in Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa, making self-driving risky unless experienced.

1. 8-Day Nagoya, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawago Light-Up Free Itinerary

This Nagoya round-trip itinerary covers Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa. Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa’s highlight, hosts its own light-up in February.

[Day 1]: Arrive at Chubu Centrair Airport, check into a Nagoya city hotel, and explore Nagoya Station or Sakae.

[Day 2]: Take the JR to Toyama, then transfer to Kanazawa. Stay near Kanazawa Station or Korinbo and visit Kenrokuen Garden at night.

[Day 3]: Explore Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen Garden, and Kanazawa Castle.

[Day 4]: Take a morning bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawago, then proceed to Takayama by bus. Stay near Takayama Station.

[Day 5]: Visit Miyagawa Morning Market and the old town, then join a light-up bus tour to Shirakawago. Return to Takayama.

[Day 6]: Return to Nagoya by JR, explore Nagoya Castle, and shop.

[Day 7]: Visit Legoland Japan and shop in Nagoya.

[Day 8]: Depart.

Note 1:

Driving in winter in central Japan can be risky, but renting a car to visit Shirakawa-go for the illumination event allows for better control over your schedule and more time to explore the village. If you’re confident in your ability to drive in snowy conditions, you can opt for a one-day car rental specifically for the illumination day, while relying on trains or express buses for the rest of your itinerary.

If you choose to drive to Shirakawa-go, slight adjustments are needed for Day 4, Day 5, and Day 6:

– [Day 4]: Take the Nohi Bus or JR from Kanazawa to Takayama, check into a hotel in Takayama, and explore attractions like the Takayama Old Town and Takayama Jinya.

– [Day 5]: Pick up a rental car and drive to Shirakawa-go for sightseeing. After viewing the illuminations in the evening, return to your hotel in Takayama.

– [Day 6]: Return the rental car in the morning, visit the Miyagawa Morning Market, then take the JR train back to Nagoya. Check into a hotel in Nagoya and spend the afternoon exploring Nagoya Castle and the city center.

Note 2:

This itinerary schedules the Shirakawa-go illumination visit for Day 5. If your flight dates don’t align, you can rearrange the order—for example, visiting Takayama and Shirakawa-go before Kanazawa, or spending an extra day in Nagoya before heading to Takayama and Shirakawa-go.

Note 3:

Transportation costs for this itinerary include: Nagoya to Toyama JR (¥7,650), Toyama to Kanazawa Shinkansen (¥2,810), Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go express bus (¥1,850), Shirakawa-go to Takayama express bus (¥2,470), and Takayama to Nagoya JR (¥6,230), totaling ¥21,010. To save on transportation costs, consider purchasing the “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass” JR Pass, which covers all the above routes for ¥14,000 and is valid for 5 days. Starting from Day 2, this pass can save you approximately one-third (¥7,010) of the total cost. (Note: The prices listed are from before the consumption tax rate increase on October 1, 2019.)

Note 4:

For schedules of the above transportation options, refer to the “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass” webpage. For accurate JR train times and fares, check this JR Central webpage.

Note 5:

The express buses between Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama have limited departures and high demand, so tickets often sell out early. It’s advisable to book your bus tickets in advance.

Note 6:

Although express buses have luggage compartments, carrying large suitcases to Shirakawa-go in winter can be cumbersome. Consider using Yamato Transport’s luggage delivery service to send your luggage from Kanazawa to your hotel in Takayama. Most hotels in Japan accept Yamato deliveries—simply ask the staff for a shipping form, fill it out, and hand over your luggage.

2. 8-Day Itinerary: Nagoya, Kanazawa, Takayama, Gero Onsen, and Shirakawa-go Illuminations

This itinerary is similar to the previous one but reduces time in Nagoya by one day, skipping Legoland in favor of a visit to Gero Onsen.

[Day 1]: Arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport and check into a hotel in Nagoya. Spend the evening exploring Nagoya Station or the Sakae area.

[Day 2]: Take the JR to Toyama, then transfer to the JR or Shinkansen to Kanazawa. Check into a hotel near Kanazawa Station or Korinbo and visit Kenrokuen Garden in the evening.

[Day 3]: Explore Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen Garden, and Kanazawa Castle.

[Day 4]: Take an express bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go. After sightseeing, take another express bus to Takayama and check into a hotel near Takayama Station.

[Day 5]: Visit Miyagawa Morning Market and Takayama Old Town in the morning. Join a bus tour to Shirakawa-go for the illuminations in the afternoon, returning to Takayama in the evening.

[Day 6]: Take the JR to Gero Onsen, check into a ryokan, and explore the onsen town.

[Day 7]: Return to Nagoya by JR, check into a hotel, and spend the afternoon visiting Nagoya Castle and shopping in the city center.

[Day 8]: Depart for home.

Note:

The “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass” can also be used for this itinerary. However, since the pass is only valid for 5 days, the JR ticket from Gero Onsen to Nagoya on Day 7 must be purchased separately (¥4,820).

II. Itineraries Starting from Osaka

If you’re flying into Kansai Airport, you can still visit Shirakawa-go for the illuminations. The itinerary depends on whether you plan to spend time in Kansai. If you need extra days in Osaka or Kyoto, allocate just 3 days for Takayama and Shirakawa-go. If you’ve already explored Kansai but haven’t visited Kanazawa in winter, focus your trip on the Chubu and Hokuriku regions. Below are two sample itineraries from Osaka to Shirakawa-go: a 3-day trip and a 5-day trip that includes Kanazawa.

1. 3-Day Itinerary: Takayama and Shirakawa-go Illuminations

This itinerary allocates 3 days for a round trip from Osaka to Takayama and Shirakawa-go, with the rest of your time spent in Kansai. The most direct and economical way from Osaka to Takayama is by express bus (Nohi Bus or Kintetsu Bus), departing from Namba OCAT. The journey takes about 5.5 hours, with a one-way fare of approximately ¥3,300 for adults. Tickets can be booked up to one month in advance on Willer Express or Rakuten Travel.

[Day 1]: Take an express bus from Osaka to Takayama and check into a hotel near Takayama Station.

[Day 2]: Visit Miyagawa Morning Market and Takayama Old Town in the morning. Join a bus tour to Shirakawa-go for the illuminations in the afternoon, returning to Takayama in the evening.

[Day 3]: Take an express bus back to Osaka.

Note 1:

Japanese hotels typically allow luggage storage for up to two days after check-out but may accept luggage up to one week before check-in. If you’re leaving Osaka for a 3-day trip to Takayama, it’s best to store your luggage at the hotel you’ll return to.

Note 2:

If you prefer to drive to Shirakawa-go, pick up the rental car on Day 2 and visit Shirakawa-go in the morning. Explore Miyagawa Morning Market and Takayama Old Town on Day 3 before returning to Osaka in the afternoon.

Note 3:

If you’d rather take the train, there’s no direct route from Osaka to Takayama. The cheapest and most straightforward option is to take the Kintetsu Railway to Nagoya and transfer to the JR Takayama Line. The Kintetsu fare from Namba to Nagoya is ¥4,260 (2 hours 10 minutes), and the JR reserved seat fare from Nagoya to Takayama is ¥6,230 (2 hours 35 minutes), totaling ¥10,500—over twice the cost of the express bus. Travel times are similar, so the bus is more economical.

For Kintetsu, consider purchasing a Kintetsu Rail Pass, which allows unlimited rides on Kintetsu trains between Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise-Shima, and Nagoya for 5 consecutive days (¥3,600). However, the pass only covers non-reserved seats, and the Osaka-Nagoya route requires a reserved seat supplement (¥1,900). Using the pass for this round trip costs ¥7,400, saving ¥1,120. If your Kansai itinerary includes Nara, you’ll save even more. The pass must be purchased outside Japan (e.g., via Klook or KKday).

Alternatively, take the JR from Osaka Station via Kanazawa and Toyama to Takayama. This route requires two transfers but can be covered by the “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass” for ¥14,000, saving about ¥5,000 compared to the Kintetsu/JR route via Nagoya. (Note: Prices are from before the October 1, 2019, tax increase.)

2. 5-Day Itinerary: Kanazawa, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Illuminations

Kanazawa is stunning in winter, and Kenrokuen Garden also hosts illuminations in February. The “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass” covers JR trains between Osaka, Kanazawa, Toyama, Takayama, and Nagoya, as well as express buses between Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama, making it ideal for this itinerary.

This 5-day trip starts in Osaka, visits Kanazawa, then Shirakawa-go and Takayama, and returns to Osaka. Except for the Shirakawa-go illumination bus tour (or rental car), all transportation is covered by the pass.

This was our original plan for a February 2018 trip, but severe snowstorms disrupted JR services between Fukui and Toyama, forcing us to reroute via Nagoya and cancel Kanazawa.

[Day 1]: Take the JR from Osaka Station to Kanazawa. Check into a hotel near Kanazawa Station or Korinbo and visit Kenrokuen Garden.

[Day 2]: Explore Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District, and Kanazawa Castle.

[Day 3]: Take an express bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go. After sightseeing, take another bus to Takayama and check into a hotel near Takayama Station.

[Day 4]: Visit Miyagawa Morning Market and Takayama Old Town in the morning. Join a bus tour to Shirakawa-go for the illuminations in the afternoon, returning to Takayama in the evening.

[Day 5]: Take the JR Takayama Line to Toyama, transfer to the Shinkansen or JR to Kanazawa, then take the JR back to Osaka.

Note 1:

If driving to Shirakawa-go, limit car rental to the illumination day and use trains/buses otherwise. Adjust Days 3–5 as follows:

– [Day 3]: Take the Nohi Bus or JR from Kanazawa to Takayama. Check into a hotel and explore Takayama Old Town and Takayama Jinya.

– [Day 4]: Pick up a rental car and drive to Shirakawa-go for the illuminations, returning to Takayama in the evening.

– [Day 5]: Return the rental car in the morning, visit Miyagawa Morning Market, then take the JR via Takayama and Kanazawa back to Osaka.

Note 2:

Transportation costs for this itinerary include: Osaka to Kanazawa JR (¥7,850), Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go express bus (¥1,850), Shirakawa-go to Takayama express bus (¥2,470), Takayama to Toyama JR (¥3,560), Toyama to Kanazawa Shinkansen (¥2,810), and Kanazawa to Osaka JR (¥7,850), totaling ¥26,390. The “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass” saves approximately ¥12,000—nearly half the cost.

Note 3:

For schedules, refer to the pass webpage or JR Central’s timetable.

Note 4:

Book express bus tickets early, as they sell out quickly.

Note 5:

Use Yamato Transport to send luggage from Kanazawa to your Takayama hotel.

JR Pass for Takayama and Shirakawa-go: The “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass”

If traveling from Nagoya or Osaka to Shirakawa-go by train, consider the “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass,” a JR Pass jointly offered by JR Central and JR West. It covers travel between Osaka and Nagoya, including Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Toyama, and Kanazawa, making it ideal for non-drivers. Details about the pass will be covered in a separate article.

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Useful Resources for Shirakawa-go:

Shirakawa-go Light-Up