{"id":1904,"date":"2025-07-06T12:49:01","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T12:49:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/?p=1904"},"modified":"2026-04-12T00:04:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T00:04:22","slug":"shirakawago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html","title":{"rendered":"Complete Guide to Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2026: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/events\/385\/\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"PUM.open(42463);\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">The 40th Shirakawa-go Light-Up in 2026<\/span><\/a> will be held in January and February 2026. Similar to 2025, there will only be <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">four sessions<\/span> in 2026, two fewer than in previous years. The dates for the 2026 Shirakawa-go Light-Up are <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">January 12<\/span> (Monday), <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">January 18<\/span> (Sunday), <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">January 25<\/span> (Sunday), and <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">February 1<\/span> (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 <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">17:30 to 19:30<\/span>.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-34657\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Light-Up\" width=\"620\" height=\"376\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/shirakawa-go.org\/kankou\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong style=\"color: #008000;\">Shirakawa-go<\/strong><\/a> is one of Japan&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019ve compiled the information and experiences into this <strong>Shirakawa-go Light-Up<\/strong> guide, hoping it will be helpful for those planning to visit.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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 <span style=\"color: #008000;\">admission ticket<\/span> (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 <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\">Shirakawa-go Tourism Association<\/a>. This system will continue in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This article covers almost all the information you need to know about the Shirakawa-go Light-Up event, including:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: 0 auto; border: #ff6600 1pt solid;\">\n<ul>\n<li>I. <a href=\"#date\">Light-Up Dates and Times<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#this-year\">2026 Light-Up Event Dates and Times<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>II. <a href=\"#access\">5 Ways to Attend the Shirakawa-go Light-Up<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>1. <a href=\"#stay\">Accommodation in Shirakawa-go: How to Book a Stay During the Light-Up<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>1.1 <a href=\"#stay-list\">Shirakawa-go Accommodations Accepting Reservations for the 2026 Light-Up<\/a><\/li>\n<li>1.2 <a href=\"#stay-booking\">How to Book Accommodation for the 2026 Light-Up<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>2. <a href=\"#car\">Self-Driving to Shirakawa-go: Rules and Parking Reservations During the Light-Up<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>2.1 <a href=\"#carpark\">Parking Lots for Private Vehicles During the 2026 Light-Up<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2.2 <a href=\"#day-parking\">Daytime Parking Arrangements on Light-Up Days<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2.3 <a href=\"#snow-drive\">Winter Driving Tips for Shirakawa-go<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>3. <a href=\"#bus\">Light-Up Bus Tours: Information and Booking Methods<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>3.1 <a href=\"#bus-tour-sale\">Illumination Bus Tour Ticket Sale Period and Purchase Method<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3.1 <a href=\"#bus-tour-obs\">Illumination Bus Tours Including Tenshukaku Observatory Ticket<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3.1 <a href=\"#bus-tour-nouhibus\">Nohi Bus Light-Up Tours<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3.2 <a href=\"#bus-tour-chitetsu\">Toyama Chitetsu Bus Light-Up Tours<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3.3 <a href=\"#bus-tour-kaetsunou\">Kaetsunou Bus Light-Up Tours<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3.4 <a href=\"#bus-tour-hokutetsu\">Hokuriku Tetsudo Bus Light-Up Tours<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3.1 <a href=\"#bus-tour-iruka\">Dolphin Traffic Illumination Bus Tour<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>4. <a href=\"#tour\">Joining a Light-Up Tour Group<\/a><\/li>\n<li>5. <a href=\"#taxi\">Taking a Taxi to Shirakawa-go<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>III. <a href=\"#accommodation\">Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay for Convenience?<\/a><\/li>\n<li>IV. <a href=\"#shuttle\">Itinerary Planning: Time Management and Route Suggestions<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>1. <a href=\"#observatory\">How to Get to the Tenshukaku Observatory?<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2. <a href=\"#route\">How to Plan Your Time and Route?<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>2.1 <a href=\"#route1\">Route and Time Plan Without Observatory Access<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2.2 <a href=\"#route2\">Route and Time Plan With Observatory Access<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>V. <a href=\"#plan\">Suggested Itineraries from Nagoya and Osaka<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>1. <a href=\"#plan1\">Itinerary from Nagoya<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2. <a href=\"#plan1\">Itinerary from Osaka<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3. <a href=\"#pass\">JR Pass &#8220;Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass&#8221; for Traveling to Takayama and Shirakawa-go<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1576\"><div class=\"advertisement\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><small>AD\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/small><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/c.ga-net.com\/click?w=534419&amp;c=3178&amp;d=https%3A%2F%2Ftravel.rakuten.com%2Fcontents%2Fusa%2Fen-us%2Fcampaign%2Frakutenspecial%2F\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/img.travelclassroom.net\/image\/rakuten-travel-en-5+10-850x189.webp\" alt=\"Ad-Banner\" width=\"850\" height=\"189\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"date\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #800080;\">Shirakawa-go Light-Up Dates and Times<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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 <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">mid-January and mid-February<\/span>, 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 <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">17:30 to 19:30<\/span>, lasting only two hours.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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 <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">late January and early February<\/span>. 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In the past, the light-up event was held over seven sessions, but this was reduced to six in 2017. Starting in <span style=\"color: #800080;\">2025, it was further cut to just four sessions<\/span>. 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"this-year\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #993300;\">2026 Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event Dates and Times<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/events\/385\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">The 40th Shirakawa-go Light-Up in 2026<\/span><\/a> will be held in January and February, with two fewer sessions than in previous years, totaling only <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">four<\/span>. The dates are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #b30505;\">January 12<\/span> (Monday);<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #b30505;\">January 18<\/span> (Sunday);<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #b30505;\">January 25<\/span> (Sunday); and<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #b30505;\">February 1<\/span> (Sunday).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Except for January 12, which is a Monday (a Japanese holiday), the other sessions are on Sundays. The light-up time remains from <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">17:30 to 19:30<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1545\"><div aria-hidden=\"true\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block; text-align: center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6848854714985642\" data-ad-slot=\"5637008471\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"access\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #800080;\">5 Ways to Attend the Shirakawa-go Light-Up<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Due to the large number of visitors during the event, <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">traffic and crowd control measures<\/span> are implemented in Shirakawa-go, limiting the number of vehicles and people entering the area.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>To further strengthen the measures restricting the number of visitors during the light-up, an <span style=\"color: #008000;\">admission ticket<\/span> 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Essentially, there are five ways to obtain an admission ticket and enter Shirakawa-go during the 2026 light-up:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The first method is to <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">stay at a guesthouse or hotel within Shirakawa-go<\/span>;<\/li>\n<li>The second method is to obtain a parking permit and <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">drive to Shirakawa-go<\/span>;<\/li>\n<li>The third method is to <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">join a public transportation light-up bus tour<\/span> to Shirakawa-go;<\/li>\n<li>The fourth method is to <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">join a travel agency&#8217;s light-up day tour<\/span> to Shirakawa-go;<\/li>\n<li>The fifth method is to obtain a parking permit and <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">take a taxi<\/span> to Shirakawa-go.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Note<\/span>: Since 2022, only two types of visitors can obtain tickets to enter the Tenshukaku Observatory during the light-up: those <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">staying in Shirakawa-go accommodations<\/span> and those <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">participating in designated bus tours<\/span>. Other visitors, including self-drivers, taxi riders, and tour group participants, cannot access the observatory.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"600px\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"color: #993300; text-decoration: underline;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"25%\">Time (Japan Time)<\/th>\n<th style=\"color: #993300; text-decoration: underline;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"25%\">Accommodation Reservations<\/th>\n<th style=\"color: #993300; text-decoration: underline;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"25%\">Parking Reservations<\/th>\n<th style=\"color: #993300; text-decoration: underline;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"25%\">Ticket Purchases<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">September 10, 2025, 13:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">First-round parking reservations begin<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 1, 2025, 13:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Accommodation lottery applications open<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 3, 2025, 14:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 12 light-up bus tickets go on sale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 10, 2025, 14:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 18 light-up bus tickets go on sale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 17, 2025, 14:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 25 light-up bus tickets go on sale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 24, 2025, 14:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">February 1 light-up bus tickets go on sale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 31, 2025, 23:59<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Accommodation lottery applications close<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">November 10, 2024<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Accommodation lottery results announced<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">November 26, 2025, 13:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Cancelled reservations reopen for booking<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">December 1, 2025, 13:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Second-round parking reservations begin<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1793\"><div class=\"advertisement\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><small>AD\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/small><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/sg.trip.com\/sale\/w\/27435\/holidaydeals2025.html?locale=en-sg&amp;curr=sgd&amp;transparentBar=1&amp;promo_referer=3371_27435_2&amp;Allianceid=3208723&amp;SID=6786615&amp;trip_sub1=&amp;trip_sub3=P5618510\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/img.travelclassroom.net\/image\/tripcom-hotels-eng-850x155.webp\" alt=\"Ad-Banner\" width=\"850\" height=\"155\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"stay\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #993300;\">Accommodation in Shirakawa-go: How to Book a Stay During the Light-Up<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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, <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">each guest will receive an admission ticket for the light-up and a ticket to the Tenshukaku Observatory<\/span>. If you drive to Shirakawa-go, <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">you do not need to reserve a parking space; you can park directly at your accommodation<\/span>. If you are not driving, you can take a highway bus operated by <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nouhibus.co.jp\/ch_h\/highwaybus\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Nohi Bus<\/span><\/a>, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hokutetsu.co.jp\/highway-bus\/takayama\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Hokuriku Tetsudo<\/span><\/a>, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chitetsu.co.jp\/?page_id=22436\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Toyama Chitetsu<\/span><\/a>, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gifubus.co.jp\/highway\/shirakawa\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Gifu Bus<\/span><\/a>, or <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kaetsunou.co.jp\/company\/sekaiisan\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Kaetsunou Bus<\/span><\/a> from Takayama, Toyama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, or Takaoka to Shirakawa-go. The timetable for highway buses to and from Shirakawa-go can be <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/datas\/files\/2024\/08\/21\/4ce427d8e6584d4d5fbd5e0ad78d205374aeb9b4.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Tickets for highway buses from Takayama, Kanazawa, Toyama, or Takaoka to Shirakawa-go can be purchased up to one month in advance on &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/links\/japan-bus-online\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Bus Online<\/a>&#8221; or &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hassha Ohrai Net<\/a>.&#8221; Tickets for buses from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go can be purchased up to one month in advance on <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/links\/willerexpress\" target=\"_blank\">Willer Express<\/a> or <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/rakuten\/bus\" target=\"_blank\">Rakuten Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you have purchased the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/takayama-hokuriku-pass.html\" target=\"_blank\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass<\/a>, you can call the bus company one month in advance to make a reservation.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-2079\"><p><ins class=\"klk-aff-widget\" data-adid=\"1125447\" data-lang=\"\" data-currency=\"\" data-cardH=\"126\" data-padding=\"92\" data-lgH=\"470\" data-edgeValue=\"655\" data-cid=\"71\" data-tid=\"\" data-amount=\"4\" data-prod=\"hotel_dynamic_widget\"><a href=\"\/\/www.klook.com\/\">Klook.com<\/a><\/ins><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"stay-list\" style=\"color: #003366;\">Shirakawa-go Accommodations Accepting Reservations for the 2026 Light-Up<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>There are approximately <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/stay\/\" target=\"_blank\">40 guesthouses and hotels<\/a> around Shirakawa-go. During the light-up, some accommodations may close or not accept public bookings, but others will remain open and accept reservations.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In 2026, 8 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 2026 light-up and their available dates. For details, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/events\/392\/\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"PUM.open(42465);\">refer here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th width=\"30%\">Guesthouse\/Hotel Name<\/th>\n<th width=\"20%\">Type<\/th>\n<th width=\"10%\">Location<\/th>\n<th width=\"10%\">January 12<\/th>\n<th width=\"10%\">January 18<\/th>\n<th width=\"10%\">January 25<\/th>\n<th width=\"10%\">February 1<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/stay\/3\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hisamatsu<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Gassho-style guesthouse<\/td>\n<td>Ogimachi<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/stay\/34\/\" target=\"_blank\">Bunroku<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Gassho-style guesthouse<\/td>\n<td>Ogimachi<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/stay\/7\/\" target=\"_blank\">Koemon<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Gassho-style guesthouse<\/td>\n<td>Ogimachi<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/stay\/35\/\" target=\"_blank\">Gensaku<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Gassho-style guesthouse<\/td>\n<td>Ogimachi<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/stay\/26\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sumireso<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Hotel<\/td>\n<td>Ogimachi<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/stay\/13\/\" target=\"_blank\">Shirakawa-go no Yu<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Hotel<\/td>\n<td>Ogimachi<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/stay\/23\/\" target=\"_blank\">Yunosato<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Hotel<\/td>\n<td>Hirase<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/stay\/51\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hirase Onsen Guest House<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Hotel<\/td>\n<td>Hirase<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Note: There is no parking lot at &#8220;Bunroku&#8221;; in addition, &#8220;Yunosato&#8221; and &#8220;Hirase Onsen Guest House&#8221; are located in Hirase, a 15-minute drive from the illumination venue. If you drive yourself, you will need to reserve a parking space in Shirakawa-go, otherwise you can only take the conference shuttle bus.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>(1) <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/datas\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/15acaac77cddaba7f14456bfba37e067e1ad48e9.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Minshuku and Ryokan available for booking on January 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-lightup-2026-accommodation-01.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-44806\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-lightup-2026-accommodation-01.png\" alt=\"Minshuku available for Shirakawa-go illumination dates 2026_January 12\" width=\"850\" height=\"769\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>(2) <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/datas\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/04dde988da7483dd19f2cfbe51512e529fb0e2d4.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Minshuku and Ryokan available for booking on January 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-lightup-2026-accommodation-02.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-44807\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-lightup-2026-accommodation-02.png\" alt=\"Minshuku available for Shirakawa-go illumination dates 2026_January 18\" width=\"850\" height=\"721\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>(3) <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/datas\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/ae1f78c42b155e040c9351fc638dde066589021c.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Minshuku and Ryokan available for booking on January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-lightup-2026-accommodation-03.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-44808\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-lightup-2026-accommodation-03.png\" alt=\"Minshuku available for Shirakawa-go illumination dates 2026_January 25\" width=\"850\" height=\"791\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>(4) <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/datas\/files\/2025\/09\/25\/445bbbf1ec64cfe26e8a5a7c63c46edbfc5c7fb6.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Minshuku and Ryokan available for booking on February 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-lightup-2026-accommodation-04.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-44809\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-lightup-2026-accommodation-04.png\" alt=\"Minshuku available for Shirakawa-go illumination dates 2026_February 1\" width=\"850\" height=\"769\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is a map showing the locations of the guesthouses and hotels in Shirakawa-go relative to Ogimachi:<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-lightup-2021-accommodation-01.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-39956 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-lightup-2021-accommodation-01.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go guesthouse locations\" width=\"620\" height=\"509\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"stay-booking\" style=\"color: #003366;\">How to Book Accommodation for the 2026 Light-Up<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The reservation method for guesthouses during the 2026 light-up will be the same as in 2025, using a <span style=\"color: #800080;\">lottery system<\/span>. 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&#8217;s website.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>For the 2026 light-up, the lottery application period for guesthouses and hotels will open at <span style=\"color: #800080;\">13:00 Japan Time on October 1, 2025<\/span>, and close at <span style=\"color: #800080;\">23:59 on October 31, 2025<\/span>. Results will be announced starting November 10, 2025. If you are not selected, you will not receive a notification. For details, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/events\/392\/\" target=\"_blank\">refer here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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 on November 26. 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&#8217;s website at this time for available options.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1545\"><div aria-hidden=\"true\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block; text-align: center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6848854714985642\" data-ad-slot=\"5637008471\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"car\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #993300;\">Self-Driving to Shirakawa-go: Rules and Parking Reservations During the Light-Up<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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, <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">all vehicles entering Shirakawa-go must have a pre-approved parking permit or reserved parking space<\/span>. Vehicles without reservations cannot park in Shirakawa-go during the event.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>However, note that since 2022, only visitors <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">staying in Shirakawa-go accommodations<\/span> or <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">participating in designated bus tours<\/span> can obtain tickets to the Tenshukaku Observatory. This means <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">self-drivers cannot access the observatory<\/span> during the light-up.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>For the 2026 light-up, parking reservations for private vehicles (10 seats or fewer) will follow the same <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">first-come, first-served<\/span> 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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. Parking fees in 2026 will increase by 1,000 yen compared to 2025.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The first round opens at <span style=\"color: #854300;\">13:00 Japan Time on September 10, 2025<\/span>. For 1\u20135 passengers (including the driver), the fee is <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">6,000 JPY<\/span>; for 6\u201310 passengers, it is <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">9,000 JPY<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>The second round opens at <span style=\"color: #854300;\">13:00 Japan Time on December 1, 2025<\/span>. For 1\u20135 passengers, the fee is <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">7,000 JPY<\/span>; for 6\u201310 passengers, it is <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">10,000 JPY<\/span>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Parking fees are non-refundable. If the actual number of passengers exceeds the booked number (e.g., booking for 1\u20135 but bringing 6\u201310), an additional 4,000 JPY will be charged.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-2081\"><p><ins class=\"klk-aff-widget\" data-adid=\"1125450\" data-lang=\"\" data-currency=\"\" data-cardH=\"126\" data-padding=\"92\" data-lgH=\"470\" data-edgeValue=\"655\" data-cid=\"71\" data-tid=\"1\" data-amount=\"4\" data-prod=\"dynamic_widget\"><a href=\"\/\/www.klook.com\/\">Klook.com<\/a><\/ins><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"carpark\" style=\"color: #003366;\">Parking Lots for Private Vehicles During the Light-Up<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In Shirakawago, there are two parking lots available for self-driving vehicles. One is the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/shirakawa-go.org\/kankou\/access\/parking\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Seseragi Park Parking<\/span><\/a> 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&#8217; vehicles and tour buses usually park. From the parking lot, you can cross the suspension bridge over the river to reach Shirakawa Street.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The other parking lot is the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/shirakawa-go.org\/kankou\/access\/parking\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Midashima Park Parking<\/span><\/a> [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 2026 illumination period, the parking lot open for self-driving vehicles will be the <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Midashima Park Parking<\/span>, which is same with 2025.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is the location of Seseragi Park Parking and Midashima Park Parking:<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/shirakawago-lightup-parking-lot-2022.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-41099\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/shirakawago-lightup-parking-lot-2022.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago Parking Lot Locations\" width=\"620\" height=\"532\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Seseragi-Park-Parking.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34562 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Seseragi-Park-Parking.png\" alt=\"Shirakawago Seseragi Park Parking\" width=\"620\" height=\"350\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is a photo of Seseragi Park Parking taken during the 2018 illumination event.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Seseragi-Park-Parking_Snow_1.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34564 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Seseragi-Park-Parking_Snow_1.jpg\" alt=\"Seseragi Park Parking in Winter\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Seseragi-Park-Parking_Snow_2.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34565 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Seseragi-Park-Parking_Snow_2.jpg\" alt=\"Seseragi Park Parking During Illumination\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Parking-Google-Map.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/picture>\n<h4 id=\"day-parking\" style=\"color: #003366;\">Daytime Parking Arrangements in Shirakawago During Illumination Days<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"snow-drive\" style=\"color: #003366;\">Winter Driving Information for Shirakawago<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Central Nippon Expressway Company (NEXCO Central Japan) website has a &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.c-nexco.co.jp\/en\/special\/snow\/\" target=\"_blank\">Winter Snow Driving Guide<\/a>&#8221; 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>NEXCO Central Japan also operates a dedicated website called &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.c-ihighway.jp\/pcsite\/map?area=area05\" target=\"_blank\">iHighway Central Japan<\/a>&#8221; 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Shirakawago is one of Japan&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Road conditions near Shirakawago during the 2018 illumination event:<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_01.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34567 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_01.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago Highway Toll Gate\" width=\"620\" height=\"827\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_02.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34568 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_02.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago Road in Winter\" width=\"620\" height=\"827\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_03.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34569 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_03.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago Road\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_04.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34570 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_04.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago Winter Scenery\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_05.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34571 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_05.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1659\"><div class=\"advertisement\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><small>AD\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/small><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/rakuten\/summersale\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/img.travelclassroom.net\/image\/rakuten-travel-springsummer-2026%20-850x149.webp\" alt=\"\u5ee3\u544a\u5716\u7247\" width=\"850\" height=\"149\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bus\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #993300;\">Illumination Bus Tours: Information and Ticket Purchasing Methods for Bus Companies During the Illumination Period<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takayama<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Kanazawa<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Toyama<\/span>, and <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takaoka City<\/span> have daily regular highway bus services to and from Shirakawa-go, operated by five bus companies: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nouhibus.co.jp\/ch_h\/highwaybus\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Nohi Bus<\/span><\/a>, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hokutetsu.co.jp\/highway-bus\/takayama\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Hokuriku Railway<\/span><\/a>, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chitetsu.co.jp\/?page_id=22436\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Toyama Chihou Railway<\/span><\/a>, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaetsunou.co.jp\/highway\/takayama\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Kaetsunou Bus<\/span><\/a>, and <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iruka-net.jp\/shirakawago-takayama-line\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Irukak\u014dts\u016b<\/span><\/a>. These regular buses are divided into the <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takayama-Shirakawa-go-Kanazawa Line<\/span>, the <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takayama-Shirakawa-go-Toyama Line<\/span>, and the <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takayama-Shirakawa-go-Takaoka Line<\/span>, though some services start or end at Shirakawa-go. Additionally, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gifubus.co.jp\/highway\/shirakawa\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Gifu Bus<\/span><\/a> operates 6 daily highway buses between Nagoya and Shirakawa-go.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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, <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">taking a regular highway bus makes it impossible to see the illumination<\/span> unless you stay overnight in Shirakawago.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the illumination period, <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Nohi Bus<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Kaetsunou Bus<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Toyama Chitetsu Bus<\/span>, and <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Hokuriku Railway Bus<\/span> offer special bus services exclusively for the illumination event. In 2026, a new bus company, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iruka-net.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">\u30a4\u30eb\u30ab\u4ea4\u901a<\/span><\/a> (Dolphin Traffic), was added.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>These limited-time services can be referred to as <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Shirakawago Illumination Bus Tours<\/span>, 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 <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">include tickets to the Tenshukaku Observatory<\/span>, 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Participants in illumination bus tours must <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">take the same bus for both the outbound and return trips<\/span>. You cannot, for example, take a regular highway bus to Shirakawago and then use a tour bus for the return trip.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The departure points for the illumination bus tours operated by Nohi Bus, Kaetsunou Bus, Toyama Chihou Railway Bus, Hokuriku Railway Bus, and Dolphin Traffic are different. Nohi Bus&#8217;s illumination tours depart from Takayama City, Hokuriku Railway Bus&#8217;s from Kanazawa City, Toyama Chihou Railway Bus&#8217;s from Toyama City, and Kaetsunou Bus and Dolphin Traffic&#8217;s illumination tours depart from Takaoka City.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-2085\"><p><ins class=\"klk-aff-widget\" data-adid=\"1126291\" data-lang=\"\" data-currency=\"\" data-cardH=\"126\" data-padding=\"92\" data-lgH=\"470\" data-edgeValue=\"655\" data-cid=\"9316\" data-tid=\"-1\" data-amount=\"4\" data-prod=\"dynamic_widget\"><a href=\"\/\/www.klook.com\/\">Klook.com<\/a><\/ins><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-sale\" style=\"color: #003366;\">(1) Illumination Bus Tour Ticket Sale Period and Purchase Method<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Tickets for the illumination bus tours are sold online on a <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">first-come, first-served basis<\/span>. Sales for different illumination dates start at different times, but the sale start time is the same for all five bus companies. Below are the sale start times for the 2026 Shirakawa-go Illumination Bus tickets for each bus company:<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"600px\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"color: #993300; text-decoration: underline;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"300px\">Ticket Date<\/th>\n<th style=\"color: #993300; text-decoration: underline;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"300px\">Sale Start Time (Japan Time)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 12, 2026<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 3, 2025, 14:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 18, 2026<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 10, 2024, 14:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 25, 2026<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 17, 2024, 14:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">February 1, 2026<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 24, 2024, 14:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Among the five bus companies, tickets for the illumination bus tours operated by <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Nohi Bus<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Kaetsunou Bus<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Toyama Chihou Railway Bus<\/span>, and <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Dolphin Traffic<\/span> will be sold through the Japanese bus ticket booking websites &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/hon\/Tour?area=5\" target=\"_blank\">Hassha Orai Net<\/a>&#8221; and &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/japanbusonline.com\/zh-tw\/AllCoursePanel\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Bus Online<\/a>&#8220;. They are not sold on the official company websites, and telephone reservations are not accepted. Tickets for <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Hokuriku Railway Bus<\/span> tours are sold only on their official website.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The &#8220;Hassha Orai Net&#8221; website is only available in Japanese, but Japan Bus Online offers Chinese and English versions and is quite user-friendly. For purchase links and step-by-step guides, you can refer to these two tutorial articles:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u300a<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/j-bus.html\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">How to Book Illumination Bus Tours and Highway Bus Tickets on &#8220;Hassha Orai Net&#8221;<\/span><\/a>\u300b<\/li>\n<li>\u300a<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/japan-bus-online.html\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">A Guide to Buying Japanese Bus Tickets on Japan Bus Online<\/span><\/a>\u300b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u3010TIPS\u3011KKday also sells tickets for Nohi Bus&#8217;s illumination bus tours. Here is the purchase link:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/kkday\/shirakawago-lightup-bus1\" target=\"_blank\">\u3010Limited Observatory Access Plan\u30112026 Shirakawa-go Illumination Bus Half-Day Tour | Departing Takayama\u30fbGuanteed Seat<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-obs\" style=\"color: #003366;\">(2) Illumination Bus Tours Including Tenshukaku Observatory Ticket<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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. (<span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Note<\/span>: In previous years, shuttle buses were provided to the observatory, and visitors had to walk back. Starting in 2022, the shuttle buses were <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">discontinued<\/span>, and visitors with observatory tickets must <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">walk both ways<\/span> (those with mobility issues can apply in advance to the Shirakawago Tourist Association for shuttle bus access).)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the 2026 illumination event, <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">only two groups of people will receive Tenshukaku Observatory tickets<\/span>: those <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">staying overnight in Shirakawago<\/span> and <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">participants in bus tours that include observatory tickets<\/span>. 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Some Shirakawago illumination bus tours include Tenshukaku Observatory tickets, allowing participants to view the panoramic scenery of the illuminated village. Below are the 2026 illumination bus tours <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">that include observatory tickets<\/span>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Nohi Bus&#8217;s &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Course B Shirakawago Light-up Bus with Observatory Ticket<\/span>&#8221; departing from Takayama Station (details can be found in the &#8220;(3) Nohi Bus Illumination Bus Tour&#8221; section below).<\/li>\n<li>Toyama Chitetsu Bus&#8217;s &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Round-trip Bus Plan with Observatory Admission Ticket<\/span>&#8221; departing from Toyama Station (details can be found in the &#8220;(4) Toyama Chitetsu Bus Illumination Bus Tour&#8221; section below).<\/li>\n<li>Kaetsunou Bus&#8217;s &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Course S: Observatory Admission Ticket Included<\/span>&#8221; departing from Takaoka Station (details can be found in the &#8220;(5) Kaetsunou Bus Illumination Bus Tour&#8221; section below).<\/li>\n<li>Hokuriku Railway Bus&#8217;s illumination bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station (details can be found in the &#8220;(6) Hokuriku Railway Bus Illumination Bus Tour&#8221; section below).<\/li>\n<li>The illumination bus tour operated by &#8220;Dolphin Traffic&#8221; departing from Takaoka City (details can be found in the &#8220;(7) Dolphin Traffic Illumination Bus Tour&#8221; section below)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Note<\/span>: All four illumination bus tours that include observatory tickets only provide the ticket; there is no transportation to or from the observatory. <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">You must walk both ways<\/span>, 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is information about the special buses operated by each bus company during the 2026 illumination period:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-nouhibus\" style=\"color: #003366;\">(3) <span style=\"color: #003366;\">Nohi Bus Illumination Bus Tour<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Nohi Bus offers two types of Shirakawago illumination bus tours for 2025: &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Course A Shirakawago Light-up Bus<\/span>&#8221; and &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Course B Shirakawago Light-up Bus with Observatory Ticket<\/span>,&#8221; with the latter including the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nouhibus.co.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\">Nohi Bus&#8217;s 2026 Illumination Bus Tour Page (Japanese)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nouhibus.co.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\">Nohi Bus&#8217;s 2026 Illumination Bus Tour Page (English)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #008080;\">1. &#8220;Course B Shirakawago Light-up Bus with Observatory Ticket&#8221; Illumination Bus Tour<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This tour <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">includes the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>, but participants must <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">walk both ways<\/span>, taking about 1 hour round trip. The path is snowy and challenging. This tour <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">does not include dinner<\/span> 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 <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">15,000 yen<\/span> for adults (12 years and older) and 13,000 yen for children (6\u201312 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:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Outbound: Takayama [15:10] \u2192 Shirakawago [16:20]<\/li>\n<li>Return: Shirakawago [19:45] \u2192 Takayama [20:45]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #008080;\">2. &#8220;Course A Shirakawago Light-up Bus&#8221; Illumination Bus Tour<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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 <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">12,000 yen<\/span> for adults and 10,000 yen for children (6\u201312 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:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Outbound: Takayama [15:40] \u2192 Shirakawago [16:40]<\/li>\n<li>Return: Shirakawago [19:20] \u2192 Takayama [20:20]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #003300;\">How to Purchase Nohi Bus Illumination Bus Tour Tickets?<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>As in previous years, Nohi Bus&#8217;s 2026 illumination bus tour tickets will be sold through the Japanese bus ticket purchase websites &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/hon\/Tour?area=5\" target=\"_blank\">Hassha Ohrai Net<\/a>&#8221; and &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/japanbusonline.com\/en\/AllCoursePanel\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Bus Online<\/a>.&#8221; Tickets are not sold on the official website, and phone reservations are not accepted.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-chitetsu\" style=\"color: #003366;\">(4) <span style=\"color: #003366;\">Toyama Chitetsu Bus Illumination Bus Tour<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the 2026 illumination period, Toyama Chitetsu Bus will also operate illumination bus tours, with two tours per day. One tour, the &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Round-trip Bus Plan with Observatory Admission Ticket<\/span>&#8221; (\u5c55\u671b\u53f0\u5165\u5834\u5238\u4ed8\u304d\u5f80\u5fa9\u30d0\u30b9\u30b3\u30fc\u30b9), <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">includes the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>, but participants must walk both ways. The other tour, the &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Gassho Village Walking Course<\/span>&#8221; (\u5408\u638c\u96c6\u843d\u6563\u7b56\u30b3\u30fc\u30b9), does not include the observatory ticket.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is information about <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chitetsu.co.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\">Toyama Chitetsu Bus&#8217;s 2026 Illumination Bus Tours<\/a>:<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" width=\"620\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"2\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Tour Code<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">\u226aGassho Village Walking Course\u226b<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">\u226aRound-trip Bus Plan with Observatory Admission Ticket\u226b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Observatory Ticket<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Not included<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\"><span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Included<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Price<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">12,000 yen (10,000 for children)<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">17,000 yen (15,000 for children)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Schedule<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Outbound: Toyama Station (14:10) \u2192 Shirakawago (16:20)<br \/>\nReturn: Shirakawago (19:20) \u2192 Toyama Station (20:40)<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Outbound: Toyama Station (14:30) \u2192 Shirakawago (16:20)<br \/>\nReturn: Shirakawago (19:40) \u2192 Toyama Station (21:00)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Booking Method<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">&#8211; Japan Bus Online<br \/>\n&#8211; Hassha Ohrai Net<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">&#8211; Japan Bus Online<br \/>\n&#8211; Hassha Ohrai Net<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Toyama Chitetsu Bus&#8217;s 2026 illumination bus tour tickets can also be purchased through &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/hon\/Tour?area=5\" target=\"_blank\">Hassha Ohrai Net<\/a>&#8221; and &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/japanbusonline.com\/en\/AllCoursePanel\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Bus Online<\/a>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-kaetsunou\" style=\"color: #003366;\">(5) <span style=\"color: #003366;\">Kaetsunou Bus Illumination Bus Tour<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the 2026 illumination period, Kaetsunou Bus will also operate two illumination bus tours per day. One tour, \u226aCourse S: Observatory Admission Ticket Included\u226b, <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">includes the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>, but participants must walk both ways. The other tour, \u226aCourse A: Gassho Village Strolling Course\u226b, does not include the observatory ticket.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is information about <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaetsunou.co.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kaetsunou Bus&#8217;s 2026 Illumination Bus Tours<\/a>:<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" width=\"620\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"2\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Tour Code<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">\u226aCourse A: Gassho Village Strolling Course\u226b<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">\u226aCourse S: Observatory Admission Ticket Included\u226b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Observatory Ticket<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Not included<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\"><span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Included<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Price<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">12,000 yen (10,000 for children)<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">17,000 yen (15,000 for children)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Schedule<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Outbound: Takaoka Station (14:50) \u2192 Shin-Takaoka Station (15:05) \u2192 Shirakawago (16:30)<br \/>\nReturn: Shirakawago (19:50) \u2192 Takaoka (21:10)<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Outbound: Takaoka Station (14:30) \u2192 Shin-Takaoka Station (14:45) \u2192 Shirakawago (16:10)<br \/>\nReturn: Shirakawago (19:50) \u2192 Takaoka (21:10)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Booking Method<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">&#8211; Japan Bus Online<br \/>\n&#8211; Hassha Ohrai Net<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">&#8211; Japan Bus Online<br \/>\n&#8211; Hassha Ohrai Net<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Kaetsunou Bus&#8217;s 2026 illumination bus tour tickets can also be purchased through <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/hon\/Tour?area=6\" target=\"_blank\">Hassha Ohrai Net<\/a> and <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/japanbusonline.com\/en\/AllCoursePanel\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Bus Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-hokutetsu\" style=\"color: #003366;\">(6) <span style=\"color: #003366;\">Hokuriku Railway Bus Illumination Bus Tour<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Hokuriku Railway Bus runs a bus tour departing from Kanazawa City on every illumination day. This tour <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">includes the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>, but participants must walk both ways. The price is <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">17,500 yen<\/span> for adults and 15,500 yen for children. Below is the tour schedule:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Outbound: Kanazawa Station West Exit [14:30] \u2192 Shirakawago [16:30]<\/li>\n<li>Return: Shirakawago [19:50] \u2192 Kanazawa Station [21:50]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Tickets for the 2026 <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/Hokuriku Railway Bus runs a bus tour departing from Kanazawa City on every illumination day.\" target=\"_blank\">Hokuriku Railway Bus Illumination Bus Tour<\/a> can be purchased through the Hokuriku Railway Bus official website, with sale times matching other bus companies.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-iruka\" style=\"color: #003366;\">(7) <span style=\"color: #003366;\">Irukak\u014dts\u016b Illumination Bus Tour<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Dolphin Traffic is a new bus company offering Shirakawa-go illumination bus tours for the 2026 season. They will operate one tour per illumination day departing from Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture. This tour <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">includes the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>, but requires walking both ways. The price is <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">\u00a517,000<\/span> for adults and \u00a515,000 for children. Below is the itinerary and schedule for this bus tour:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Outbound: Takaoka Bus Terminal (located near JR Shin-Takaoka Station) [14:00] &gt; Shirakawa-go [15:40]<\/li>\n<li>Return: Shirakawa-go [19:50] &gt; Takaoka Bus Terminal [21:30]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Tickets for the 2026 <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iruka-net.jp\/archives\/4824\" target=\"_blank\">Dolphin Traffic Illumination Bus Tour<\/a> can be purchased through <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/hon\/Tour?area=6\" target=\"_blank\">Hassha Orai Net<\/a> and <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/japanbusonline.com\/zh-tw\/AllCoursePanel\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Bus Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1545\"><div aria-hidden=\"true\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block; text-align: center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6848854714985642\" data-ad-slot=\"5637008471\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"tour\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #993300;\">Joining an Illumination Tour<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;re not traveling independently in Japan, local travel agencies also offer tours that include the light-up experience.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/klook\/klook\" target=\"_blank\">Klook<\/a> and <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/kkday\/kkday\" target=\"_blank\">KKday<\/a> also feature several light-up tours to Shirakawago this year, organized by local travel agencies:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u3010Klook\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.klook.com\/zh-HK\/activity\/132246-2025-winter-limited-shirakawa-go-lights-up-takayama-tour\/?aid=152\" target=\"_blank\">2025 Winter Limited | World Heritage Site \u00b7 Takayama &amp; Shirakawago Light-Up One-Day Tour (Optional Premium Small Group) | Departing from Nagoya\/Takayama<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010Klook\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.klook.com\/zh-HK\/activity\/128838-shirakawago-hida-winter-illumination-2-day-bus-tour-from-osaka\/?aid=152\" target=\"_blank\">Shirakawago &amp; Hida Winter Illumination 2-Day Bus Tour (Departing from Osaka)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010KKday\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/kkday\/shirakawago-tour3\" target=\"_blank\">Hida Takayama + Shirakawago + Light-Up One-Day Tour | One-Day Tour from Nagoya (No Observatory Access)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"taxi\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #993300;\">Taking a Taxi to Shirakawago<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the light-up period, taxi companies in Takayama offer round-trip charter services to Shirakawago, such as <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hato-taxi.jp\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hato Taxi Co., Ltd.<\/a> and <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nouhibus.co.jp\/taxi\/\" target=\"_blank\">Nohi Bus Guided Taxi Service<\/a>. 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&#8217;t made arrangements in advance, passengers must secure a parking reservation before booking the taxi.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1721\"><div class=\"advertisement\">\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><small>AD\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/small><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/c.ga-net.com\/click?w=534419&#038;c=3178&#038;d=https%3A%2F%2Ftravel.rakuten.com%2Fcontents%2Fusa%2Fen-us%2Fcampaign%2Fseasonalsale%2F202604%2F\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/img.travelclassroom.net\/image\/rakuten-travel-seasonal-sale-en-202604-850x185.webp\" alt=\"\u5ee3\u544a\u5716\u7247\" width=\"850\" height=\"185\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"accommodation\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #800080;\">Shirakawago Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay for Convenience?<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Accommodations in Shirakawago are fully booked during the light-up event. If you&#8217;re not lucky enough to secure a spot in one of the village&#8217;s guesthouses, consider staying in nearby cities. <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Takayama<\/span> 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&#8217;re not driving, it\u2019s the ideal base for your trip.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>For our Shirakawago light-up trip, we stayed at <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/rakuten\/Spa-Hotel-Alpina-Hida\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #990099;\">Spa Hotel Alpina Hida Takayama<\/span><\/a>. I first stayed here in 2010 and consider it one of the best hotels near Takayama Station. It\u2019s only 300 meters from the station, a 7-8 minute walk even in snowy conditions. The hotel is also conveniently located near Takayama\u2019s old town, Nakabashi Bridge, Takayama Jinya, and the Miyagawa Morning Market, making it an excellent choice.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Another option is <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/rakuten\/Honjin-Hiranoya-Bekkan-Annex\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #990099;\">Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan Annex<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re joining a light-up bus tour departing from Toyama, it\u2019s best to stay in Toyama City.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-2083\"><p><ins class=\"klk-aff-widget\" data-adid=\"1126286\" data-lang=\"\" data-currency=\"\" data-cardH=\"126\" data-padding=\"92\" data-lgH=\"470\" data-edgeValue=\"655\" data-cid=\"9316\" data-tid=\"\" data-amount=\"4\" data-prod=\"hotel_dynamic_widget\"><a href=\"\/\/www.klook.com\/\">Klook.com<\/a><\/ins><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Snow is inevitable in Takayama during January and February. On days without snowfall, the streets are manageable, even with luggage.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_01.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34605 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_01.jpg\" alt=\"Takayama City\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_02.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-34606\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_02.jpg\" alt=\"Takayama, near Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_03.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-34607\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_03.jpg\" alt=\"Traveling from Takayama to Shirakawago for the light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_04.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-34608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_04.jpg\" alt=\"Streets of Takayama\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_05.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-34609\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_05.jpg\" alt=\"Takayama streets\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_06.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-34610\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_06.jpg\" alt=\"Takayama cityscape\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_07.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-34611\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_07.jpg\" alt=\"Scenery of Takayama\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>After a night of snowfall, the streets become more difficult to navigate, but Takayama becomes even more beautiful in winter.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_08.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34612 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_08.jpg\" alt=\"Takayama on a snowy day\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_09.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34613 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_09.jpg\" alt=\"Traveling from Takayama to Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_10.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34614 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_10.jpg\" alt=\"Miyagawa Morning Market in Takayama\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_11.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34615 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_11.jpg\" alt=\"Takayama Morning Market\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_12.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34616 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_12.jpg\" alt=\"Snowy old town of Takayama\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_13.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34617 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_13.jpg\" alt=\"Takayama old town\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_14.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34618 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_14.jpg\" alt=\"Takayama under snow\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_15.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34619 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Takayama_15.jpg\" alt=\"Snowy Takayama\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1545\"><div aria-hidden=\"true\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block; text-align: center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6848854714985642\" data-ad-slot=\"5637008471\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"shuttle\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #800080;\">Itinerary Planning: Time Management and Route Guide<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Shirakawago light-up runs from <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">17:30<\/span> to <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">19:30<\/span>, just two hours long. Exploring the illuminated village in this short timeframe can be challenging, especially if you\u2019re lucky enough to access the observatory.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"observatory\" style=\"color: #993300;\">1. How to Reach the Tenshukaku Observatory?<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Since 2022, <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">no shuttle buses operate to the Tenshukaku Observatory<\/span> during the light-up. Visitors must <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">walk to and from the observatory<\/span> and present a <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">reserved ticket<\/span> 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 <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">lodging guests<\/span> and <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">specific tour participants<\/span> can access the observatory, leaving self-driving tourists without this opportunity.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Since I couldn\u2019t visit the observatory during my light-up trip, here\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Spring.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-34620\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Spring.jpg\" alt=\"Panoramic view of Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/events\/141\/\" target=\"_blank\">refer here<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/shirakawago-shuttle-bus.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-42788 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/shirakawago-shuttle-bus.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago observatory\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-2087\"><p><ins class=\"klk-aff-widget\" data-adid=\"1126297\" data-lang=\"\" data-currency=\"\" data-cardH=\"126\" data-padding=\"92\" data-lgH=\"470\" data-edgeValue=\"655\" data-cid=\"21926\" data-tid=\"\" data-amount=\"4\" data-prod=\"hotel_dynamic_widget\"><a href=\"\/\/www.klook.com\/\">Klook.com<\/a><\/ins><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"route\" style=\"color: #993300;\">2. How to Plan Your Light-Up Itinerary and Route?<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Winter days in Shirakawago grow dark by 17:00, with the light-up running from 17:30 to 19:30\u2014just two hours. While the village isn\u2019t 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\u2019ll have only about an hour left in the village, so plan carefully.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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 <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Wada House<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Myozenji Temple<\/span>, the <span style=\"color: #854300;\">western side<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Kanmachi<\/span>, and <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Shitago<\/span>. However, <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Shitago<\/span> is remote and rarely visited, while <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Wada House<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Myozenji Temple<\/span>, and the <span style=\"color: #854300;\">western side<\/span> are clustered in Ogimachi, drawing most visitors. <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Kanmachi<\/span> is farther but features the photogenic &#8220;Three Houses,&#8221; a popular spot for photos.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/datas\/files\/2022\/01\/10\/cd0b295fc482535971373b5fa94f856f3d65fd17.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">2022 Shirakawago light-up map<\/a>, which remains largely unchanged and can serve as a reference for this year.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-41149 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/shirakawago-lightup-map-2022.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago light-up map\" width=\"620\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\">Note<\/span>: <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Drones are prohibited in Shirakawago<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"route1\" style=\"color: #008080;\">1. How to Plan Your Itinerary Without Observatory Access?<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re on a bus tour, you\u2019ll 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 <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Myozenji Temple and Wada House<\/span>. If time allows, walk to Wada House and wait for the illumination before heading back to Myozenji.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Here are photos from my 2018 light-up visit. My photography skills were lacking, so few turned out well.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_01a.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34624 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_01a.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago light-up bus\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>From Seseragi Park Parking, cross the Deai Bridge to reach Ogimachi.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_02a.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34625 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_02a.jpg\" alt=\"Deai Bridge in Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_03a.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34626 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_03a.jpg\" alt=\"Ogimachi suspension bridge\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Capture the village\u2019s daytime charm before darkness falls.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_04.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34627 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_04.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago streets\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_05.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34628 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_05.jpg\" alt=\"Gassho-zukuri houses in Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_06.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34629 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_06.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago before the light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_07.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34630 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_07.jpg\" alt=\"Decorations outside gassho-zukuri houses\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_08.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34631 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_08.jpg\" alt=\"Snowman in Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_09.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34632 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_09.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago in heavy snow\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_10.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34633 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_10.jpg\" alt=\"Kanda House guesthouse in Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_11.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34634 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_11.jpg\" alt=\"Snow-covered Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In the freezing cold, warm snacks and drinks are a comfort, so food stalls are crowded.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_12.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34635 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_12.jpg\" alt=\"Food stall in Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_13.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34636 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_13.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago food stall\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>At 17:30 sharp, the light-up begins as staff turn on the spotlights outside the houses.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_14.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-34637\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_14.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_15.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34638 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_15.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_16.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-34639\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_16.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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\u2014watch your step!<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_17.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34640 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_17.jpg\" alt=\"Three Houses light-up in Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_18.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-34641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_18.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture> <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_19.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34642 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_19.jpg\" alt=\"Three Houses light-up in Shirakawago\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Return to the parking lot on time after the light-up. With many buses parked there, remember your vehicle\u2019s license plate number.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_20.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34643 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_20.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago light-up parking lot\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Self-drivers face longer waits post-event, queuing for shuttles back to Terao Parking.<\/p>\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_21.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34644 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_21.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawago light-up scenery\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/picture>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Tip<\/span>: During the light-up, snowy paths are slippery. If prone to falls, consider packing <span style=\"color: #854300;\">ice cleats<\/span>, a <span style=\"color: #854300;\">small flashlight<\/span>, and <span style=\"color: #854300;\">hand warmers<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"route2\" style=\"color: #008080;\">2. How to Plan Your Itinerary With Observatory Access?<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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 <span style=\"color: #854300;\">Myozenji Temple to Wada House<\/span> area and skip the Three Houses.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"plan\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #800080;\">Suggested Itineraries from Nagoya and Osaka<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The nearest international airport to Shirakawago is <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.centrair.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\">Chubu Centrair Airport<\/a> near Nagoya, making it the primary gateway for foreign visitors. Alternatively, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kansai-airport.or.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kansai Airport<\/a> in Osaka offers cheaper flights and more options. Below are sample itineraries from Nagoya and Osaka.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"plan1\" style=\"color: #993300;\">1. Itineraries from Nagoya<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"color: #008080;\">1. 8-Day Nagoya, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawago Light-Up Free Itinerary<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This Nagoya round-trip itinerary covers Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa. Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa\u2019s highlight, hosts its own light-up in February.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[Day 1]: Arrive at Chubu Centrair Airport, check into a <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/hotel\/Nagoya\" target=\"_blank\">Nagoya city hotel<\/a>, and explore Nagoya Station or Sakae.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 2]: Take the JR to Toyama, then transfer to Kanazawa. Stay near Kanazawa Station or Korinbo and visit Kenrokuen Garden at night.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 3]: Explore Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen Garden, and Kanazawa Castle.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 4]: Take a morning bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawago, then proceed to Takayama by bus. Stay near Takayama Station.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 5]: Visit Miyagawa Morning Market and the old town, then join a light-up bus tour to Shirakawago. Return to Takayama.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 6]: Return to Nagoya by JR, explore Nagoya Castle, and shop.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 7]: Visit Legoland Japan and shop in Nagoya.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 8]: Depart.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 1<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you choose to drive to Shirakawa-go, slight adjustments are needed for Day 4, Day 5, and Day 6:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [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.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [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.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 2<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>This itinerary schedules the Shirakawa-go illumination visit for <span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Day 5<\/span>. If your flight dates don&#8217;t align, you can rearrange the order\u2014for example, visiting Takayama and Shirakawa-go before Kanazawa, or spending an extra day in Nagoya before heading to Takayama and Shirakawa-go.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 3<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>Transportation costs for this itinerary include: Nagoya to Toyama JR (\u00a57,650), Toyama to Kanazawa Shinkansen (\u00a52,810), Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go express bus (\u00a51,850), Shirakawa-go to Takayama express bus (\u00a52,470), and Takayama to Nagoya JR (\u00a56,230), totaling \u00a521,010. To save on transportation costs, consider purchasing the &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass<\/span>&#8221; JR Pass, which covers all the above routes for \u00a514,000 and is valid for 5 days. Starting from Day 2, this pass can save you approximately one-third (\u00a57,010) of the total cost. (<span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Note<\/span>: The prices listed are from before the consumption tax rate increase on October 1, 2019.)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 4<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>For schedules of the above transportation options, refer to the &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass<\/span>&#8221; webpage. For accurate JR train times and fares, check <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/railway.jr-central.co.jp\/timetable\/nr_doc\/search.html\" target=\"_blank\">this JR Central webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 5<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>The express buses between Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama have limited departures and high demand, so tickets often sell out early. It&#8217;s advisable to book your bus tickets in advance.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 6<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>Although express buses have luggage compartments, carrying large suitcases to Shirakawa-go in winter can be cumbersome. Consider using <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.global-yamato.com\/scn\/hands-free-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\">Yamato Transport&#8217;s luggage delivery service<\/a> to send your luggage from Kanazawa to your hotel in Takayama. Most hotels in Japan accept Yamato deliveries\u2014simply ask the staff for a shipping form, fill it out, and hand over your luggage.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"color: #008080;\">2. 8-Day Itinerary: Nagoya, Kanazawa, Takayama, Gero Onsen, and Shirakawa-go Illuminations<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[Day 1]: Arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport and check into a <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/hotel\/Nagoya\" target=\"_blank\">hotel in Nagoya<\/a>. Spend the evening exploring Nagoya Station or the Sakae area.<\/p>\n<p>[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.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 3]: Explore Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen Garden, and Kanazawa Castle.<\/p>\n<p>[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.<\/p>\n<p>[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.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 6]: Take the JR to Gero Onsen, check into a ryokan, and explore the onsen town.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 7]: Return to Nagoya by JR, check into a hotel, and spend the afternoon visiting Nagoya Castle and shopping in the city center.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 8]: Depart for home.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>The &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass<\/span>&#8221; 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 (\u00a54,820).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"plan2\" style=\"color: #993300;\">II. Itineraries Starting from Osaka<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;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&#8217;ve already explored Kansai but haven&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"color: #008080;\">1. 3-Day Itinerary: Takayama and Shirakawa-go Illuminations<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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 \u00a53,300 for adults. Tickets can be booked up to one month in advance on <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/links\/willerexpress\" target=\"_blank\">Willer Express<\/a> or <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/rakuten\/bus\" target=\"_blank\">Rakuten Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[Day 1]: Take an express bus from Osaka to Takayama and check into a hotel near Takayama Station.<\/p>\n<p>[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.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 3]: Take an express bus back to Osaka.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 1<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;re leaving Osaka for a 3-day trip to Takayama, it&#8217;s best to store your luggage at the hotel you&#8217;ll return to.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 2<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 3<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;d rather take the train, there&#8217;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 \u00a54,260 (2 hours 10 minutes), and the JR reserved seat fare from Nagoya to Takayama is \u00a56,230 (2 hours 35 minutes), totaling \u00a510,500\u2014over twice the cost of the express bus. Travel times are similar, so the bus is more economical.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>For Kintetsu, consider purchasing a <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kintetsu.co.jp\/foreign\/english\/ticket\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Kintetsu Rail Pass<\/a>, which allows unlimited rides on Kintetsu trains between Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise-Shima, and Nagoya for 5 consecutive days (\u00a53,600). However, the pass only covers non-reserved seats, and the Osaka-Nagoya route requires a reserved seat supplement (\u00a51,900). Using the pass for this round trip costs \u00a57,400, saving \u00a51,120. If your Kansai itinerary includes Nara, you&#8217;ll save even more. The pass must be purchased outside Japan (e.g., via <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/klook\/Kintetsu-Rail-Pass\" target=\"_blank\">Klook<\/a> or <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/kkday\/Kintetsu-Rail-Pass\" target=\"_blank\">KKday<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, take the JR from Osaka Station via Kanazawa and Toyama to Takayama. This route requires two transfers but can be covered by the &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass<\/span>&#8221; for \u00a514,000, saving about \u00a55,000 compared to the Kintetsu\/JR route via Nagoya. (<span style=\"color: #b30505;\">Note<\/span>: Prices are from before the October 1, 2019, tax increase.)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-2089\"><p><ins class=\"klk-aff-widget\" data-adid=\"1126304\" data-lang=\"\" data-currency=\"\" data-cardH=\"126\" data-padding=\"92\" data-lgH=\"470\" data-edgeValue=\"655\" data-cid=\"29\" data-tid=\"\" data-amount=\"4\" data-prod=\"hotel_dynamic_widget\"><a href=\"\/\/www.klook.com\/\">Klook.com<\/a><\/ins><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"color: #008080;\">2. 5-Day Itinerary: Kanazawa, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Illuminations<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Kanazawa is stunning in winter, and Kenrokuen Garden also hosts illuminations in February. The &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass<\/span>&#8221; 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[Day 1]: Take the JR from Osaka Station to Kanazawa. Check into a hotel near Kanazawa Station or Korinbo and visit Kenrokuen Garden.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 2]: Explore Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District, and Kanazawa Castle.<\/p>\n<p>[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.<\/p>\n<p>[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.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 5]: Take the JR Takayama Line to Toyama, transfer to the Shinkansen or JR to Kanazawa, then take the JR back to Osaka.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 1<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>If driving to Shirakawa-go, limit car rental to the illumination day and use trains\/buses otherwise. Adjust Days 3\u20135 as follows:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [Day 3]: Take the Nohi Bus or JR from Kanazawa to Takayama. Check into a hotel and explore Takayama Old Town and Takayama Jinya.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [Day 4]: Pick up a rental car and drive to Shirakawa-go for the illuminations, returning to Takayama in the evening.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [Day 5]: Return the rental car in the morning, visit Miyagawa Morning Market, then take the JR via Takayama and Kanazawa back to Osaka.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 2<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>Transportation costs for this itinerary include: Osaka to Kanazawa JR (\u00a57,850), Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go express bus (\u00a51,850), Shirakawa-go to Takayama express bus (\u00a52,470), Takayama to Toyama JR (\u00a53,560), Toyama to Kanazawa Shinkansen (\u00a52,810), and Kanazawa to Osaka JR (\u00a57,850), totaling \u00a526,390. The &#8220;<span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass<\/span>&#8221; saves approximately \u00a512,000\u2014nearly half the cost.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 3<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>For schedules, refer to the pass webpage or <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/railway.jr-central.co.jp\/timetable\/nr_doc\/search.html\" target=\"_blank\">JR Central&#8217;s timetable<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 4<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>Book express bus tickets early, as they sell out quickly.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Note 5<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>Use <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.global-yamato.com\/scn\/hands-free-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\">Yamato Transport<\/a> to send luggage from Kanazawa to your Takayama hotel.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"pass\" style=\"text-align: center; color: #333300;\">JR Pass for Takayama and Shirakawa-go: The &#8220;Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass&#8221;<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If traveling from Nagoya or Osaka to Shirakawa-go by train, consider the &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/touristpass.jp\/en\/takayama_hokuriku\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #854300;\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass<\/span><\/a>,&#8221; 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">______________________________<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Useful Resources for Shirakawa-go<\/span>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vill.shirakawa.lg.jp\/livecam\/\" target=\"_blank\">Shirakawa-go Live Cam<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/datas\/files\/2022\/12\/26\/f40c8a74eef976046bd9ae68b886be3c9b68323a.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Shirakawa-go Map<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/datas\/files\/2024\/08\/21\/4ce427d8e6584d4d5fbd5e0ad78d205374aeb9b4.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Shirakawa-go Express Bus Timetable<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/events\/141\/\" target=\"_blank\">Tenshukaku Shuttle Bus Timetable<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Related posts:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/visit-japan-web.html\">Visit Japan Web (VJW) Guide for Filling Out Japan Arrival QR Code<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/takayama-hokuriku-pass.html\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass \u2013 Essential Rail Pass for Exploring Japan\u2019s Chubu and Hokuriku Regions: Purchase, Exchange, and Usage Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/usj-ticket.html\">Japan Universal Studios Tickets, Fast Pass, VIP Tour: Official Website Purchase Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/usj-app.html\">Universal Studios Japan App Tutorial! How to Use the USJ App to Obtain Timed Entry Tickets<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/mint-sakura.html\">Osaka Mint Bureau Sakura Avenue Reservation Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/osaka-lights-festival.html\">Osaka Light Festival: Event Details, Schedule, Venues and Transportation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/tateyama-kurobe.html\">Tateyama Kurobe Opening Dates, Transportation, Attractions, Luggage Delivery, and Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/alpine-ticket.html\">Guide to Purchasing Tateyama Kurobe Tickets, Train Tickets, JR Passes, and Booking Ride Times<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/snow-wall.html\">Tateyama Kurobe Snow Otani: Opening Hours, Snow Wall Height, and Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/alpine-route.html\">Tateyama Kurobe Travel Guide: One-Day Itinerary and Recommended Routes (JR and Self-Driving)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/alpine-pass.html\">Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass: Purchase, Exchange, Usage, and Riding Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/kawachi-wisteria-garden.html\">Japan Kyushu Kawachi Fujien: Wisteria Blooming Season, How to Purchase Tickets, and Transportation Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/sushi-hanamaru.html\">Kaiten-Sushi Nemuro Hanamaru: Locations, Crowds, Reservations and Queue-Skipping Tips for Tokyo and Sapporo Branches<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/toyota-rent-car.html\">Japan Toyota Rent a Car Guide: Official Website Rental Process and Discounts!<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/japan-highway-toll.html\">Japan Highway Toll Calculation! 5 Methods to Check, Calculate Toll Fees, and Payment Options<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/kyushu-expressway-pass.html\">Kyushu Expressway Pass (KEP): Pricing, Coverage, and Where to Buy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/hokkaido-road-trip.html\">Summer Road Trip in Hokkaido! Itinerary, Routes, and Attractions for a Self-Drive Tour from Sapporo<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/japan-accommodation-tax.html\">Japan Accommodation Tax: Which Cities Levy It? Who Needs to Pay? How to Pay?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/rakuten-travel.html\">Japan Rakuten Travel Promo Codes, Latest Discounts, and Booking Tutorial<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/agoda-discount-code.html\" target=\"_blank\">How to get and use the 10% Agoda Discount Code<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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. &nbsp; Shirakawa-go is one of Japan&#8217;s most popular tourist destinations, and the annual light-up event held in January and February is<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1907,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[44],"class_list":["post-1904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-japan-travel","tag-shirakawa-go-light-up"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Complete Guide to Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2026: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning - The TravelClassroom<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"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.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Complete Guide to Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2026: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning - The TravelClassroom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"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.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The TravelClassroom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-07-06T12:49:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-12T00:04:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shirakawago-Featured.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"330\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"travelclassroom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"travelclassroom\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"48 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/shirakawago.html#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/shirakawago.html\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"travelclassroom\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/475452e74cf645578e8f377e662b5408\"},\"headline\":\"Complete Guide to Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2026: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-06T12:49:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-12T00:04:22+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/shirakawago.html\"},\"wordCount\":8183,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/shirakawago.html#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/Shirakawago-Featured.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Shirakawa-go Light-Up\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Japan Travel\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/shirakawago.html\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/shirakawago.html\",\"name\":\"Complete Guide to Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2026: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning - The TravelClassroom\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/shirakawago.html#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/shirakawago.html#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/Shirakawago-Featured.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-06T12:49:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-12T00:04:22+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/475452e74cf645578e8f377e662b5408\"},\"description\":\"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. 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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.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Complete Guide to Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2026: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning - The TravelClassroom","og_description":"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.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html","og_site_name":"The TravelClassroom","article_published_time":"2025-07-06T12:49:01+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-04-12T00:04:22+00:00","og_image":[{"width":330,"height":200,"url":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shirakawago-Featured.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"travelclassroom","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"travelclassroom","Est. reading time":"48 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html"},"author":{"name":"travelclassroom","@id":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/#\/schema\/person\/475452e74cf645578e8f377e662b5408"},"headline":"Complete Guide to Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2026: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning","datePublished":"2025-07-06T12:49:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-12T00:04:22+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html"},"wordCount":8183,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shirakawago-Featured.jpg","keywords":["Shirakawa-go Light-Up"],"articleSection":["Japan Travel"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html","url":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html","name":"Complete Guide to Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2026: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning - The TravelClassroom","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shirakawago-Featured.jpg","datePublished":"2025-07-06T12:49:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-12T00:04:22+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/#\/schema\/person\/475452e74cf645578e8f377e662b5408"},"description":"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. 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