{"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":"2026-10-11T02:02:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-11T02:02:05","slug":"shirakawago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago.html","title":{"rendered":"Complete Guide to Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2027: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/events\/441\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong class=\"color-blue\">2027 (41st) Shirakawa-go Light-up<\/strong><\/a> will be held in <strong>January 2027<\/strong>. As in the past two years, there will again be only <strong class=\"color-purple\">four sessions<\/strong> in 2027. <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/shirakawa-go.org\/kankou\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong class=\"color-green\">Shirakawa-go<\/strong><\/a> is one of Japan&#8217;s most popular tourist destinations, and the light-up events held every <strong>January and February<\/strong> are a travel experience many people long for. Starting in 2024, Shirakawa-go&#8217;s light-up introduced an <strong>admission ticket system<\/strong>. Every visitor entering Shirakawa-go during the light-up event <strong>must hold an admission ticket issued by the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association<\/strong>, and this rule will continue to apply in 2027.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-34657\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"376\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This article compiles almost all the information you need to know about the Shirakawa-go light-up event. The specific contents include:<\/p>\n<div class=\"custom-card\">\n<ul>\n<li>I. <a href=\"#date\">2027 Shirakawa-go Light-up Dates and Times<\/a><\/li>\n<li>II. 5 Ways to Participate in the Gassho Village Light-up\n<ul>\n<li>1. <a href=\"#stay\">Shirakawa-go Accommodation: How to Book a Shirakawa-go Guesthouse During the Light-up?<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>1. <a href=\"#stay-list\">Shirakawa-go Guesthouses Accepting Accommodation Applications During the 2027 Light-up<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2. <a href=\"#stay-booking\">How to Book Shirakawa-go Guesthouse Accommodation for the 2027 Light-up Dates?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>2. <a href=\"#car\">Shirakawa-go Self-driving: Regulations for Driving to Shirakawa-go During the Light-up and How to Reserve Parking Spaces<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>1. <a href=\"#carpark\">Private Car Parking During the 2027 Light-up<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2. <a href=\"#day-parking\">Daytime Parking Arrangements at Shirakawa-go Parking Lots on Light-up Days<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3. <a href=\"#snow-drive\">Winter Driving Information for Shirakawa-go<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>3. <a href=\"#bus\">Light-up Bus Tours: Information on Bus Tours by Various Bus Companies During the Light-up and How to Purchase Tickets<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>1. <a href=\"#bus-tour-sale\">2027 Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus Tour Ticket Sale Times and Purchasing Methods<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2. <a href=\"#bus-tour-summary\">Light-up Bus Tours Classified by Departure Location<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3. <a href=\"#bus-tour-obs\">Light-up Bus Tours That Include a Tenshukaku Observatory Ticket<\/a><\/li>\n<li>4. <a href=\"#bus-tour-nouhibus\">Nohi Bus Light-up Bus Tours<\/a><\/li>\n<li>5. <a href=\"#bus-tour-chitetsu\">Toyama Chihou Railway Bus Light-up Bus Tours<\/a><\/li>\n<li>6. <a href=\"#bus-tour-kaetsunou\">Kaetsunou Bus Light-up Bus Tours<\/a><\/li>\n<li>7. <a href=\"#bus-tour-hokutetsu\">Hokuriku Railroad Bus Light-up Bus Tours<\/a><\/li>\n<li>8. <a href=\"#bus-tour-iruka\">Iruka Kotsu Light-up Bus Tours<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>4. <a href=\"#tour\">Join a Light-up Package Tour<\/a><\/li>\n<li>5. <a href=\"#taxi\">Take a Taxi (Cab\/Taxi) to Shirakawa-go<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>III. <a href=\"#accommodation\">Shirakawa-go Light-up Accommodation Guide: Where Is the Most Convenient Place to Stay?<\/a><\/li>\n<li>IV. <a href=\"#shuttle\">Shirakawa-go Light-up Itinerary Planning: Sightseeing Time and Route Guide<\/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 Arrange Sightseeing Time and Routes?<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>1. <a href=\"#route1\">How to Arrange Sightseeing Routes and Times If You Cannot Go Up to the Observatory?<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2. <a href=\"#route2\">How to Arrange Sightseeing Time and Routes If You Can Go Up to the Observatory?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>V. <a href=\"#plan\">Several Suggested Gassho Village Light-up Itineraries Departing from Nagoya and Osaka<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>1. <a href=\"#plan1\">Itinerary Departing from Nagoya<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2. <a href=\"#plan1\">Itinerary Departing from Osaka<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3. <a href=\"#pass\">The JR Pass Suitable for Traveling to Takayama and Shirakawa-go, the &#8220;Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass&#8221;: Purchase, Exchange, and Usage Introduction<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"date\" class=\"h2heading\">2027 Shirakawa-go Light-up Dates and Times<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Shirakawa-go&#8217;s light-up event is held only during the period of heaviest snowfall each January and February. The dates differ every year, generally from <span class=\"color-brown\">mid-January to mid-February<\/span>, and are usually scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays. If Monday is a public holiday, it may also be scheduled on Monday. The light-up time is generally from <span class=\"color-brown\">17:30<\/span> in the afternoon to <span class=\"color-brown\">19:30<\/span> at night, lasting only <strong>two hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"custom-card\">\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/events\/438\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"color-blue\">The 2027 (41st) Shirakawa-go Light-up Event<\/span><\/a> will be held in January 2027. As in 2025 and 2026, there will be only <span class=\"color-brown\">four sessions<\/span>. The dates are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"color-brown\">January 11<\/span> (Monday);<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"color-brown\">January 17<\/span> (Sunday);<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"color-brown\">January 24<\/span> (Sunday); and<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"color-brown\">January 31<\/span> (Sunday).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u203b Except for January 11, which is Monday (a Japanese holiday), the other sessions are all on Sundays. The light-up time is <span class=\"color-brown\">17:30 to 19:30<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1721\"><aside class=\"page-ad-banner\" aria-label=\"Sponsored 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<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"access\" class=\"h2heading\">5 Ways to Participate in the Gassho Village Light-up<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Because many tourists visit Shirakawa-go during the light-up event, <span class=\"color-brown\">traffic and crowd control<\/span> is implemented in Shirakawa-go, limiting the number of vehicles and people entering the Gassho Village.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Starting in 2024, in order to further strengthen measures to limit the number of visitors entering the village during the light-up event, the Shirakawa-go light-up introduced an <span class=\"color-green\">admission ticket<\/span> system. Every visitor entering Shirakawa-go during the light-up event must hold an admission ticket issued by the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association before they can enter Shirakawa-go to participate in the light-up event. The same practice will continue in 2027.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"custom-card\">\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 Basically, to obtain an admission ticket to enter Shirakawa-go to see the light-up during the 2027 event, there are the following five methods.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\ud83c\udfe8 The first method is <span class=\"color-brown\">staying at a guesthouse in Shirakawa-go<\/span>;<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\ude97 The second method is obtaining a parking permit and <span class=\"color-brown\">driving<\/span> to Shirakawa-go;<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\ude8d The third method is <span class=\"color-brown\">joining a light-up bus tour operated by a public transportation provider<\/span> and going to Shirakawa-go by bus;<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\udea9 The fourth method is <span class=\"color-brown\">joining a travel agency&#8217;s one-day light-up package tour<\/span> and going to Shirakawa-go with the group;<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\ude96 The fifth method is obtaining a parking permit and then reserving a <span class=\"color-brown\">taxi<\/span> (cab\/taxi) to go to Shirakawa-go.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p>\u26a0 <span class=\"color-brown\">Note<\/span>: Starting in 2022, during the light-up event, only these two types of visitors\u2014those <span class=\"color-brown\">staying overnight in Shirakawa-go<\/span> and those <span class=\"color-brown\">joining designated bus tours<\/span>\u2014can obtain tickets to enter the Tenshukaku Observatory. Other visitors, including those driving, taking taxis, and joining package tours, cannot go up to the observatory.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you want to go to Shirakawa-go for the light-up event, you must, according to the method by which you plan to go to Shirakawa-go, keep track of the times for booking guesthouses, reserving parking lots, or purchasing light-up bus tickets.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is the schedule for various arrangements for the 2027 Shirakawa-go light-up (Japan time):<\/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 Reservation<\/th>\n<th style=\"color: #993300; text-decoration: underline;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"25%\">Parking Reservation<\/th>\n<th style=\"color: #993300; text-decoration: underline;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"25%\">Ticket Purchase<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">September 10, 2026, 13:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">First round of parking reservations begins<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 1, 2026, 13:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Accommodation lottery applications begin<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 13, 2026, 14:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 11 light-up bus tickets go on sale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 19, 2026, 14:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 17 light-up bus tickets go on sale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 26, 2026, 14:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 24 light-up bus tickets go on sale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">November 2, 2026, 14:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 31 light-up bus tickets go on sale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 31, 2026, 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, 2026<\/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, 2026, 13:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Remaining rooms open for booking<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">December 1, 2026, 13:00<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\"><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">Second round of parking reservations begins<\/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-1545\"><aside class=\"page-ad-banner\" aria-label=\"Sponsored Advertisement\">\n<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><br \/>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"stay\" class=\"h3heading\">Shirakawa-go Accommodation: How to Book a Shirakawa-go Guesthouse During the Light-up?<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you stay at a guesthouse in Shirakawa-go on the day of the light-up event, <span class=\"color-brown\">each guest will be given one admission ticket for Shirakawa-go that evening,<\/span> allowing them to participate in the light-up event that night. If you book an accommodation package that includes an observatory ticket, <span class=\"color-brown\">you can also receive one ticket to enter the Tenshukaku Observatory<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"stay-list\" class=\"h4heading\">Shirakawa-go Guesthouses Accepting Accommodation Applications During the 2027 Light-up<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>There are about <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/stay\/\" target=\"_blank\">more than 40 guesthouses and inns<\/a> around Shirakawa-go. During the light-up, most guesthouses suspend operations or do not accept public guests, but some guesthouses and inns still operate and accept accommodation reservations. In 2027, only 10 Shirakawa-go guesthouses and inns will accept accommodation reservations on light-up dates.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"stay-booking\" class=\"h4heading\">How to Book Shirakawa-go Guesthouse Accommodation for the 2027 Light-up Dates?<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The guesthouse booking method during the 2027 light-up event is the same as in 2026, also using a <strong><span class=\"color-purple\">lottery system<\/span><\/strong>. If you want to stay at a Shirakawa-go guesthouse or inn on a 2027 light-up date, you need to <span class=\"color-green\">first send an email to the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association&#8217;s email address to apply for the lottery<\/span>. After winning, you then make a room reservation through the accommodation reservation system on the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association website.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Winners must complete the reservation and payment within the designated period, otherwise they will be disqualified. The Shirakawa-go Tourist Association will announce at 13:00 on November 26 the guesthouse information for accommodations that still have rooms because winners did not complete their reservations, and will open them to everyone on a <span class=\"color-green\">first-come, first-served<\/span> basis. Therefore, if you do not win the lottery, you can watch for announcements on the association&#8217;s website at that time.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Applications for the Shirakawa-go guesthouse and inn accommodation lottery for the 2027 light-up dates will begin at <strong><span class=\"color-purple\">13:00 on October 1, 2026<\/span><\/strong> Japan time and end at <span class=\"color-purple\">23:59 on October 31<\/span>. For a tutorial on applying for the lottery and making a reservation after winning, as well as details of the 10 accommodation facilities accepting reservations this year, you can refer to this article: &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawa-stay.html\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"color-blue\">\u30102026 Gassho Village Accommodation Recommendations\u301110 Village Guesthouses \/ Light-up Season Lottery Tutorial \/ Takayama Accommodation Alternatives<\/span><\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-2197\"><div class=\"advertisement\" style=\"border: 1pt solid #003366; text-align: center;\">\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.klook.com\/deals\/?aid=152\" target=\"_blank\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/img.travelclassroom.net\/image\/klook-en-coupon-collection-850x292.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.travelclassroom.net\/image\/klook-en-coupon-collection-850x292.png\" alt=\"Ad-Banner\" width=\"850\" height=\"292\" \/><\/picture><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"car\" class=\"h3heading\">Shirakawa-go Self-driving: Regulations for Driving to Shirakawa-go During the Light-up and How to Reserve Parking Spaces<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you have experience and ability in snow driving, you can drive to Shirakawa-go to participate in the light-up event. Starting in 2019, on the days when the light-up event is held, <span class=\"color-brown\">outside vehicles must obtain a parking permit in advance and reserve a parking space before they can park in designated parking lots in Shirakawa-go<\/span>. Vehicles without a parking reservation cannot park in Shirakawa-go parking lots during the light-up.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>However, note that starting in 2022, during the light-up event, only visitors staying overnight in Shirakawa-go and those joining designated bus tours can obtain tickets to enter the Tenshukaku Observatory. In other words, <span class=\"color-brown\">drivers cannot go up to the observatory during the light-up<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>For the 2027 light-up, parking reservations for ordinary vehicles (10 seats or fewer) will, as in previous years, use a <span class=\"color-brown\">first-come, first-served format<\/span>. Each vehicle can have up to 10 passengers (including the driver). The number of people must be specified when reserving a parking space, and each person will be given one Shirakawa-go admission ticket upon entry.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Parking reservations for 2027 will be held in two rounds, approximately in September and December 2026. The reservation times and fee information are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The first reservation period begins at <span class=\"color-brown\">13:00 on September 10, 2026<\/span> (Japan time). If the number of people (including the driver) is 1\u20135, the parking fee is <span class=\"color-brown\">6,000 yen<\/span>. If the number of people is 6\u201310, the parking fee is <span class=\"color-brown\">9,000 yen<\/span>;<\/li>\n<li>The second reservation period begins at <span class=\"color-brown\">13:00 on December 1, 2026<\/span> (Japan time). If the number of people (including the driver) is 1\u20135, the parking fee is <span class=\"color-brown\">7,000 yen<\/span>. If the number of people is 6\u201310, the parking fee is <span class=\"color-brown\">10,000 yen<\/span>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"custom-card\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Parking fees cannot be refunded after payment<\/strong>. If the number of people is set at 1\u20135 when reserving, but the actual number of people on the day exceeds 5, an additional 4,000 yen must be paid. For detailed explanations and a reservation process tutorial, you can refer to this article: &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawago-lightup-parking.html\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"color-blue\">How to Reserve a Parking Space at Shirakawa-go During the Light-up<\/span><\/a>.&#8221;<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"carpark\" class=\"h4heading\">Private Car Parking During the Light-up<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In Shirakawa-go, there are two parking lots available for self-driving vehicles. One is located across the river from Shirakawa Street, next to the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/shirakawa-go.org\/kankou\/access\/parking\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"color-brown\">Seseragi Park Parking<\/span><\/a> [Map Code: 549 018 350]. This parking lot is Shirakawa-go&#8217;s main parking lot. Normally, tourist vehicles and tour buses park here. From the parking lot, you cross the suspension bridge over the river to reach Shirakawa Street.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The other parking lot is <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/shirakawa-go.org\/kankou\/access\/parking\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"color-brown\">Midashima Park Parking<\/span><\/a> (also called <span class=\"color-brown\">Seseragi Parking<\/span>, Midashima Park Parking) [Map Code: 549 018 085]. This parking lot is a temporary parking lot located farther south on Shirakawa Street, about 500 meters from the Shirakawa-go Information Center, and relatively close to Mitsu-goya. <strong>The parking lot open to self-driving vehicles during the 2027 light-up is <span class=\"color-brown\">Midashima Park Parking<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"day-parking\" class=\"h4heading\">Daytime Parking Arrangements at Shirakawa-go Parking Lots on Light-up Days<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you drive to Shirakawa-go during the daytime on a light-up day and do not have a parking permit for that evening&#8217;s light-up event, you need to move your vehicle out of the parking lot before 17:00. The parking lot will also prohibit vehicles without parking permits from entering starting at 15:00.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"snow-drive\" class=\"h4heading\">Winter Driving Information for Shirakawa-go<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Mid-January to mid-February is the period of heaviest snow in Shirakawa-go, so if you drive to Shirakawa-go, your vehicle must be fitted with snow tires (winter tires), and snow chains may even be necessary. If you rent a car in a Hokuriku area such as Takayama, Kanazawa, or Toyama, where it definitely snows in winter, the rental company may have already fitted the rental car with snow tires. But if you rent a car in an area with less snow, such as Nagoya, you must reserve snow tires or snow chains with the rental company in advance. If you want to rent a vehicle already fitted with snow tires, you can use <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/rakuten\/car-ski\" target=\"_blank\">Rakuten Travel&#8217;s snow tire guarantee plan<\/a> or <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www2.tocoo.jp\/en\/campaign\/index?campaign_id=983&amp;asp_id=1042\" target=\"_blank\">ToCoo! Car Rental&#8217;s snow tire equipped plan<\/a> to rent a car.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>On the website of Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited (NEXCO Central Nippon), there is a Chinese-language &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.c-nexco.co.jp\/en\/special\/snow\/\" target=\"_blank\">Winter Snow Driving Guide<\/a>&#8221; that summarizes matters to note about driving in snow in Japan, including equipment needed for winter driving, sections requiring special attention, knowledge about snow tires and anti-skid chains, and how to respond to possible highway control measures. If you plan to drive in Central Japan in winter, you can refer to it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In addition, NEXCO Central Nippon also has a dedicated website, &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.c-ihighway.jp\/pcsite\/map?area=area05\" target=\"_blank\">iHighway Central Japan<\/a>,&#8221; which provides real-time road conditions for Central Japan expressways. You can find out where there is snow, which sections require mandatory use of snow tires or have road closures, and you can also view real-time road images through road monitoring cameras on the expressways.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Shirakawa-go area is one of the areas in Japan with relatively heavy snowfall, and it is located in a mountainous area. Winter driving is relatively difficult, and nighttime is even harder. Moreover, during the light-up event, because many vehicles go there, the roads are very congested, and the parking lot is not close to the Gassho Village, so driving to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up is not a wise choice. However, self-driving allows you to control your own time and arrive in Shirakawa-go earlier than by bus, giving you more time to sightsee and even allowing you to enjoy both the day and night of Shirakawa-go at once.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Road conditions near Shirakawa-go during past Shirakawa-go light-up events<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34567 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_01.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Expressway Toll Booth\" width=\"620\" height=\"827\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34568 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_02.webp\" alt=\"Winter Shirakawa-go Highway\" width=\"620\" height=\"827\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34569 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_03.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Highway\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34570 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Road_04.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Winter Scenery\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1545\"><aside class=\"page-ad-banner\" aria-label=\"Sponsored Advertisement\">\n<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><br \/>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bus\" class=\"h3heading\">Light-up Bus Tours: Information on Bus Tours by Various Bus Companies During the Light-up and How to Purchase Tickets<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the Shirakawa-go light-up event, five bus companies\u2014<span class=\"color-brown\">Nohi Bus<\/span>, <span class=\"color-brown\">Kaetsunou Bus<\/span>, <span class=\"color-brown\">Toyama Chihou Railway Bus<\/span>, <span class=\"color-brown\">Hokuriku Railroad Bus<\/span>, and <span class=\"color-brown\">Iruka Kotsu<\/span>\u2014provide <span class=\"color-brown\">special bus services<\/span> designed for the light-up event. This limited-time special bus service can be called a <span class=\"color-brown\">Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus Tour<\/span>. It is actually a package that includes a same-day round-trip bus ticket to Shirakawa-go, and some also include a simple dinner.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Each passenger on the special bus will receive one admission ticket for the light-up event, and some services will <span class=\"color-brown\">include a ticket to the Tenshukaku Observatory<\/span>, but there will be no guide or tour conductor accompanying the group. If you are not driving and are not staying at a Shirakawa-go guesthouse on the night of the light-up, joining a light-up bus tour is the most convenient and inexpensive way to go to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>When joining a light-up bus tour, you must <span class=\"color-brown\">take the same bus for both the outbound and return trips<\/span>. You cannot take only a one-way ride. For example, you cannot first take a regular express bus to Shirakawa-go by yourself and then leave Shirakawa-go on the return trip by taking a bus tour bus.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The departure points of the light-up bus tours of Nohi Bus, Kaetsunou Bus, Toyama Chihou Railway Bus, Hokuriku Railroad Bus, and Iruka Kotsu are different. Nohi Bus&#8217;s light-up buses depart from Takayama City, Hokuriku Railroad Bus&#8217;s light-up buses depart from Kanazawa City, Toyama Chihou Railway Bus&#8217;s light-up buses depart from Toyama City, and Kaetsunou Bus and Iruka Kotsu&#8217;s light-up buses depart from Takaoka City.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-sale\" class=\"h4heading\">(1) Light-up Bus Tour Ticket Sale Times and Purchasing Methods<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Light-up bus tour tickets are sold online on a <span class=\"color-brown\">first-come, first-served<\/span> basis. Different light-up dates go on sale at different times. The ticket sale times are the same for the five bus companies. Tickets for the 2027 Shirakawa-go light-up buses will go on sale starting in mid-October 2026. The specific times are as follows:<\/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 (Light-up Day)<\/th>\n<th style=\"color: #993300; text-decoration: underline;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"300px\">Sale Time (Japan Time)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 11, 2027<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 13, 2026, 14:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 17, 2027<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 19, 2026, 14:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 24, 2027<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">October 26, 2026, 14:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">January 31, 2027<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">November 2, 2026, 14:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Among the five bus companies, tickets for the light-up bus tours of four\u2014<span class=\"color-brown\">Nohi Bus<\/span>, <span class=\"color-brown\">Kaetsunou Bus<\/span>, <span class=\"color-brown\">Toyama Chihou Railway Bus<\/span>, and <span class=\"color-brown\">Iruka Kotsu<\/span>\u2014will be sold through the Japanese bus ticket purchasing 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\/en\/AllCoursePanel\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Bus Online<\/a>.&#8221; Tickets are not sold on their official websites, nor do they accept telephone reservations. Tickets for <span class=\"color-brown\">Hokuriku Railroad Bus<\/span> are sold only on its official website.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The &#8220;Hassha Orai Net&#8221; website is available only in Japanese, but Japan Bus Online has Chinese and English versions and is not difficult to use. For ticket purchase links and purchase process tutorials, you can refer to these two articles:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/j-bus.html\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"color-blue\">How to Buy Light-up Bus Tour Tickets and Express Bus Tickets on &#8216;Hassha Orai Net&#8217;<\/span><\/a>&#8220;<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/japan-bus-online.html\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"color-blue\">Tutorial on Buying Japanese Bus Tickets on the Japan Bus Online Website<\/span><\/a>&#8220;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-summary\" class=\"h4heading\">(2) Light-up Bus Tours Classified by Departure Location<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is information on 2027 light-up bus tours classified by departure location:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th width=\"10%\">Departure Location<\/th>\n<th width=\"15%\">Bus Company<\/th>\n<th width=\"75%\">Bus Tour<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Takayama City<\/td>\n<td>Nohi Bus<\/td>\n<td>A Course With Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Ticket! Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus<br \/>\nB Course With Observatory Ticket! Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus (includes observatory ticket)<br \/>\nC Course With Hirase Onsen Shiramizu-no-yu Bath Ticket and Local Souvenir! Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Toyama City<\/td>\n<td>Toyama Chihou Railway Bus<\/td>\n<td>Gassho Village Walking Course<br \/>\nRound-trip Bus Course with Observatory Admission Ticket (includes observatory ticket)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Kanazawa City<\/td>\n<td>Hokuriku Railroad Bus<\/td>\n<td>Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus 2027 (includes observatory ticket)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Takaoka City<\/td>\n<td>Kaetsunou Bus<\/td>\n<td>A Course \/ Departing from Takaoka: Gassho Village Walking Course<br \/>\nS Course \/ Departing from Takaoka: Course with Observatory Admission Ticket (includes observatory ticket)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Takaoka City<\/td>\n<td>Iruka Kotsu<\/td>\n<td>With Observatory Ticket! Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus (includes observatory ticket)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-obs\" class=\"h4heading\">(3) Light-up Bus Tours That Include a Tenshukaku Observatory Ticket<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the light-up, the best viewing location is undoubtedly the Tenshukaku Observatory. However, because there are too many visitors during the event, the number of people going up to the observatory is limited. All visitors going up to the observatory must hold a Tenshukaku Observatory ticket.<\/p>\n<div class=\"custom-card\">\u26a0 <span class=\"color-brown\">Note<\/span>: In previous years, people went up to the observatory by taking shuttle buses provided by the organizers, and the return trip required walking. But starting in 2022, the organizers <span class=\"color-brown\">canceled the shuttle buses<\/span>. Visitors holding observatory tickets <span class=\"color-brown\">must walk both ways<\/span> (people with mobility difficulties can apply in advance to the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association to ride the shuttle bus). In addition, observatory tickets are divided into time slots, and the slots are random. Visitors can only enter the observatory according to the time slot on their ticket.<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the 2027 light-up event, <span class=\"color-brown\">only two types of people can obtain Tenshukaku Observatory tickets<\/span>. One type is <span class=\"color-brown\">guests staying at Shirakawa-go guesthouses<\/span>, and the other is <span class=\"color-brown\">passengers on bus tours that include a Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>. Therefore, if you are not staying overnight in Shirakawa-go, only by joining a bus tour that includes an observatory ticket can you have a chance to go up to the Tenshukaku Observatory to photograph the panoramic view of the light-up.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Some Shirakawa-go light-up bus tours include a Tenshukaku Observatory ticket, allowing you to go up to the observatory to photograph the panoramic view of the illuminated Shirakawa-go. Below are the 2027 light-up <span class=\"color-brown\">bus tours that include a Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8220;Nohi Bus&#8221; departing from Takayama City: &#8220;<span class=\"color-brown\">B Course With Observatory Ticket! Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus<\/span>&#8221; (Course B Shirakawago Light-up Bus with Observatory Ticket) light-up bus tour (for details, refer to &#8220;(3) Nohi Bus Light-up Bus Tours&#8221; below)<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Toyama Chihou Railway Bus&#8221; departing from Toyama City: &#8220;<span class=\"color-brown\">Round-trip bus plan with view point admission<\/span>&#8221; light-up bus tour (for details, refer to &#8220;(4) Toyama Chihou Railway Bus Light-up Bus Tours&#8221; below)<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Kaetsunou Bus&#8221; departing from Takaoka City: &#8220;<span class=\"color-brown\">S Course \/ Departing from Takaoka: Course with Observatory Admission Ticket<\/span>&#8221; light-up bus tour (for details, refer to &#8220;(5) Kaetsunou Bus Light-up Bus Tours&#8221; below)<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Hokuriku Railroad Bus&#8221; departing from Kanazawa City light-up bus tour (for details, refer to &#8220;(6) Hokuriku Railroad Bus Light-up Bus Tours&#8221; below)<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Iruka Kotsu&#8221; departing from Takaoka City light-up bus tour (for details, refer to &#8220;(7) Iruka Kotsu Light-up Bus Tours&#8221; below)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 240px; background: #e6f0fa; border-radius: 14px; padding: 10px 18px 18px 18px;\">\u26a0 <span class=\"color-brown\">Note<\/span>: The above five light-up bus tours that allow going up to the Tenshukaku Observatory include only the Tenshukaku Observatory ticket. There are no vehicles for going to and from the observatory, <span class=\"color-brown\">and you need to walk uphill and downhill<\/span>, taking about 30 minutes each way, so a round trip may take one hour. Moreover, the mountain path has accumulated snow and is relatively difficult to walk. In addition, the time for entering the Tenshukaku Observatory is arranged randomly and cannot be chosen by yourself.<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is information on the special buses during the 2027 light-up event for each bus company:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-nouhibus\" class=\"h4heading\">(4) Nohi Bus Light-up Bus Tours<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Nohi Bus&#8217;s 2027 Shirakawa-go light-up bus tours have three plans:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>&#8220;A Course With Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Ticket! Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus&#8221; (Course A With Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Ticket! Shirakawago Light-up Bus)<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;B Course With Observatory Ticket! Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus&#8221; (Course B With Observatory Deck Ticket! Shirakawago Light-up Bus)<\/li>\n<li>&#8220;C Course With Hirase Onsen Shiramizu-no-yu Bath Ticket and Local Souvenir! Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus&#8221; (Course C With Hirase Onsen Shiramizu-no-yu Bath Ticket &amp; Local Souvenir! Shirakawago Light-up Bus)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 Only Course B includes a Tenshukaku Observatory ticket.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Nohi Bus 2027 Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus Tour webpage:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nouhibus.co.jp\/shirakawa_lightup_2027\/\" target=\"_blank\">Nohi Bus 2027 Light-up Bus Tour webpage (Japanese version)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nouhibus.co.jp\/shirakawa_lightup_2027en\/\" target=\"_blank\">Nohi Bus 2027 Light-up Bus Tour webpage (English version)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #008080;\">1. &#8220;B Course With Observatory Ticket! Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus&#8221; (Course B With Observatory Deck Ticket! Shirakawago Light-up Bus) Light-up Bus Tour<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This bus tour <span class=\"color-brown\">includes a Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>, but requires <span class=\"color-brown\">walking uphill and downhill<\/span>. The round trip takes about one hour, and there is accumulated snow along the way, making the path relatively difficult to walk. This bus tour <span class=\"color-brown\">does not include dinner<\/span>, but gives some Shirakawa-go local snack souvenirs. The departure time of this bus tour is 15:10 from Takayama. The boarding and return drop-off location is the Nohi Bus Terminal next to JR Takayama Station. The price is <span class=\"color-brown\">16,000 yen<\/span>, the same for adults and children. Below is the itinerary and times of this bus tour:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Outbound: Takayama [15:10] &gt; Shirakawa-go [16:20]<\/li>\n<li>Return: Shirakawa-go [19:45] &gt; Takayama [20:45]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #008080;\">2. &#8220;A Course With Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Ticket! Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus&#8221; (Course A With Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Ticket! Shirakawago Light-up Bus) Light-up Bus Tour<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This bus tour includes only a round-trip bus ticket to Shirakawa-go, does not provide dinner or snacks, but includes admission to the &#8220;Gassho-zukuri Minkaen.&#8221; The departure time is 15:40 from Takayama. The boarding and return drop-off location is the Nohi Bus Terminal next to JR Takayama Station. The price is <span class=\"color-brown\">13,000 yen<\/span>, the same for adults and children. Below is the itinerary and times of this bus tour:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Outbound: Takayama [15:40] &gt; Shirakawa-go [16:40]<\/li>\n<li>Return: Shirakawa-go [19:20] &gt; Takayama [20:20]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #008080;\">3. &#8220;C Course With Hirase Onsen Shiramizu-no-yu Bath Ticket and Local Souvenir! Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus&#8221; (Course C With Hirase Onsen Shiramizu-no-yu Bath Ticket &amp; Local Souvenir! Shirakawago Light-up Bus) Light-up Bus Tour<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This bus tour is a newly launched product for 2027. In addition to a round-trip bus ticket to Shirakawa-go and a light-up admission ticket, it also includes a bathing ticket for &#8220;Hirase Onsen Shiramizu-no-yu.&#8221; The departure time is 14:40 from Takayama. The boarding and return drop-off location is the Nohi Bus Terminal next to JR Takayama Station. The price is <span class=\"color-brown\">14,000 yen<\/span>, the same for adults and children. Below is the itinerary and times of this bus tour:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Outbound: Takayama [14:40] &gt; Hirase Onsen Shiramizu-no-yu [16:00-16:15] &gt; Shirakawa-go [16:40]<\/li>\n<li>Return: Shirakawa-go [19:20] &gt; Takayama [20:20]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #003300;\">How to Buy Nohi Bus Light-up Bus Tour Tickets?<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>As last year, tickets for Nohi Bus&#8217;s 2027 light-up bus tours will be sold through the Japanese bus ticket purchasing 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\/en\/AllCoursePanel\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Bus Online<\/a>.&#8221; Tickets are not sold on the official website, nor do they accept telephone reservations.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-chitetsu\" class=\"h4heading\">(5) Toyama Chihou Railway Bus Light-up Bus Tours<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the 2027 light-up, Toyama Chihou Railway Bus will operate two light-up bus tours per day. One of them (&#8220;Round-trip bus course with observation deck admission ticket&#8221;) <span class=\"color-brown\">includes a Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>, but requires walking both ways. The other tour (&#8220;Gassho village walking course&#8221;) does not include an observatory ticket.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is information on <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chitetsu.co.jp\/?p=79184\" target=\"_blank\">Toyama Chihou Railway Bus 2027 Light-up 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 Number<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">\u226aGassho Village Walking Course\u226b<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">\u226aRound-trip Bus Course 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\">No<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\"><span class=\"color-brown\">Included<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Price<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">12,000 yen (children 10,000)<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">18,000 yen (children 16,000)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Itinerary<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Outbound: Toyama Station Front (14:00\/14:15) &gt; Shirakawa-go (15:45)<br \/>\nReturn: Shirakawa-go (19:20) &gt; Toyama Station Front (20:40)<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Outbound: Toyama Station Front (14:30) &gt; Shirakawa-go (16:00)<br \/>\nReturn: Shirakawa-go (19:40) &gt; Toyama Station Front (21:00)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Reservation Method<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">&#8211; Japan Bus Online<br \/>\n&#8211; Hassha Orai Net<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">&#8211; Japan Bus Online<br \/>\n&#8211; Hassha Orai Net<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Tickets for the 2027 Toyama Chihou Railway Bus light-up bus tours can be purchased through &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/hon\/Tour?area=6\" target=\"_blank\">Hassha Orai 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, nor do they accept telephone reservations.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-kaetsunou\" class=\"h4heading\">(6) Kaetsunou Bus Light-up Bus Tours<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the 2027 light-up, Kaetsunou Bus will also operate two light-up bus tours per day. One of them (\u226aS Course \/ Departing from Takaoka: Course with Observatory Admission Ticket\u226b) <span class=\"color-brown\">includes a Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>, but requires walking both ways. The other tour (\u226aA Course \/ Departing from Takaoka: Gassho Village Walking Course\u226b) does not include an observatory ticket.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below is information on <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaetsunou.co.jp\/16779\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kaetsunou Bus 2027 Light-up 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 Number<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">\u226aA Course \/ Departing from Takaoka: Gassho Village Walking Course\u226b<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">\u226aS Course \/ Departing from Takaoka: Course 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\">No<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\"><span class=\"color-brown\">Included<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Price<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">12,000 yen (children 10,000)<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">18,000 yen (children 16,000)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Itinerary<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Outbound: Takaoka Station Front (14:50) &gt; Shin-Takaoka Station (15:05) &gt; Shirakawa-go (16:30)<br \/>\nReturn: Shirakawa-go (19:50) &gt; Takaoka (21:10)<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Outbound: Takaoka Station Front (14:30) &gt; Shin-Takaoka Station (14:45) &gt; Shirakawa-go (16:10)<br \/>\nReturn: Shirakawa-go (19:50) &gt; Takaoka (21:10)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">Reservation Method<\/th>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">&#8211; Japan Bus Online<br \/>\n&#8211; Hassha Orai Net<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"124\">&#8211; Japan Bus Online<br \/>\n&#8211; Hassha Orai Net<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Tickets for Kaetsunou Bus&#8217;s 2027 light-up bus tours 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\/en\/AllCoursePanel\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Bus Online<\/a>. Tickets are not sold on the official website, nor do they accept telephone reservations. Below are the ticket purchase pages for Kaetsunou Bus&#8217;s two light-up bus tours on Hassha Orai Net:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/hon\/Tour\/SeatsAvailability?groupCode=180009&amp;routeCode=0401&amp;moveCode=0001\" target=\"_blank\">S Course \/ Departing from Takaoka: Course with Observatory Admission Ticket<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/hon\/Tour\/SeatsAvailability?groupCode=180009&amp;routeCode=0101&amp;moveCode=0001\" target=\"_blank\">A Course \/ Departing from Takaoka: Gassho Village Walking Course<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-hokutetsu\" class=\"h4heading\">(7) Hokuriku Railroad Bus Light-up Bus Tours<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Hokuriku Railroad Bus operates one light-up bus tour departing from Kanazawa City on each light-up day. This tour <span class=\"color-brown\">includes a Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>, but requires walking both ways. The price is <span class=\"color-brown\">18,500 yen<\/span> for adults and 16,500 yen for children. Below is the itinerary and times of this bus tour:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Outbound: Kanazawa Station West Exit [14:30] &gt; Shirakawa-go [16:30]<\/li>\n<li>Return: Shirakawa-go [19:50] &gt; Kanazawa Station [21:50]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Tickets for the 2027 <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hokutetsu.co.jp\/news\/shirakawago-lightup2027\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hokuriku Railroad Bus Light-up Bus Tour<\/a> can only be purchased through the Hokuriku Railroad Bus official website.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bus-tour-iruka\" class=\"h4heading\">(8) Iruka Kotsu Light-up Bus Tours<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the 2027 Shirakawa-go light-up, Iruka Kotsu (Dolphin Transport) will operate one light-up bus tour departing from Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, on each light-up day. This tour <span class=\"color-brown\">includes a Tenshukaku Observatory ticket<\/span>, but requires walking both ways. The price is <span class=\"color-brown\">18,000 yen<\/span> for adults and 16,000 yen for children. Below is the itinerary and times of this bus tour:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Outbound: Takaoka Bus Terminal (Takaoka Express 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 2027 <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iruka-net.jp\/shirakawa_lightup_2027\" target=\"_blank\">Iruka Kotsu Light-up 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\/en\/AllCoursePanel\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Bus Online<\/a>. Tickets are not sold on the official website, nor do they accept telephone reservations. Below are the ticket purchase pages for this light-up bus tour:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.j-bus.co.jp\/hon\/Tour\/SeatsAvailability?groupCode=180014&amp;routeCode=0001&amp;moveCode=0001\" target=\"_blank\">Hassha Orai Net ticket purchase page<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/japanbusonline.com\/en\/CourseSearch\/11800140001\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Bus Online ticket purchase page<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1576\"><aside class=\"page-ad-banner\" aria-label=\"Sponsored 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<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"tour\" class=\"h3heading\">Join a Light-up Package Tour<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Although there are multiple ways to go and participate in the light-up event, because too many tourists go to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up every year, whether for accommodation, parking spaces, or bus tickets, you have to spend a lot of effort to grab them, and you may not necessarily succeed. If you want to relax a bit and guarantee that you can go, the best method is to spend some money and join a one-day light-up package tour organized by a local travel agency. In addition, if you are not traveling independently in Japan, local travel agencies also offer package tours that include the light-up itinerary.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Many Japanese travel agencies offer light-up package tours, mostly one-day tours departing from Takayama or Nagoya, and there are also two-day tours departing from Osaka or Tokyo that include other attractions. Most Japanese travel agencies offering light-up tours mainly serve Japanese customers, but a few also serve foreign tourists, and these one-day or two-day light-up products 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>, <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/kkday\/kkday\" target=\"_blank\">KKday<\/a>, and <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/links\/CtripHK\" target=\"_blank\">Trip.com<\/a> also have multiple half-day, one-day, or two-day products organized by local travel agencies for going to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up this year. If you cannot buy bus tour tickets, you can also join these package tours.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u3010Klook\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.klook.com\/activity\/233756-nagoya-shirakawa-go-winter-illumination-small-group-experience\/?aid=152\" target=\"_blank\">2027 Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up and Hida Takayama Small Group Tour (Departing from Nagoya)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010Klook\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.klook.com\/activity\/233458-nagoya-shirakawa-go-winter-illumination-day-tour\/?aid=152\" target=\"_blank\">2027 Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up &amp; Hida Takayama Tour (Departing from Nagoya, with gifts and snacks)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010Klook\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.klook.com\/activity\/233503-shirakawa-go-winter-illumination-takayama-old-town-tour\/?aid=152\" target=\"_blank\">World Heritage Takayama Shirakawa-go Light-up Bus One-day Tour (with snacks &amp; local specialty gifts)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010Klook\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.klook.com\/activity\/233513-nagoya-shirakawa-go-takayama-winter-illumination-small-group-tour\/?aid=152\" target=\"_blank\">World Heritage Takayama Shirakawa-go Light-up Small Group One-day Tour (optional hotel pickup \/ drop-off at Takayama)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010KKday\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chinesean.com\/affiliate\/clickBanner.do?wId=19406&amp;pId=17190&amp;targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kkday.com%2Fen%2Fproduct%2F531214%3Fcid%3D5109%26ud1%3DCHINESEANTXID\" target=\"_blank\">\u3010Only 4 Days\u3011Shirakawa-go Light-up One-day Tour | World Heritage Shirakawa-go\u30fbEnglish Guide | Departing from JR Takayama Station<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010KKday\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chinesean.com\/affiliate\/clickBanner.do?linkId=1164036\" target=\"_blank\">\u3010Only 4 Days\u30fbConfirmed Departure on All Dates\u3011Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Night Light-up One-day Tour | English Guide | Departing from JR Takayama Station<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010KKday\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chinesean.com\/affiliate\/clickBanner.do?linkId=1164037\" target=\"_blank\">\u3010Only 4 Days\u3011Shirakawa-go Light-up 2-day Tour | Stay at Hida Takayama Onsen\u30fbHida Hotel Plaza (Departing from Shinjuku)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010KKday\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chinesean.com\/affiliate\/clickBanner.do?wId=19406&amp;pId=17190&amp;targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kkday.com%2Fen%2Fproduct%2F153486-winter-limited-shirakawa-go-light-up-event-tour-nagoya%3Fcid%3D5109%26ud1%3DCHINESEANTXID\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up One-day Tour | Gassho Village Dreamy Snow Scenery\u30fbHida Takayama Old Town\u30fbOptional Boarding\/Alighting at Takayama\u30fbDeparting from Nagoya<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010KKday\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chinesean.com\/affiliate\/clickBanner.do?wId=19406&amp;pId=17190&amp;targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kkday.com%2Fen%2Fproduct%2F5574%3Fcid%3D5109%26ud1%3DCHINESEANTXID\" target=\"_blank\">\u3010Limited Quantity\u30fbConfirmed Departure\u30112027 Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Night Light-up &amp; Hida Takayama One-day Tour\uff5cDeparting from Nagoya<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010KKday\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chinesean.com\/affiliate\/clickBanner.do?wId=19406&amp;pId=17190&amp;targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kkday.com%2Fen%2Fproduct%2F771698%3Fcid%3D5109%26ud1%3DCHINESEANTXID\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Winter Light-up One-day Tour\uff5c2027 Limited 4 Days\u30fbHida Takayama Tour\u30fbDreamy Snowy Night\u30fbDeparting from Nagoya<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010KKday\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chinesean.com\/affiliate\/clickBanner.do?wId=19406&amp;pId=17190&amp;targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kkday.com%2Fen%2Fproduct%2F153735-illumination-world-heritage-shirakawa-go-departing-from-tokyo-japan%3Fcid%3D5109%26ud1%3DCHINESEANTXID\" target=\"_blank\">\u3010Only 4 Days\u3011Shirakawa-go Light-up\u30fbKanazawa Kenrokuen\u30fbWorld Heritage Gokayama Tour 2-day Tour\uff5cDeparting from Tokyo<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010KKday\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chinesean.com\/affiliate\/clickBanner.do?wId=19406&amp;pId=17190&amp;targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kkday.com%2Fen%2Fproduct%2F771707%3Fcid%3D5109%26ud1%3DCHINESEANTXID\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Shirakawa-go Gassho Village One-day Tour\uff5cWorld Heritage Shirakawa-go\u30fbTakayama Hida Old Town\u30fbGassho Village Night Light-up (Only 4 Days Year-round)\uff5cDeparting from Nagoya<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010KKday\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chinesean.com\/affiliate\/clickBanner.do?wId=19406&amp;pId=17190&amp;targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kkday.com%2Fen%2Fproduct%2F251253-nagoya-shirakawago-lightup-dinner-bus-tour-japan%3Fcid%3D5109%26ud1%3DCHINESEANTXID\" target=\"_blank\">\u3010Departing from Nagoya\u3011One-day Bus Tour &#8220;Shirakawa-go Light-up 2027&#8221; with Gassho-zukuri Village and Hida Beef Dinner\u3010Meet at 10:50\u3011<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010KKday\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chinesean.com\/affiliate\/clickBanner.do?wId=19406&amp;pId=17190&amp;targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kkday.com%2Fen%2Fproduct%2F261808%3Fcid%3D5109%26ud1%3DCHINESEANTXID\" target=\"_blank\">\u3010Departing from Nagoya\u3011One-day Bus Tour &#8220;Shirakawa-go Light-up Festival 2026&#8221; with Optional Dinner\u3010Meet at 10:10\u3011<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010Trip.com\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trip.com\/t\/Fpc3zisVKW2\" target=\"_blank\">Limited 4 Days Light-up! Special Winter-only Event World Heritage Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Light Show\u3010Departing from JR Takayama Station\u3011<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u3010Trip.com\u3011<a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trip.com\/t\/INo8SVuVKW2\" target=\"_blank\">\u3010Departing from Nagoya Station\u30112027 World Heritage Shirakawa-go Light-up Fairy Tale Tour Operated by Green Plate<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"taxi\" class=\"h3heading\">Take a Taxi (Cab\/Taxi) to Shirakawa-go<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During the light-up, taxi companies in Takayama also provide charter services between Takayama and Shirakawa-go, such as <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hato-taxi.jp\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hato Taxi Co., Ltd. (Hata Taxi)<\/a> and <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nouhibus.co.jp\/taxi\/\" target=\"_blank\">Nohi Bus guided taxi service<\/a>. Although the fare is more expensive than a bus tour, if there are many people, the per-person difference is not large. However, note that because taxis entering Shirakawa-go during the light-up also need to reserve parking, if the taxi company has not reserved in advance, passengers need to reserve by themselves before they can hire a car.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1545\"><aside class=\"page-ad-banner\" aria-label=\"Sponsored Advertisement\">\n<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><br \/>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"accommodation\" class=\"h2heading\">Shirakawa-go Accommodation Guide: Where Is the Most Convenient Place to Stay?<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The best accommodation choice for participating in the Shirakawa-go light-up is definitely staying at a guesthouse or inn inside the Gassho Village. Staying in the village offers the following three major advantages:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You can obtain an admission ticket to the Shiroyama Observatory<\/li>\n<li>You do not need to travel back and forth, so you have more time to enjoy sightseeing<\/li>\n<li>You can experience staying in a traditional Gassho-zukuri building deep in the mountains in winter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>However, Shirakawa-go guesthouses are certainly fully booked on light-up days. If you are not lucky enough to be selected to stay at a Shirakawa-go guesthouse, you can stay in a city near Shirakawa-go. <span class=\"color-brown\">Takayama City<\/span> is the city closest to Shirakawa-go, so many tourists going to Shirakawa-go for the light-up choose to stay in Takayama. Most light-up bus tours depart from Takayama City, so if you are not driving, Takayama City is definitely the best accommodation location for going to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>It is certain to snow in Takayama in January and February. On days when it has stopped snowing, the road conditions in Takayama are still decent, and even dragging luggage is not difficult. However, after a night of snow, the road conditions become harder to walk on, but Takayama in winter is even more beautiful.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-34606\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Takayama_02.webp\" alt=\"Takayama City Near Shirakawa-go\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34616 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Takayama_12.webp\" alt=\"Takayama Old Town Snow Scenery\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34619 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Takayama_15.webp\" alt=\"Takayama City Snow Scenery\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you drive to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, although you have more flexibility in choosing accommodation, Takayama City is still the best choice. Takayama City is about 50 kilometers from Shirakawa-go, one-third shorter than the 75-kilometer distance between Kanazawa City and Shirakawa-go. In addition, nearly 40 kilometers of the expressway from Takayama to Shirakawa-go is tunnels. Although driving through tunnels is usually more tiring, in winter it is safer than driving on snowy roads.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>For accommodation recommendations in Shirakawa-go and Takayama City, you can refer to this article: &#8220;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/eng\/shirakawa-stay.html\" target=\"_blank\">\u3010Gassho Village Accommodation Recommendations\u301110 Village Guesthouses \/ Light-up Season Lottery Tutorial \/ Takayama Accommodation Alternatives<\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1659\"><aside class=\"page-ad-banner\" aria-label=\"Sponsored 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-summersale-2027.webp\" alt=\"AD\" width=\"985\" height=\"254\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"shuttle\" class=\"h2heading\">Shirakawa-go Light-up Itinerary Planning: Sightseeing Time and Route Guide<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Shirakawa-go&#8217;s light-up time is from <span class=\"color-brown\">17:30<\/span> in the afternoon to <span class=\"color-brown\">19:30<\/span> at night, only a short two hours. It is indeed a bit rushed to tour the beautiful illuminated Shirakawa-go scenery within 2 hours. If you are fortunate enough to go up to the Tenshukaku Observatory, time is even more insufficient.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"observatory\" class=\"h3heading\">1. How to Get to the Tenshukaku Observatory?<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The most beautiful place to view the light-up is undoubtedly the Tenshukaku Observatory. From here, you can look down from above at the beautiful Shirakawa-go scenery set off by lights and snow. However, the Tenshukaku Observatory is narrow. For safety reasons, since 2017, the number of people entering the Tenshukaku Observatory during the light-up has been controlled. Over the past few years, the method of controlling the number of people at the Tenshukaku Observatory during the light-up has changed several times, from initially selling shuttle bus tickets to the observatory to the current ticket system.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Starting in 2022, during the light-up, <span class=\"color-brown\">shuttle bus service to the Tenshukaku Observatory is no longer provided<\/span>. Visitors can only <span class=\"color-brown\">walk to and from the Tenshukaku Observatory<\/span>, and must hold an <span class=\"color-brown\">observatory ticket<\/span> to enter. Observatory tickets are provided only to guests staying at Shirakawa-go guesthouses or inns that day, and to passengers on Nohi Bus, Toyama Chihou Railway Bus, or Kaetsunou Bus light-up bus tours that include an observatory ticket. Therefore, starting in 2022, only <span class=\"color-brown\">guesthouse guests<\/span> and <span class=\"color-brown\">specific bus tour passengers<\/span> can go up to the Tenshukaku Observatory. Self-driving tourists have no chance to go up to the observatory.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>For this trip to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, if you cannot go up to the observatory, here is a photo taken from the Tenshukaku Observatory during a spring visit to Shirakawa-go several years ago for everyone&#8217;s reference. What you should see during the winter light-up is an image of snow-covered scenery with scattered lights.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-34620\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Spring.webp\" alt=\"Panoramic View of Gassho Village\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you are staying in Shirakawa-go on a light-up day, or if you will drive to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, it is recommended that you arrive in Shirakawa-go before noon. In this way, you can see both the day and night of Shirakawa-go, and before the light-up begins, you can take the shuttle bus to the Tenshukaku Observatory to enjoy the beautiful daytime scenery of Shirakawa-go covered in snow.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The shuttle bus between Shirakawa-go Ogimachi and the Tenshukaku Observatory generally operates from 9:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m., every 20 minutes. For the detailed timetable of the shuttle bus, you can <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shirakawa-go.gr.jp\/events\/141\/\" target=\"_blank\">refer here<\/a>. The boarding and alighting location of the shuttle bus in Ogimachi is in an open area 200 meters south of the Shirakawa-go Tourist Information Center, next to the restaurant Hakusuien. The one-way fare for the shuttle bus is 300 yen, paid on the bus after boarding.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-42787 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/shirakawago-shuttle-bus-map.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Map\" width=\"620\" height=\"331\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-42788 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/shirakawago-shuttle-bus.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Observatory\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"route\" class=\"h3heading\">2. How to Arrange Sightseeing Time and Routes for the Light-up?<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In winter, Shirakawa-go begins to get dark before about 17:00, and the light-up starts at 17:30 and ends at 19:30, lasting only a short 2 hours. Although Shirakawa-go is not large, it is rather rushed to visit all the light-up spots within 2 hours. In addition, the snowy roads are difficult to walk on, and waiting for photo spots due to crowds takes time. You will find that 2 hours pass very quickly. If you are lucky enough to be selected for a ticket to go to the observatory, after deducting the time for walking to and from the observatory and the time for sightseeing and taking photos at the observatory, you will have only about 1 hour left in the village, so you need to plan well.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The light-up is actually just projecting white spotlights onto some of the Gassho-zukuri houses (gassho-zukuri) in Shirakawa-go. Reflected by the snow on the roofs, from a distance it looks as if lights are turned on inside the houses. According to official information, the illuminated Gassho-zukuri houses in Shirakawa-go are distributed in five areas: near <span class=\"color-brown\">Wada House<\/span>, near <span class=\"color-brown\">Myozenji Temple<\/span>, near the <span class=\"color-brown\">west side<\/span>, near <span class=\"color-brown\">Kanmachi<\/span>, and near <span class=\"color-brown\">Shimo-goso<\/span>. However, <span class=\"color-brown\">Shimo-goso<\/span> is relatively far from Ogimachi, the main sightseeing area of Shirakawa-go, and is in a remote location, so generally no one goes there. <span class=\"color-brown\">Wada House<\/span>, <span class=\"color-brown\">Myozenji Temple<\/span>, and the <span class=\"color-brown\">west side<\/span> are in Ogimachi, so tourists mainly concentrate in these three places to see the light-up. <span class=\"color-brown\">Kanmachi<\/span> is also relatively far from Ogimachi, but there is a popular photo spot there called &#8220;Mitsu-goya,&#8221; so quite a few tourists make a special trip there to take photos.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34659 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Light-up-Map_2018.webp\" alt=\"Gassho Village Map\" width=\"620\" height=\"432\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u26a0 <span class=\"color-purple\">Note<\/span>: <span class=\"color-brown\">Drones are prohibited in Shirakawa-go<\/span>.<\/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 Shirakawa-go Light-up Map<\/a>. It is basically the same every year, and this year you can also refer to it.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-41149 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/shirakawago-lightup-map-2022.jpg\" alt=\"Gassho Village Light-up Map\" width=\"620\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"route1\" class=\"h4heading\">1. How to Arrange Sightseeing Routes and Times If You Cannot Go Up to the Observatory?<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you do not have a ticket to go up to the Tenshukaku Observatory and cannot go up to the observatory to photograph the panoramic view of Shirakawa-go during the light-up, you can only sightsee within the village. With 2 hours, it is basically enough to tour and take photos at the light-up spots in Ogimachi, and you still have time to go to Kanmachi to photograph Mitsu-goya.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you are joining a bus tour to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, generally you should be able to arrive in Shirakawa-go before 16:30 in the afternoon, so you generally have about 3 hours in Shirakawa-go. After arriving in Shirakawa-go, you can first go to the area from Myozenji Temple to Kanda House in Ogimachi to photograph the winter snow-covered Shirakawa-go scenery before dark. The area with relatively concentrated light-up spots in Ogimachi is between <span class=\"color-brown\">Myozenji Temple and Kanda House<\/span>. If time is limited, you can concentrate your sightseeing in this area. If you arrive earlier, you can also walk all the way to Wada House, then wait here until the light-up starts at 17:30, and then return along the way to Myozenji Temple.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>It takes about 15 minutes to walk from Myozenji Temple to the Mitsu-goya location in Kanmachi. If you want to go photograph Mitsu-goya, you must leave Myozenji Temple by 19:00 at the latest, so that you can finish taking photos before the light-up ends and return to the bus before the bus tour departs.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you drive to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, it is recommended to arrive in Shirakawa-go in the morning. While there are fewer people, sightsee Shirakawa-go during the daytime. In addition, you can take the shuttle bus up to the observatory to photograph the panoramic view of Shirakawa-go. The daytime shuttle bus between Ogimachi and the observatory operates normally on light-up days. Before 15:40, anyone can line up at the shuttle bus boarding point near the lotus pond in front of Wada House to take the shuttle bus up to the Tenshukaku Observatory, every 20 minutes, but you must leave the observatory by 16:10 at the latest.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Below are photos taken in 2018 when going to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up. Due to poor photography skills, although many photos were taken, not many successful ones were found after returning.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Whether it is a bus tour or a one-day package tour, the bus is parked at Seseragi Park Parking across the river from Ogimachi, so this is the starting point for sightseeing.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34624 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_01a.webp\" alt=\"Gassho Village Light-up Bus\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>From Seseragi Park Parking, cross this suspension bridge called Deai Bridge to reach Ogimachi.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34625 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_02a.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Deai Bridge\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34626 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_03a.webp\" alt=\"Ogimachi Suspension Bridge\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Take photos around Shirakawa-go before dark<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34627 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_04.webp\" alt=\"Gassho Village Street\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34628 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_05.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri House\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34629 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_06.webp\" alt=\"Gassho Village Before Light-up Begins\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34630 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_07.webp\" alt=\"Decorations Outside a Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri House\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34631 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_08.webp\" alt=\"Small Snowman in Gassho Village\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34632 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_09.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Scenery in Heavy Snow\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34633 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_10.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Kanda House Guesthouse\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34634 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_11.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Covered in Heavy Snow\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In the cold weather, the most comfortable thing is to eat some hot food and drink hot drinks, so the snack shops are crowded.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34635 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_12.webp\" alt=\"Gassho Village Snack Shop\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34636 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_13.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Snack Shop\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The light-up begins promptly at 17:30, and staff gradually turn on the spotlights set up outside the houses.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-34637\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_14.webp\" alt=\"Gassho Village Light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34638 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_15.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-34639\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_16.webp\" alt=\"Gassho Village Light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Mitsu-goya in Kanmachi is relatively far from Ogimachi, and fewer visitors go there. To go to Mitsu-goya, you only need to walk along Shirakawa Street in the opposite direction from the observatory. Along the way, there is also a Gassho-zukuri house called Guesthouse Juuemon that is also illuminated. To photograph the three Gassho-zukuri houses of Mitsu-goya side by side, you need to walk into the farmland next to the three houses. Because the farmland is covered with thick snow and is about half a meter higher than the road, be careful not to slip when walking on it.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34640 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_17.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Mitsu-goya Light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-34641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_18.webp\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34642 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_19.webp\" alt=\"Gassho Village Mitsu-goya Light-up\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>After sightseeing the light-up, return to the parking lot on time. Because there are many buses parked in the parking lot, be sure to remember the license plate number when getting off.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34643 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_20.webp\" alt=\"Gassho Village Light-up Parking Lot\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>At the end, drivers have a harder time, because they need to line up in the parking lot to take the shuttle bus to the Terao Parking Lot where their vehicles are parked.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-34644 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Shirakawago-Lightup_21.webp\" alt=\"Gassho Village Light-up Scenery\" width=\"620\" height=\"465\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"custom-card\">\ud83d\udca1 <span class=\"color-brown\">Tip<\/span>: During the light-up, the snow on the roads in Shirakawa-go is relatively thick. Because there are many people, many places on the roads freeze and are slippery. If you are someone who slips easily, you may consider buying <span class=\"color-brown\">anti-slip shoe covers (snow grips)<\/span> to bring for backup. In addition, a small <span class=\"color-brown\">flashlight<\/span> and <span class=\"color-brown\">hand warmers<\/span> are essential items.<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"route2\" class=\"h4heading\">2. How to Arrange Sightseeing Time and Routes If You Can Go Up to the Observatory?<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Tenshukaku Observatory tickets have entry time regulations, but there is no regulation on leaving time. If you have a ticket to go up to the Tenshukaku Observatory, the focus of sightseeing should be on viewing and photographing the light-up scenery from the observatory. However, because you need to walk both ways, just counting the round-trip walking time, it is estimated to take 40 minutes to 1 hour, so the remaining time is not much. There should not be enough time to both take photos in Ogimachi and go to Kanmachi to photograph Mitsu-goya. It is recommended to give up Mitsu-goya and stay in Ogimachi, concentrating on sightseeing at the light-up spots from Myozenji Temple to Wada House.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-1793\"><aside class=\"page-ad-banner\" aria-label=\"Sponsored 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<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"plan\" class=\"h2heading\">Several Suggested Itineraries Departing from Nagoya and Osaka<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The international airport closest to Shirakawa-go is <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.centrair.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\">Chubu Centrair International Airport<\/a> near Nagoya, so most foreign tourists enter and leave through Chubu Centrair International Airport and then go from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go. In addition, Osaka is not far from Shirakawa-go, and airfare to Osaka&#8217;s <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kansai-airport.or.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kansai Airport<\/a> is relatively cheap with many flight options, so many people also choose to use Kansai Airport and go from Osaka to Shirakawa-go. Below are several itinerary plans departing from Nagoya and Osaka for Shirakawa-go for everyone&#8217;s reference.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"plan1\" class=\"h3heading\">1. Itinerary Departing from Nagoya<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>When going to Shirakawa-go in winter to see the light-up, in addition to also visiting Takayama, it is recommended to include nearby Kanazawa and Gero Onsen in the itinerary. Nagoya has a relatively low probability of snow in winter; even if it snows, it is only occasional. But Takayama, Shirakawa-go to the north, and Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan coast will definitely have snow, so winter travel in Central Japan and Hokuriku is not very encouraging for self-driving unless you already have rich snow-driving experience.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"h4heading\">1. Nagoya, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go Light-up 8-day Independent Travel<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The following is an 8-day itinerary entering and leaving from Nagoya. In addition to sightseeing in Nagoya, Takayama, and going to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, it also goes to Kanazawa. Kenrokuen is Kanazawa&#8217;s most important attraction, with different scenery in the four seasons, and every February Kenrokuen also has a light-up. If you go in February, you can visit Kenrokuen at night.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[Day 1]: Arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport, stay at a <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/hotel\/Nagoya\" target=\"_blank\">Nagoya city hotel<\/a>, and go shopping around Nagoya Station or Sakae that evening.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 2]: Take JR to Toyama, then transfer to JR or Shinkansen to Kanazawa, stay at a hotel near Kanazawa Station or Korinbo, and visit Kenrokuen that evening.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 3]: Visit Omi-cho Market, Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle, and other attractions.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 4]: In the morning, take an express bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go. After sightseeing in Shirakawa-go, take an express bus to Takayama City, and stay at a hotel near Takayama Station.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 5]: In the morning, visit Miyagawa Morning Market, Takayama Old Town, and other attractions. In the afternoon, join a bus tour to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, and return to the Takayama hotel at night.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 6]: In the morning, take JR back to Nagoya, stay at a Nagoya city hotel, and in the afternoon visit Nagoya Castle and go shopping in the city.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 7]: Visit Legoland Japan, and go shopping in Nagoya city.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 8]: Return home.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 1<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>Although driving in Central Japan in winter is relatively dangerous, driving to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up makes it easier to control your time and allows more time for sightseeing in Shirakawa-go. If you feel you are capable of driving in snow, you can also drive to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, but it is recommended to drive only on the day of the light-up and use trains or express buses for the rest of the itinerary.<\/p>\n<p>If you drive to Shirakawa-go, the Day 4, Day 5, and Day 6 itinerary needs slight adjustment:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [Day 4]: Take the Nohi Bus or JR from Kanazawa to Takayama City, stay at a Takayama hotel, and visit Takayama Old Town, Takayama Jinya, and other attractions.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [Day 5]: Pick up the car at the rental company, go to Shirakawa-go for sightseeing, and after seeing the light-up at night, return to the Takayama hotel.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [Day 6]: Return the car in the morning, visit Miyagawa Morning Market, then take JR back to Nagoya, stay at a Nagoya city hotel, and in the afternoon visit Nagoya Castle and go shopping in the city.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 2<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>In this itinerary, the day for going to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up is <span class=\"color-brown\">Day 5<\/span>. If the flight dates do not match, you can adjust the order of the itinerary as needed, for example, first go to Takayama and Shirakawa-go and then go to Kanazawa, or stay an extra day in Nagoya first before going to Takayama and Shirakawa-go.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 3<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>The transportation for this itinerary includes: Nagoya to Toyama JR (7,650 yen), Toyama to Kanazawa Shinkansen (2,810 yen), Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go express bus (1,850 yen), Shirakawa-go to Takayama express bus (2,470 yen), Takayama to Nagoya JR (6,230 yen). The total cost is 21,010 yen. If you want to save on transportation costs, you can buy a JR Pass called the &#8220;<span class=\"color-brown\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass<\/span>.&#8221; This JR Pass can be used for all the above transportation. The price is 14,000 yen, valid for 5 days. According to the above itinerary, it can be used from Day 2, saving about one-third (7,010 yen). For a detailed introduction and use of the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass, you can refer to the content later. (<span class=\"color-brown\">Note<\/span>: The above cost amounts are prices before the consumption tax rate increase on October 1, 2019.)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 4<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>For timetables of the various transportation mentioned above, you can refer to the information on the &#8220;<span class=\"color-brown\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass<\/span>&#8221; webpage. If you want to know more accurate JR train times and fares, you can check on JR Central&#8217;s <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/railway.jr-central.co.jp\/timetable\/nr_doc\/search.html\" target=\"_blank\">this webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 5<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>There are not many express bus services between Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama, and there are relatively many passengers, so bus tickets sell out very early. Therefore, it is recommended to buy tickets early. For an introduction to buying Nohi Bus tickets and using the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass to buy tickets, you can refer to the content later.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 6<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>In addition, although express buses have luggage compartments for large luggage, carrying large luggage to Shirakawa-go in winter is troublesome. It is recommended to 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 the hotel in Takayama in advance. Most hotels in Japan have a service for receiving Yamato Transport parcels. You can ask hotel staff for a shipping form, fill it out, and hand the luggage to the staff.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"h4heading\">2. Nagoya, Kanazawa, Takayama, Gero Onsen, Shirakawa-go Light-up 8-day Independent Travel<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The following itinerary is roughly the same as the previous one, but reduces the time for sightseeing in Nagoya by 1 day, skips Legoland Nagoya, and instead goes to Gero Onsen to soak in hot springs.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[Day 1]: Arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport, stay at a <a rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelclassroom.net\/hotel\/Nagoya\" target=\"_blank\">Nagoya city hotel<\/a>, and go shopping around Nagoya Station or Sakae that evening.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 2]: Take JR to Toyama, then transfer to JR or Shinkansen to Kanazawa, stay at a hotel near Kanazawa Station or Korinbo, and visit Kenrokuen that evening.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 3]: Visit Omi-cho Market, Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle, and other attractions.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 4]: In the morning, take an express bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go. After sightseeing in Shirakawa-go, take an express bus to Takayama City, and stay at a hotel near Takayama Station.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 5]: In the morning, visit Miyagawa Morning Market, Takayama Old Town, and other attractions. In the afternoon, join a bus tour to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, and return to the Takayama hotel at night.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 6]: In the morning, take JR to Gero Onsen, stay at a hot spring inn, and visit Gassho Village and the hot spring street.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 7]: In the morning, take JR back to Nagoya, stay at a Nagoya city hotel, and in the afternoon visit Nagoya Castle and go shopping in the city.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 8]: Return home.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>This itinerary can also use the &#8220;<span class=\"color-brown\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass<\/span>,&#8221; but because this JR Pass is valid for only 5 days, the JR from Gero Onsen back to Nagoya on Day 7 needs to be purchased separately (4,820 yen).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"plan2\" class=\"h3heading\">2. Itinerary Departing from Osaka<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You can also go to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up when entering and leaving from Kansai Airport. The itinerary arrangement depends on whether you have plans in the Kansai area. If you need to spend more time in Osaka, Kyoto, and other places, you can take just 3 days from the itinerary to go to Takayama and Shirakawa-go. If you have already been to Osaka and Kyoto but have not been to Kanazawa in winter, you can focus the itinerary on Central Japan and Hokuriku. Below are two itinerary plans departing from Osaka to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up. One takes only 3 days to go to Takayama and Shirakawa-go, and the other uses 5 days to visit Kanazawa, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"h4heading\">1. Takayama, Shirakawa-go Light-up 3-day Itinerary<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This itinerary takes only 3 days to go from Osaka to Takayama and Shirakawa-go and back. After seeing the light-up, return to Osaka, and arrange the rest of the time in Kansai as needed. The most direct and economical way from Osaka to Takayama is to take an express bus operated by Nohi Bus or Kintetsu Bus. The bus departs from Namba OCAT, takes about five and a half hours, and the adult one-way fare is about 3,300 yen. Tickets can be purchased 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 stay at a hotel near Takayama Station.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 2]: In the morning, visit Miyagawa Morning Market, Takayama Old Town, and other attractions. In the afternoon, join a bus tour to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, and return to the Takayama hotel at night.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 3]: Take an express bus back to Osaka.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 1<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>Japanese hotels usually allow luggage storage after check-out for a maximum of two days and one night, but generally allow luggage to be sent to the hotel as early as one week before check-in. Therefore, if you need to leave Osaka for three days and two nights to go to Takayama, it is best to store your luggage at the hotel where you will stay after returning.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 2<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>If you plan to drive to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, you can pick up the car on the morning of Day 2 and go to Shirakawa-go, and put the visit to Miyagawa Morning Market and Takayama Old Town on the morning of Day 3, returning to Osaka in the afternoon.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 3<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>If you do not want to take an express bus to Takayama, you can change to a train. There is no direct train from Osaka to Takayama; transfers are required. The route with the fewest transfers, shortest distance, and cheapest fare is to first take Kintetsu to Nagoya, then transfer to the JR Takayama Main Line to Takayama. The Kintetsu fare from Osaka Namba to Nagoya is 4,260 yen, and the travel time is about 2 hours 10 minutes. The JR reserved seat fare from Nagoya to Takayama is 6,230 yen, and the travel time is about 2 hours 35 minutes. Therefore, the total fare for the two trips is about 10,500 yen, more than twice as expensive as taking the express bus, while the total travel time including transfers is roughly the same, so taking the express bus is more cost-effective.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If taking Kintetsu, it is recommended to buy a <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kintetsu.co.jp\/foreign\/chinese-han\/ticket\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Kintetsu 5-day Pass<\/a>. This pass allows unlimited rides on Kintetsu trains between Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise-Shima, and Nagoya for 5 consecutive days. The price is 3,600 yen. However, the pass is limited to non-reserved seat cars, and the Kintetsu limited express from Osaka to Nagoya is all reserved seats, so you need to purchase an additional limited express ticket for 1,900 yen. Therefore, using the 5-day pass for the round trip between Osaka and Nagoya in the above itinerary costs 7,400 yen, saving 1,120 yen. If your other itinerary in Kansai includes going to Nara, you can save even more. The Kintetsu Pass needs to be purchased at a travel agency or agent outside Japan. It can also be bought at Kintetsu stations, but the price will be higher. It is recommended to buy it before departure on <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>In addition to going to Takayama via Nagoya, you can also take JR from Osaka Station via Kanazawa and Toyama to Takayama. This route requires two transfers, at Kanazawa and Toyama respectively. However, the JR from Osaka to Kanazawa, Toyama, and Takayama can use the &#8220;<span class=\"color-brown\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass<\/span>,&#8221; costing only 14,000 yen, about 5,000 yen cheaper than taking Kintetsu and JR via Nagoya to Takayama. (<span class=\"color-brown\">Note<\/span>: The above cost amounts are prices before the consumption tax rate increase on October 1, 2019.)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"h4heading\">2. Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go Light-up 5-day Itinerary<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Kanazawa in winter is also beautiful, and every February Kanazawa&#8217;s <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.pref.ishikawa.jp\/siro-niwa\/kenrokuen\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kenrokuen<\/a> also has a light-up, so you might as well visit Kanazawa at the same time. The usable range of the &#8220;<span class=\"color-brown\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass<\/span>&#8221; includes JR between Osaka, Kanazawa, Toyama, Takayama, and Nagoya, the Shinkansen between Kanazawa and Toyama, and express buses between Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go and Takayama. Therefore, this JR Pass is very suitable for itineraries from Osaka to Shirakawa-go.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The following itinerary departs from Osaka and first goes to Kanazawa. After sightseeing, it goes to Shirakawa-go and Takayama, and finally returns to Osaka. The whole trip takes 5 days. Except for joining a bus tour (or renting a car) to see the light-up in Shirakawa-go, all transportation can use the &#8220;Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This itinerary plan was the original plan when we went to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up in February 2018, but when we arrived in Japan, severe blizzard weather occurred in the Hokuriku region, causing the JR between Fukui and Toyama to be suspended for more than a week. In the end, we could not follow this itinerary and had to temporarily take Kintetsu to Nagoya, then go from Nagoya to Takayama, and also cancel the Kanazawa itinerary.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[Day 1]: Take JR from Osaka Station to Kanazawa, stay at a hotel near Kanazawa Station or Korinbo, and visit Kenrokuen.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 2]: Visit Omi-cho Market, Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa Castle, and other attractions.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 3]: Take an express bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go. After sightseeing in Shirakawa-go, take an express bus to Takayama City, and stay at a hotel near Takayama Station.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 4]: In the morning, visit Miyagawa Morning Market, Takayama Old Town, and other attractions. In the afternoon, join a bus tour to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, and return to the Takayama hotel at night.<\/p>\n<p>[Day 5]: Take the JR Takayama Main Line to Toyama, transfer from Toyama to the Shinkansen or JR to Kanazawa, then transfer from Kanazawa to JR back to Nagoya.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 1<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>If you plan to drive to Shirakawa-go to see the light-up, it is recommended to drive only on the day of the light-up and use trains and express buses for the rest of the itinerary. The Day 3, Day 4, and Day 5 itinerary needs slight adjustment:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [Day 3]: Take the Nohi Bus or JR from Kanazawa to Takayama City, stay at a Takayama hotel, and visit Takayama Old Town, Takayama Jinya, and other attractions.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [Day 4]: Pick up the car at the rental company, go to Shirakawa-go for sightseeing, and after seeing the light-up at night, return to the Takayama hotel.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; [Day 5]: Return the car in the morning, visit Miyagawa Morning Market, then take JR via Takayama and Kanazawa back to Osaka.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 2<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>The transportation for this itinerary includes: Osaka to Kanazawa JR (7,850 yen), Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go express bus (1,850 yen), Shirakawa-go to Takayama express bus (2,470 yen), Takayama to Toyama JR (3,560 yen), Toyama to Kanazawa Shinkansen (2,810 yen), Kanazawa to Osaka JR (7,850 yen). The total cost is 26,390 yen. Buying the &#8220;<span class=\"color-brown\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass<\/span>&#8221; can save about 12,000 yen, that is, nearly half. For a detailed introduction and use of the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass, you can refer to the content later.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 3<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>For timetables of the various transportation mentioned above, you can refer to the information on the &#8220;<span class=\"color-brown\">Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass<\/span>&#8221; webpage. If you want to know more accurate JR train times and fares, you can check on JR Central&#8217;s <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/railway.jr-central.co.jp\/timetable\/nr_doc\/search.html\" target=\"_blank\">this webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 4<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>There are not many express bus services between Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama, and there are relatively many passengers, so bus tickets sell out very early. Therefore, it is recommended to buy tickets early. For an introduction to buying Nohi Bus tickets and using the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass to buy tickets, you can refer to the content later.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-brown\">Note 5<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>In addition, although express buses have luggage compartments for large luggage, carrying large luggage to Shirakawa-go in winter is troublesome. It is recommended to 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 the hotel in Takayama in advance. Most hotels in Japan have a service for receiving Yamato Transport parcels. You can ask hotel staff for a shipping form, fill it out, and hand the luggage to the staff.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">______________________________<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"color-green\">Useful Shirakawa-go Information<\/span>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vill.shirakawa.lg.jp\/livecam\/\" target=\"_blank\">Shirakawa-go Live Camera<\/a> (Live Cam)<\/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\/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\/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<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2027 (41st) Shirakawa-go Light-up will be held in January 2027. As in the past two years, there will again be only four sessions in 2027. Shirakawa-go is one of Japan&#8217;s most popular tourist destinations, and the light-up events held every January and February are a travel experience many people long for. Starting in 2024, Shirakawa-go&#8217;s light-up introduced an admission ticket system. Every visitor entering Shirakawa-go during the light-up event must hold an admission ticket issued by the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association, and this rule will continue to apply in 2027. &nbsp; This article compiles almost all the information you need to<\/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 v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Complete Guide to Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2027: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning - The TravelClassroom<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"2027 (41st) Shirakawa-go Light-up will be held in January 2027. As in the past two years, there will again be only four sessions in 2027. Shirakawa-go is one of Japan&#039;s most popular tourist destinations, and the light-up events held every January and February are a travel experience many people long for.\" \/>\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 2027: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning - The TravelClassroom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"2027 (41st) Shirakawa-go Light-up will be held in January 2027. As in the past two years, there will again be only four sessions in 2027. Shirakawa-go is one of Japan&#039;s most popular tourist destinations, and the light-up events held every January and February are a travel experience many people long for.\" \/>\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=\"2026-10-11T02:02:05+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=\"51 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 2027: Dates, Reservations, Transportation, Accommodation, and Itinerary Planning\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-06T12:49:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-11T02:02:05+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/shirakawago.html\"},\"wordCount\":9888,\"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 2027: 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\":\"2026-10-11T02:02:05+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.travelclassroom.net\\\/eng\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/475452e74cf645578e8f377e662b5408\"},\"description\":\"2027 (41st) Shirakawa-go Light-up will be held in January 2027. 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