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Event Guide · Chubu & Hokuriku

Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up

January–FebruaryShirakawa-go2027 (41st): 4 days, Jan 11 (Mon, holiday), Jan 17 (Sun), Jan 24 (Sun) & Jan 31 (Sun)
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Overview

Overview

A light-up held on only a few winter days in Ogimachi village in World Heritage Shirakawa-go. Winter, when nearly 2 m of snow piles up, is said to be the season that shows Shirakawa-go at its most characteristic, and the snow-covered gassho-zukuri farmhouses glow against the night. It is a fully reservation-only event, and you cannot take part if you arrive on the day without a reservation.

When
Usually a few days in January–February (fully reservation-only)
Confirmed dates: 2027 (41st): 4 days, Jan 11 (Mon, holiday), Jan 17 (Sun), Jan 24 (Sun) & Jan 31 (Sun)
Venue
Ogimachi gassho-zukuri village, Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture)
Official website
https://shirakawa-go.gr.jp/
Official website (English) ↗
Highlights

Highlights

The biggest draw is the magical scene of the gassho-zukuri village, buried in deep snow, lit by soft light. From the Ogimachi Castle Site Observation Deck you can look down over the whole illuminated village (some courses require a reservation for observation deck entry).

Times

Times

Light-up hours17:30–19:30

Based on Nohi Bus information for 2027

Light-up Bus Course A (round trip from Takayama)Departs Takayama Nohi Bus Center 15:40 → Shirakawa-go 16:40–19:20 → arrives 20:20

Includes admission to the Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Minkaen open-air museum (with zenzai sweet red bean soup), 13,000 yen. Official information for 2027

Light-up Bus Course B (round trip from Takayama)Departs Takayama Nohi Bus Center 15:10 → Shirakawa-go 16:20–19:45 → arrives 20:45

Includes an admission ticket to the Ogimachi Castle Site Observation Deck, 16,000 yen. Official information for 2027

Light-up Bus Course C (round trip from Takayama)Departs Takayama Nohi Bus Center 14:40 → Hirase Onsen → Shirakawa-go 16:35–19:20 → arrives 20:20

Includes a Shiramizu no Yu hot spring bathing ticket (with towel) and local specialty products, 14,000 yen. Official information for 2027

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓The event is fully reservation-only, and you cannot take part if you arrive on the day without a reservation. Check the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association’s event overview for how to book by participation method, such as accommodation, parking or tours
  • ✓From Takayama, take Nohi Bus’s Light-up Bus (for 2027, sales open at 14:00 on October 13, 2026 for 1/11, October 19 for 1/17, October 26 for 1/24, and November 2 for 1/31). Online booking only, up to 6 people per booking, credit card payment
  • ✓If you want to enter the observation deck overlooking the village, choose the course with an Ogimachi Castle Site Observation Deck admission ticket (Course B)
  • ✓Packed snow and ice make footing slippery. Wear waterproof boots with treaded soles or bring slip-on traction devices for your shoes
  • ✓The light-up lasts only 2 hours, from 17:30 to 19:30. Plan with time to spare so you don’t arrive late
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • JR Takayama Station (JR Takayama Line)50–67 min by Nohi / Hokuriku Railroad busOn light-up days, Nohi Bus runs reservation-only Light-up Buses from Takayama Nohi Bus Center
  • Kanazawa Station (JR, Hokuriku Shinkansen)75 min by Nohi / Hokuriku Railroad bus
From major stations
  • Takayama Station: Nohi / Hokuriku Railroad bus to Shirakawa-go (50–67 min)
  • Kanazawa Station: Nohi / Hokuriku Railroad bus to Shirakawa-go (75 min)
  • Nagoya Station: Bus to Shirakawa-go (156–173 min)
Extra buses & shuttles
On light-up days, Nohi Bus runs reservation-only Light-up Buses (Courses A, B and C) to and from Takayama Nohi Bus Center (2027)
Getting back
  • Light-up Buses leave Shirakawa-go at a fixed time (19:20 for Course A in 2027), so don’t be late for the meeting time
  • On snowy days, buses may be delayed or roads closed. Plan your travel day with plenty of leeway
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
During the light-up from 17:30 to 19:30. The observation deck and the main photo spots in the village get crowded
Quieter times
Daylight hours before the light-up
Time needed
About 2 hours to see the light-up (lights on 17:30–19:30)
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
Normals for Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa) are a high of 2.8°C and low of -4.4°C in January, and a high of 3.8°C and low of -5.0°C in February. The normal maximum snow depth is 148 cm in January and 173 cm in February, and nights are below freezing
What to wear
A thick coat such as a down jacket with layers, gloves, a knit hat, a scarf, and non-slip waterproof boots. Heat packs are handy too
Rain, snow & typhoons
Check official announcements from the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association for information on whether the event goes ahead or changes. Transport can be disrupted on days of heavy snow
Where to check for cancellations
Shirakawa-go Tourist Association (05769-6-1013), official website (https://shirakawa-go.gr.jp/)
☁ Chubu & Hokuriku weather in January →☁ Chubu & Hokuriku weather in February →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !The gassho-zukuri village is a living community. Do not enter homes, private property or fields without permission
  • !You cannot visit without a reservation. Act in line with your reservation
  • !Do not stop and block paths on snowy roads, and follow staff directions
  • !Refrain from using tripods and selfie sticks in crowded places
  • !Take your trash home
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Public toilets in the village get crowded, so use them soon after you arrive
Lockers & luggage
It’s best to leave large luggage at your accommodation or around Takayama Station before taking part
Paying at food stalls
Light-up Bus reservations require credit card payment (2027). Bring cash for shops in the village
ATMs
ATMs in the village are limited, so get cash in advance in Takayama or elsewhere
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
Snowy and icy roads may make it difficult to get around with a wheelchair or stroller
Food

Food

Local favorites
Hida beefGohei-mochi (grilled rice skewers)Hoba miso (miso grilled on a magnolia leaf)Zenzai (sweet red bean soup)
Vegetarian & halal
Vegetarian and halal labels are rare, so it helps to look up nearby restaurants in advance
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

Gassho-zukuri inns in Shirakawa-go are few, and very hard to book on light-up days. Staying in Takayama or Kanazawa and visiting by reservation-only bus or tour is the realistic option

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Shirakawa-go Winter Light-upPR

PRSee more places to stay near Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Chubu & Hokuriku

April

Inuyama Matsuri

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagoya

Usually the first Saturday and Sunday of April (Saturday is the Shigaku-sai, Sunday the Honraku-sai)

June

Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Matsuri

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Kanazawa

Usually 3 days in early June (the Hyakumangoku Procession is on Saturday; June 5–7 in 2026, procession on June 6)

August

Matsumoto Bonbon

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Matsumoto / Kamikochi

Usually the first Saturday of August

September

Owara Kaze no Bon

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Every year September 1–3

Photo coming soonOctober

Nagoya Festival

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagoya

Usually a Saturday and Sunday in mid-October

2026 (72nd): Oct 17 (Sat) – Oct 18 (Sun), 2 days (no Nagoya Festival processions)

See all events →

Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-10-02

PRKlook2027 Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up & Hida Takayama Small-Group Tour (from Nagoya)Stroll Takayama’s old town, then see the Shirakawa-go light-up at night. Runs on January 11, 17, 24 and 31, 2027View