January–FebruaryShirakawa-go Winter Light-up
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Shirakawa-go
Usually a few days in January–February (fully reservation-only)
2027 (41st): 4 days, Jan 11 (Mon, holiday), Jan 17 (Sun), Jan 24 (Sun) & Jan 31 (Sun)
Winter Scenery · Chubu & Hokuriku
Gokayama Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village
Gokayama, ToyamaSnowy village❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb✦ Illumination
Overview
Overview
Suganuma in Nanto, Toyama, is a small World Heritage village along the Sho River where 9 gassho-zukuri (thatched farmhouse) houses remain. In winter the gassho-zukuri houses stand out in a silvery white world, offering the snowy scenery of a traditional mountain village.
- Address
- Suganuma, Nanto, Toyama
- Official website
- https://gokayama-info.jp/
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to Go
Best seasonUsually January to February (snow season December to March)
December
January
February
Snowfall varies greatly with each year’s weather. Check the official website for the latest snow and road information
Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.
Highlights
Highlights
The highlight is the snowy scenery of this compact village, with its 9 gassho-zukuri houses clustered close together. In February the snow reaches about 100–200 cm deep. On selected days in winter, an illumination makes the gassho-zukuri houses glow in the snow. The village is also home to the Gokayama Folk Museum and the Ensho no Yakata (saltpeter museum).
📷 Best views
Inside Suganuma village
See the 9 snow-wrapped gassho-zukuri houses up close
Illumination
Illumination & winter lights
- Period
- Usually on designated days in winter
In 2026, held on January 26 (Cultural Properties Fire Prevention Day) and February 7 and 8 (Yuki Akari snow lights)
Admission
Admission & fares
Suganuma parking lotRegular and light cars ¥1,000
Medium bus ¥3,000, large bus ¥5,000, motorcycle ¥300
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Roads are slippery with packed snow and ice, so walk in shoes with good grip
- ✓The World Heritage Bus connects Suganuma with Ainokura, so you can visit both villages in one day
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Suganuma (World Heritage Bus)
- From major stations & airports
- Johana Station: World Heritage Bus (About 40 min)
- Takaoka Station: World Heritage Bus (About 1 hr 15 min)
- Driving & winter roads
- The village parking lot is paid (regular car ¥1,000). In January and February, driving is difficult without a 4WD vehicle with studless winter tires
- Getting back
- Nohi Bus services (such as the Takayama–Shirakawa-go–Kanazawa line) stop at Gokayama Suganuma only from April 1 to November 30. In winter, use the World Heritage Bus
Weather
Temperature & staying warm
- Typical temperatures
- January normals for the Shirakawa (Gifu) observation station: high 2.8°C, low -4.4°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Gokayama tourism information gives -5 to 5°C as a guide for January temperatures
- What to wear & bring
- Full winter gear such as a knit sweater, scarf, hat and gloves. Wear rubber boots or snow boots
Rules
Rules & safety
- !People live in this village, so do not enter houses or private property without permission
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Gokayama Suganuma Gassho-zukuri VillagePR
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Shirakawa-go
January–FebruaryWinter Scenery
Winter Scenery in Chubu & Hokuriku
Mountain & highland
Mountain & highland
Park & natureJigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagano / Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen
❄ Best season: Mid Dec – Late Feb
Park & natureKenroku-en Garden Yukitsuri
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Kanazawa
❄ Best season: Mid Dec – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Mountain & highland
Frozen waterfall & iciclesFukuji Onsen Aodaru Ice Pillars
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Okuhida, Gifu
❄ Best season: Late Dec – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Snowy villageShirakawa-go Ogimachi Gassho-zukuri Village
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Shirakawa-go
❄ Best season: Late Dec – Early Mar
✦ Illumination
Snowy villageGokayama Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Gokayama, Toyama
❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Snowy villageHida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama
❄ Best season: Mid Jan – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Old town
Frozen waterfall & iciclesSeasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06
