Shirakawa-go Winter Light Up Event
Shirakawa-go, Japan • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Jul
-5°C – 2°C, cold with frequent snowfall, creating a picturesque winter landscape, high crowds, peak season
-5°C – 2°C, cold with frequent snowfall, creating a picturesque winter landscape, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Walking may be required
Walking may be required
Value for money
Medium
High cost, but unique experience, making it a mixed bag.
High cost, but unique experience, making it a mixed bag.
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Magical Ambiance
Couples found the illuminated farmhouses incredibly romantic and unforgettable. Highly recommend!
Breathtaking Beauty
Visitors were stunned by the fairytale-like scenery; a perfect romantic getaway for couples.
Unique Experience
Couples felt it was a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Definitely worth the effort!
Booking Nightmare
Couples found securing reservations for tours and accommodation extremely difficult and frustrating.
Cold Conditions
Travelers noted the extreme cold made the experience less enjoyable. Dress warmly!
Overcrowded Event
Couples mentioned the event was very crowded, which detracted from the romantic atmosphere.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience the enchantment of Shirakawago village during the mesmerizing Winter Light Up Event as a tourist.
Experience the captivating Winter Light Up Event in the charming Shirakawago village.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
0-10°C
December is cold with increasing chances of snowfall, transforming the village into a winter wonderland.
December is cold with increasing chances of snowfall, transforming the village into a winter wonderland.
Open
Some facilities may have reduced hours or close in preparation for the New Year.
Some facilities may have reduced hours or close in preparation for the New Year.
Recommended
December provides a serene environment with snowy landscapes, ideal for visitors seeking a peaceful winter experience before the New Year festivities.
December provides a serene environment with snowy landscapes, ideal for visitors seeking a peaceful winter experience before the New Year festivities.
January
HIGH
-5-2°C
Cold with frequent snowfall, creating a picturesque winter landscape.
Cold with frequent snowfall, creating a picturesque winter landscape.
Open
Advance reservations required for the Light-Up events; limited accommodation availability.
Advance reservations required for the Light-Up events; limited accommodation availability.
Recommended
January offers a magical experience with the Winter Light-Up events illuminating the snow-covered village. Ensure to book accommodations and event tickets well in advance.
January offers a magical experience with the Winter Light-Up events illuminating the snow-covered village. Ensure to book accommodations and event tickets well in advance.
February
MEDIUM
-4-3°C
Cold with occasional snowfall, maintaining the winter ambiance.
Cold with occasional snowfall, maintaining the winter ambiance.
Open
Advance reservations required for the Light-Up event; better accommodation availability post-event.
Advance reservations required for the Light-Up event; better accommodation availability post-event.
Recommended
Early February features the final Light-Up event, offering a less crowded experience. Post-event, the village remains serene with snow-covered landscapes.
Early February features the final Light-Up event, offering a less crowded experience. Post-event, the village remains serene with snow-covered landscapes.
March
LOW
0-10°C
Cool with occasional rain; snow begins to melt, revealing early signs of spring.
Cool with occasional rain; snow begins to melt, revealing early signs of spring.
Open
No major events; accommodations are more readily available.
No major events; accommodations are more readily available.
Recommended
March offers a tranquil visit with the transition from winter to spring. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful experience without the crowds.
March offers a tranquil visit with the transition from winter to spring. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful experience without the crowds.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Regular highway bus services from Takayama (Nohi Bus Center) and Kanazawa (Kanazawa Station) provide access to Shirakawa-go, with drop-off at the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal.
Shuttle
Recommended
Shuttle services are available, often requiring advance reservations, to transport visitors to the event.
Car
Private cars require pre-reserved parking permits and must be equipped with winter tires. Access is via the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway (E41) to the Shirakawa-go Interchange (IC) and then National Route 156 to the Midashima Parking Lot.
Taxi
Taxis require pre-booked parking permits and use the Midashima Parking Lot for drop-off and waiting. Chartered taxis from Kanazawa are available.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Age
Suitable for all ages