Shogawa River
Shirakawa-go, Japan • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Jul
-7°C – 2°C, january in shirakawa-go is characterized by heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, with daytime highs around 2°c and nighttime lows reaching -7°c, high crowds, peak season
-7°C – 2°C, january in shirakawa-go is characterized by heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, with daytime highs around 2°c and nighttime lows reaching -7°c, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Village has uneven terrain; some areas may be challenging for wheelchairs.
Village has uneven terrain; some areas may be challenging for wheelchairs.
Value for money
Medium
Scenic views justify price, but access is a challenge.
Scenic views justify price, but access is a challenge.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Scenic Beauty
Couples found the river cruise breathtaking, especially the autumn foliage.
Peaceful Escape
Visitors felt the cruise offered a tranquil getaway, far from city life.
Unique Experience
Travelers raved about the exclusive access to Omaki Onsen by boat.
Difficult Access
Couples noted that reaching the cruise departure point was quite challenging.
Long Journey
Travelers mentioned the long travel times via public transport from Shirakawa-go.
Limited Services
Some couples wished for more amenities or options on the cruise itself.
How to book
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
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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 thrill of sightseeing via an enchanting Shogawa River cruise in this captivating video.
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
MEDIUM
-10--1°C
December is cold, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to -1°C, and a 50% chance of precipitation, primarily as snow. The village transforms into a winter wonderland.
December is cold, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to -1°C, and a 50% chance of precipitation, primarily as snow. The village transforms into a winter wonderland.
Open
High demand during holidays may lead to limited availability; early booking is recommended.
High demand during holidays may lead to limited availability; early booking is recommended.
Recommended
December offers picturesque snowy landscapes and festive events, making it a magical time to visit despite the cold temperatures.
December offers picturesque snowy landscapes and festive events, making it a magical time to visit despite the cold temperatures.
January
HIGH
-7-2°C
January in Shirakawa-go is characterized by heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, with daytime highs around 2°C and nighttime lows reaching -7°C. Snowfall is frequent, covering the village in a picturesque white blanket.
January in Shirakawa-go is characterized by heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, with daytime highs around 2°C and nighttime lows reaching -7°C. Snowfall is frequent, covering the village in a picturesque white blanket.
Open
Advance reservations are required for the Winter Light-Up events, and accommodations may be fully booked well in advance.
Advance reservations are required for the Winter Light-Up events, and accommodations may be fully booked well in advance.
Recommended
January offers a magical winter experience in Shirakawa-go, especially during the Light-Up events. Visitors should prepare for cold weather and ensure all reservations are made ahead of time.
January offers a magical winter experience in Shirakawa-go, especially during the Light-Up events. Visitors should prepare for cold weather and ensure all reservations are made ahead of time.
February
HIGH
-6-3°C
February continues with cold temperatures and frequent snowfall, with daytime highs around 3°C and nighttime lows near -6°C. The snow-covered landscape remains a highlight.
February continues with cold temperatures and frequent snowfall, with daytime highs around 3°C and nighttime lows near -6°C. The snow-covered landscape remains a highlight.
Open
Early February requires advance reservations for events and accommodations. Availability improves towards the end of the month.
Early February requires advance reservations for events and accommodations. Availability improves towards the end of the month.
Recommended
February offers continued winter charm with the Light-Up events. Visitors should plan ahead for early February visits and be prepared for cold conditions.
February offers continued winter charm with the Light-Up events. Visitors should plan ahead for early February visits and be prepared for cold conditions.
March
MEDIUM
3-12°C
March marks the transition to spring, with temperatures rising to daytime highs around 12°C and lows around 3°C. Snow begins to melt, revealing the village's traditional architecture.
March marks the transition to spring, with temperatures rising to daytime highs around 12°C and lows around 3°C. Snow begins to melt, revealing the village's traditional architecture.
Open
Accommodations are more readily available, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially during weekends.
Accommodations are more readily available, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially during weekends.
Recommended
March provides a balance between winter scenery and milder weather, making it a pleasant time to visit Shirakawa-go with fewer crowds.
March provides a balance between winter scenery and milder weather, making it a pleasant time to visit Shirakawa-go with fewer crowds.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Express buses are the most common way to reach Shirakawa-go, with services from Takayama (Takayama Nohi Bus Center), Kanazawa (JR Kanazawa Station), Toyama (JR Toyama Station), and Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center). For the Shogawa River Cruise, take the Kaetsuno Bus from Shin-Takaoka Station to the Komaki bus stop.
Car
Recommended
Shirakawa-go is accessible via the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, exiting at the Shirakawa-go Interchange (IC). All vehicles must park at the Seseragi Park Parking Area.
Boat
The Shogawa River Cruise departs from Komaki Harbor, accessible by bus or car.
Taxi
Taxis are available in the area, though they may be limited and costly due to the remote location.
Walking
The main village of Shirakawa-go is compact and best explored on foot from the Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required