The famous annual Shirakawago Light-up event is only available for a limited period!
The Shirakawa-go Light-up, a World Heritage Site, is a must-see winter event. Enjoy the mystical beauty of a lit-up Shirakawa-go!
In addition to a package plan that includes access from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya to Takayama City, bus fare to the venue, Shirakawa-go light-up admission fee, this tour also offers a plan for a day trip to the light-up event from Takaoka (Toyama Prefecture).
We invite you to join this special event!
Please note that a reservation is required for the event. Also, only the tour buses are allowed to enter the village during the event. A private car is not permitted.
Tour Point
Gassho style houses reflected on the surface of the water
In the night, nostalgic Gassho houses are reflected on the surface of the pond and rice fields.
You can see such an impressive scenery only during the light-up event.
Traditional houses decorated with snow
Of course, Gassho style traditional houses are amazing in all seasons. However, they become much more attractive with snow.
*Please note that depending on the weather conditions, there may be no snow.
Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum
You can enter Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum, which was built by relocating Gassho-zukuri houses. Tour participants will also be given a cup of zenzai (traditional sweet red bean soup) inside the museum.
Note: Participants of the Takaoka departure plan are not eligible.
Plans
2026 Event Schedule & Availability
| Jan 12(Mon)
Booking starts from Oct 3 (Fri) 2:00 PM |
Jan 18(Sun)
Booking starts from Oct 10 (Fri) 2:00 PM |
Jan 25(Sun)
Booking starts from Oct 17 (Fri) 2:00 PM |
Feb 1(Sun)
Booking starts from Oct 24 (Fri) 2:00 PM |
- 〇: Available
- ✕: Sold out
- ▲: Only a few seats are available
*Please check the calendar on the booking page for the latest availability.
Booking
Tour prices are subject to change without notice. Please check the reservation calendar page for the latest information.
Tour Outline
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Departure dates
Jan 12 (Mon), 18 (Sun), 25 (Sun), Feb 1 (Sun), 2026 -
Duration of trip
1 day or 2 days -
Included in the tour
<Round-trip Bus Plan with Hotel>
- Round-trip bus departing from Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya
- Shirakawago Light-up bus (between Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal and the event site)
- Light-up event admission
- Admission for Minkaen and a cup of zenzai service
- One night hotel stay in Takayama
<One way Bus Plan>
- One way bus departing from Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya
- Shirakawago Light-up bus (between Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal and the event site)
- Light-up event admission
- Admission for Minkaen and a cup of zenzai service
<1 day bus tour plan from Takaoka>
- Round-trip bus from Takaoka Station
- Light-up event admission
- Observatory admission ticket (for the observatory ticket plan only)
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Accommodation
- Tabino Hotel Hida Takayama
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Meal
Depending on the plan you choose
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Important Notice
Please note that admission to the observatory is restricted during the event period.
On this tour, only participants of the observatory ticket plan departing from Takaoka can enter the observatory.
Please be aware that other plans do not include admission to the observatory.
Schedule
Day 1
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7:05Take the bus from Shinjuku
Please select the bus time when you make your reservation. The departure and arrival times depend on the bus chosen.
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12:50Arrive at Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
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15:40Take Shirakawago Light-up Bus to go to the event site from Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
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16:40-19:20Shirakawago Light-up Event
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20:20Arrive at Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
Stay in the hotel
Day 2
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Free timeEnjoy sightseeing in Takayama City before going back to Tokyo
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15:00Depart from Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
Please select the bus time when you make your reservation. The departure and arrival times depend on the bus chosen.
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20:45Arrive in Shinjuku
Day 1
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8:30Take the bus from Osaka / Kyoto
Please select the bus stop when you make a booking. Departure time varies depending on the departure place.
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14:02Arrive at Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
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15:40Take Shirakawago Light-up Bus to go to the event site from Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
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16:40-19:20Shirakawago Light-up Event
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20:20Arrive at Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
Stay in the hotel
Day 2
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Free timeEnjoy sightseeing in Takayama City before going back to Osaka
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13:40Depart from Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
Please select the bus time and the bus stop when you make your reservation. The departure and arrival times depend on the bus chosen.
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19:15Arrive in Osaka / Kyoto
Day 1
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7:30Take the bus from Nagoya
Please select the bus time and the bus stop when you make your reservation. The departure and arrival times depend on the bus chosen.
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10:20Arrive at Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
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15:40Take Shirakawago Light-up Bus to go to the event site from Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal.
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16:40-19:20Shirakawago Light-up Event
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20:20Arrive at Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
Stay in the hotel
Day 2
-
Free timeEnjoy sightseeing in Takayama City before going back to Nagoya.
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17:30
Please select the bus time and the bus stop when you make your reservation. The departure and arrival times depend on the bus chosen.
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20:15Arrive in Nagoya
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14:50Depart from Takaoka Station
* Please be sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 10 min before departure.
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16:30Shirakawago Light-up Event
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19:50Depart from Shirakawago
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21:10Arrive at Takaoka Station
Accommodation
Tabino Hotel Hida Takayama
Healing hot spring resort on the banks of the quiet Daihachigagawa River. Recommended for those who want to soak in the hot spring water and relieve travel fatigue in body and soul. Free shuttle bus service is available.
*The photos of rooms are for illustrative purposes only. Actual rooms may vary.
FAQ
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Are there any coin lockers at Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal?
Coin lockers are available at the bus terminal and also at JR Takayama Station near the bus terminal.
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Is there a place to leave my luggage while participating in the Shirakawa-go Light-up event?
You can leave your luggage in the trunk or on the Shirakawago Light-up bus.
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Will the bus pick me up at my hotel for the return trip on the second day?
No, the bus will not go to your hotel. Please come to the Takayama Nobi Bus Terminal by yourself.
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Is it possible to join the tour from a location other than the designated places?
You cannot join the tour from any location other than the designated places. If you don't take the bus from each departure place, your reservation is canceled automatically.
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Can I join the tour alone?
Yes, you can. Please enter the reservation calendar page from each departure place button and select "Room for 1" to see the price for single participants.
Booking
Tour prices are subject to change without notice. Please check the reservation calendar page for the latest information.