The 2024 Shirakawa-go Light-Up information has been released! Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a popular destination in Japan’s Hokuriku region. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or a group tour, this spot remains a top attraction. The annual light-up event is a must-see spectacle that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime!
In the past, transportation issues made it difficult to witness the beautiful light-up event in Shirakawa-go. However, with the convenience of buses and railways, visiting Shirakawa-go is now more accessible than ever. This article will document a day trip to Shirakawa-go with photos and text, including itinerary suggestions, camera lens recommendations for capturing the light-up, transportation options, and village attractions. Even without an overnight stay, you can easily plan a day trip to Shirakawa-go.
Philos’ Travel Notes
The Shirakawa-go Light-Up is an annual event worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime! However, due to the increasing number of visitors each year, the participation rules have been changing, making it more challenging to attend. I still highly recommend visiting Shirakawa-go even if you can’t attend the light-up event. A day trip to Shirakawa-go to enjoy the winter snow scenery is a delightful experience! ♨ Suggested Duration: A full day.
Shirakawa-go Light-Up 2024
The latest information about the 2024 Shirakawa-go Light-Up has been released by the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association. For detailed information, please refer to the official website. Here, we will provide an overview of the 2024 Shirakawa-go Light-Up schedule and related regulations.
2024 Shirakawa-go Light-Up Schedule
The 2024 light-up event will be held six times, as follows:
Light-Up Sessions
Event Dates
Light-Up Time
Session 1
2024/1/14 (Sun)
17:30~19:30
Session 2
2024/1/21 (Sun)
17:30~19:30
Session 3
2024/1/28 (Sun)
17:30~19:30
Session 4
2024/2/4 (Sun)
17:30~19:30
Session 5
2024/2/12 (Mon)
17:30~19:30
Session 6
2024/2/18 (Sun)
17:30~19:30
2024 Shirakawa-go Light-Up Schedule
The 2024 Shirakawa-go Light-Up will have six sessions, with the exception of 2/12, all on Sundays. The light-up dates are 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/12, and 2/18. The light-up will take place from 17:30 to 19:30 in areas such as Wada House, Myozenji Museum, and Kamimachi.
Do You Need a Reservation for the Shirakawa-go Light-Up?
Since 2019, reservations are required to attend the Shirakawa-go Light-Up. Those without reservations can only visit the village from morning to noon (must leave by 15:00).
How to Reserve for the 2024 Shirakawa-go Light-Up
There are four ways to reserve for the 2024 Shirakawa-go Light-Up and restrictions for the night viewing platform: 1. No entry without a ticket: Only those with a viewing platform ticket can enter the platform to enjoy the light-up event. The number of tickets is limited and must be reserved along with the Shirakawa-go entry ticket; they are not sold separately. 2. How to obtain viewing platform tickets: 2-1. Stay in Shirakawa-go accommodations: Reserve a stay at a local inn with a package that includes viewing platform tickets. 2-2. Reserve a Spot for the Bus Company’s Illumination Event: Join the “Illumination Event Tour with Observatory Tickets” organized by Nobi Bus, Kaetsunou Bus, and Toyama Chitetsu Bus. Tickets are limited and non-transferable. 3. Entry in Three Time Slots: To reduce crowding, the observatory is open in three time slots. Please visit the observatory at the time specified on your ticket. 4. Tripod Regulations: The use of camera tripods is prohibited. 5. Weather Advisory: In case of heavy snow or adverse weather conditions, the organizers may close the observatory for safety reasons. Please stay informed!
Guidelines for Daytime Visits to Shirakawa-go Without Participating in the Illumination Event
1. Parking Restrictions: If you plan to visit Shirakawa-go during the daytime on the six illumination days, parking does not require a reservation. However, you must park in designated areas. Daytime parking is open from 8:00 AM, with the last entry at 3:00 PM, and you must leave Shirakawa-go by 5:00 PM. 2. Entry Time Restrictions: The latest entry time for daytime sightseeing vehicles (including tour bus) is 3:00 PM. It is recommended to allocate 2 to 3 hours for your visit. The official advice is to arrive at the parking lot before noon to ensure ample time for sightseeing. 3. Shirakawa-go Observatory Restrictions: 4. Transportation: The must-visit Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck in Shirakawa-go is not accessible by private car. You must take the shuttle bus or walk to the observatory. 5.【Shuttle Bus Information】 Fare: 200 yen per person one way Operating Hours: Uphill 9:00 AM – 3:40 PM, Downhill 9:10 AM – 4:10 PM 6. Walking to the Observatory: It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk from the trail behind the Wada House. 7. Closing Time: The Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck will close at 3:45 PM to prepare for the evening illumination event.
Four Ways to Obtain Reservation Tickets for the 2024 Shirakawa-go Light-Up
Here are the four ways to obtain reservation tickets for the 2024 Shirakawa-go Light-Up:
Visitors who complete the reservation will receive an identification badge to wear around their necks for staff verification. Tickets are color-coded based on the entry date and are valid only on the specified day.
In conclusion, if you wish to participate in the 2024 Shirakawa-go Light-Up, you will need a bit of luck and adherence to the latest travel and health regulations. Alternatively, consider planning a day trip to Shirakawa-go outside the illumination period for a more relaxed experience.
About Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is located in the northwestern mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its over 100 “Gassho-zukuri” houses, which are characterized by their steep thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer. This architectural style is designed to withstand heavy snowfall and prevent roof collapse. Shirakawa-go, along with the Gassho-zukuri settlements in Gokayama (Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture), was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 9, 1995.
In previous years, Shirakawa-go would announce the illumination event details around mid-year. However, due to some visitors’ poor behavior and certain bad practices by photography groups (such as using tripods to reserve spots), the announcement has been delayed this year. Additionally, it seems that local inns have been booked by travel agencies, making it difficult to secure reservations even a year in advance.
Fortunately, towards the end of the year, the official Shirakawa-go website (click here for illumination information) provided the necessary details.The lighting ceremony has finally been announced. Unlike previous years, the lighting day has been changed to Sunday and Monday evenings, with the lighting time postponed from 17:30 to 18:00, and the duration shortened to one and a half hours. Additionally, new rules have been introduced, such as only being able to reach the observation deck via shuttle bus and a strict no-tripod policy. This year’s lighting trip will require some ingenuity.
Transportation Options for a Self-Guided Trip to Shirakawa-go
Driving: While you can drive yourself, it’s not highly recommended due to the different driving directions in Japan compared to Taiwan, as well as unfamiliar winter road conditions and snow.
Taking the Bus: It’s advisable to stay overnight in Takayama and take the Nohi Bus the next day. However, seats are limited, so securing one depends on your luck.
Joining a Tour Group: Most tour group itineraries only cover daytime activities and typically do not stay until the lighting ends. Joining a photography tour might be an option, but remember to follow the rules.
Chartered Car: Although more expensive, it offers greater flexibility.
Shirakawa-go Self-Guided Day Trip Itinerary
Below are suggested attractions and routes within Shirakawa-go, suitable for planning a day trip or for those visiting during the day during the lighting period. For those interested in actual lighting photography records and information, scroll to the end of the article for Shirakawa-go lighting records.
First, here’s a map of Shirakawa-go (a paper version with multiple languages is available at the Shirakawa-go Visitor Center)
I’ve marked some important spots on the map for reference. Here are some photography records:
Upon arriving at the Shirakawa-go parking lot, the first area is the Shirakawa-go Encounter Hall, where you can get off during the day. You can use the restroom here or get a guide map. The rainy weather that day gave the mountain mist a watercolor painting feel.
Since we arrived early, the suspension bridge was unusually quiet. Crossing the suspension bridge officially brings you into the heart of the gassho-zukuri village.
A tiny torii gate marks the entrance to a shrine within Shirakawa-go, likely the approach to the village shrine.
This is the main road within Shirakawa-go. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s recommended to turn right and walk along the main road, passing Hachiman Shrine and the more distant Shirakawa-go Three Houses (about a 10-15 minute walk).
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the snow-covered landscape and distant mountain mist were still breathtaking!
On the way to the Shirakawa-go Three Houses, you can also see the snow-covered Hachiman Shrine. Be extra careful if you visit in winter, as the ground can be slippery.
La Vista Hakodate Bay is part of the renowned Dormy Inn hotel group.
I learned about it from a local TV show or a Japanese variety show that featured La Vista Hakodate Bay.
The show mentioned that this hotel won the top spot in Japan’s Best Breakfast popularity poll,
and they even followed a family who had to strategize their breakfast choices before eating.
It was quite exaggerated, but it caught our attention, so we decided to try this famous breakfast ourselves.
When visiting Hakodate, I usually choose to stay near Hakodate Station.
Previously, I have stayed at Super Hotel Hakodate, Hakodate LOISIR (now Four Points by Sheraton), and Hakodate La Vista.
For my stay in February 2019, I chose Route Inn Hakodate Ekimae (official website).
Route Inn is a nationwide chain of business hotels in Japan. It’s not a luxury brand but rather a more affordable option, slightly better than Toyoko Inn in my opinion…
(This is just my personal feeling)
Nara is a famous tourist destination in the Kansai region of Japan, known for its temples, historical sites, and Nara Park with over 1,200 deer. It is often included in itineraries for those visiting Osaka or Kyoto. Nara was once a capital city and has a rich history and cultural heritage. Popular attractions include Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple. Nara is easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto, making it a great option for a half-day or full-day trip.