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.
Shirakawa-go Three Houses.
The Three Houses are another famous photography spot within Shirakawa-go. If you walk from the shrine direction, you’ll first see their backs. Don’t turn back; walk to the front to see the charming view. The map above has it marked, or look for location (2) and find “お食事処「忠兵衛」.”
Myozenji and Myozenji Museum are important cultural properties within Shirakawa-go. The Myozenji Museum, built in the late Tokugawa Shogunate period, is a five-story gassho-zukuri building and the largest in the village.
Shirakawa-go Myozenji Museum.
Myozenji Museum is also a photography spot. You can walk to the side of the Museum and capture its reflection in the water of the rice paddies.
In the village, you can see many small snowmen made from the snow, showcasing the creativity and skill of the visitors.
Located at landmark 28, Sanrakudou is another shop in the village. With such thick snow, it must be quite a task for the shop owners to clear it.
If you have enough time, finding a spot to quietly play in the snow is also a great option.
Kanda House in Shirakawa-go.
Kanda House is open for indoor tours, with an entrance fee of 300 yen. If you’re interested in seeing the interior structure of a gassho-zukuri house, you can visit. However, since the focus of this trip was the illumination event, we didn’t go inside.
Opposite Wada House, there’s a small hut hidden in the snow. Paired with the solitary branch in front, I particularly like the mood of this photo—it evokes a sense of solitude.
Wada House in the village is another residence open for tours. On the day of the shoot, a group of tourists went through great effort to reach the center of the snowy field for a photo…
Tenshukaku and the village illumination
On the way to the shuttle bus to Tenshukaku, this area is considered the essence of the village, with a high concentration of gassho-zukuri buildings. If you don’t plan to go up to Tenshukaku, waiting here for the illumination is also a good choice. After finishing up here, we prepared to head to Tenshukaku.
This is the Tenshukaku observation deck. There are one or two shops selling hot food on the mountain, but the selection is limited.
Daytime snowy scenery of Tenshukaku in Shirakawa-go.
Before the restricted time starts, there is no special limit on the number of people at the Tenshukaku observation deck. However, the area is quite small, and the angles for taking photos are similar. If you get a photo you like, you can head indoors to rest (after all, it’s quite cold in the village during winter, especially when it’s raining). Additionally, there aren’t many articles online about the focal lengths for photography here, so I brought all the focal lengths of my small trinity lenses up the mountain…
Lens focal length recommendations and sample photos from Tenshukaku
After actual shooting, I recommend preparing a mid-range focal length lens (at least 70mm) or a telephoto lens (200mm or more) for close-up shots of the village. Wide-angle lenses are almost useless here. However, since everyone has different preferences for composition and framing, those who are used to carrying heavy equipment can try shooting with all focal lengths.
The above photo was taken with a Nikon 24-120mm lens at 66mm, which is a typical focal length for capturing the village panorama.
If you have a telephoto lens, you can try taking close-up shots of the gassho-zukuri buildings from a high vantage point. The compression effect of the long lens gives a fairytale-like feeling. The above photo was taken with a Nikon 70-200mm lens at 200mm.
The next step is to quietly wait for nightfall. However, on the day of the shoot, thick fog started to roll in, and I was worried that the illumination would be shrouded in fog. Since it gets dark earlier in Japan during winter, some shops start turning on their lights around 5:30 PM. This is also a good time to take photos and enjoy the snowy scenery, which is different from the daytime without the lights.
The magical moment of the village illumination in Shirakawa-go.
Since the illumination time is during the winter, if you want to capture the precious blue hour, you must be quick, or it will be gone in a flash. Initially, I thought I could use a high ISO to take photos, but it was actually quite challenging. Fortunately, after getting some satisfactory photos, thick fog and heavy rain started… Since the illumination time is short and more and more tourists were arriving at the observation deck, we left shortly after the lights came on. The way down from the observation deck is on foot, taking about 10 minutes, which is not as long as expected.
After descending, if you still have time, you can take some night shots of the village on your way back. Since the illumination time is precious, you should seize the opportunity. Unfortunately, the lights turned off just as we set up our tripods in front of the three small houses…
Night illumination at Myozenji Temple in the village.
Although the village is not only open in winter, experiencing the winter night illumination firsthand makes it clear why everyone is so eager to see it.
Finally, here are some itinerary suggestions:
It’s recommended to spend a whole day in the village to fully appreciate its beauty at a leisurely pace.
There are still quite a few shops in the village selling cooked food, but for those who don’t eat beef, it’s recommended to bring your own food from the base of the mountain. Remember to take your trash with you.
Although tripods are not allowed during the illumination at the observation deck, it’s still advisable to bring one. You can use it to photograph other buildings in the village after the illumination ends.
When heading to the observation deck for photography, please be mindful of your manners. The illumination period is very short, so once you’ve captured your desired photos, make way for others to take their shots. This way, everyone can leave with a sense of satisfaction. Additionally, if it rains, it’s better to wear a raincoat, as you probably wouldn’t want to become part of someone else’s composition while shooting at the observation deck.
Even if the sun is shining brightly in the Gassho Village, it’s still winter, so make sure to prepare warm clothing.
The simplest way to get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo is by taking the JR Hokkaido Rapid Airport Train.
Not only are there frequent departures, but the travel time is also short. On average, there are five trains per hour, and the fastest one takes only 37 minutes to reach Sapporo Station.
The boarding process is straightforward as well.
It is a good choice to take a walk by the Lake Towada in the morning. However, unlike the brave Laura, I slept in until almost late and only got up then…
Comfort Hotel Kushiro, a business hotel near JR Kushiro Station.
The hotel offers a simple free breakfast and is affordable, making it suitable for business travelers.
However, there are many hotels near JR Kushiro Station.
If you prefer a more substantial breakfast, you might consider Kushiro Royal Inn.
