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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
Experience 2 of central Japan's most spectacular winter attractions. The highlight is the Shirakawa-go Light Up, a highly sought-after event held on only a limited number of dates each year. Due to overtourism measures introduced in 2019, access to the illumination is strictly controlled, and only authorized vehicles are permitted to enter the event area. This tour provides a rare opportunity to experience the illuminated UNESCO World Heritage village without the difficulty of arranging access independently.
Stay overnight in Hida Takayama, a historic town known for its beautifully preserved streets and traditional atmosphere. Visit to the Shinhotaka Ropeway, one of Japan's most impressive aerial lift systems and enjoy panoramic views of snow-covered mountain scenery stretching across the Japanese Alps.
-Visit the limited-entry Shirakawa-go Light Up event
-Stay overnight at a premium hotel in Hida Takayama
-Explore Takayama's historic old town
-Ride the ropeway into the Northern Alps
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1Shirakawago Light-up
Depart from Tokyo or Shinjuku and travel by lavatory-equipped bus to Shirakawa-go, one of Japan's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the Shirakawa-go Light Up, a special event that requires advance vehicle parking reservation and is held on only a limited number of dates each winter. As darkness falls, the village's traditional thatched-roof farmhouses are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere that attracts visitors from across Japan and around the world. Because access to the illumination is tightly controlled, only authorized vehicles are permitted to enter the event area. This tour allows you to experience an event that is normally difficult to access during the winter season. Boxed dinner is provided during your visit, as dining facilities within Shirakawa-go are limited during the event period. Please note that this tour does not include access to the observation deck overlooking the Shirakawago Illumination. You will explore the village itself.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
After approximately 60 minutes of travel, arrive at Mercure Hida Takayama at approximately 8:00 PM. This hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of Takayama Station. Guests can relax in the hotel's public bath (indoor and outdoor) after the day's sightseeing. Rooms are Western-style double or twin rooms with a toilet and shower booth. Please note that guest rooms do not include bathtubs.
13 hours • Admission ticket free -
3Takayama
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time in Hida Takayama, known as the "Little Kyoto of Hida", before the scheduled departure at approximately 11:00 AM. Take time to explore the town's famous morning market, stroll through the beautifully preserved old town district, or browse local shops and cafés. Takayama flourished as a castle town during the Edo period, and many traditional wooden merchant buildings remain intact today, creating one of Japan's most atmospheric historic townscapes.
1 hour 20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
After approximately 80 minutes of travel, arrive at the Shinhotaka Ropeway. Ride one of Japan's most scenic ropeways to an elevation of approximately 2,156 meters (7,073 feet). Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Northern Alps, the observation areas offer spectacular views across snow-covered mountains and winter landscapes. Including ropeway rides and sightseeing time, this stop lasts approximately 90 minutes. Weather conditions may affect visibility, and mountain views cannot be guaranteed. A Hida beef sushi roll lunch box is included during the day's activities. After sightseeing, begin the journey back to Tokyo. The tour concludes with arrival at Shinjuku at approximately 8:50 PM and Tokyo at approximately 9:20 PM.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Shirakawa-go Winter Illumination
Hida Takayama and Shinhotaka Ropeway
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
- This tour does not include access to the observation deck overlooking the Shirakawago Illumination. Instead, you will explore the historic gassho-zukuri village on foot after 5:00 PM.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 14 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
- Delays or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund
- According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed
- Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no seat and no bed or any other arrangements
- Due to weather conditions, snowy scenery may not be visible, and the illumination event may be canceled in the event of severe weather.
- Bringing thick winter clothes is strongly recommended as visiting spots might be very cold.
- Shirakawago will be very crowded, in some cases the visiting time may be shortened due to the traffic congestion.
- Roads and walkways may be slippery. Please wear waterproof footwear with good traction. As walking outdoors at night in snowy conditions can be hazardous, bringing a flashlight is recommended.
- The Shirakawa-go Winter Illumination takes place outdoors and temperatures may fall below freezing. It is strongly recommended to bring: a warm, waterproof winter coat, waterproof footwear with good traction or winter boots, gloves, a hat, earmuffs, and hand warmers, rain poncho or waterproof outer layer, flashlight (as some areas may be dark at night). Roads and pathways may be snowy or icy, so appropriate winter clothing and footwear are essential for a comfortable visit.
- Snowy landscapes depend on the weather and cannot be guaranteed.
- Wearing clothes and shoes that let you move easily and comfortably is strongly recommended.
- Delays or non-participation due to public transportation delays will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the scheduled time informed in the confirmation email.
- Shirakawago is located in one of Japan’s snowiest regions. Please wear warm clothing and waterproof footwear with good traction.
- Due to weather conditions, snowy scenery may not be visible, and the illumination event may be canceled without notice. No refunds will be provided in such cases.
- The ropeway may be suspended due to weather conditions or other circumstances. If this occurs, you will either be taken to an alternative sightseeing destination or receive a partial refund equivalent to the affected portion.
- Lunch is not included on Day 1. Please bring your own lunch or purchase food during the stop at a service area and eat it on the bus.
- Seats located next to the restroom may be assigned. These seats are separated from the restroom by the aisle and are no different from standard seats.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
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