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Discover the winter beauty of Takayama and Shirakawa-go, with a special twist you won’t find anywhere else. This tour features a private light-up event at Gasshozukuri Minkaen, arranged exclusively by our company. While both destinations are well-loved for their stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, our unique access to the Minkaen Outdoor Museum gives you the rare chance to experience the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses illuminated under the winter sky, creating an enchanting atmosphere unlike any other.
With their rich history and breathtaking winter scenery, these iconic locations come to life even more in the colder months. This tour perfectly blends winter wonderland beauty with cultural heritage, culminating in a memorable light-up experience that adds a magical touch to your day.
Ideal for travelers looking to explore Japan’s rural heartland in winter, this tour offers the perfect mix of scenic landscapes, history, and an exclusive evening experience.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet in front of a large white fountain object "Yuri-no-Funsui" near JR Nagoya Taikodoriguchi Exit (West Exit). Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.
The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark.
Itinerary
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1Takayama
After meeting your tour conductor, you’ll board a comfortable coach and head toward the historic town of Takayama, often called “Little Kyoto” for its beautifully preserved streets and traditional wooden architecture. The ride will take approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to stroll through the charming old town, lined with merchant houses, sake breweries, and craft shops. In winter, the town takes on a serene atmosphere, with snow-dusted rooftops and lantern-lit streets creating a picturesque scene. Don’t miss local treats like mitarashi dango (sweet soy-glazed rice dumplings) and browse for souvenirs such as lacquerware and handmade goods. This is your chance to experience authentic Japanese culture in a setting that feels like stepping back in time.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Shirakawago
Next, you’ll travel another hour to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, whose steep thatched roofs resemble hands in prayer. These architectural treasures have stood for centuries, designed to withstand heavy snowfall in this mountainous region. Stroll through the village and admire the harmony between nature and tradition. If the weather cooperates, you’ll see the rooftops blanketed in snow, adding to the fairy-tale charm. This is one of Japan’s most iconic winter landscapes, perfect for photography and cultural immersion.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen
As evening falls, you’ll enter the Minkaen(folk house garden), a special area reserved exclusively for Club Tourism guests during this limited-time event. Here, the historic gassho-style houses are illuminated in soft, warm light, creating a magical contrast against the snowy backdrop. Wander through the “Corridor of Lights”, where lanterns and bamboo torches glow along the paths, and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of this winter wonderland. You’ll also experience a performance of the traditional Shirakawa folk song “Kodaijin”, adding a cultural touch to the evening. Each guest receives a commemorative postcard as a keepsake of this unforgettable night. The tour includes a delicious bento dinner featuring Hida beef sushi rolls, so you can savor regional flavors while enjoying the magical scenery. Please note: Snow scenery and light-up may vary depending on weather conditions, but the event will proceed in most conditions except severe storms. Dress warmly for nighttime outdoor viewing
1 hour • Admission ticket included
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 includes a light-up event at Gassho-zukuri Minkaen only. Shirakawa-go village itself will not be illuminated. Please note that this is different from the Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event.
- Since the light-up event takes place outdoors at night, temperatures can drop below freezing. Be sure to dress warmly and bring appropriate clothing (e.g., coats, gloves, hand warmers). Footwear: Due to icy conditions, please wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes. We also recommend bringing a flashlight.
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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 includes a light-up event at Gassho-zukuri Minkaen only. Shirakawa-go village itself will not be illuminated. Please note that this is different from the Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event.
- Since the light-up event takes place outdoors at night, temperatures can drop below freezing. Be sure to dress warmly and bring appropriate clothing (e.g., coats, gloves, hand warmers). Footwear: Due to icy conditions, please wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes. We also recommend bringing a flashlight.
- Infant (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no tour inclusions.
- Children aged 3 and over will be charged the same rate as adults.
- If the tour operator has to cancel the tour because of a typhoon, heavy snow or other circumstances beyond their control, this will be decided by 3pm the day before the tour departure; you will be informed by e-mail and suggested a new departure date or receive a full refund
- Delays, shortenings of the tour, 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 a refund
- Due to traffic conditions, the bus arrival may be delayed and the order of the itinerary may change.
- The end point of the tour might be different from the start point. Please ask a member of staff on the day.
- During the special evening light-up at Minkaen, you will not be able to explore Shirakawa-go village. You may only explore the village during daylight hours.
- The light-up event will generally proceed regardless of rain or snow. However, in the case of severe weather, the event may be canceled for safety reasons.
- If there is insufficient snow to hold the "Light Corridor" event, you will instead be able to view the bamboo lanterns.
- Lunch is not provided during the tour. Please have lunch on your own during your free time in Takayama.
- The return time may be delayed due to road conditions. If this happens, any additional costs for accommodation or taxis will be the responsibility of the customer.
- Snow conditions in Shirakawa-go can vary depending on the weather. Please note that if you choose to cancel your reservation due to snow conditions, the standard cancellation fees will still apply.
- 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.
- 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 4 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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