【Plan without Dinner / Hot Spring Ticket Included】UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa-go Light-up Tour [Accompanied by an English-speaking guide]｜Activities｜VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN

【Plan without Dinner / Hot Spring Ticket Included】UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa-go Light-up Tour [Accompanied by an English-speaking guide]

Favorite

Shirakawa-go Light-up: A Magical Night Amid Snow and Gassho-Zukuri Houses!

Tour Highlights!
★ Witness the magical Light-up event of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
★ Exclusive to 4 special nights only in 2026!
★ Guaranteed departures – book with confidence!
★ Includes a ticket to Shirakawago-no-Yu, the only hot spring in Shirakawa-go!
★ Departing from Kanazawa Station at 3:30 p.m., giving you the morning to explore Kanazawa or relax at your hotel!

The special winter light-up events of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go Gassho-style Village, has been confirmed once again this year! This rare event takes place only four times and is strictly by reservation, making it difficult to attend on your own. But with our bus tour from Kanazawa, you can join with ease and peace of mind. How about spending a leisurely morning exploring Kanazawa, and then heading out in the afternoon to experience the magical light-up of Shirakawa-go? With our bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station at 3:30 PM, you can enjoy this special evening with a relaxed itinerary. As an added bonus, a ticket to Shirakawago no Yu, the village’s only hot spring, is included. After admiring the illuminated scenery, you can warm up and unwind in the soothing waters. The snow-covered Gassho-style village lit up against the night sky is a rare sight, available only a few times a year. Why not take this opportunity to witness it for yourself?

Notes:

This tour does not include an admission ticket to the observatory during the light-up.

Dinner is not included, so please enjoy a meal of your choice in Shirakawago.

<< Itinerary >>

03:20p.m. Meet at JR Kanazawa Sta.

03:30p.m.　　　 JR Kanazawa Sta. Departure

05:00p.m.-08:00p.m. Shirakawa-go Light-up Free time (Lighting time 05:30p.m. -07:30p.m. / Observation deck not available)

09:30p.m. 　　 JR Kanazawa Sta. Arrival

Please note

[Observation Deck]
Light-up hours: 5:30 p.m. –7:30 p.m.

Please note that this tour does not include an admission ticket to the observation deck during the light-up hours.

[Temperature and Clothing]
Since the light-up takes place at night, temperatures can drop to between -10℃ and 0℃ and the roads may be icy. We recommend wearing warm clothing, waterproof winter boots, and spikes. As the paths are dark, bringing a flashlight is also advised.

[Drone Photography]
The use of drones is strictly prohibited within Shirakawa-go. Violations are subject to penalties.

[Regarding Admission to the Light-up Event]
An “admission ticket system” will be implemented. The admission ticket will be in the form of a neck holder, and we kindly ask that you wear it around your neck at all times when entering through the gate and while walking around the village.

[Regarding Dinner]
Dinner is not included in the tour, so please enjoy your meal freely in Shirakawa-go.
Please note that dining places may become crowded, so we recommend allowing extra time.

*For details on the light-up event, please refer to the Shirakawa-go Tourism Association’s official website for the latest information.

* Capacity: 45 people (minimum number of participants: 1)
* Accompanied by tour guide
* Accompanied by English-speaking staff
* Dinner: Not included
* Time required: 6 hours
* The schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to road conditions, weather, etc.
* The tour price does not include admission fees to facilities or meal costs during free time.
* Participants under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If all participants are minors, a parental consent form is required for all participants.
* Operating bus companies: White Ring Bus & Tours Co., Ltd., Hakusan Kitasaki Bus

Bus tour

Information

Organizer: White Ring Co., Bus & Tours
See All Plans Run by this Travel Operator
Price: Adults, Children and Infants (2 years and older) 14,000 yen (tax included)
*Infants (0-1 years old) free of charge: no bus seat
Inclusions: The following expenses, which are clearly indicated in the itinerary, are included in the tour fee.
Fares and charges (including tax and service charges) for transportation used, sightseeing charges (entrance fees)
Date: Departure Dates (2026):
January 12 (Mon, National Holiday)
January 18 (Sun)
January 25 (Sun)
February 1 (Sun)
Notes: Please note that only January 12 will be held on Monday due to a three-day weekend.
Time: 3:30p.m.～9:30p.m.
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Shirakawa-go,Shirakawago
Departure Point: JR Kanazawa Station, Kanazawa Portgate exit (West exit), Group Tour Bus Parking Area
Ending Point: JR Kanazawa Station, Kanazawa Portgate exit (West exit), Group Tour Bus Parking Area
By Public Transportation: To get to the meeting place, walk about 1 minute from JR Kanazawa Station Port Exit (West Exit).
Capacity: 45 persons per day
Minimum Participants: 1 person
Reservation: Please apply at least 5 days in advance for preparation.
If the departure date has already been decided, applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on the day before.
Reservation Period: 24 hours
Cancellation: In case of cancellation of the tour contract for the customer's own reason, the following cancellation fee will be charged.
From the day before the departure date to 11 days before the departure date ⇒ No charge
10 days from the day before the start of the tour ⇒ 20% of the tour fee
7 days from the day before the tour start date ⇒ 30% of the trip fee
The day before the start of the tour ⇒ 40% of the tour fee
On the day of the start of the tour ⇒ 50% of the tour fee
Cancellation or no-show after the start of the tour ⇒ 100% of the tour fee
Website: Privacy Policy, Tour Terms and Conditions, and Standard Form Travel Agent Contract