VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

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!
 ★ Explore the charm of Shirakawa-go in daylight before the lights come on!
 ★ Savor a delicious Hoba Miso Dinner at Hakusuien, featuring the rich flavors of mountain cuisine!

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. We will arrive in Shirakawa-go around 3:30p.m., giving you the chance to stroll through the village and enjoy the stunning daytime views from the observatory before the lights come on. For dinner, we’ll stop at Hakusuien, where you can savor the local specialty Hoba Miso Set Meal, featuring seasonal mountain delicacies. As night falls, the snow-covered thatched-roof houses are illuminated in a magical glow—an enchanting sight that can only be experienced a few times each year. Don’t miss this truly unforgettable evening!

Please note: Admission tickets for the observatory during the Light-up are not included in this tour.

<< Itinerary >>

01:50p.m.                  Meet at JR Kanazawa Sta.

02:00p.m.　　　         JR Kanazawa Sta. Departure

03:30p.m.-05:00p.m.  Shirakawa-go Free time

05:00p.m.-05:30p.m.  Shirakawa-go Dinner at Hakusuien

05:30p.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

[Observation Deck: Daytime]

*Access to the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observation Deck via the walking route is available until 3:45 p.m., and the deck will be closed at 4:10 p.m..

*The observation deck shuttle bus will operate on its regular schedule (uphill: 9:00 a.m. –3:40 p.m., downhill: 9:10 a.m.–4:10 p.m.). (Paid service)

*If you go on foot, it takes about 15–20 minutes to reach the deck via the promenade behind the Wada House.

Note: If there are delays in arriving at Shirakawa-go due to traffic congestion, you may not be able to visit the observation deck.

[Observation Deck: Light-up Hours]
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.

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

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  * Capacity: 80 people (minimum number of participants: 1)
  * Accompanied by tour guide
  * Accompanied by English-speaking staff
  * Dinner : Included （Hakusuien 白水園）
  * Time required: approx. 7 hours and 30 minutes
  * 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
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