2026/09/02

Notification

Event

旬な情報

We are pleased to announce the details of the 41st Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event (2027), one of the most popular winter traditions in the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go.
This event is strictly by advance reservation only. An admission ticket system will also be in place again this year, and eligibility to participate will be checked at the entrance.
Please check the following information carefully for details about the event and how to make a reservation.

<Important Information — Please Read Carefully>
  • The event will be held under strict visitor capacity control through a complete advance reservation system and admission ticket system.
  • Visitors who arrive on the day without an advance reservation will NOT be permitted to participate. Please make a reservation in advance and obtain an admission ticket. Visitors without an admission ticket will be asked to leave. Please be sure to take note of this.
    Admission tickets will NOT be sold on the day of the event.
  • An admission ticket allows visitors to walk around the illuminated village, but does not provide access to the observation deck. Please note that admission tickets are valid only on the date of the event and are color-coded according to the event date.
  • There are two types of admission: with or without access to the observation deck. Not all participants will be able to access the observation deck. For details, please see “3. Observation Deck Tickets.”
  • Please be aware that the event may be cancelled if major transportation disruptions are expected due to a severe nationwide cold wave or other extreme winter conditions.
  • All vehicles must be equipped with studless winter tires.
  • The World Heritage village is a residential area where local people live. Therefore, drone photography and filming are strictly prohibited.
  • From 15:30 onward, an entrance gate will be set up, and visitors without an admission ticket will not be permitted to enter Shirakawa-go. In particular, visitors arriving by regular bus after sightseeing during the daytime must take a bus that arrives in Shirakawa-go by 15:20. Visitors arriving on a later bus will not be permitted to enter Shirakawa-go. Please take note of this carefully.

This year's Light-Up Event will be held on four limited dates only. Please check the schedule below.

Please be aware that the event may be cancelled if major transportation disruptions are expected due to a severe nationwide cold wave or other extreme winter conditions.

The event venue is the Ogimachi area of Shirakawa Village.
 
Number of EventsEvent Dates and Times
1st time EventJanuary 11, 2027 (Monday, public holiday), 17:30–19:30
2nd time EventJanuary 17, 2027 (Sunday), 17:30–19:30
3rd time EventJanuary 24, 2027 (Sunday), 17:30–19:30
4th time EventJanuary 31, 2027 (Sunday), 17:30–19:30
※As January 11 falls during a three-day holiday weekend, this event will be held on Monday (public holiday) instead.

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On Light-Up Event days only, restrictions are placed on daytime sightseeing in order to separate event participants from regular visitors who are not participating in the event. Please check the following information carefully.

Parking

  • Advance reservations are not required for regular vehicles visiting Shirakawa-go during the daytime. (Buses are excluded.)
  • The daytime parking lot for regular vehicles opens at 8:00, with final entry at 15:00 (staff will direct vehicles), and all vehicles must leave the parking lot by 17:00. Please note that vehicles arriving after 15:00 will not be permitted to enter.
  • The daytime bus parking lot opens at 8:00, with final entry at 14:00, and all buses must leave the parking lot by 16:00. Please note that buses arriving after 14:00 will not be permitted to enter. In addition, buses must make an advance parking reservation through the Shirakawa-go Bus Parking Reservation Website.
  • The recommended time required to visit the World Heritage village is approximately 2–3 hours. To allow sufficient time for sightseeing, we strongly recommend using the parking lot by 12:00.
Observation Deck
  • Private vehicles are prohibited from accessing the municipal “Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observation Deck” throughout the day. Please use the observation deck shuttle bus or walk to the observation deck.
  • Due to preparations for the Light-Up Event, the walking route to the “Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observation Deck” will be open until 15:45 and will be closed at 16:10. Please allow sufficient time for your visit.
  • The observation deck shuttle bus will operate on its regular schedule (uphill: 9:00–15:40; downhill: 9:10–16:10).
  • If walking, the observation deck can be reached in approximately 15–20 minutes via the walking trail behind Wada House.

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Only visitors with an “Observation Deck Ticket” will be permitted to view the Light-Up from the observation deck.
As the Observation Deck Ticket is a limited-availability item, it will not be sold separately. Please note that visitors without an Observation Deck Ticket will not be permitted to access the observation deck under any circumstances.
There are only two ways to obtain an Observation Deck Ticket:
Stay at an accommodation within Shirakawa Village on the day of the event under a plan that includes an Observation Deck Ticket.
Participate in a Light-Up Event Tour that includes an Observation Deck Ticket, offered by one of the participating bus operators (Nohi Bus, Kaetsuno Bus, Toyama Chiho Railway Bus, Hokuriku Railway Bus, or Iruka Kotsu).
※There is a limited number of tickets available for both options ① and ②. Visitors who do not obtain a ticket through either of the above options will not be permitted to access the observation deck. Please be aware that tickets will be checked.

Important Information Regarding the Observation Deck
  • The use of camera tripods is strictly prohibited at the observation deck.
  • To reduce congestion, access to the observation deck will be divided into three viewing sessions. Please follow the instructions of event staff regarding your designated viewing time and other arrangements on the day.
  • Visitors cannot choose their observation deck viewing time. Please visit during the time slot assigned to you.
  • At the observation deck entrance gate, staff will check your ticket, after which you will be asked to walk to the observation deck. (Exceptions apply as noted below.)
  • A separate shuttle bus service will be provided for visitors who have difficulty walking, people with disabilities, pregnant visitors, and others with special circumstances. This service requires advance reservation. Please contact the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association for details.
  • Due to the limited space at the observation deck, pets are not permitted.
  • Please be aware that access to the observation deck may be suspended due to heavy snowfall if necessary to ensure visitor safety.
  • Observation Deck Tickets may not be resold or transferred to another person.

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The Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event will be held under a strict advance reservation and admission ticket system. All participants will receive an admission ticket in the form of a neck holder and are required to wear it around their necks at all times while walking around the event area, so that event participants can be clearly identified.
Admission tickets are color-coded according to the event date and are valid only on the date indicated.

To participate in the event, you must choose one of the following five options and make an advance reservation.
All visitors with a reservation will receive an admission ticket on the day of the event. Please note that the location where admission tickets are distributed differs depending on the participation option.
Stay Overnight in Shirakawa Village on the Day of the Event (Includes Observation Deck Ticket)
Reserve a Designated Parking Space for Your Private Vehicle (No Observation Deck Ticket)
Reserve a Designated Parking Space and Travel by Taxi (No Observation Deck Ticket)
Join a Bus Tour Organized by a Travel Agency (No Observation Deck Ticket)
The Shirakawa-go Tourist Association can only provide options ①, ②, and ③. For options ④ and ⑤, visitors must make their own arrangements and reservations.

① Stay Overnight in Shirakawa Village on the Day of the Event (Includes Observation Deck Ticket)

To ensure fairness, accommodation reservations for the Light-Up Event handled by the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association will not be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, accommodations will be assigned through a lottery.
The schedule for the upcoming reservation process is as follows.

Details of the available accommodations and information on how to enter the lottery will be announced from 13:00 (JST) on Thursday, October 1.
October 1, 2026<strong>13:00 – Accommodation lottery applications open</strong> (This is a lottery application, not a reservation.)<br />
※Further information will be provided separately on the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association website. Applications will be accepted by email. <strong>Each person may submit only one application.</strong><br />
※Details of the accommodation lottery, including available accommodations and prices, will be announced at that time.<br />
※After reviewing the lottery details, applicants can select their preferred date and accommodation, and then submit their application by email.
October 31, 202623:59 – Accommodation lottery application deadline
November 10, 2026※Only successful applicants will be notified by email. Successful applicants must complete their reservation and credit card payment through the designated online reservation page for lottery winners.
※If a successful applicant declines the accommodation or a reservation is cancelled, additional applications will be accepted at a later date.


② Reserve a Designated Parking Space for Your Private Vehicle (No Observation Deck Ticket)

To participate in the event, you must reserve a parking space in the designated Light-Up Event parking lot. Please note that parking reservations are available for regular vehicles only.
Microbuses and larger buses, camper vans, and other special vehicles are not permitted to park in this lot.
Light-Up Event parking reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations will open in two rounds, and each round will close once the maximum number of available spaces has been reached.
The designated Light-Up Event parking lot is the Midashima Parking Lot.
Entry to the parking lot on the day of the event is from 15:00, and all vehicles must leave the parking lot by 20:00.

Reservations must be made online through the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association website. Payment must be made by credit card.
1st round reservation (Regular Vehicles Only)Sales begin at 13:00 on September 10, 2026.
Available for purchase through the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association website.

※ Maximum of 10 people per vehicle.
① ¥6,000 per vehicle (1–5 people)
② ¥9,000 per vehicle (6–10 people)
2nd round reservation (Regular Vehicles Only)Sales begin at 13:00 on December 1, 2026.
Available for purchase through the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association website.

※ Maximum of 10 people per vehicle.
① ¥7,000 per vehicle (1–5 people)
② ¥10,000 per vehicle (6–10 people)
Details regarding reservations will be announced on the Tourist Association's official website at 13:00 on September 10. Reservations will open on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that, after making a reservation, changes (except for changes in the number of participants) and cancellations are not permitted. Refunds are not available. Reservations may not be resold or transferred to others.
※However, a refund will be issued only if a major transportation disruption, such as heavy snowfall, makes it difficult to hold the event and the Organizing Committee decides to cancel the event.
A parking reservation does not include access to the observation deck.
※ You may be required to present a driver's license or other form of identification.
※ After making your reservation, a parking permit will be sent to you by email between late December and early January.
※ After confirming the number of participants, admission tickets will be handed to you together with a map at the reception desk on the day of the event.
※Please note the following:
   If you make a reservation for 1–5 people but 6 or more people attend on the day, an additional fee of 4,000 yen will be charged on the day.
   If you make a reservation for 6–10 people but 5 or fewer people attend on the day, no refund of the difference will be provided.


③ Reserve a Designated Parking Space When Arriving by Taxi (No Observation Deck Ticket)

Visitors arriving by a taxi arranged independently must also make a reservation for a designated parking space specifically for the Light-up event, just as described above in ② Reserve a Designated Parking Space for Your Own Car (No Observation Deck Ticket). Please make the parking reservation first and then arrange your taxi.

There is no taxi waiting area. As with vehicles that have made a reservation, please proceed to the Midasashi Parking Lot and remain in the parking lot while waiting.
Please note that, as a general rule, vehicles that have entered the parking lot will not be permitted to leave and re-enter.
As admission tickets cannot be handed out on the road, passengers are strictly prohibited from getting on or off the taxi on the roadway.
The total number of people entering the parking lot, including the driver, must not exceed 10.

Please note that admission tickets will not be sold on the day of the event.


④ Participate in a Bus Tour Organized by a Highway Bus Operator (Observation Deck Ticket May or May Not Be Included)

For visitors participating in a bus tour organized by a highway bus operator, special Light-up event tours will be available using highway bus services operated by Nohi Bus, Kaetsuno Bus, Toyama Chihou Railway Bus, Hokutetsu Bus, and Iruka Kotsu.
Normally, highway buses do not operate at night. However, following the announcement of the 2027 Shirakawa-go Light-up event dates, special reservation-only tour buses will be operated.

※Please note that some tours include an observation deck ticket, while others do not.
For reservations and other inquiries, please contact the highway bus operators listed below directly.

This year as well, we plan to stagger the reservation periods in order to make the reservation process as smooth as possible. Please note that the sales period varies depending on the event date.
 The sales periods for each event date are as follows.

(Example) On October 13, reservations can only be made for the Light-up event held on January 11. If you wish to attend on January 17, you will need to wait until October 19 to make a reservation.
Event DateSales Start Date and Time (Nohi Bus, Kaetsuno Bus, Toyama Chihou Railway Bus, Hokutetsu Bus, and Iruka Kotsu)※Sales will begin at the same time for all five bus operators.
January 11 (Monday) Sales Start: October 13 (Tuesday) at 14:00
January 17 (Sunday)Sales Start: October 19 (Monday) at 14:00
January 24 (Sunday)Sales Start: October 26 (Monday) at 14:00
January 31 (Sunday)Sales Start: November 2 (Monday) at 14:00

 ● Nohi Nori-Ai Jidosha Co., Ltd. (Nohi Bus)
・Website: Japanese   https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/shirakawa_lightup_2027/

     English       https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/shirakawa_lightup_2027en/
・Online reservations: Hatsuwa Oraai Net / Japan Bus Online
・Inquiries: Nohi Bus Reservation Center TEL 0577-32-1688
      * Reservations cannot be made by phone.


● Kaetsuno Bus Co., Ltd. (Kaetsuno Bus)
・Website:  https://www.kaetsunou.co.jp/16779/
・Online reservations: Hatsuwa Oraai Net / Japan Bus Online
・Inquiries: Kaetsuno Bus Ticket Center TEL 0766-21-0950  (Mon–Fri 7:30–18:30 / Sat, Sun & holidays 9:00–18:00)
      Kaetsuno Travel Center    TEL 0766-21-6980  (Mon–Fri 8:30–17:30 / Closed Sat, Sun & holidays)
      * Reservations cannot be made by phone.


● Toyama Chihou Railway Co., Ltd. (Toyama Chiho Railway Bus)
・Website: https://www.chitetsu.co.jp/?p=79019
・Online reservations: Hatsuwa Oraai Net / Japan Bus Online
・Inquiries: Toyama Chiho Railway Ticket Center TEL 076-431-3113 (9:00–17:30)

      * Reservations cannot be made by phone.

● Hokuriku Railway Co., Ltd. (Hokutetsu Bus)
・Website / Online reservations: https://www.hokutetsu.co.jp/news/shirakawago-lightup2027/
・Phone reservations: Hokuriku Railway Group Travel Center
      TEL 0120-316-100 or 076-287-5180
       (10:00–12:00, 13:00–15:00 / Closed Saturdays, Sundays & holidays)  

● Iruka Kotsu

・Website / Online reservations: https://www.iruka-net.jp/shirakawa_lightup_2027
                         * Reservations cannot be made by phone.



⑤ Participate in a Bus Tour Organized by a Travel Agency (No Observatory Ticket Included)

Details of the tour plans for participating in a bus tour organized by a travel agency (without an observatory ticket) will be posted on the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association website with links from 13:00 on Wednesday, December 2.
For details on how to make reservations, please contact the relevant travel agency directly. The Shirakawa-go Tourist Association is unable to provide information regarding reservation procedures.


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All buses, including microbuses and larger vehicles, must have a reservation to participate in the Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event.
Buses without a Bus Parking Permit will not be permitted to enter the Light-Up Event.
Please note that access to the observation deck is not included.

<Important Information — Please Read Carefully>

※ Reservations are accepted by individual participating facilities on the condition that all passengers use a paid service at an eligible facility within Shirakawa Village on the day of the event.
 However, as these facilities already have established business relationships with travel agencies throughout the year, it is currently very difficult for new travel agencies to make bus reservations for the Light-Up Event only.
 Therefore, rather than arranging a bus, we recommend considering a regular passenger vehicle such as a Toyota HiAce (maximum 10 people) and making a reservation under
② Reserve a Designated Parking Space for Your Private Vehicle.

【Overview of Bus Reservations】
  • The number of buses that can be accepted is limited, and the number of available spaces varies by facility.
  • The Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event Committee Secretariat (Shirakawa-go Tourist Association) does not arrange or introduce eligible facilities for travel agencies or bus operators. Therefore, we are unable to provide information regarding available facilities.
  • Please contact eligible facilities directly to inquire and make a reservation. (At present, new reservations are very difficult to secure.)
  • The Shirakawa-go Tourist Association does not have designated bus parking spaces and therefore cannot accept bus reservations.
  • Passenger drop-off and pick-up on the road in violation of the event rules is strictly prohibited.
  • If a bus does not have a Bus Parking Permit, admission tickets cannot be issued and the passengers will not be permitted to enter the event area. The bus and its passengers will be required to leave. Please be aware of this. Admission tickets will NOT be sold on the day of the event.

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【Participating in the Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event】
  • The Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event is held under a strict advance reservation system.
    Visitors without a reservation will not be permitted to participate, even if they arrive on the day of the event. Admission tickets will also NOT be sold on the day.
  • As in previous years, an admission ticket system will be implemented to prevent violations of the event rules. An entrance gate will be set up at the entrance to the village to verify event participants.
  • Admission tickets are provided in the form of neck holders. Please wear the holder around your neck at all times when entering through the gate and while walking around the village.
    Visitors without an admission ticket will not be permitted to enter and will be required to leave the area. Please be sure to carry your ticket with you.
  • Depending on the reservation option you choose, access to the observation deck may or may not be available. Please check the details of your selected option carefully.
【For Visitors Arriving by Highway Bus】
  • The final regular bus services departing from Shirakawa-go operate between approximately 16:00 and 17:00, before the Light-Up Event begins.
    There are no regular bus services available for returning after viewing the Light-Up Event. Please check the bus timetable in advance and make appropriate arrangements for your return journey.
  • From 15:30 onward, an entrance gate will be set up, and visitors without an admission ticket will not be permitted to enter Shirakawa-go. In particular, visitors arriving by regular bus for daytime sightseeing must take a bus that arrives in Shirakawa-go by 15:20. Visitors arriving on a later bus will not be permitted to enter. Please take note of this carefully.
  • For details regarding highway bus services and reservations, please contact the respective bus operator directly.
【Use of Drones Is Prohibited】
  • The World Heritage village is a residential area. The use of drones is prohibited.
    This prohibition also applies during the Light-Up Event. Violations may be subject to penalties.
【Winter Tires Required】
  • All vehicles must be equipped with studless winter tires.
    Although measures are taken to address snowy and icy conditions, Shirakawa-go is a heavy snowfall area. Please drive safely, especially on curves, and avoid excessive speed. Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.
【Temperature and Appropriate Clothing】
  • The Light-Up takes place during the coldest part of the night. Temperatures may range from approximately −10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F), and roads and walkways may be icy.
    We strongly recommend wearing warm winter clothing, waterproof insulated boots, and anti-slip footwear or traction devices. As it will be dark around the village, please be sure to bring a flashlight.
【Hakusan Taxi in Shirakawa Village】
  • Hakusan Taxi will not be operating on the day of the Light-Up Event due to event-related operations.

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Stopping, parking, or picking up and dropping off passengers anywhere other than the designated parking areas is strictly prohibited.
We ask for your understanding and cooperation to ensure the smooth operation of the event. Please note that the following penalty will apply to anyone who violates the event rules.

(Penalty)
・ Permanent ban from participating in the Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event, including all affiliated companies within the same corporate group.


☆ Contact: Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event Committee (within the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association)
   TEL: 05769-6-1013 (9:00–17:00)    FAX: 05769-6-1716

 

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