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The Shirakawa-go Light-up Event, held amidst snow-covered landscapes, is where you’ll find a mesmerizing world of magic. Operating completely on a pre-booking system, this highly sought-after event draws wide acclaim.
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go, this event, held on specific days in January and February, draws large crowds annually. The sight of the iconic, thatched triangular roofs of the gassho-style houses blanketed in snow, illuminated against the night, evokes a fairy-tale-like look and feel.
For 2026, the event will operate on a complete pre-booking and ticket-entry system. Admission is restricted to those who: (1) stay overnight in the village on the day of the event, (2)(3) reserve a designated parking space for car or taxi use, or (4)(5) participate in a bus tour organized by a bus company or travel agency. Access to the observation deck is also limited to those with tickets included in these plans.
Without an entry ticket, daytime tourism in Shirakawa-go is possible on the day of the light-up, but parking is limited to final entry at 3 PM and must be vacated by 5 PM. Also, vehicle access to the village's observation deck is restricted all day. Temperatures during the light-up can drop to between -10 to 0°C, so attendees should come prepared with warm clothing, waterproof boots, and flashlights.
The gassho-style houses appear amidst the white snowfall
Partially translated by AI.
The light-up event only happens a few times a year, so being able to see it in person is really special. I feel super lucky!
Seeing this World Heritage site lit up on a winter night was truly unforgettable. The fairy-tale atmosphere is just magical.
It's beautiful, but it was way too cold and super crowded!
On winter nights, the snow-covered thatched roofs look just like a dreamy fairy tale world. The atmosphere is amazing!
The unique wooden houses covered in snow, with lights shining on the snowy ground, look just like something out of a fairy tale. It feels so warm and romantic—totally worth seeing!
