Course S: Shirakawa-go Illumination Bus Tour with Observatory Ticket (from Takaoka)
Limited to only 4 nights a year, Shirakawago light-up is an event that you can never miss. January and February are the times with the heaviest snowfall in Shirakawago. The gassho-zukuri houses in UNESCO world heritage village are lit up gradually in the evening, while the entire area will softly be illuminated by floodlights. The illumination lights provide a contrast to the darkness, and the thick blanket of snow, generating a picturesque moment as if in a fairy tale wonderland.
This tour is featured with a ticket to the Observation Deck, the best place to enjoy a panoramic view of the village. From this vantage point you can truly appreciate the mountainous scenery and snow-covered village. The spectacular view in front of your eyes is breathtaking and is a must-see magical moment once in your life. 

Operation Days
Days
(2025)
13 Jan(Mon), 19 Jan(Sun), 26 Jan(Sun)
 2 Feb(Sun)　(4 Days Only)
Route
Takaoka Station / Shin-Takaoka Station > Ogimachi Village in Shirakawago & observation deck(on foot only) > Shin-Takaoka / Takaoka 
Tour Includes


Round trip transportation (Takaoka/Shin-Takaoka <-> Shirakawago) 
& admission to Observation Deck. 
(Meals is excluded) 
Reservation





Required
Available from 4 October, 2024 at 14:00 (Japan time)
From this year, we will be accepting reservations in four separate sessions to ease access. Please take a look at the *reservation schedule below.
*Only online reservations are accepted. (Phone reservations are not accepted. / Maximum number of people per application is 6.)　
Bus Company
Kaetsunou Bus Co., Ltd. 
*Reservation schedules 
Tour Dates
Booking Open Dates/Times
13 Jan(Mon)
4 Oct (Fri) 14:00
19 Jan(Sun)
11 Oct (Fri) 14:00
26 Jan(Sun)
18 Oct (Fri) 14:00
 2 Feb(Sun)
25 Oct (Fri) 14:00
Jan
13, 19, 26
Feb
2
Fare
Adults
JPY  15,000
Children(6-12)
JPY  13,000






Itinerary
2:30PM
Departure from Takaoka Station (In front of Hotel Route Inn)
2:45PM
Departure from Shin-Takaoka Station (South Exit, Bus Stop No.8)
4:10-7:50PM

Explore the Ogimachi Village & light up view from Observation Deck＊ 
Period of Light-up: 5:30-7:30PM
9:00PM
Arrival at Takaoka Station

※You are advised to wear slip-resistant shoes as the return promenade gets very slippery with snow.
※Please be advised that the sunset times differ depending on the tour date.
Cancellation fee
- JPY 100 per person before the departure time shown on your E-ticket. 
- Note: If you don't show up for a service and fail to cancel the reservation prior to scheduled departure, you are considered a no-show and all money associated with the reservation is forfeited. 
- Please cancel your reservation via the “Manage my Booking” Page of Japan Bus Online website at https://japanbusonline.com/BookInquiry before the specified deadline. 

Luggage policy
You are allowed carry-on luggage that complies with following size limits, plus your personal belonging. The total combined weight limit is 10 kg, sum of the 3 dimensions (length+breadth+height) must not exceed 100 centimeters.  Capacity must be less than 0.027㎥. Luggage you can take on the bus for free is subject to the condition of carriage.

Important Notice
- Participants will have to go up to the observation deck and go down to the village on foot (it takes about 20mins per way). 
-Round trip transportation from Shin-Takaoka / Takaoka Station to Shirakawago is included. 
-Admission ticket to observation deck is included in the tour. Meals is excluded. 
-Children aged 6-12 years old need a child ticket. For children below 6 years old can travel for free of charge sitting on parent's lap. but if you would like to secure a seat, please purchase a child ticket.　
-Wearing slip resistant shoes and heavy winter clothing is strongly recommended, as it gets very cold at night and the temperature may drop below zero. 
-Seats are limited and reservation closes as soon as seats are filled. Please make a reservation as soon as possible.
-Advanced payment is required to secure your reservation.
-We ask for your cooperation in keeping your luggage to a minimum due to the limits of the storage.
-Any dangerous items such as explosive materials, flammable materials and corrosive substances are prohibited to bring on the bus.
-Snowboards, skiboards, surfboards, folding bicycles and fishing poles/rods are not allowed to bring onto the bus.
-Any fragile items and valuables items should not be stowed in the storage compartment  in any circumstances, but should be taken on board as a hand luggage.
-We are not liable for any loss or damage to your luggage.
-Bringing any living creature except for trained guide dogs or service dogs that are being used by person with disability is prohibited on the bus.
-Smoking on buses is strictly prohibited.
-Please present the printed copy of your E-ticket or present the E-ticket on your mobile/smart phone prior to departure. 
-Please note that you may have to repurchase the ticket if you do not present the ticket when asked.
-Please review your boarding spot on Japan Bus Online before boarding the bus. Bus leaves on time and you are advised to be at the boarding spot at least 5 minutes in advance of the reserved departure time.
-Please confirm your arrival spot at your own discretion and risk. 
-  If the expressway is closed due to bad weather and/or circumstances beyond our control, either the bus service will be operated with another route or maybe canceled.
-Due to road condition and any circumstances beyond our control, departure or arrival time may change. 
-We accept no responsibility for any extra overnights or taxi fares caused by any delays due to Acts of God, delayed departure or arrivals, bad road or weather conditions, any circumstances beyond our control.
-All images shown are for illustration purpose only.

Operating Bus Company
Kaetsunou Bus Ticketing Center: Tel. +81 (0) 766-21-0950 Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM-6:30 PM, Sat, Sun/National holidays 9:00 AM-6:00 PM 
Please contact the operating bus company directly for bus operations. 
You can make an inquiry to JapanBusOnline@mail.j-bus.co.jp customer support center, KOBO Co., Ltd relating to reservations and payment of tickets.


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