Course B Shirawakago Illumination Bus with observatory ticket (from Takayama)
Shirakawago Illumination
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 an admission ticket to 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. 

Days
(2025)
13 Jan(Mon), 19 Jan(Sun), 26 Jan(Sun)
2 Feb(Sun) (4 Days Only)
Route

Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal > Ogimachi Village in Shirakawago > Observation Deck > Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
Tour Includes



Round trip transportation (Takayama <-> Shirakawago), 
Admission ticket to Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck &
Shirakawago's souvenirs (Yuiuma pork curry, Doburoku Yokan sweet bean jelly)
Reservation




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
Nohi Bus Company
*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


Shirakawago
Shirakawago Illumination

Operation Days 
Jan
13, 19, 26
Feb
2
Fare
Adults
JPY 13,000
Children(6 to 12)
JPY 11,000

Itinerary (duration: approx. 5hrs 35mins.)
15:10
Departure from Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal
16:20

Explore the Ogimachi Village & view from Observation Deck* 
Time of illumination: 17:30- 19:30
19:45
Return
20:45
Arrival at Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal

・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.


Shirakawago



Shirakawago

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. 

Important Notice
- You must exchange your ticket at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center before boarding.
Reception opens at 7:00 AM on the day of travel, please exchange your ticket as early as possible regardless of your departure time.
Reception will get very crowded close to the bus departure, and you may miss your bus. 
- Participants will have to go up to the observation deck and go down to the village on foot. (20 minutes walk)
- Children aged 6-12 years old need a child ticket. For children below 6 years old can travel for free of charge sitting on their parent's lap. but if you would like to secure a seat, please purchase a child ticket. 
- There will be no attendants on this tour. 
- For those who cannot walk, the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association provides shuttle buses. For more information, please contact the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association. (05769-6-1013)
-There are no fixed-bus services back to Takayama city after the illumination event in Shirakawago. If you would like to view the illumination in Shirakawago, please participate in this tour, Shirakawago Illumination Bus.
-Number of participants at the observation deck is limited to ensure your safety. Note that you cannot walk up to the observation deck. Furthermore, no numbered tickets will be issued on the spot to view the illumination in Shirakawago from 2019. Tickets of this event needs to be booked in advance.
-You can make a reservation for up to 6 people in one transaction.
-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.
-Delays might occur depending on the traffic, weather conditions and congestion of sightseeing spots. We shall not be responsible for any losses or expenses caused by delays that are beyond our control. 
-Times to view the illumination may be shorter than it is originally scheduled.
-All images shown are for illustration purpose only.

Operating Bus Company
Nohi Bus TEL: +81 (0)577-32-1688 (9:00AM-5:00PM)
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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