Winter Wonderland & Shirakawago Light-Up Tour
(3 Days)
We hold exclusive access rights to the event.
A Guided Journey to Japan’s Snow-Covered Hidden Gems
This is not just a tour; it’s an exclusive access pass to the winter magic of Japan’s Alps. We take you beyond the ordinary with an English-speaking guide, private transfers to hidden villages, and guaranteed entry to the coveted Shirakawago Light-Up event. Enjoy a seamless, curated experience of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.
Tour points
- English-Speaking Guide: Fully escorted for deep cultural insights and seamless communication.
- Limited Village Access: We have secured a limited number of seats for this exclusive ground-level experience. *No access to the Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck.
- An Exclusive Cultural Combo: Your package includes admission to the Hida Folk Village (合掌造り民家園) and a complimentary serving of warm “Zenzai” (sweet red bean soup) inside.
- Intimate Ground-Level Viewing: Experience the light-up from within the village, a unique and personal perspective.
- Beyond Shirakawa-go: Private Gokayama Tour: Journey by private vehicle to the serene and less-crowded Ainokura Gassho-Zukuri Village in Gokayama. Explore this UNESCO site in comfort and style.
- Authentic Local Cuisine Included: Savor the region’s best flavors with dinners featuring premium Hida Beef and a lunch of freshly grilled “Iwana” (mountain stream char).
- Stay at Tokyu Stay Hida Takayama Yuyu-no-Yu: Relax and unwind at this popular hotel, guaranteed. Featuring natural hot spring baths to soothe your body after a day of exploration.
Day 1 : Tokyo station → Takayama
Day 2 : Takayama & Shirakawago
Day 3 : Tayakama → Tokyo
Day 1 : Meet at Tokyo station → Takayama
- 09:00: Meet our guide at Tokyo and depart from Tokyo Station, traveling via Nagoya to Takayama.
- App. 15:00: Arrive at Takayama sation. After leaving your luggage at the hotel, begin a guided walking tour of Takayama’s beautifully preserved Old Town.
- Evening: Check into your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring exquisite Hida Beef Shabu-Shabu.
Accommodation: TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu
Meals: Dinner included (- / – / D)
Day 2 : Private Gokayama & Exclusive Shirakawago Light-Up
- Morning: Travel by private vehicle with your guide to the Gokayama region. Explore the tranquil Ainokura Gassho-Zukuri Village, a UNESCO site offering a more intimate experience.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional lunch of grilled “iwana” (char) at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon ~ Evening: Exclusive Shirakawago Light-Up Experience
- Return to Takayama to join the reserved light-up tour.
- Arrive in Shirakawago. Your guide will escort you through the snow-covered village.
- Witness the magical Winter Light-Up. This access is for pre-booked guests only, ensuring an uncrowded experience.
- Explore the Hida Folk Village with your included ticket and warm up with your special complimentary Zenzai.
- Depart from Shirakawa-go and return to Takayama. Evening at your leisure.
- 19:45 Depart from Shirakawa-go and return to Takayama.
Accommodation: TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included (B / L / -)
Day 3 : Tayakama → Tokyo / Your Next Destination
- Morning: Your guide will lead a visit to a local sake brewery for a tasting. Afterwards, explore the vibrant Miyagawa Morning Market.
- Afternoon: The tour concludes. You have two options:
- Return to Tokyo: Your guide will take you to the station for your group return journey to Tokyo.
- Flexible Departure from Takayama: End the tour at Takayama Station after the morning activities for independent travel to Kyoto, Kanazawa, or other destinations. Choose this option and receive a $100 discount on your tour price.
Meals: Breakfast included (B / – / -)
Destination: Takayama, Shirakawago
Tour date: 11 January, 17 January and 31 January 2026
Minimum number of participants: 4
Tour price: USD 980 per person : TWN or Triple room
Child price (age 6-11※): USD 880
Single supplement: USD 100
Tour ends at Takayama Station: USD 100 discount
INCLUDED
- English speaking guide
- 2 nights Western-style accommodation with breakfast
- Bullet trains
- Shirakawago light-up tour
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Admission fees to sites as listed in the itinerary
EXCLUDED
- International airfares
- Meals that are not included in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry, and souvenirs
- Gratuities
EXTENDED PLAN
You can also extend your vacation before/after the tour in Tokyo, Osaka, or other areas. We can provide an extension of your stay in the same hotel. Please contact us for inquiries!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This tour starts from Tokyo station and ends in Tokyo station.
- Meal Requests: Vegetarian, halal or special meals can be arrangedPlease note that the tour schedule and prices are subject to change without notice
CANCELLATION POLICY
- 46 days or more prior to arrival date in Japan: no penalty
- 45-31 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 10% of the tour fee
- 30-15 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 20% of the tour fee
- 14- 8 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 30% of the tour fee
- 7 – 3 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 50% of the tour fee
- Less than 3 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 100% of the tour fee