Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up Festival - A Night of Snow and Light at a World Heritage Site

light-up nature
Gifu / January

About This Festival

The Shirakawa-go Light-up, held in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ogimachi gassho-zukuri village in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture, is a winter-only event that occurs just a few times each year and requires advance reservations. In the stillness of a snow-laden mountain valley, traditional gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs are bathed in warm light, creating an archetypal Japanese landscape that no photograph or video can fully capture. The breathtaking view from the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory reveals the golden-lit village floating in the darkness, where the ethereal interplay of snow and illumination transports visitors to another world. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the village preserves a unique architectural style adapted to heavy snowfall, and the brief light-up offers a chance to appreciate its value with all five senses. Because attendance is strictly by reservation, you cannot enter the Shirakawa-go Light-up if you simply turn up on the day. Anyone wishing to take part must secure a reservation ticket in advance.

Stay Updated

Get notified about early ticket sales and festival updates

Festival Information

Location
Gifu
Categories
light-up, nature
Event Dates
January, February
Official Website
Visit Official Site

Related Articles

experience.viewAll →
4 min read

“Your Name” – A Japanese Anime Film

Overview of the Film “Your Name” The film “Your Name” is a Japanese anime movie that was released in 2016. Directed and written by Makoto Shinkai, the main cast includes Ryunosuke Kamiki and Mone Kamishiraishi, who provided the voices for the characters. The story revolves around a boy named Taki, who lives in Tokyo, and […]

3 min read

About “Gero Onsen” in Gifu Prefecture

History and Features of Gero Onsen History The origins of “Gero Onsen” can be traced back to the Heian period (947–957). During the Edo period, the Confucian scholar Hayashi Razan praised it as one of the “Three Great Hot Springs of Japan” alongside “Arima Onsen” and “Kusatsu Onsen.” Water Quality and Benefits The water quality […]

5 min read

9 Best Things to Do in Gifu (Hida-Takayama) in spring (March to May)

The Hida-Takayama area in Gifu Prefecture transforms into a captivating landscape of natural beauty and cultural richness in spring. With famous cherry blossom spots, traditional festivals, and unique experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this season. In this article, we delve into the charms of Gifu Prefecture in spring. This article introduces the […]

Related Festivals & Events

experience.viewAll →