Hida Daishoonyudo Tourism Co., Ltd. (Location: 1147 Hinata, Tannokawa-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture; President: Nobuhiko Naganuma) will host the limited-winter ice pillar event "Ice Valley" from early January through early March 2026. Created in sub-zero temperatures, the ice walls reach up to 30 meters in height and extend approximately 200 meters in width, presenting a truly spectacular sight. The event features Saturday-only illuminations in February and the 19th annual photo contest, offering special winter experiences in Hida Takayama.
Massive ice formations near the second exit of the limestone cave, spanning 200 meters in width
Nature's Artwork in Extreme Cold: The Ice Valley
Known as a signature winter attraction at Hida Great Limestone Cave, the "Ice Valley" takes advantage of the Hida region's harsh winter conditions. Water is sprayed onto the mountainside outside the cave, where it freezes over time to create massive ice pillars. Formed slowly in sub-zero temperatures, these ice formations reach an impressive scale of up to 30 meters in height and approximately 200 meters in width.
Daytime Highlights: Glistening Blue-White Ice
During the day, visitors can appreciate the natural transparency of the ice and its beautiful blue-white glow under sunlight in the crisp winter air. The scenery showcases both the severity and beauty of nature in powerful harmony.
2025 Photo Contest winning entry
2011 Photo Contest grand prize winner
Nighttime Highlights: Mystical Illumination
The Saturday-only illuminations in February transform the massive ice pillars with blue and green LED lights. The ice formations appear to float in the darkness, creating a truly mystical atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world.
2023 Photo Contest grand prize winner
2024 Photo Contest grand prize winner
19th Annual Ice Valley Photo Contest
The event includes a photo contest with support from Chunichi Shimbun. Submissions are open to professionals and amateurs alike, inviting everyone to capture the beauty and power of the "Ice Valley."
(Submit digitally via the official website or by mail. Prize winners receive gift certificates.)
Ice Valley Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Early January to Early March (subject to weather conditions) |
| Hours | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Admission Fee (Located within the limestone cave grounds; admission to the cave and Ohashi Collection Museum included) |
Adults (High school and above): ¥1,100 Children (Elementary and Junior High): ¥550 Preschoolers: Free Disability discounts available |
| Location | Hida Great Limestone Cave (along the return path after exiting the cave) 〒506-2256 1147 Hinata, Tannokawa-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture |
| Website | https://www.syonyudo.com/ |
Illumination Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturdays in February only (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th) |
| Hours | Sunset to 8:00 PM |
| Admission Fee, Location | Same as above |
| Note | Evenings are extremely cold; please dress warmly. |
Event Background
While Hida Great Limestone Cave attracts many visitors as a summer retreat, winter has traditionally been the off-season. The "Ice Valley" event, which began in 2008, was created to draw visitors during the winter months.
Access
The Hida Great Limestone Cave is conveniently located approximately 70 minutes by car from Shirakawa-go and 30 minutes from downtown Takayama. Visitors can combine their trip with tours of Shirakawa-go, historic townscape walks, or hot spring visits to experience this winter-only spectacular scenery.
Public Transportation
From JR Takayama Station:
- Take Nohi Bus "Hirayu/Shin-Hotaka Line" for approximately 30 minutes to Shonyudo-guchi stop (free shuttle service available from bus stop)
From Shirakawa-go:
- Take Nohi Bus "Takayama Nohi Bus Center" for approximately 50 minutes to Takayama Nohi Bus Center, then
- Take Nohi Bus "Hirayu/Shin-Hotaka Line" for approximately 30 minutes to Shonyudo-guchi stop (free shuttle service available from bus stop)
By Car
Approximately 30 minutes from Chubu Jukan Expressway Takayama IC
