Shirakawa-go 2-Day Tour | Limited 4-Day Winter Light-Up 2026|Takayama Heritage & Winter Illumination

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Shirakawa, Takayama
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https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_5.svg?v=1761040622.alt 2 Days 1 Night
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_6.svg?v=1761040623.alt Max People : 4-8
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_8.svg?v=1761040623.alt Limited to 4 Days in 2026
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_6.svg?v=1761040623.alt Pickup: Hotel in Osaka city
This tour does not include an English guide, only with a Japanese-speaking driver with limited English.
You are welcomed to book the tour from 1 participant. The minimum number of participants for this tour to operate is 4.
After your reservation is submitted, our tour operator will contact you as soon as possible to confirm tour availability, regardless of any automated confirmation email you may receive.
For safety and communication purposes during the trip, a reachable phone number is required for each participanting group.
Cancellation Conditions:Free ≥30 days; 15–29 days: 30% charge; 7–14 days: 50% charge; ≤6 days: 100% charge.
For individual special needs, we will do our best to accommodate; but it is not guaranteed. After your booking being confirmed, please contact us for further details.
Child age 6 and under requires to use the car seat during the trip. We recommend to bring your own car seat/booster. Please contact us if you need help.
Overview
Highlights
Itinerary Details
Important Information

Overview

Experience the ultimate winter journey with our 2-Day Shirakawa-go Light-Up Tour — an exclusive trip available only four nights a year. Departing from Osaka or Kyoto, this premium route takes you through Takayama’s historic streets and into the fairytale village of Shirakawa-go, glowing under snow and lantern light. Enjoy private transfers, small-group comfort, and limited access to the official Light-Up event. Stay overnight in an onsen hotel, indulge in kaiseki cuisine, and explore Japan's authentic winter culture in Takayama city yourself on the second day.

Our highlights are

Key highlights

Exclusive Shirakawa-go Light-Up access (only 4 nights in 2026)
Onsen hotel stay with kaiseki cuisine
Small group with private transfer, enjoy the exclusive time only with your friends and family.

What's Included

Private charter vehicle and driver service (limited English communication)
Background tour operator support (assist on communication with driver)
Onsen hotel in Takayama (kaiseki dinner & breakfast included)
Entry permit to Shirakawa-go Light-Up Event
Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off within Osaka city
English-speaking guide & guide service at sightseeing spots
Entry to observatory
Lunch
Any experience or activity in Takayama city
Any personal expenses, travel insurance, or tips

Itinerary Details

Day 1
Shirakawa‑go Light‑Up
Private Transportation
Private Transportation
Onsen hotel stay
Onsen hotel stay
Dinner at hotel
Dinner at hotel
<em>08:00</em> Depart from Osaka hotel (private car charter pick-up) *There will be snow in Shirakawa-go, please dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes for your safety.
08:00 Depart from Osaka hotel (private car charter pick-up) *There will be snow in Shirakawa-go, please dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes for your safety.
<em>08:00–12:30</em> Transfer to Shirakawa-go (approx. 4.5 hours, with pit stop rest during the way)
08:00–12:30 Transfer to Shirakawa-go (approx. 4.5 hours, with pit stop rest during the way)
<em>12:30–17:00</em>【Lunch on your own】; Free time in Shirakawa-go
12:30–17:00【Lunch on your own】; Free time in Shirakawa-go
<em>17:30–18:30</em> Immerse in Shirakawa-go Light Up (You will need to exit the village by 17:00 once and re-enter before the Illumination Event starts)
17:30–18:30 Immerse in Shirakawa-go Light Up (You will need to exit the village by 17:00 once and re-enter before the Illumination Event starts)
<em>18:30-20:00</em> Transfer back to hotel in Takayama (approx. 1.5 hours)
18:30-20:00 Transfer back to hotel in Takayama (approx. 1.5 hours)
<em>20:00~</em> Enjoy Kaiseki Dinner at hotel
20:00~ Enjoy Kaiseki Dinner at hotel
Shirakawa‑go Light‑Up Shirakawa‑go Light‑Up
Day 2
Takayama Old Town
Private Transportation
Private Transportation
Breakfast at hoel
Breakfast at hoel
<em>09:00</em> Check-out and depart from Takayama hotel
09:00 Check-out and depart from Takayama hotel
<em>09:00–13:00</em> Your free time exploring around Takayama city and 【Lunch on your own】
09:00–13:00 Your free time exploring around Takayama city and 【Lunch on your own】
<em>13:00-18:00</em> Drive back to Osaka (Approx. 5 hours)
13:00-18:00 Drive back to Osaka (Approx. 5 hours)
Takayama Old Town Takayama Old Town

Important Information

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Please note that this plan includes a private vehicle only. The driver is not an English speaker and will not provide sightseeing explanations. Communication will be possible through a translation device or app directly with the driver or via the tour operator.
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We will contact you via your provided contact information 2 days before your departure. If you do not receive any information, please check your email spam folder. If you still do not receive anything one day before the trip, please do not hesitate contacting us.
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We only offer hotel pick-up and drop-off within the city area (Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto), if your hotel is out of the area, we are happy to drop you at a terminal station or where you request within the city area (need to be informed in advance).
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All travel itineraries do not include travel insurance. Outdoor activities involve certain risks and dangers. The company is not responsible for any physical damage or injury caused by accidents or unforeseen factors. We highly recommend to purchase your own insurance in advance.
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Please arrive at the meeting location 10 minutes before the departure time. The bus will depart according to the schedule and will not wait for late arrivals. You cannot join the tour midway.
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If your group does not meet the minimum participants, you will enjoy the tour with other guests. We will contact you in advance as soon as the information is available. If the minimum participants are still not met by 14 days before the scheduled departure, the tour may be cancelled.
Price:
$640.00
/ Person

Choose Tour Date

Free cancellation up to 30 days before the
experience starts (local time)

Reserve Now and Pay Later - Secure your spot while
staying flexible

Partial cancellation 15–29 days: 30% charge; 7–14 days: 50% charge; ≤6 days: 100% charge.

Shirakawa-go 2-Day Tour | Limited 4-Day Winter Light-Up 2026|Takayama Heritage & Winter Illumination
Shirakawa-go 2-Day Tour | Limited 4-Day Winter Light-Up 2026|Takayama Heritage & Winter Illumination

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Why Choose Us

Official qualifications

Officially licensed by the Japan Tourism Agency and accredited by JATA & IATA, ensuring safe, reliable, and internationally recognized services.

20+ years of experience

Over 20 years of inbound and ground-handling experience with a dedicated inbound division specializing in overseas groups and luxury tailor-made tours, supported by multilingual staff (English, Spanish, Chinese).

Multilingual tour guides

Serving premium markets in Europe, North America, and Asia with multilingual guides and globally attuned standards; expanding into incentive travel, business delegations, and educational programs.

Small, high-quality tour groups

Exclusive small-group tours (4–12 pax) avoiding the rush of large bus tours, with flexible transportation (private cars, minibuses, luxury vans) and immersive, relaxed experiences.

Tailor-Made Luxury Travel

Personalized itineraries for families, honeymooners, and incentive groups, combining Michelin dining, luxury ryokans, and cultural experiences, with full professional support from planning to execution.

Seamless Ground Handling

Comprehensive one-stop service integrating hotels, transport, dining, and ticketing; nationwide hotel partnerships (Okura, Marriott, JR, Kintetsu); and exclusive dining collaborations including Michelin sushi, Kobe Wagyu, and kaiseki cuisine.

FAQs

Q1. Are all tours guided by an English-speaking guide?

A: Not all.
At Japan Local Journeys, some tours are guided by professional English-speaking guides, while others are operated as driver-only private transfers.

Our driver-only tours are designed for travelers who prefer privacy and flexibility — you’ll have a private car and driver, while our operation team provides real-time English assistance via WhatsApp.
Please check each product page to see whether an English-speaking guide is included.

Q2. What is a “driver-only private tour”?

Q3. Can the driver speak English?

Q4. Can I add an English-speaking guide to a driver-only tour?

Q5. What type of travelers choose driver-only tours?

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