The annual Shirakawago Winter Light-Up event is the most sought-after winter experience in Japan. For just a few exclusive nights each January and February, the historic gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawago village are blanketed in snow and spectacularly illuminated, creating a breathtaking, fairytale scene. Due to its popularity, attending requires careful planning. This ultimate guide breaks down everything you need to know, including the official dates, how to secure your mandatory tickets or accommodation, and tips for experiencing the unforgettable Shirakawago Illumination.
How to Participate in Shirakawa-gō Winter Light-Up Event
To be able to participate in the light-up event at Shirawaka-go, not only do extra charges apply, but you have to either be quick enough to secure a spot on the light-up event buses in Shirakawago. If you plan to drive or want to spend a night in participating accommodation for the night, you will need to be lucky enough to be one of the winners in the drawing Σ(ﾟДﾟ).
If you are eyeing Shirakwa-go’s light-up event, watch the event space on Shirakawago’s Official Website closely around early August the year before.
That is, if you want to join the event in January/February the following year, you will have to apply through the official website in the prior year. The currently scheduled light-up event for 2026 is on January 12, 18, 25, and February 1, 2026.
The Five Ways to Experience Shirakawago’s Light-Up Event in 2026
For the 2026 event, the application starts on October 1, 2025 and ends on October 31, 2025.
There are only five ways that a tourist can be part of the 2026 event.
1. Staying Overnight in Shirakawago Village
If you want to spend a night on one of the days when Shirakawago Illumination is held in 2026, you must submit your application in October 2025. A drawing will take place after October 31. The lucky winners will be contacted on November 10 (in other words, if you haven’t heard from Shirawaka-go, it is unlikely that you will be able to stay at the Shirakawago village overnight).
If you are the winner, you will then need to make a reservation and pay for your stay with a credit card on the official website.
Important: One group can only apply once. You would not be able to amend your application afterwards. If you breach this rule, your application will be canceled.
The participating accommodations in Shirakawago include hostels (such as Shirawaka-goTerrace). You can book two nights at the hostels at Shirawaka-go.
As soon as Shirawaka-go releases the event dates in early July/August, make a booking to reserve your spots immediately!
2. and 3. You Plan to Drive or Take a Taxi to Shirawaka-go
If you plan to access Shirakawago via a vehicle on one of the nights when the light-up event is held, a reservation for a “parking permit” is required per vehicle. Each vehicle should have a capacity of 10 people or fewer.
This method has 2 application starting dates. The later you apply, the more expensive the parking fee is.
- The 1st application opens at 1 pm on September 10.
- The parking fee is 6,000 yen (for a capacity of five or fewer) or 9,000 yen (for a capacity of between six and ten).
- The 2nd application opens at 1 pm on December 1.
- The parking fee is 7,000 yen (for a capacity of five or fewer) or 10,000 yen (for a capacity of six to ten).
The purchase of the permit is through Shirakawa-go’s official website HERE.
Important: A ticket to the Shirakawago Observation Desk isn’t available if you plan to experience Shirakawago’s Light-Up event by driving or taking a taxi.
4. You Can Participate in Shirawaka-go Light-Up Event by Joining a Tour
You can also join the Shirakawago Illumination event by joining a tour. From the end of August, travel agents in Japan will offer tour packages on their websites. The downside is that the tours are likely to be held in Japanese.
Refer to kkday’s website HERE for their tour package.
5. You Can Participate in Shirawaka-go Light-Up Event by Taking One of the Light-Up Event Buses
Bus companies that provide bus services to Shirawaka-go will typically offer light-up event bus services for customers to book starting from the beginning of October (October 3 in 2026).
Important: On the days when the light-up event is held, an application to visit Shirakawago village would not be required if you leave by 3 pm (the car park opens until 1 pm). Nevertheless, if you plan to attend in January or February, please read the event details carefully.
The Shirakawago Observation Deck Ticket During Shirakawago Light-Up Event
An Observation Deck Ticket is required to access the Shirakawago Observation Deck on the nights when Shirakawago Illumination Events are held. The following two methods can obtain this ticket:
- Staying at one of the participating accommodations in Shirakawago.
- If you plan to attend the light-up event on buses, ensure you select a package that includes access to the observation deck.
Discover What to Do in Shirakawagō
Your visit to Shirakawago village shouldn’t be limited to the light-up event. The fairy tale-like village has much more to offer during the day!
Refer to our Shirakawago article to find out about various attractions in the village to add to your Shirakawago itinerary. The article also includes various tips, including the best time to visit Shirakawago village.
