Shirakawa-go Winter Light Up Tours

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Lonely Planet Takayama.

For the most up-to-date details, check UNESCO: Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan before you go.

The village features traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses which have very steep and thick thatched roofs. These unique houses are specially designed to withstand the heavy snowfall found in this mountainous region. You can reach this historic village in about fifty minutes by taking a local express bus. Most visitors spend three to four hours exploring the snowy streets and cozy cafes.

Booking your spot early is absolutely essential because these popular tours sell out very quickly. The special light-up events only happen on specific dates during the peak of the winter months. You should check the Shirakawa-go Official website to find the latest schedule and ticket information. Always bring warm layers and waterproof boots for walking through the deep snow.

Charming Snow Scenes in Hida Furukawa

Hida Furukawa is located just fifteen minutes away from Takayama by local train or bus. This quiet town is a wonderful alternative for those who want to avoid large tourist crowds. You can see beautiful white-walled storehouses that look particularly lovely against the fresh winter snow. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for a relaxing morning or afternoon stroll.

You should take a walk along the scenic Seto River which flows through the town center. Hundreds of colorful koi fish live in this river during the warmer months of the year. In winter, the fish are moved to local ponds to protect them from the freezing water. The snowy riverbanks provide a stunning backdrop for your holiday photos in this traditional town.

Visit the local sake breweries to enjoy some warm tastings during the cold winter weather. This town is famous for its high-quality sake production using pure mountain water and local rice. A tasting session usually costs about 500 yen which is roughly 3.50 USD per person. It is a great way to learn about Japanese culture while staying warm indoors.

Stunning Views at Shinhotaka Ropeway

The Shinhotaka Ropeway offers some of the most incredible mountain views in the northern Japan Alps. You can take a scenic bus ride from Takayama which takes about ninety minutes one way. The Nohi Bus service provides frequent departures from the main terminal near the station. This trip is a must for anyone who loves dramatic alpine scenery and fresh air.

This ropeway features unique double-decker gondolas that take you to an elevation of 2,156 meters. You will often see a vast sea of clouds from the top observation deck area. The snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains are truly breathtaking during the clear winter days. It feels like you are standing on top of the world in a frozen paradise.

You must dress very warmly because temperatures at the top often drop far below freezing. A round-trip ticket for the ropeway costs approximately 3,500 yen for an adult traveler. There is a small restaurant at the top station serving hot bowls of local ramen. This warm meal is perfect after spending time outside in the cold mountain air.

Relaxing in Gero Onsen Waters

Gero Onsen is a world-famous hot spring town located just forty-five minutes from Takayama. It is officially ranked as one of the top three hot spring destinations in all of Japan. The train ride to the town offers beautiful views of the Hida River and snowy valleys. Taking a soak in hot water is the best way to relax after sightseeing.

The natural hot spring water here is very smooth and alkaline which is good for skin. Local people often call it beauty water because it makes your skin feel very soft and healthy. You can find many public foot baths scattered throughout the town for everyone to use. Most of these foot baths are completely free and provide a quick way to warm up.

You can purchase a Yumeguri Tegata spa pass for about 1,300 yen at the tourist office. This wooden pass allows you to visit three different hot spring baths at participating local hotels. It is a very affordable way to experience several luxury baths during your day trip visit. Spending a few hours here will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for more travel.

Hida no Sato Winter Illumination

Hida no Sato is an impressive open-air museum located very close to the Takayama city center. You can reach the museum in just ten minutes by taking the local Sarubobo bus. The site features dozens of historic farmhouses that were moved here to preserve local mountain heritage. It is a fantastic place to learn about traditional Japanese architecture and rural life.

The Hida no Sato winter illumination 2026 is a spectacular event for evening visitors. The old farmhouses are lit up with warm golden lights that reflect off the white snow. This creates a peaceful and magical atmosphere that is perfect for taking beautiful night photographs. The event usually runs from mid-January through the end of February each year.

Entry to the museum during the illumination hours costs approximately 700 yen per adult visitor. The museum stays open until 9:00 PM so you have plenty of time to explore. You should wear sturdy winter boots because the walking paths can become quite slippery at night. This is one of the most convenient and best day trips from Takayama in winter.