A silver-white fairy tale world returns: Snow blankets Shirakawa-go’s Gassho Village, 2018 lighting schedule announced

▲ Shirakawa-go Gassho Village under snow. (Photo / Authorized by netizen Mojiko Koshiba, no screenshots please)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Japan’s renowned tourist attraction “Shirakawa-go Gassho Village” was hit by heavy snow on the 5th, transforming this hidden mountain village into a silver-white wonderland. The dreamy scene prompted many Taiwanese travelers who happened to be visiting to share their experiences online.

▲ % and the village of Xiang Xian Xian in the snow on the day. (Photo / Authorized by netizen Mojiko Koshiba, no screenshots please)

Located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, “Shirakawa-go Gassho Village” is surrounded by lush green mountains. Along with Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture, it was jointly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, which significantly boosted its fame. Especially in winter, the thatched-roof Gassho houses, resembling gingerbread cottages, are covered in snow, creating a silver-white world that feels like a fairy tale—earning it the nickname “Winter Fairy Tale Village.”

▲ Sunny-day scenery of Shirakawa-go Gassho Village (Photo / From the Facebook page of Shirakawa Village Communications)

Affected by a cold air mass, Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued a snow forecast for multiple regions on the 4th, predicting heavy snowfall in mountainous areas on the 5th and 6th. True to the forecast, the mountainous Gassho Village also saw heavy snow on the 5th, leaving Taiwanese travelers who happened to be there feeling incredibly lucky.

▲ Past night illumination scenes of Shirakawa-go Gassho Village. (Photo / From the Facebook page of Shirakawa Village Communications)

Shirakawa-go Gassho Village holds its annual Night Illumination event at the beginning of each year. The 2018 illumination schedule has recently been revealed: during January and February of next year, it will only take place on the evenings of January 21st, 28th, and February 4th and 12th, from 17:30 to 19:30. For safety reasons, the observation deck offering a panoramic view of the village will limit the number of entrants. Each illumination session is capped at 900 people, and numbered tickets (lottery tickets) will be issued. Each ticket costs 500 yen, with priority given to guests staying within Shirakawa Village.