2018 Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Winter Illumination — A Seasonal Event Limited to Just Four Days
Text by Qidou Travel Network; Photos by Xiangsheng Travel Agency and Qidou Travel Network
As children, we’ve all dreamed of living in a fairy-tale world. Now, you have the chance to make that dream come true. In the secluded Shirakawa-go Gassho Village, a place seemingly untouched by time, magical illuminations will appear on the rooftops of the unique gassho-style houses. It’s an experience you simply can’t miss. Plus, the annual winter illumination event in this snow-covered wonderland is back for a limited time only.
Light Up the Silver Gassho Village and Stay in a Snowy Fairy-Tale World
Shirakawa-go Gassho Village exudes a romantic atmosphere throughout all four seasons, but winter is especially enchanting. The roofs of the gassho-style houses are made of thatch and designed in a steep triangular shape — resembling hands pressed together in prayer — to prevent heavy snow accumulation from collapsing them. This unique architectural style is how the “gassho” name came about.
▲ The silver world of gassho houses feels like stepping into a fairy tale
By day, the silver-toned gassho village is already beautiful, but nighttime brings a completely different charm. When the winter illumination begins, the tranquil silver village glows with warm yellow light, adding coziness to the snowy night. Visitors can enjoy the illuminated village from the observation deck. In 2018, the winter illumination will only take place over four days — don’t miss your chance to witness this stunning snowy scene.
After admiring this snowy spectacle, do you still find yourself wanting more? For a deeper experience of village life, consider staying overnight in one of the gassho-style guesthouses. These structures are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserving their traditional form and appearance. Here, guests can enjoy authentic Japanese cultural performances. After the show, you’ll feel as though you've truly experienced the soul of Japanese traditions.
▲ After visiting the Shirakawa-go Gassho Village winter illumination, spend the night in a gassho-style house for an unforgettable cultural immersion.
Travel Through Time at the Classic Meiji-mura Open-Air Museum
If you want to experience even more of old Japan, head to Meiji-mura Open-Air Museum in Aichi Prefecture, which spans one million square meters and showcases villages from the Meiji period. During Japan’s Meiji era, the country began engaging with the West, adopting Western culture and technology. These influences are reflected in the museum’s preserved buildings, which include traditional Edo-period wooden homes as well as hybrid structures combining Western materials and designs.
Additionally, the site features vintage steam trains that transport visitors around the expansive grounds, further enhancing its nostalgic atmosphere.
▲ Many scenes from the popular Japanese drama "Oishinbo" (Itadakimasu), starring Eriko Sato and Masahiro Higashide, were filmed at Meiji-mura.
Ride Japan’s Only Double-Decker Gondola to See Snowy Mountain Views
Another must-see winter attraction in Japan is its snow-draped mountain landscapes. Take the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, for instance, where you can admire the North Alps from various angles. This ropeway is Japan’s only double-decker model, with separate upper and lower levels that do not connect. As such, passengers must wait at different stations for each level. Along the route, you’ll find restaurants serving delicious meals, foot baths to warm up in the cold, open-air hot spring pools, and breathtaking views of the North Alps.
▲ Japan’s only double-decker ropeway — the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway
For added convenience, stay at the Hotaka Hotel, just a one-minute walk from the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway. The hotel offers both indoor and open-air hot springs, and dinner features local specialties like juicy Hida beef and trout. The next morning, enjoy a nourishing breakfast full of regional flavors.
▲ The Hotaka Hotel, located near the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway
▲ The hotel’s open-air hot spring
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