By YOSHIHIRO OGINO/ Staff Writer
January 14, 2025 at 18:23 JST
Snow-covered historic farmhouses in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture, are lit up on Jan. 13 for the annual illumination show. (Tadashi Mizowaki)
SHIRAKAWA, Gifu Prefecture—A World Heritage village here kicked off its stunning annual illumination event on Jan. 13, its iconic steep-roofed farmhouses appearing like frosted gingerbread confectionaries amid the fresh snow.
Due to decreasing snowfall in recent years, the annual event’s organizers reduced the number of illumination nights this year to just four, concluding on Feb. 2.
However, thanks to heavy snowfall the week before, the village was blanketed in a thick layer of glittering white—creating a truly magical scene for the event.
Organizers were delighted to welcome around 4,000 visitors from all over the world to the enchanting winter wonderland.
To prevent overtourism, the event requires reservations. Visitors without tickets will not be allowed entry.
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