Hi there, just wonder what is the best way to enjoy the Shirakawago Winter Light Up Event as overnight there is not an option, fully booked. So, have to resort to a Day trip...
a) by Bus (Nohi Bus) from Takayama to Shirakawago? It is difficult to secure a bus ticket? From their website, can only do reservation by phone call? Also, their last return bus is scheduled at 17:20? Any other mode of transport other than Nohi esp while at Shirakawago.
b) by Private tour
Thanks in advance

Cool, Thanks. So how you get there? Via bus from Takayama? or by tour? Did you manage to stay on for the Light Up?

Are you referring to Kaetsuno Bus from Takaoka Station?
Found their special bus service...but reservation only by call?
http://www.kaetsunou.co.jp/sekaiisan/rinjiunkou.pdf

And the best option goes to... Drum roll...... Any hint? Tq!

Whoops... Seems like we are on the same flight...
Non stop snowing at Takayama today

For winter illumination use Nagashima station instead.
Bus schedule can refer here,
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/senden/Railway/T...l#baszikokuhyou

Kintetsu run special package for Nabana no Sato (incl of train, bus & entrance ticket) here,
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/senden/Railway/T...bana/index.html

The mission achieved after following @michlove 's advice to watch paid tv?
Anyway, congrats!

All - just completed my Japan trip V2. V1 was last Oct 14 (Nagoya-Suzuka-Hakone-Tokyo)
Did Nagoya-Takayama-Shirakawago(Feb 1, Winter Illumination)-Gokayama(Ainokura village)-Shirakawago(day time)
Short and tiring trip but enjoy every single moment spent there. Also, non stop snowing in Takayama/Shirakawago during my time there
For winter illumination - i followed Nohi bus tour, reached about 5pm. Entire village was already packed with people, esp. along the way up to the observatory deck. Can't get nice spot for photo, but the view still magical. Personally i think overnight stay would be awesome i guess, can be there early and slowly enjoy the view... but sadly can't get room. After-all can't complain much, as i only start 'thinking' about going 2 weeks before and only seriously start booking flight, hotel, accommodation, nohi bus tour 1 week before the trip. So, still manage to secure seat on bus for the winter illumination already consider very lucky i guess

This post has been edited by qianlong: Feb 5 2015, 04:58 PM

Nope. Didn't do the alpine route. Winter...
I guess you may go Takaoka after Shirakawago, then on proceed to Toyama.
Bus schedule here, http://www.japan-guide.com/bus/gokayama.html

Anyone going to Hida Takayama before 31st March 2015?
I have one unused discount booklet for the attractions (14 if not mistaken), museum, art center etc.
Just let me know if any of you want it.

Any recommendation for Kintetsu Pass?
For 3800yen, 5 days pass with 3 rides on Limited Express
My planned trip will cover Osaka > Kyoto > Nagoya > Osaka (Fly in/out via KIX)
Thinking of using 2 of the Limited Express for my return trip to Nagoya. The rest on normal.
Is that the most cost effective option? On map it seems Kintetsu's coverage quite extensive in Kansai/Chubu region?

Also, anyone travel to Tsu/Ise/Suzuka area before, any recommendation there? Seems like Kintetsu do have coverage there as well.

Thanks