By YOSHIHIRO OGINO/ Staff Writer
January 15, 2024 at 17:56 JST
The iconic steep-roofed farmhouses in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture, are lit up in an annual illumination event on Jan. 14. (Yoshihiro Ogino)
SHIRAKAWA, Gifu Prefecture--The snow-covered farmhouses of Shirakawago were lit up in an annual illumination event here on Jan. 14, transforming the World Heritage site into a magical spectacle.
About 4,000 visitors marveled at the sight of 32 traditional steep-roofed buildings bathed in warm, inviting lights on the first night of the event.
“I’m relieved that snow has arrived in time (for the illumination),” said a spokesperson for the Shirakawago Tourist Association.
Due to warmer temperatures this winter, there was not much snow yet on the thatched roofs of the famed “gassho-zukuri” houses.
The illumination will also be visible on Jan. 21 and 28 as well as Feb. 4, 12 and 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
However, parking lot tickets required to enter the district and an observation deck are sold out. Limited seats remain available for bus tours to the event.
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