Station hotel, ryokan or a minpaku in the old town? A Takayama local explains where to stay, plus a unique pick: a historic public bathhouse with a wood-fired sauna.

Tour or regular bus? A Takayama local compares the best ways to visit Shirakawa-go from Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya and Centrair Airport, with prices, times and honest tips.

The 2027 Shirakawa-go Light-Up is reservation-only. A Takayama local explains every way to get in, when bookings open in your time zone, and how to prepare for a cold, snowy night.

How to book the bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go, how to get there from Centrair Airport and Nagoya, and what to do when buses sell out or snow causes delays. Practical tips from a Takayama local.