Ainokura light-up
世界遺産相倉合掌造り集落ライトアップ36°26′ N 136°56′ EFestivalFeb 20, 2027
The Ainokura light-up suits photographers and couples who want a UNESCO gassho village lit after dark, and its trade-off is a short window of six evenings a year.
Dates and hours
- February 20, 2027 to February 21, 2027Announcedsourcechecked Oct 11, 2026
- September 12, 2026 to September 13, 2026Confirmedsourcechecked Oct 11, 2026
- May 23, 2026 to May 24, 2026Confirmedsourcechecked Oct 11, 2026
Date rule: Two evenings at a time, three times a year: late May, mid-September and February
Ainokura is one of Gokayama's two World Heritage villages, and it lights up its thatched gassho houses on two evenings at a time, three times a year. The winter edition on 20 and 21 February 2027 is the one most likely to show the roofs under snow, since Gokayama gets 2 to 3 m each winter. The lights run from sunset to 20:00.
People live in these houses, so stay on the lanes and keep clear of the eaves and fields. Coaches need a parking reservation from the Gokayama Tourist Information Center, which also handles questions by fax and email.
Worth knowing
- On 13 and 27 January 2027 the village keeps its ordinary window lights on from 17:00 to 20:00, a chance to see the village by its own window light.
Quick answers about Ainokura light-upよくある質問
When is Ainokura light-up?
Ainokura light-up takes place two evenings in late May, two in mid-September and two in February, from sunset to 20:00. The next dates we have are February 20, 2027 to February 21, 2027, announced.
What are the opening hours of Ainokura light-up?
Ainokura light-up is open from sunset to 20:00. Ordinary window-light evenings, without the light-up, fall on 13 and 27 January 2027 from 17:00 to 20:00.