Cheq Xie

We hold a JAPAN 21-day JR pass for the Christmas of 2023 and New Year of 2024, and our dream winter destination is Shirakawago Village. Today, I finally made it, and the snow is just perfect – there are well-defined pathways unless you prefer to venture off for a better selfie or a slide. The snow reaches above my knee level.

For real-time snow updates, I recommend checking the live cam of Shirakawago. Takayama has been snow-free and somewhat quiet since our arrival on January 4, 2024.

To reach Shirakawago, you can purchase tickets at the Nohi Bus office next to Takayama JR station. A one-way ticket costs 2600 yen. Consider reserving a ticket online for a smoother experience, although open tickets are an option. We arrived at 10 am and spent approximately 3 hours exploring the village.

Daytime visits are more rewarding than the winter light-up since you can enjoy the panoramic view of the entire village. There are available buses to/from Takayama, Shinjuku, Nagoya, and Osaka, making the tour buses a convenient choice for Shirakawago enthusiasts.

Interestingly, Hida Folk Village lacked snow when we visited on January 4, 2024. Checking live cameras online is advisable to monitor snowfall. From late December to mid-January, thick snow is not guaranteed in many parts of Japan.

With our JAPAN 21-day JR pass, we have the flexibility to adjust our itinerary and accommodations, allowing us to chase heavy snowfalls and explore all our winter wonderland spots in Japan.

My second time visited this place, finally I am able to make it on my desired timing, 👌. Before sunset time, we arrived at 4:30pm and spent 1 hour within the observatory desl, chasing a stunning view of MT FUJI and central tokyo. It is free and worth it the time. 8-10 mins walk from JR Shinjuko station.

What a perfect 2023 Christmas Day viewpoint around midtown Tokyo Japan

You can rest here while waiting for sunrise or sunset. There is no shade here so better plan well your visit here, avoid mid-day or at the height where the sun is fully up. It would be uncomfortable hiking up and down.

Seize this perfect view point for chasing a stunning sunrise and sunset view in Coron, Palawan.

If you are on shared tour, you do not really enjoyed much as you only have limited time to see the beauty under water.

Best bring ypur own gopro too, really worth it Island Hopping tour in Coron Palawan.

This is passable if you are strolling from the Coron Public Market, Lualhati Park, IamCoron Marker or dropping/picking off from Island Hopping.

This is just so small in front of Coron Tourist Information Center.