Worth it to stay in Shirakawago?

Hello, I am travelling to Shirakawago and is not sure whether to stay the night at Kanazawa (day trip to Shirakawago) or should I stay in the farmhouse at Shirakawago? I already have a guesthouse confirmed at the moment but the price difference is quite big betweern staying at Kanazawa vs Shirakawago and I am having some doubts. Online reviews were mixed with some saying it as a great experience while some saying it is not worthed it. What do you think? Thank you.

When are you visiting?

January.

If I were you, I would stay one night at the Shirakawago for the deep winter experience.

The price is more expensive but it will normally include dinner and breakfast.

Yes, in winter you should definitely stay there overnight. Seeing the village lit up at night and staying in a farmhouse surrounded by the snow would be truly spectacular. I think you'll regret it if you don't stay there - it is beautiful in the day time too, but at night is when it becomes truly magical.

Yes, unfortunately i will not be there during weekends, hence will not be able to see the illuminations anyway. Yes, I noted that the cost includes dinner and breakfast but with all costs compared, I still find the difference quite huge, which is why I wasn't sure. But it seems that I should stay at the guesthouse anyway ya?

I would say yes, you should spend a night there if you want to experience farm house stay. It's pretty amazing and you get to enjoy the village even more when most tourists leave Shirakawago after 5pm and before 9am. Even though you won't be seeing annual lit up event but you can still go up to the view point and take picture. It's still very nice.