Onsens, or better known as hot springs in English, are among the many things that attract tourists to the beautiful country of Japan. Regardless of which city one decides to visit, finding a hot spring to soak in and relax the day away is not a hard thing to accomplish, given Japan’s abundance of it.
In fact, the country even has several hot spring towns that offer visitors with pleasant experiences all throughout their stay. For those planning to go to the Gifu Prefecture, a day trip or weekend getaway to the small town of Gero is an absolute must for a no-fail hot spring tour.
Brief History of Gero Onsen in Gifu, Japan
The town of Gero, which is also referred to as Gero Onsen, has always been a popular place among locals since Japan’s ancient times. It is situated near the Hida River known for its crystal clear waters and is set against the majestic mountains of the Gifu Prefecture.
Other than being home to some of the best hot springs in Japan, what really made the Gero Onsen capture the attention of the Japanese community was Razan Hayashi’s poem “The Three Hot Springs of Japan”.
Being an esteemed Confucian scholar who served the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo Period, his praise for the exceptional qualities of Gero Onsen, Arima Onsen, and Kusatsu Onsen was not easy to ignore.
Furthermore, there is also an interesting legend about Gero Onsen which tells of how its hot springs disappeared after a massive earthquake shook the Gifu Prefecture. According to the tale, an egret which came to the area on a daily basis and simply stood there for a while miraculously brought back its hot springs.
After the first hot spring reappeared, the egret never returned. However, a statue of the Buddha of Medicine known as Yakushi Nyorai suddenly stood at the exact place the egret daily visited. As such, it is believed that the same egret embodied the spirit of Yakushi Nyorai who had felt sorry that the bountiful hot springs of the town were taken away by nature itself. At present, several parts of Gero Onsen feature various structures that pay tribute to Yakushi Nyorai.
When the JR Gero Station was established and opened to the public during the year 1930, the hot spring town rapidly developed to include various accommodation options, restaurants, and other establishments, in such a way that its natural beauty remained as intact as possible.
A Day Trip to Gero Onsen
Gero Onsen offers a lot of activities and attractions for every type of guest. The town is known to be a center of history, tradition, and nature, all of which give the town a sense of harmony and nostalgia.
Other than the numerous hot springs that make up Gero Onsen, tourists can also include the following in their itineraries.
Sightseeing Places in Gero, Japan
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Gassho Village
The Gassho Village of Gero Onsen, which is also known as Gero Onsen Gassho Mura, is situated on the eastern side of town, just at the hillside of Koho-san. Here, visitors are welcome to explore several historical structures, some of which have been designated as important cultural properties of the country.
Among the ten buildings within the vicinity, the old Ohdos folk museum should not be missed out on. The unique 4-floor building dates back to the Edo Period and serves as one of Gero Onsen’s largest buildings that perfectly embody the architectural style of the era and region.
The museum showcases a large collection of Japanese antiques and teaches visitors the fundamentals of making Japanese sandals (zori) and Japanese wooden tubs (oke).
Other activities offered by Gassho Village include pottery making, Japanese paper making, and traditional Japanese food tasting.
Hours: Operating hours vary from area to area
Admission Fee (Museum): 800 yen per person (for adults); 400 yen per person (for students/children); other areas of the village may have corresponding additional fees
Address: 2369 Mori, Gero, Gifu Prefecture, 509-2202
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Onsen-ji Temple
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The Onsen-ji Temple is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai and houses the place where he daily went to as an egret when the hot springs of Gero Onsen disappeared. Visitors who want to reach the main temple need to go up a flight of 173-step stone stairs, which also leads to a spacious place ideal for enjoying breathtaking views of Hida River and the city.
Address: 680 Yunoshima, Gero, Gifu Prefecture 509-2207
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Zensho-ji Temple
The Zensho-ji Temple dates back to ancient times when Zen Buddhism and Chinese influences were at their peak in Japan. As such, tourists can expect to see a lot of buildings within the property complex that follow the architectural designs and styles of ancient China.
These historic Chinese-style structures greatly complement several Japanese activities and elements of the temple such as the traditional tea ceremony and stunning Japanese Zen gardens.
There is also a museum situated by the front of the temple grounds which has most of the Zensho-ji Temple’s cultural assets on display for visitors to appreciate and get a glimpse into the area’s previous beliefs and practices.
Address: 1819 Hagiwaracho Churo, Gero, Gifu Prefecture 509-2514
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Gero Museum of Hot Spring
The Gero Museum of Hot Spring, as its name implies, is all about informing the public of the science and culture behind Japanese hot springs. For the local community, onsens do not merely serve as a spa or place for them to relax but actually hold a special place in their way of life. According to their beliefs, the hot springs of Gero Onsen provide therapeutic and healing capabilities.
Visitors planning to visit the museum can expect to go through five different sections known as Welcome to Gero Onsen, The Room of Dr. Onsen, Cultures of Hot Springs, Science of Hot Springs, and the Omoshiro Challenge Hot Springs. Each of these sections provides interesting and amusing exhibitions which make it easy for foreign travelers to understand the importance and value of taking a hot spring bath in Japan.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, from Friday to Wednesday
Admission Fee: 500 yen per person (for adults); 200 yen per person (for students/children)
Address: 856-1 Yunoshima, Gero, Gifu Prefecture
Events & Festivals in Gero, Japan
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Gero Hot Spring Festival
The Gero Hot Spring Festival consists of a series of festive events that run from August 1 to August 3, every year. During the 1st day of the festival, a fire festival referred to as the Ryujin Festival is held, followed by the Geiko Mikoshi Festival on the 2nd, and finally the Gero Odori Festival on the 3rd. The whole event also features a stunning fireworks display on the very last day.
Date/Duration: from August 1 to August 3
Location: Different areas throughout Gero Onsen
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Hanagasa Festival / Tanokami Festival
The Hanagaso Festival, which is also referred to as the Tanokami Festival, is a religious event that Is held at the Morihachiman Shrine every 14th of February. During this Shinto ritual, dancers can be seen with flower hats on their heads and rice cakes on their shoulders.
Date/Duration: February 14
Location: Morihachiman Shrine
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Ideyu Asaichi / Morning Market
The Ideyu Asaichi is basically a morning market that is held in front of Gassho Village from March 19 to November 30. During this period, the market operates on a daily basis from eight in the morning until noon.
Products sold at the Ideyu Asaichi include local goods such as spit-roasted Hida beef, Ho-ba- sushi, and sake. The morning market is also a great place to interact with the friendly local community.
Date/Duration: from March 19 to November 30
Location: Situated in front of the entrance to Gassho Village.
Ryokan (Japanese Inn) Options near Gero Onsen – Yunoshimakan, Bosenkan, Etc.
Staying the night at Gero Onsen is highly recommended for tourists who do not want to rush through the day. In line with the traditional feel of the small town, several ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) are available for visitors to choose from. The starting prices for the following places listed below are for double occupancy rooms and already include two meals (usually breakfast and dinner), service fees, and taxes.
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Suihoen
Starting price (per person, per night): 15,950 yen
Rating: 9.4 out of 10
Access: 16-minute walk away from the JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2202 Gifu, Gero, Mori 2519-1, Japan
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Kawakamiya Kasuitei
Starting price (per person, per night): 26,250 yen
Rating: 9.4 out of 10
Access: 600 meters away from Gero Onsen
Address: 509-2207 Gifu, Gero, Yunoshima 30, Japan
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Miyako
Starting price (per person, per night): 18,480 yen
Rating: 9.3 out of 10
Access: 15-minute walk away from the JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2202 Gifu, Gero, Mori 2505, Japan
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Gero Onsen Masuya
Starting price (per person, per night): 10,500 yen
Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Access: 400 meters away from Gero Onsen
Address: 509-2202 Gifu, Gero, Mori 966-8, Japan
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Yunoshima-kan
Starting price (per person, per night): 17,850 yen
Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Access: 15-minute walk away from the JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2207 Gifu, Gero, Yunoshima 645, Japan
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Kissenkan Chikusuitei
Starting price (per person, per night): 13,000 yen
Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Access: 5-minute walk away from the JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2206 Gifu, Gero, Kouden 1098, Japan
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Mutsumikan
Starting price (per person, per night): 9,000 yen
Rating: 8.7 out of 10
Access: 2-minute walk away from JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2206 Gifu, Gero, Koden 1167-1, Japan
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Sasara
Starting price (per person, per night): 26,650 yen
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Access: 8-minute walk away from JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2201 Gifu, Gero, Mori 1412-1, Japan
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Izumi-so
Starting price (per person, per night): 8,505 yen
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Access: 3-minute car ride from JR Gero Station; 10-minute walk away from Gero Onsen
Address: 509-2207 Gifu, Gero, Yunoshima 212, Japan
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Okudaya Happoen
Starting price (per person, per night): 8,400 yen
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Access: 300 meters from Gero Onsen
Address: 509-2207 Gifu, Gero, Yunoshima 881, Japan
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Bosenkan / Bousenkan
Starting price (per person, per night): 11,550 yen
Rating: 8.3 out of 10
Access: 500 meters from Gero Onsen
Address: 509-2207 Gifu, Gero, Yunoshima 190-1, Japan
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Yamagata-ya
Starting price (per person, per night): 13,650 yen
Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Access: 5-minute car ride away from JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2207 Gifu, Gero, Yunoshima 260-1, Japan
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Gero Onsen Fugaku
Starting price (per person, per night): 9,450 yen
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Access: 7-minute walk away from Gero Onsen
Address: 509-2207 Gifu, Gero, Yunoshima 898, Japan
Hotel Options near Gero Onsen – Gero Onsen Fugaku, Suimeikan, Ogawaya, Etc.
Gero Onsen also houses a wide array of hotels and hostels for those who want to stay in more modern rooms that offer framed beds instead of the traditional futon. The options below offer much of the same amenities (bathroom, free toiletries, etc.) as ryokans but at significantly cheaper rates:
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Sumeikan
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Access: 3-minute walk away from the JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2206 Gifu, Gero, Kouden 1268, Japan
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Ogawaya
Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Access: 3-minute car ride from JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2207 Gifu, Gero, Yunoshima 570, Japan
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Gerobal Hostel
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Access: 2-minute walk away from the JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2206 Gifu, Gero, Kouden 1332-10, Japan
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Hotel Kusakabe Armeria
Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Access: 10-minute walk away from JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2206 Gifu, Gero, 1811 Koden, Japan
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Shirakaba Hotel
Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Access: 400 meters away from Gero Onsen
Address: 509-2202 Gifu, Gero, Mori 1089-1, Japan
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Breezbay Hotel & Resort Gero
Rating: 7.8 out of 10
Access: 2.6 kilometers away from Gero Onsen
Address: 509-2203 Gifu, Gero, Ogawa 1800-1, Japan
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Fukiya
Rating: 6.9 out of 10
Access: 2-minute walk away from JR Gero Station
Address: 509-2206 Gifu, Gero, Koden 1185, Japan
Access to Gero Onsen
Gero Onsen has a daily shuttle bus that offers tourists planning to stay the night at the town direct rides from the Nagoya Station to the Gero Station. This option takes about 2 and a half hours of travel time and costs 2,800 yen per person, one way. Roundtrip tickets are also available for 3,700 yen per person. It should be noted that reservations are required for this service.
Alternatively, tourists can also reach Gero Onsen by either taking a train or regular bus:
Train from Takayama or Nagoya
Limited express trains and regular trains are available in Takayama for those who want to catch a direct ride to Gero Onsen. The limited express trains depart from the station every hour or two and take about 45 minutes to reach the hot springs town. A one-way ride costs around 2,000 yen per person.
On the other hand, regular trains, which also depart every hour or two, take about an hour to reach Gero Onsen and cost 970 yen per person, one way.
For those who will be coming from Nagoya, a one-way train ride on the JR Hida Limited Express Line can be taken to Gero Onsen for the price of around 4,500 yen per person. This option takes an hour and thirty minutes to get from one end to the other.
Bus from Takayama
Takayama also offers regular buses that stop at Gero Onsen. These buses depart the station every hour or two and take about ninety minutes to reach the hot springs town. A one-way bus ride costs about 1,000 yen per person.