Gero Onsen, nestled along the Hida River, is celebrated as one of Japan’s “Three Famous Hot Springs,” alongside Arima and Kusatsu. Beyond its renowned relaxing baths, Gero Onsen offers a wealth of seasonal activities and experiences. In winter, visitors can marvel at frozen waterfalls, embark on kanjiki (snowshoe) tours, or explore local sake breweries. The town is dotted with footbaths and day-use hot springs for casual relaxation, while its traditional inns provide a tranquil retreat for those seeking a more leisurely escape.
Beauty’s Bath
This designation dates back to the Muromachi period, as noted by the poet Banri Shuku and later by Confucian scholar Hayashi Razan. Known for its over 1,000-year history, Gero Onsen features alkaline simple hot springs with a smooth texture, earning it the nickname “Beauty’s Bath.” It is celebrated for its therapeutic benefits, including relief from rheumatism, neuralgia, and skin improvement.
The town harmoniously blends lively attractions and tranquil mountain charm, offering around 70 accommodations, from traditional inns to modern hotels. Visitors can enjoy footbaths scattered throughout the area, ideal for relaxation during a stroll.
Notable Onsen Facilities
- Shirasaginoyu: A Romanesque-style public bath with a hinoki wood indoor bath and a nearby Venus footbath.
- Cure Garden Outdoor Baths: Multi-purpose wellness baths by the Hida River, offering six types of bathing experiences.
- Sachinoyu: A casual bathhouse with eight varieties, including outdoor baths and waterfalls.
- Footbaths:
- Sagi Footbath: A quaint, sheltered hinoki bath along Yunomachi Street.
- Sarubobo Golden Footbath: Located at Sarubobo Seven Lucky Gods Shrine, this unique bath symbolizes luck and fortune.
With its rich history, therapeutic waters, and charming amenities, Gero Onsen is a timeless destination for relaxation and cultural exploration.
Gero Onsen’s Historic Breweries: Discover the Art of Sake Brewing
Gero Onsen offers a unique opportunity to explore Japan’s traditionally brewed sake, recently recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This winter, immerse yourself in the art of sake-making with exclusive experiences at two historic breweries in Gero City.
Tenryou Syuzou Co.
Founded in 1680, this award-winning brewery invites you to craft your own “doburoku”, a traditional unfiltered sake. Using locally grown rice and pure underground spring water, their sake embodies the clean, crisp flavors of the Hida region. With accolades such as the Gold Award at the 2021 National New Sake Appraisal, it’s a must-visit for sake connoisseurs.
Okuhida Sake Brewery
Step into history at this 300-year-old brewery, housed in a charming 190-year-old wooden building. Enjoy a guided tour through the brewery and museum, savor samples of their exquisite sake, and personalize a bottle with a nostalgic retro label. Perfect for families, this hands-on experience blends tradition with creativity.
Whether you’re a sake enthusiast traveler, these breweries offer unforgettable experiences that connect you to the heart of Japanese culture.
Unforgettable Culinary and Nature Experiences in Gero Onsen
Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Gero Onsen with hands-on experiences that showcase the region’s rich food culture. Try your hand at crafting gohei-mochi around a traditional irori hearth or learn the intricate art of making authentic soba noodles. These engaging activities are perfect for families and provide a memorable way to connect with the flavors and traditions of Japan’s countryside.
Soranoie Farm Stay: A Seasonal Paradise
Escape to Soranoie Farm Stay, a beautifully renovated farmhouse guesthouse nestled in the serene countryside just 20 minutes from Gero Station. This rural retreat offers an authentic taste of Japan’s seasonal delights.
In spring, forage for fresh mountain vegetables, while summer invites you to cool off with river activities and enjoy flowing somen noodles or a relaxed BBQ. Autumn brings the harvest of freshly grown rice, perfect for hearty meals, and the cooler nights create a cozy atmosphere for gathering with loved ones.
Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, Soranoie Farm Stay provides a peaceful haven where you can connect with nature, savor local flavors, and create lasting memories amidst Japan’s changing seasons.
Mizube-no-Yakata at Maze Regional Natural Park
Craft and enjoy “gohei-mochi” with two distinct sauces—sesame or miso—or make pizzas with fresh, locally grown vegetables. Set amidst serene nature, these experiences are ideal for groups and families looking to create unforgettable memories.
Snowshoe Adventures and Wildlife Encounters
From January to February, don traditional Japanese snowshoes (kanjiki) to explore the snowy fields of Maze. Guided by a local expert, spot deer or rabbit tracks while learning about the region’s wildlife in a magical winter wonderland.
Minami Hida Health Promotion Center
Just 30 minutes from Gero Onsen, rejuvenate your body and soul with a variety of workshops and nature walks. Try your hand at making fresh soba noodles using locally sourced flour or explore one of the 12 forest trails for a refreshing countryside retreat.
These immersive activities offer a perfect blend of nature, food, and tradition, making your visit to Gero Onsen unforgettable.
Hagiwara: A Historical Post Town Near Gero Onsen
Discover the hidden gem of Hagiwara Town, located near the famous Gero Onsen and the picturesque streets of Hida Takayama and Gujo Hachiman. Once a bustling post town along the historic Hida Highway, Hagiwara is a treasure trove of rich history, natural beauty, and local delicacies.
Explore History and Nature
Stroll through charming streets lined with historic sites, shrines, and temples, or admire the seasonal beauty of weeping cherry blossoms and the pristine Hida River. With a guided tour, delve into stories like the “Hagiwara War” that shaped the region during the Meiji Restoration.
Savor Hagiwara Gourmet
Visit traditional shops in the Hagiwara shopping district to sample flavors that showcase the town’s pride. From local specialties to historical anecdotes, the walking tour is a feast for the senses.
Hagiwara Town is a perfect blend of culture, history, and gastronomy, offering a serene escape just minutes from Gero Onsen. Experience the heart of the Hida region through its untold stories and unforgettable tastes.
Kanayama Megaliths
The Kanayama Megaliths, located in Kanayama Town within Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, are an extraordinary ancient site featuring three distinct groupings of megaliths near Iwaya Dam. Renowned for their super-accurate solar calendar, the site offers fascinating solar light phenomena, such as the winter solstice sunrise and spring equinox spotlight. Nestled in the forested mountains of Hida, this area boasts fresh air, clear streams, and waterfalls, making it a picturesque destination for exploration. Visitors are increasingly drawn to the Megaliths and the charming town of Kanayama, making it a must-visit for those intrigued by ancient astronomy and natural beauty.
Light Experience Tours
Enhance your visit with a guided “Light Experience Tour,” offered by the Kanayama Tourism Association. This unique package combines a tour of the megalithic solar observatory with a journey along the historic Hida Highway, complete with lunch and expert narration.
Uncover the ancient secrets of this remarkable site while immersing yourself in the celestial beauty of Gero’s Kanayama region.
[Tours]
Tours are available year-round for groups of two or more upon request. Specific dates for observing seasonal light phenomena in winter are:
- December 21 (Sat) to 23 (Mon): Winter Solstice Light
- January 18 (Sat) to 20 (Mon): Winter Light
- February 15 (Sat) to 17 (Mon): End of Winter (approximately 60 days after the solstice)
Retro streets of Kanayama Town with the unique Kinkotsu Meguri tour
Explore the charming retro streets of Kanayama Town with the unique Kinkotsu Meguri tour, a nostalgic maze-like alleyway experience in Gifu Prefecture’s Gero City. The term “Kinkotsu” refers to the intricate, narrow alleys characteristic of this region, offering a setting reminiscent of a movie set.
Accompanied by a guide, you’ll navigate hidden pathways, discover traditional shops like Japanese confectioneries and tofu vendors, and enjoy simple street food along the way. This guided adventure feels like stepping back in time and requires prior reservation.
Gero Onsen Gassho Village
Gero Onsen Gassho Village is an open-air museum that recreates a traditional village with gassho-zukuri houses relocated from Shirakawa-go and other areas. It offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of past generations in a picturesque setting.
The village consists of two zones:
- Gassho no Sato – A recreated village featuring 10 traditional gassho-zukuri houses, including the nationally recognized Oto family residence. Visitors can explore a folklore museum displaying farming tools and daily items, enjoy meals at “Gassho Chaya,” or visit the Enku Museum.
- Saijiki no Mori – A serene forest area showcasing cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, along with traditional structures like a watermill and the unique Kaeru Shrine. A 175-meter forest slide offers thrills and scenic views.
Hands-On Experiences
The village features the Hida Workshop where visitors can enjoy:
- Washi Painting: Create artwork using colored kozo fibers on postcards or paper.
- Pottery Painting: Decorate plates and bowls, or try pottery-making with a potter’s wheel or hand-sculpting.
These activities are beginner-friendly, and completed works are delivered in about a week. Gero Onsen Gassho Village is perfect for discovering Japanese heritage, enjoying seasonal beauty, and creating lasting memories.
Onsenji Temple
Located atop a hill, Onsenji Temple offers stunning views of Gero Onsen’s townscape. Visitors ascend 173 stone steps to reach its serene grounds, where they can explore the main hall featuring the statue of Yakushi Nyorai, believed to have brought forth Gero’s healing hot springs. The annual Yakushi Festival on March 8th attracts locals who come to honor this deity.
The temple’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect retreat amidst sightseeing. Monthly Zen meditation sessions are open to all, free of charge.
The temple’s origins are deeply tied to the famous Shirasagi Legend, in which a white heron revealed the location of Gero’s hot springs. Established in 1671, Onsenji was built on the slopes of Mt. Nakane, known as Gero Fuji. Over its history, the temple has served as a place of healing for bathers seeking cures, evidenced by numerous votive tablets and inscriptions left by visitors.
Onsenji preserves historical treasures, including Buddhist statues by the wandering monk Enku and documents recounting Gero’s hot spring legend. Visitors can also view the designated historical site, the grave of Hidaya Kyubei, below the temple’s gate. Onsenji Temple remains a spiritual and cultural symbol of Gero’s long history as one of Japan’s top three hot springs.
Gero Onsen Museum
The Gero Onsen Museum is dedicated to exploring the science and culture of hot springs. Through interactive exhibits and displays, visitors can learn about the mechanisms behind hot spring formations, water quality, and health benefits, as well as the history and legends of hot spring discoveries.
The museum features hands-on activities such as analyzing the salt content and pH of hot spring water, alongside cultural artifacts like Edo-era hot spring rankings and dioramas depicting Gero Onsen’s history. It also offers relaxation spaces, including foot baths and walking baths, for a rejuvenating experience.
This museum caters to hot spring enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors, deepening their appreciation and knowledge of Japan’s rich hot spring heritage.
Gero Onsen Ideyu Morning Market
The Ideyu Morning Market in Gero Onsen is a lively spot where local vendors sell fresh produce, regional sake, and handmade products like konjac sashimi and blueberry jam. The konjac sashimi, enjoyed with ginger-infused soy sauce, is a standout treat with its incredibly tender and springy texture.
The market’s vibrant and welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by the cheerful vendors who offer free samples and friendly conversations. With a wide variety of fresh, delicious foods and unique local goods, it’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs. Be sure to set aside more than 30 minutes to fully enjoy everything the market has to offer!
Gero Onsen Footbath Spot: Yuamiya
Yuamiya offers a free, 24-hour footbath where visitors can enjoy the authentic hot spring waters of Gero Onsen. It’s perfect for day-trippers looking to relax and create memorable moments with friends, couples, or family while enjoying unique local treats.
Must-Try Sweets
- Ontama Soft: A fusion of soft-serve ice cream and hot spring eggs from Gero Onsen, topped with brown rice flakes. Mix it well for a unique texture and flavor—Yuamiya’s top-selling dessert!
- Honwaka Pudding: Made with Gero milk and Takayama eggs, this rich, creamy pudding is steamed in Gero’s hot spring water. Available in plain, chocolate, and seasonal flavors.
- Gero Pudding Soft: A homemade pudding topped with soft-serve ice cream and shimmering amber candy in five flavors. A treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Yuamiya combines relaxation and indulgence, making it a must-visit spot in Gero Onsen.
Funsenchi Hot Spring Pool
Located beneath the Gero Ohashi Bridge, Funsenchi is a natural hot spring pool where visitors can enjoy a footbath while listening to the soothing sounds of the Hida River. With no enclosures, the open-air setting provides a unique and liberating experience, making it a must-visit highlight of Gero Onsen.
Gandate Gorge and Winter Waterfall Tours
Gandate Gorge, designated as a Natural Monument by Gifu Prefecture, showcases a striking cross-section of Japan’s largest lava flow from 54,000 years ago. Stretching 17 km upstream, the rugged rock formations include the towering Amadori Rock, twice the height of Gandate at 150 meters. Once connected to the smaller Gandate downstream, the lava flow was divided by the Sawatani River. Known as the “Green Grand Canyon,” its flat, green-topped expanse is visible from the Ontake Panorama Line.
At Gandate Park, visitors can enjoy well-equipped facilities such as a viewing platform, shops, and parking for large buses. A 600-meter walking path leads to Mitsutaki Falls, with a shrine dedicated to Fudo Myo-o, and further exploration reveals Akagane-toyo and Karatani Falls, surrounded by vibrant spring greenery or autumn foliage.
Winter Waterfall Ice Hike in Kosaka
Experience the breathtaking Blue Ice of Kosaka’s frozen waterfalls. Guided tours take participants on a 4-km round trip through snow-covered trails to see spectacular ice columns up to 20 meters high. The journey requires snowshoes and spikes, with temperatures dropping to -20°C and snow depths reaching 2 meters. The challenging hike is suited for participants with good health, prior mountain hiking experience, or strong physical fitness.
Details:
- Duration: 7 hours (February 1–28, 2025)
- Price: ¥16,500 per person (includes guide fee and specialized equipment rental)
- Requirements: Ages 18–65 in good health; fitness and determination required.
This adventure offers an unparalleled chance to witness nature’s icy masterpiece deep within the snow-covered mountains.
