What is Gero Onsen? One of Japan’s Three Great Hot Springs
Gero Onsen, located in the mountain valleys of Gifu Prefecture, is a renowned hot spring counted among Japan’s three great springs alongside Arima Onsen and Kusatsu Onsen.
The smooth-feeling water is also known as a “beauty-enhancing” spring, attracting many visitors from both inside and outside Japan.
The hot spring town is surrounded by charming streets and abundant nature, making it a place where you can enjoy both relaxation and sightseeing.
Features of Gero Onsen and How to Enjoy It
An alkaline simple hot spring with excellent skin-beautifying effects
The water at Gero Onsen is an alkaline simple spring, characterized by its gentle, smooth feel on the skin.
It helps remove old skin cells, leaving your skin feeling moist and soft after bathing.
- Foot baths in the hot spring town
- There are free foot baths scattered around the hot spring town, allowing you to easily enjoy the onsen.
- They are perfect for taking a break while strolling around.
Walking around the Gero hot spring town
The town of Gero offers many sightseeing spots that are enjoyable on foot.
- Gassho Village
- Gassho-style buildings modeled after Shirakawa-go stand side by side, offering a chance to experience traditional Japanese life.
- There is also a folk museum and workshops where you can try traditional crafts.
- Gero Onsen Museum
- A facility where you can learn about the history and culture of hot springs. It’s a fun way to understand how hot springs work.
Special Experiences You Can Have at Gero Onsen
Hot spring experience by the riverside
At Gero Onsen you can try a natural foot-bath hot spring at the “Funsen Pond” along the Hida River.
The foot bath is free to use and is loved by local residents.
Enjoy local gourmet food
- Hida beef dishes
- Gero is also famous as a production area for Hida beef. You can enjoy it in many ways, such as shabu-shabu, steak, or yakiniku.
- Hoba Miso
- A local dish where miso is grilled on a magnolia leaf. It goes excellently with white rice.
Access to Gero Onsen and Accommodation Information
Access
- Public transportation
- About 90 minutes from Nagoya Station on the JR Takayama Main Line. From Gero Station, the hot spring town is within walking distance.
- By car
- About 2 hours from Nagoya via the Tōkai-Hokuriku Expressway. There are several parking lots in the hot spring town.
Accommodations
Gero Onsen offers a variety of accommodation options, from long-established ryokan to modern hotels.
Rooms with open-air baths and inns that serve meals using local ingredients are also popular.
Notes When Visiting Gero Onsen
Recommended by season
- Spring
- Enjoy the combination of cherry blossoms and hot springs.
- Summer
- Activities such as river play and fireworks festivals are available for more active experiences.
- Autumn
- This is the perfect season to enjoy the spectacular view of autumn leaves with the hot springs.
- Winter
- An open-air bath amid snowy scenery is an exceptional experience.
Onsen etiquette
At hot springs, please follow Japan’s typical onsen manners, such as not immersing your hair in the bath and washing your body before entering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is it enjoyable for families with children?
A1. Yes. There are many activities suitable for children, such as foot baths and Gassho Village.
Q2. Are there facilities that provide service in English?
A2. Some ryokan and tourist information centers can offer English support. English pamphlets are also available.
Q3. Can I stay without a reservation?
A3. Some places accept same-day reservations, but it is recommended to book in advance during busy seasons.
Gero Onsen is a healing spot where Japanese tradition and nature are in harmony.
Relax and enjoy the local culture and beautiful scenery — be sure to visit this wonderful place!
