Gero Onsen is one of Japan’s most loved hot spring towns, located in the middle of the country. With its calming baths, peaceful views, and long-standing traditions, it has remained popular for many years. People from all over the world come to sit in its warm, natural waters and feel the comfort it brings.
Whether you want to enjoy a slow walk in a small town, relax in a bath, or try local food, Gero Onsen makes a perfect stop during your time in Japan. In this blog, I will cover everything you need to know before going — including what to do, where to stay, and the best times to visit.
Gero Onsen has been known for its hot baths for more than a thousand years. It is listed as one of the top three hot spring spots in Japan, along with Kusatsu and Arima. This place has been shared through stories and records since ancient times and is often praised for its simple, clean atmosphere and the calm that comes with it.
Unlike large tourist cities, Gero offers a more natural feel, where the sound of the river and the smell of wood create a relaxing setting.
The spring water in Gero is called “beauty water” because it is smooth and gentle on the skin. It contains natural minerals like sodium bicarbonate, which help soften skin and give a fresh feeling after soaking. These minerals also support blood flow, help loosen tight muscles, and may ease pain in joints.
Gero Onsen is in Gifu Prefecture, surrounded by green hills and quiet rivers. It sits between Nagoya and Takayama, making it a nice break between larger places. The town is built around the Hida River, where you can hear running water as you walk through the streets.
The area is known for its fresh air, natural beauty, and slower pace of life.
Getting to Gero is easy from big cities. If you're coming from Nagoya, take the JR Hida Express on the Takayama Line — the ride takes about 90 minutes. You can also reach Gero from Kyoto or Osaka using the Shinkansen to Nagoya and transferring to the local train.
By car, the drive takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the route. Parking is available at many hotels and public areas.
The main thing to do in Gero is enjoy the hot water. You can visit one of many public bathhouses or stay at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) with its own indoor or outdoor bath.
Some well-known public baths include:
● Shirasagi-no-Yu: A large facility near the station.
● Funsenchi: A free outdoor bath along the Hida River.
● Yuamiya: A stylish café with foot baths and light meals.
Ryokan often offer private baths where you can enjoy the water alone or with your family. You can even try day-use plans if you are not staying overnight.
Part of the charm of Gero is walking through town in a yukata — a light cotton robe. Many inns provide one for guests. You can also wear wooden sandals called geta as you walk along stone streets, passing small shops and riverside paths.
The town has a small, cozy feel, with places to sit, rest, and enjoy the sound of nature around you.
Just outside the town center, Gassho Village is a peaceful place showing how people lived in old Japan. You’ll see thatched-roof houses brought from other villages in the mountains and placed here for visitors to see.
Each house shows tools, farming items, and crafts from earlier times. There's also a workshop area where you can try simple hands-on activities like pottery or paper making.
clear bubbling hot spring
Ryokan are the top choice for those who want to enjoy Gero Onsen fully. These inns offer quiet rooms with tatami mats, meals made from local foods, and baths that use spring water.
Some popular ryokan include:
● Suimeikan: A well-known luxury inn with several bath areas and fine dining.
● Yunoshimakan: Located in the hills with a garden view and private baths.
● Ogawaya: Mid-range with both private and group-friendly rooms.
Most ryokan include kaiseki dinners (multi-course meals) and breakfast as part of the package.
If you are traveling on a lower budget, there are also simple hotels and guesthouses in the area. They offer clean rooms, helpful staff, and often a small bath area.
Some budget options:
● Gero Onsen Bosenkan (offers both rooms and day bath access)
● Guest House Gero Onsen (good for backpackers)
Whether you want a full stay or just a place to sleep, you’ll find something that suits your plan.
One of the highlights of visiting Gero Onsen is the chance to taste the local food. Gifu Prefecture, where Gero is located, is famous for Hida Beef — a well-marbled, tender beef similar in quality to Kobe beef. The flavor is rich, and the texture melts in your mouth.
In Gero, many restaurants serve Hida Beef in different styles. You can enjoy it:
● Grilled on a hot stone (called ishiyaki): The meat cooks right at your table, giving off a savory smell.
● In soups such as sukiyaki or shabu-shabu: Thin slices are dipped in hot broth with vegetables and tofu.
● As sushi: Lightly seared slices of Hida Beef served on small rice portions — a local specialty.
In addition to beef, Gero Onsen has several other tasty dishes you should try:
Tamago Gohan (Egg Rice Cooked in Onsen Water)
This simple yet special dish features soft-boiled eggs cooked in hot spring water, served over warm rice. The eggs have a unique texture — not too runny, not too hard — and the light flavor blends nicely with soy sauce or local pickles. Some places serve it with toppings like seaweed, sesame seeds, or green onions.
onsen eggs
Yomogi Mochi (Mugwort Rice Cake)
This sweet is made with mugwort, a green herb found in the mountains. It’s soft and slightly chewy, filled with sweet red bean paste. The herb gives it a gentle, earthy taste and a natural green color. Yomogi mochi is often found in small bakeries and street-side stalls, especially during spring and autumn.
Hida Sake (Local Rice Wine)
Hida sake is made using fresh mountain water and high-quality rice from Gifu. The cool climate of the region helps with slow fermentation, giving the drink a smooth taste and light aroma. There are several small breweries near Gero that offer tasting sets or small bottles for visitors.
You can also enjoy sake kasu ice cream — a frozen treat made with sake lees (the creamy leftovers from the brewing process). It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is perfect after a warm bath.
The town of Gero has many small shops that line the main street and train station area. These shops offer a mix of handmade items, beauty products, and things that reflect the charm of the town. Here are some local gifts you can take home:
Bath Salts and Skincare from Hot Spring Minerals
Since Gero is known for its smooth, skin-friendly water, many skincare items are made using local minerals. These include:
● Bath salts that mimic the feel of a real onsen at home
● Facial masks and creams using minerals to soften and freshen the skin
● Soaps made with natural ingredients and light scents
These products are a popular choice among visitors looking for relaxing gifts or personal care items.
Hand Towels with Local Designs
Japanese tenugui towels are thin, cotton cloths with colorful prints. In Gero, you’ll find towels with patterns of cherry blossoms, onsen symbols, or the town’s name in Japanese calligraphy. They’re easy to carry, useful, and make lovely gifts.
Wooden Crafts and Folk Items
Crafts made from local wood are another great option. You can find:
● Chopsticks with carved designs
● Small trays or boxes for jewelry or coins
● Keychains or ornaments made from cedar or cypress wood
These are often handmade and sold in souvenir shops or roadside stands.
Postcards and Paintings of Gero
Local artists sell prints and postcards showing Gero Onsen’s rivers, bathhouses, and mountain views. These cards capture the peaceful feel of the town and make a thoughtful item to send or keep.
Snacks and Sweets for Sharing
Many shops also sell gift packs of yomogi mochi, rice crackers, or Hida miso snacks. These are wrapped in decorative boxes and easy to share with family or coworkers after your trip.
Gero Onsen welcomes visitors all year round, and each season brings its own kind of charm. Whether you enjoy flowers blooming, colorful trees, or quiet snow-covered streets, Gero offers something special in every season.
Spring is one of the most loved times to visit Gero. As the cold winter fades, the air becomes milder and pleasant. Cherry trees, known as sakura, begin to bloom along the Hida River, around local parks, and near temples. This soft pink scenery adds a peaceful feel to the town.
Many people walk slowly through the streets wearing yukata, taking in the fresh air and gentle views. During this time, local events are sometimes held to celebrate the arrival of spring. The natural light and calm weather also make this a great season to enjoy open-air baths, where the mix of warm water and cool breeze feels soothing.
If you like flowers and soft colors, spring is a perfect season to enjoy Gero's calm nature.
Summer brings warm days and cooler nights to Gero Onsen. The mountains around the town become deep green, and rivers flow with fresh, clear water. Though the days can be hot, the highland breeze often makes evenings more comfortable.
This season is a great time to walk along the riverbank or enjoy fireflies at night, especially in late June. Outdoor baths feel very relaxing after a day in the sun. Many visitors sit in foot baths during the evening, listening to the sounds of nature.
Gero Onsen Summer Festival, held in August, brings local dancing, food stalls, and fireworks. Streets light up with lanterns, and there's a strong feeling of togetherness as people gather. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere with cool evening air, summer is a nice choice.
Autumn paints the mountains around Gero in shades of red, orange, and gold. The leaves start changing color around mid-October, making it a popular time for photography and slow walks.
The cooler air adds to the charm of the season, and sitting in an outdoor bath surrounded by colorful trees feels extra special. This is also the season for harvest foods, and local meals often include mushrooms, chestnuts, and mountain vegetables.
Some local ryokan decorate their entryways with seasonal items like straw baskets, maple leaves, or warm candles. If you enjoy calm views and cooler temperatures, autumn gives Gero a very gentle and comforting mood.
Winter in Gero Onsen is quiet, peaceful, and often covered in soft snow. Light snow may fall on rooftops, trees, and the ground, creating a white blanket over the town. The contrast of snow and steam from hot baths is one of the most special sights during this season.
Outdoor baths in winter offer a deep feeling of comfort. Sitting in warm water while snow falls around you is a moment many visitors remember for a long time.
During the winter months, fewer crowds make the town feel even more relaxed. Inns provide warm blankets, hot meals, and cozy settings. Some visitors also enjoy local events like illumination displays or winter food festivals.
If you like peaceful settings and don't mind a little cold, winter is a great time to visit Gero Onsen.
Before going into any bath, it’s important to wash your body first using the provided shower area. Never bring your towel into the bath — leave it on the side or use a small one on your head.
Keep voices low and try not to splash water. Being calm and quiet keeps the space relaxing for everyone.
Many bathhouses provide shampoo, soap, and towels. If not, you can bring your own or rent one for a small fee.
There are foot baths located across Gero — and they’re free. These small pools allow you to sit and dip your feet into hot water, perfect after a walk. You don’t need to remove clothes or pay anything — just take off your shoes and enjoy.
Some foot baths are:
● Near the station
● Along the river
● In front of small shops
Gero Onsen is more than just a place to sit in hot water. It brings together quiet streets, kind people, tasty meals, and a slow way of life. If you want time away from busy areas and enjoy peaceful moments in nature, Gero Onsen is a lovely choice.
Even if you only stay for a day, the fresh air, soft water, and town charm leave a lasting memory.
Is Gero Onsen good for families?
Yes. Many inns welcome families and have private baths or larger rooms for groups. The town is calm and safe for children.
Can I visit Gero Onsen for a day only?
Yes. You can go to public baths or use day plans at ryokan. No need to stay overnight to enjoy the water.
Is tattoo-friendly bathing allowed?
Some public baths allow tattoos, while others ask guests to cover them. It’s best to ask before entering.
Are there outdoor baths in Gero?
Yes, many ryokan and public houses have rotenburo (open-air baths) with views of nature or the town.
Is Gero good to visit in winter?
Yes. Winter is a special time when snow adds charm to the baths. The hot water feels even better when it’s cold outside.
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