Gero Hot Springs (Gero Onsen)

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Gero Hot Springs (Gero Onsen)

One of Japan's three famous springs, where visiting the "Bijin no Yu" and eating sweets could be enjoyed.

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The historic hot spring “Gero Onsen” is said to have been discovered in the Engi era (901-923) and the Tenryaku era (947-957). During the Edo period, a Confucian scholar who served the Tokugawa family, Hayashi Razan, noted the hot spring as one of "the three famous springs in Japan," alongside Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture.

The hot spring, which has been springing up for over 1000 years, has a simple quality of colorless, transparent and smooth alkaline water. With a pH value of 9 or higher, it is a popular "Beauty Hot Spring" that is said to have great effects in removing dead skin cells and making the skin smooth after the bath. It is also good for rheumatism, motor dysfunction, neuralgia, post-illness recovery, and fatigue recovery.

One of the greatest attractions is the hot spring town that runs along the clear stream of the Hida River, where tourist spots and hotels are gathered at a reasonable distance and could be walked around from JR Gero Station.

In this hot spring town, in addition to the free "fountain pond" that springs from the riverbed of the Hida River, there are 3 communal baths where you can enjoy the outdoor bath as if you were in a local public bath, and 9 footbaths where you can stop by during your walk. The hot springs could be easily experienced and enjoyed while interacting with the locals.

Recently, there is an increase in the number of shops and facilities offering take-out sweets only found at Gero Onsen, such as new-style parfaits and puddings made from local ingredients. In a hot spring town with a nostalgic atmosphere, it is enjoyable to visit and walk around the hot springs with visually pleasing pop sweets.

Highlights

  • A hot spring with a history of over 1000 years, one of the three famous hot springs of Japan.
  • Famous for the "bijin no yu" that makes skin smooth and beautiful.
  • Attractive for having a compact hot spring town that could be enjoyed within walking distance.
  • The hot spring town has a fountain pond, three communal baths, and nine footbaths.
  • The variety of sweets around town is a hot topic.

Photos

  • Gero Onsen, where the buzzing view of the hot spring town and the scenery of the mountain village is in harmony

    Gero Onsen, where the buzzing view of the hot spring town and the scenery of the mountain village is in harmony

  • The Chaplin Statue is a popular photo spot of the hot spring town

    The Chaplin Statue is a popular photo spot of the hot spring town

  • The fountain pond on the bank of the Hida River ※ Both men and women are required to wear a swimsuit

    The fountain pond on the bank of the Hida River ※ Both men and women are required to wear a swimsuit

  • All 9 foot baths are free except those inside paid facilities

    All 9 foot baths are free except those inside paid facilities

  • Local sweets that could only be enjoyed here, best for after bath or to be accompanied during walks

    Local sweets that could only be enjoyed here, best for after bath or to be accompanied during walks

  • The cityscape at night is even more elegant

    The cityscape at night is even more elegant

Reviews

5

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  • I brought my family to Gero Onsen for a relaxing getaway. We enjoyed the Japanese hot spring atmosphere and the delicious food. It was such a treat.

  • Gero Onsen is one of Japan's top three hot springs and is famous for its 'beauty water.' Besides enjoying the baths, you can also try delicious Hida beef here.

    Enjoying a delicious meal at the ryokan and soaking in the hot springs is the perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing. We always make sure to include a trip to Japan for our family vacations.

  • In the summer evenings after dinner, the streets around the hot springs are filled with travelers strolling around in yukata.

  • One of Japan's top three hot springs! After soaking here, your skin feels so smooth. It's even called 'the beauty bath.'

Details

Name in Japanese
下呂温泉
Postal Code
509−2202
Address
Gero City, Gifu
Telephone
0576-24-1000 (Gero Hot Springs Tourism Association)
Holidays
Varies by stores and facilities
Hours
Varies by stores and facilities
Admission
Varies by stores and facilities
Directions
Get off at Gero Station on the JR Takayama Main Line
Credit Cards
Varies by stores and facilities
Official Website
Official Website (English)