Gero Onsen is a historic hot spring said to have been discovered either during the Engi era (901–923) or the Tenryaku era (947–957). Records indicate that Oda Nobunaga was particularly fond of the hot spring and often visited for therapeutic bathing. During the Edo period, Hayashi Razan, a Confucian scholar who served the Tokugawa family, named it one of Japan’s Three Famous Hot Springs, alongside Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture.
Flowing for more than 1,000 years, the clear, colorless water is a simple alkaline hot spring with a smooth feel. With a pH of 9 or higher, the water is expected to help remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling silky smooth after bathing. This has earned it a reputation as a “beauty bath.” It is also said to help relieve rheumatism, impaired motor function, neuralgia, fatigue, and support recovery from illness.
The hot spring town stretches along the clear waters of the Hida River. Another major appeal is that its sightseeing spots and ryokan inns are clustered within a pleasantly compact area that can easily be explored on foot from JR Gero Station.
The hot spring town is dotted with the free Funsenchi open-air bath on the banks of the Hida River, three public bathhouses where visitors can casually experience the local waters, and nine footbaths that are ideal for a break during a stroll. These facilities offer an easy way to experience the high-quality spring water while mingling with local residents.
In recent years, a growing number of shops and facilities have begun offering takeout sweets distinctive to Gero Onsen, including inventive parfaits and puddings made with local ingredients. Exploring the baths and strolling through the nostalgic hot spring town is even more enjoyable with these colorful treats in hand.
Highlights
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A renowned hot spring with more than 1,000 years of history and one of Japan’s Three Famous Hot Springs.
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Known as a “beauty bath” that leaves the skin feeling silky smooth.
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A charming, compact hot spring town that is easy to explore on foot.
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Home to the Funsenchi open-air bath, three public bathhouses, and nine footbaths.
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A wide variety of sweets to enjoy while exploring the town.
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