What is the appeal of Gero Onsen? Thorough explanation of sightseeing and gourmet information
Many people may choose hot spring resorts as their travel destinations in search of healing and Japanese atmosphere. Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture is one of the most popular hot spring destinations, attracting attention from both Japan and abroad.
The reason for this is not only the abundance of hot spring water and the high quality of the springs, but also the retro townscape, abundant nature, and local cuisine. In Gero Onsen, you will surely be able to enjoy hot springs, sightseeing, and gourmet food to the fullest.
In this article, we will introduce the attractions of Gero Onsen, nearby sightseeing spots, and recommended drop-in baths and lodgings, so that you can follow a model course. Please refer to this page if you are considering a trip to Gero Onsen, or if you are not sure which hot spring resort to choose.
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What is Gero Onsen? Introducing the charms of Gero Onsen
Gero Onsen (Gero Hot Springs), located in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, is a popular destination for tourists from Japan and abroad. The reason for this is that it is a place where you can not only relax and soak your body and soul in a hot spring, but also experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand.
The attraction of Gero Onsen lies in its natural hot spring water, which gushes out at a high temperature of 84 degrees Celsius. The quality of the spring water is alkaline simple spring water, clear and colorless, and has a gentle touch with a subtle fragrance. The mild water envelops the skin and leaves it silky smooth.
In addition, Gero Onsen has introduced a centralized hot spring management system to ensure a stable supply of high-quality hot spring water in the future, so you can bathe in the same spring quality at all member ryokans. You will be able to relax to your heart's content in a hot spring that is highly effective for beautiful skin.
Reference:Gero Onsen
Gero Onsen is recommended for a day trip.
You do not need to stay overnight to enjoy the hot springs. Gero Onsen is also very popular for day-trip bathing. One-day plans are very reasonably priced and often include both a hot spring bath and a meal, so you can fully enjoy the hot spring at a reasonable price.
You can spend a healing time even on a day trip, so why not stop by on your way home from work or on your day off? You are sure to feel refreshed both mentally and physically.
Can I go to Gero Onsen even if I have a tattoo?
When visiting Gero Onsen, you may be wondering whether or not you can bathe if you have a tattoo. As it turns out, the response differs depending on the facility.
As a general rule, bathing with tattoos in large public baths is prohibited in most facilities. However, some lodging facilities offer hot springs with rooms or private baths, so in many cases, you can use such facilities.
The following is a sample of facilities in Gero Onsen that can be used by people with tattoos (from official website information).
Suimeikan (large baths are not available, but private baths are available)
On the other hand, this facility does not allow people with tattoos.
Gero Onsen Yunoshimakan
We recommend that you confirm directly with the accommodation in advance.
Gero Onsen Access and One-day Trip Prices
Check out how to get to Gero Onsen and the estimated cost.
The address of Gero Onsen is Gero City, Gifu Prefecture. If you use public transportation, please follow the directions below.
【 】 for Shinkansen from Tokyo
Tokyo→Nagoya (Shinkansen Nozomi: 1hr 37min, Hikari: 1hr 48min)
Nagoya → Gero Onsen (Takayama Line Wide View Hida: 1hr 27min)
【 】 for Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka
Shin-Osaka → Nagoya (Shinkansen Nozomi: 51 minutes, Hikari: 1 hour)
Nagoya → Gero Onsen (Takayama Line Wide View Hida: 1hr 27min)
If you are driving,
【 Tokyo to 】
Tokyo I.C→Tomikaseki I.C (Tomei/New Tomei Expressway, Tokai Kanjo Expressway: approx. 4 hours)
Tomikaseki I.C→Gero Onsen (Prefectural Road 58 and National Road 41: about 1 hour and 10 minutes)
or
Nakatsugawa I.C→Gero Onsen (Route 257: 1 hour)
【 】 from Kansai area
Toyonaka I.C→Komaki I.C (Meishin Expressway: about 2 hours and 10 minutes)
Komaki I.C→Gero Onsen (Route 41: 2 hours)
or
Toyonaka I.C→Tomikaseki I.C (Meishin Expressway, Tokai-Hokuriku-Tokai Ring Expressway: about 2 hours and 30 minutes)
Tomikaseki I.C→Gero Onsen (Prefectural Road 58 and National Road 41: about 1 hour and 10 minutes)
Hours of operation vary from facility to facility, but most are open from 10:00 to 23:00 for one-day bathing.
As for the price, the market price for one-day bathing ranges from 400 yen to 1,500 yen, and for overnight stays, the cheapest plan ranges from about 5,000 yen per night to just under 30,000 yen. Be sure to check the official website of the facility you are looking for well in advance.
Reference:Gero Onsen Ryokan Cooperative Association Official Site
Gero Onsen Tourism Information｜From one-day bathing to gourmet dining
If you have come all the way to Gero Onsen, you will want to enjoy not only the hot springs but also sightseeing. Here we will introduce facilities where you can take a one-day trip to Gero Onsen, sightseeing spots in the area, and recommended gourmet restaurants. We have plenty of information to help you enjoy Gero Onsen to the fullest!
Hot spring facilities for day-trip bathing
We have picked up day-trip bathing facilities where you can easily enjoy the charms of Gero Onsen.
1. open-air bath in the garden
The Cua Garden Open-air Bath is a multipurpose open-air hot spring recreation center designed to promote health while listening to the murmuring of the Hida River. With a great view, visitors can enjoy six different types of hot spring baths, including a uchisetu, three-temperature bath, box steam bath, and bubble bath. 24-hour hot spring bathing is available, making it perfect for those who do not like large public baths.
- Address: 894-2 Yunoshima, Gifu Prefecture, Gero City
- Access: 10 min. walk from Gero Sta. on the Takayama Line from JR Nagoya Sta.
- Business hours: 8:00 - 21:00 (closed on Thursdays)
- Admission: Adults 700 yen, elementary school students 400 yen, infants 200 yen
- For more information,click here!
2. suimeikan
Suimeikan is one of the best-established inns in Gero Onsen, where you can enjoy an open-air bath and a large bath with a view. For day-trip bathing, you can enjoy the open-air bath with indoor bath and the observatory bathhouse, and many day-trip bathing plans with lunch are also available. A number of one-day plans with lunch are also available.
- Address: 1268 Koda, Gifu, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
- Access: From JR Nagoya Station, take the Takayama Line to Gero Station, and get off at Gero Station. 3-minute walk (free shuttle bus available).
- Business hours: 11:00 - 14:00 (Yumeguri handbills 12:00 - 14:00)
- Admission: Adults 1500 yen, children 1000 yen (3 years old to elementary school students), children under 2 years old free of charge
- For more information,click here!
3. yuragi-no-Sato Hida Sanso
Yuragi-no-Sato Hida Sanso is an inn built on a hillside that boasts of its 100% free-flowing hot spring source, which is full of ingredients for beautiful skin. The garden baths are popular as a luxurious way to enjoy the alkaline spring water, which is expected to beautify the skin and relieve fatigue.
- Address: 683-1 Yunoshima, Gifu Prefecture, Gero City
- Access: Approx. 100 minutes from JR Nagoya Station to JR Gero Station by limited express Hida, approx. 15 minutes on foot
- Business hours: 15:00 - 20:00 weekdays, 18:00 - 20:00 Saturdays and days before holidays (irregular holidays)
- Admission: 500 yen for junior high school students and older
- For more information,click here!
Reference:10 One-day Onsen around Gero Onsen (Gifu Prefecture)｜Yukoyuko Onsen Guide
Sightseeing spots around Gero Onsen
In Gero Onsen, there are many sightseeing spots to stop by in addition to strolling through the hot spring resort area. In addition to enjoying the retro cityscape, there are many places where you can feel the original Japanese landscape and places of interest that tell the story of Gero's history.
Here are three recommended sightseeing spots that you should not miss when visiting Gero Onsen.
1. village of Gassho
Gassho Village" is located in the Kosaka district near Gero Onsen Hot Springs. Gassho-zukuri houses from Shirakawa-go, designated as a national important cultural property, have been relocated to the village to recreate the original Japanese landscape.
The gassho-zukuri style, characterized by steeply pitched thatched roofs, is an architectural style born from the wisdom of a region with heavy snowfall. From the tatami room, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the peaceful countryside.
- Address: 2369 Mori, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
- Hours: 8:30 - 17:00 (admission until 16:30)
2. hot springs temple
Onsen-ji Temple is a famous temple with a history of more than 1,200 years. There are various theories as to the origin of the temple's founding, but it is said that it was first built by Gyoki, a famous Buddhist monk, who used Gero as a hot-spring cure when he traveled around the country.
In the fall, the leaves are illuminated, creating a fantastic view. This is a spot where visitors can experience the natural beauty of Gero and the history of its hot springs.
- Address: 680 Yunoshima, Gifu Prefecture, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
- Hours: Free to visit until sunset
Gero Onsen Fountain Pond
The Fountain Pond is the symbol of Gero Onsen Town. The fountain of hot spring water, which reaches a height of 30 meters, is truly a sight to behold! The fountain boasts a flow of 1,500 liters of hot water per minute.
At night, the fountain is colorfully illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is different from that of the daytime. It is recommended to soak in the footbath and soak in the hot spring atmosphere while watching the fountain show.
- Address: Koda, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
- Hours of operation: 24 hours
Gero Onsen Gourmet Recommendations
Gero Onsen has many attractive gourmet restaurants that you can enjoy eating and drinking. From local specialties using local ingredients to unique sweets, there is a wide variety on the menu.
Here we introduce five recommended gourmet restaurants in Gero Onsen that you should definitely check out, focusing on popular restaurants where you can stop by between strolls.
1. "Senjyudo," where you can enjoy crispy, freshly baked rice crackers
Senjyudo is a store that offers rice crackers made from locally produced horse chestnuts. Characterized by its crispy, crunchy, and savory texture, the freshly baked "Tochinomimi Sembei" (100 yen) is especially exquisite. In addition to the rice crackers that can only be enjoyed here, the cute-looking parfait made with rice crackers is also popular.
- Address: 2557-4, Mori, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
- Phone number: 0576-25-4562
- Business hours: 8:00-17:00
- Closed: No holidays
- For more information,click here!
2. "Gero Pudding" with a cute frog character
Gero Pudding" is a sweet store with an eye-catching frog character. Each one is handmade using carefully selected eggs, milk, and natural vanilla beans. The "Retro" (400 yen) has a smooth texture and just the right amount of richness and sweetness. The "Melon Soda" (400 yen) is a nostalgic melon soda-flavored gelée that is perfect after a bath.
- Address: 545-1 Yunoshima, Gifu Prefecture, Gero City
- Phone number: 0576-74-1771
- Business hours: 10:00-17:00
- Closed: Wednesday
- For more information,click here!
3. "Yumiya" where you can enjoy soft-boiled soft-boiled eggs
Yumiya is a souvenir shop with a café, and its most popular item is the "Ondama Soft Cream" (460 yen), which was created through the "Skin Beauty Project" of Gero Onsen (Gero Hot Springs). The soft-serve ice cream made with hot spring eggs tastes like custard cream when mixed with brown rice flakes. It can be enjoyed while soaking in the footbath and is expected to have a beautifying effect on the skin.
- Address: 801-2 Yunoshima, Gifu Prefecture, Gero City
- Phone number: 0576-25-6040
- Hours: 9:00 - 21:00 (April - November), 9:00 - 18:30 (December - March)
- Closed: Wednesday
- For more information,click here!
4. "Un du Plaisir" where you can taste limited-edition crepes
At An Du Plaisir Geromori Branch, you can enjoy the "Kerokero Special" (500 yen), topped with a frog and a hot spring symbol. The green frog is the usual one, but it is said that if you hit the lucky yellow frog, you will be blessed with good luck. In addition to sweet crepes, there are also light crepes such as fish tartar and bacon lettuce.
- Address: 1075-3, Mori, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
- Phone number: 0576-25-5055
- Business hours: 10:00-18:00
- Closed: Wednesdays, with additional irregular holidays
- For more information,click here!
5. excellent Hida beef skewers at Kanare
KANARE is a take-out specialty restaurant run by the inn "Ogawaya" and is especially recommended for its Hida beef skewers (700 yen per skewer). The beef skewers (700 yen per skewer) are especially recommended. The skewers are juicy and delicious, and are seasoned simply with salt and pepper. We also offer "Kiwami" (900 yen per skewer) made from high-grade A5 Hida beef. You can also enjoy other tastes of Gifu Prefecture, such as Gohei Mochi rice cakes and Meiho ham, a specialty of Gujo City.
- Address: 828 Yunoshima, Gifu Prefecture, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
- Phone number: 0576-25-3121
- Business hours: 11:00-17:00
- Closed: No vacations (closed when Ogawaya in Gero Onsen is closed)
- For more information,click here!
Recommended Restaurants around Gero Onsen
If you want to enjoy a hearty meal, visit a restaurant in the Gero Onsen area.
1. nakasa
Nakasa is a famous buckwheat noodle restaurant that has received a Michelin star and is famous throughout Japan. The soba noodles are carefully made in the restaurant using only a handmill and sieve.
The soba noodles are made with the utmost care and attention to detail, and are very firm and smooth. The sauce is also exquisite, allowing you to fully enjoy the original flavor of the buckwheat. The menu also includes a la carte dishes using seasonal vegetables, so why not enjoy them with Soba?
- Address: 918-47 Mori, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
- Phone number: 0576-25-2261
- Opening hours: 11:30 - until sold out (usually closes around 2:00 p.m.)
- Closed: Wednesday
- For more information,click here!
2. mountain bumpkin
When you come to Gero, you want to enjoy the local cuisine of Hida. Yamabiko is the place to go. The dishes made with seasonal local ingredients are truly exquisite, and you can enjoy Gifu's soul food. The famous "Keichan" and "Hida Beef with Hoba Miso" are must-try dishes.
Please enjoy the taste of a long-established restaurant that has been loved for more than half a century.
- Address: 1088 Mori, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
- Phone number: 0576-25-2883
- Business hours: 11:30-15:00, 17:00-20:30 (L.O. 19:30)
- Closed: Monday
- For more information,click here!
3. kaiseki inn suihoen
One of the best Japanese restaurants in Gero Onsen is Kaiseki Yado Suihoen. The restaurant also offers lodging, but can also be used for lunch and dinner on a day trip.
The restaurant boasts delicate kaiseki cuisine that makes the most of seasonal local ingredients, with Hida beef and river fish in particular being exquisite. Reasonable lunch courses during the day and more authentic dinner courses at night are popular.
Private rooms with a view of the elegant Japanese garden are also available, making them perfect for special occasions. Please visit us if you would like to enjoy the tastes of Gero.
- Address: 2519-1, Mori, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
- Phone number: 0576-25-2288
- Hours of Operation:
Lunch 11:30 - 14:00 (last order at 13:30)
Dinner 18:00 - 21:00 (last order at 20:00) - Closed: No regular holidays
- For more information,click here!
Recommended Hotels & Inns around Gero Onsen
Because you are traveling to Gero Onsen, you want to enjoy a memorable stay. There are various types of accommodations in Gero, so find the one that best suits your needs.
Here we introduce two hotels and two inns that we particularly recommend. Please enjoy the different hot springs and hospitality to the fullest.
1. gero onsen mizumeikan
Suimeikan boasts a space full of Japanese atmosphere. You can spend a relaxing time while listening to the murmuring of the Hida River.
The hotel also offers programs to experience traditional Japanese culture, such as a tea ceremony experience and a Noh stage performance that will transport you to a world of mystery and mystery. Daily art tours are also available, where you can listen to explanations of art works in the hotel's collection.
In addition to the hot springs that boast the quality of our springs, we offer a variety of hospitality services that will create a special time for you. We hope you will enjoy your stay to the fullest.
For details and reservations, please contactclick here!
2. ogawaya
Ogawaya is a long-established ryokan in Gero. The tatami-mat bath, which boasts an area of 100 tatami mats, is a spectacular sight that is hard to find anywhere else.
There are 9 private baths available, so we recommend that you spend a relaxing time in the hot spring as if you were in your own private room.
Experience exceptional hospitality at this historic ryokan, which has been in business for more than 350 years.
For details and reservations, please contactclick here!
3. Bikinosato Hotel Bikki
Bikinosato is a hot spring hotel nestled in the natural beauty of the Maze River, recognized as the most beautiful village in Japan. Located on a mountain top, 30 minutes by car from Gero Hot Spring Resort, it boasts a spectacular view overlooking the Maze River.
Natural hot spring water from the source on the premises is excellent for beautiful skin. The 17 different types of bathtubs, including open-air baths and kettle baths, will provide you with a blissful experience.
The kaiseki cuisine, which makes the most of local ingredients such as sweetfish from Maze and Hida beef, is also superb. We recommend this inn to those who want to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and refresh themselves at a hidden inn surrounded by nature.
For details and reservations, please contactclick here!
summary
Gero Onsen is loved both in Japan and abroad as a hot spring resort boasting an abundance of hot spring water and good spring quality. There is no shortage of attractions other than the hot springs, such as the retro townscape, abundant nature, and local cuisine.
From day-trip bathing and eating spots to elaborate lodging facilities, Gero Onsen has many attractive places to visit. After relaxing in the hot springs, why not enjoy sightseeing to experience the history and culture of this famous hot spring?
Gero Onsen is also attractive for a wide range of travel styles, from couples and families to solo travelers. Please visit with your loved ones and spend a special time to refresh your mind and body.
There are many other attractive hot spring resorts throughout Japan. Like Gero Onsen, Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma Prefecture is popular among foreign tourists. It is characterized by its milky white murky water, which is highly effective for beautifying the skin.
For more information about Takaragawa Onsen, please check the following article.
▶︎ Very popular among foreigners! Introducing the charm of "Takaragawa Onsen", a famous hot spring that you should visit at least once!
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