Gero Onsen Town Stroll Course

Gero Onsen is one of the three great hot springs of Japan, alongside Arima and Kusatsu. The town, known for its smooth, silky water, has foot baths dotted along the river, while temples and a gassho village wait up the slopes. It is a perfect place for a relaxed half day stroll combining bath hopping and snacking.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Gero Station Cross the bridge over the Hida River and head for the center of the hot spring town. 9:15 Look in at the Ideyu Morning Market A morning market held at the foot of the gassho village. Tomato juice, blueberry jam, local sake and red turnip pickles line the stalls, offering the tastes and souvenirs of Gero. 10:00 Visit Gero Onsen Gassho Village An open air museum of thatched houses relocated from places such as Shirakawa-go. You can try pottery and papermaking and touch the life of the mountain villages. 11:30 Pay a visit to Onsenji Temple A quiet precinct at the top of a stone stairway. The autumn leaves are beautiful, and the view down over the hot spring town is a treat. 12:30 Lunch and town walking Sample street snacks such as Gero Onsen pudding and Hida beef skewers as you wander the town. 14:00 Rest with a round of foot baths Visit the free foot baths scattered through the town. The silky famous water soothes the tiredness of travel. 15:30 Return to the station to finish Take in the riverside scenery and head back to the station with a hot spring bun as a souvenir.

Highlights

The water of Gero is known as a beauty bath that leaves the skin smooth. At the gassho village you can see buildings moved from a World Heritage site up close, and the foot baths in town let you sample the famous water with ease. Soaking while listening to the murmur of the river is something special.

Access and Tips

Gero Station on the JR Takayama Main Line is the starting point. The town can be toured on foot, but the gassho village and the temple involve climbing slopes, so comfortable shoes are recommended. A towel is handy at the foot baths, so carrying one makes the walk more comfortable.

A Quick Tip

The morning market ends before noon, so starting with it is efficient. Foot baths are found all over town, so stopping at one when your legs tire lets you rest at a good pace and fully enjoy the walk.