Gero Onsen

Lined with inns along the gentle Hida River, Gero Onsen has long been celebrated as one of the three great hot springs of Japan. Its alkaline simple spring is famously smooth and is said to leave the skin soft and bright. Strolling the town and discovering its little bathhouses is part of the charm.

Highlights

Free handbaths and footbaths dot the town, so you can enjoy the waters casually as you walk. From the bridges over the Hida River you can take in the townscape with steam rising into the air. A relocated village of old thatched houses stands nearby, offering a glimpse of traditional Hida life.

Enjoying the Seasons

Summer brings fireworks, while winter offers a beautiful contrast of snow and rising steam, and warming a chilled body in the bath feels especially good. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage also color the hot spring town.

Access and Basic Information

The town is within walking distance of Gero Station on the JR Takayama Line. It is easy to reach by limited express from Nagoya or Takayama, and by car you take the national road from the Chuo Expressway.

A Quick Tip

A wooden token ticket is handy for bath hopping, so even day visitors can tour several baths.