Gero Onsen is one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring resorts, renowned for its long history and high-quality mineral waters. During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), it was recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Hot Springs, alongside Kusatsu Onsen and Arima Onsen. At that time, it was known as Yushima, after its original hot spring name. Since the Edo period (1603–1868), these three destinations have been collectively known as the Three Great Hot Springs of Japan.
With a history stretching back approximately 1,000 years, Gero Onsen is nestled among mountains in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture. Inns and hotels line the Hida River, extending from the area around Gero Station into the surrounding hillsides. The scenic setting creates a relaxing atmosphere for visitors seeking a traditional Japanese hot spring experience.
Gero Onsen features alkaline simple hot spring water that is colorless and transparent. Its defining characteristic is its remarkably smooth texture, which leaves the skin feeling soft and silky.
The water has a high pH level of 9.18 and is often called the “Beauty Bath” because its alkaline properties may help remove old dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smoother. Visitors can enjoy the soothing waters at traditional Japanese inns, hotels, and public bathing facilities throughout the resort.
One of the best ways to experience Gero Onsen is by using the Yumeguri Tegata, a special hot spring pass that allows visitors to bathe at three participating inns of their choice.
The pass is designed for day visitors and remains valid for six months. If you cannot use all three bathing opportunities during your visit, you can save the remaining opportunity for a future trip within the validity period.
Gero Onsen has approximately 10 footbath locations scattered throughout the hot spring district. These facilities offer a convenient way to relax while exploring the town on foot. Visitors can experience different bathing settings and enjoy the warm waters without committing to a full bath.
Funsenchi is a well-known open-air hot spring located on the riverbed of the Hida River. Since its installation in 1983, it has become one of Gero Onsen’s most recognizable landmarks.
The bath measures approximately 6.5 meters long and 5 meters wide and was originally known as a free, open-air bathing spot shared by men and women. Its riverside setting offered a distinctive experience, allowing bathers to enjoy the surrounding landscape while soaking in the hot spring water.
Because the bath is situated on a riverbed, heavy rain has occasionally caused flooding and deposited sediment, sometimes washing the facility away. It has been restored repeatedly over the years and has remained a much-loved feature of the area for both residents and tourists.
Swimsuits became mandatory in 2010. Since 2021, the facility has been designated exclusively for footbathing, allowing visitors to experience the hot spring water in a more accessible way.
According to local tradition, the history of Gero Onsen began approximately 1,000 years ago, when hot spring water emerged near the summit of Mount Yugamine, which stands 1,067 meters above sea level, east of the present-day resort area. The water was valued for its therapeutic properties, attracting visitors who came to bathe and recuperate.
In 1265, the original spring near the mountain summit reportedly stopped flowing, leaving local villagers distressed. According to legend, a white egret descended beside the Hida River, where a new hot spring was discovered.
After the bird flew away, a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing and Medicine, was found in the nearby mountains. The villagers built Onsenji Temple to enshrine the statue.
A spring emerges beneath the statue of Yakushi Nyorai in front of the temple’s main hall. It is regarded as a sacred spring, further strengthening the connection between the temple and the hot spring resort.
The legend of the white egret remains an important part of Gero Onsen’s identity. The bird has become a symbol of the resort, representing the discovery of its healing waters and the enduring traditions surrounding this historic destination.
Gero Onsen is also known for its lighthearted attractions. One example is Kaeru Shrine, a small shrine dedicated to a theme inspired by frogs. Frog motifs can be found throughout the grounds, including on stone lanterns, at the purification pavilion, and inside the shrine building.
The name plays on the Japanese pronunciation of Gero, which resembles the sound associated with a frog’s croak. The word kaeru means “frog” in Japanese but can also mean “to return home.” This wordplay is associated with wishes for a safe journey home and adds a humorous touch to the town’s traditional atmosphere.
Another popular photo spot is the statue of Charlie Chaplin, seated on Shirasagi Bridge. Visitors often pose on either side of the statue to create memorable photographs of their trip.
The statue was commissioned from a sculptural artist in Hollywood, the home of the American film industry. It was created as a symbol of peace, adding an international cultural touch to this traditional Japanese hot spring town.
Hoba miso is a traditional local dish made by grilling miso paste with seasonings and ingredients on a large magnolia leaf. The miso is mixed with toppings such as green onions, shiitake mushrooms, and wild mountain vegetables before being heated over a flame.
The dish is commonly served with rice and is often featured at breakfast in traditional Japanese inns. Some inns and hotels also serve a more elaborate version topped with Hida beef and vegetables, which are grilled together over the fragrant magnolia leaf.
The combination of savory miso, aromatic leaves, and locally sourced ingredients makes hoba miso a memorable part of the regional food culture.
Keichan is another beloved regional specialty. It consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a homemade sauce based on miso and soy sauce, often seasoned with garlic and ginger.
The marinated chicken is grilled before being served, creating a savory dish with rich seasoning and a satisfying aroma. Keichan is a popular choice for visitors who want to experience the hearty, home-style flavors of the Hida region.
From its silky alkaline waters and centuries-old legends to its riverside scenery, playful local attractions, and distinctive regional cuisine, Gero Onsen offers much more than a traditional bathing experience.
Whether you visit several hot springs with a bathing pass, explore the town’s footbaths, learn about the white egret legend, or savor hoba miso and keichan, Gero Onsen is an inviting destination for discovering Japanese hot spring culture and the natural beauty of Gifu Prefecture.
Train:
Walk from Gero Station on the JR Takayama Main Line
Bus:
Gero Onsen direct bus” runs daily from JR Nagoya Station to the bus center in front of Gero Station (one round trip per day).
Car:
From Chuo Expressway/Nakatsugawa IC, drive about 52 km via Route 257 and 41.
From Tokai Kanjo Expressway/Fukaseki IC, approx. 35 km via Prefectural Road 58, turn left at Ijiri intersection, and drive approx. 28 km via National Road 41.