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Name (Japanese and English)

• 下呂市（げろし）
• Gero-shi (下呂市)

City profile

• Country : Japan (日本, Nihon)
• Region : Chūbu (中部地方, Chūbu chihō)
• Prefecture : Gifu (岐阜県, Gifu-ken)
• Type : City (市, shi)
• Population : ~27,000 (approx., based on the latest available estimates)
• Area : ~851 km²
• GPS (city center) : 35.8058817, 137.2441002

Summary

Gero is a mountain city in the heart of Gifu Prefecture, known across Japan for its hot springs. Its main tourist area, Gero Onsen (下呂温泉, Gero onsen), is often cited among the country’s major onsen, with a small spa-town atmosphere along the Hida River (飛騨川, Hida-gawa). But Gero is also a vast territory: forests, valleys, waterfalls, megalithic sites, and characterful villages.

Why visit Gero?

• For the onsen : public baths, ryokan stays, and everyday “bath culture”.
• For the atmosphere : lanes, bridges, riverside walks, and footbaths (足湯, ashiyu).
• For nature : waterfalls, gorges, hiking, and seasonal landscapes.
• To go beyond the usual routes : midway between Nagoya and Takayama, ideal as a stopover or a base.

Main areas of the city

• Gero Onsen / Yunoshima (湯之島, Yunoshima) : the hot-spring core, easiest without a car.
• Hida-Osaka (飛騨小坂, Hida-Osaka) : famous for waterfalls and volcanic scenery.
• Kanayama (金山, Kanayama) : countryside, rivers, and the Kanayama megalith site.
• Maze (馬瀬, Maze) : valleys and nature, very “rural Japan”.

Must-sees

• Gero Onsen Funsenchi (下呂温泉 噴泉池, Funsenchi) : an iconic riverside spot. Note: bathing is currently prohibited, but it’s still nice for a break and, depending on facilities, a footbath.
• Onsen-ji (温泉寺, Onsen-ji) : a temple tied to the local White Heron legend (白鷺伝説, Shirasagi densetsu), with a great atmosphere above the town.
• Gero Onsen Gasshō-mura (下呂温泉合掌村) : an open-air museum village with thatched gasshō-zukuri houses (合掌造り).
• Sarubobo “Golden Footbath” (さるぼぼ黄金の足湯) : a free, very photogenic footbath.
• Kanayama Megaliths (金山巨石群) : a surprising site sometimes nicknamed “Japan’s Stonehenge”.
• Hida-Osaka Falls (小坂の滝めぐり) : a network of waterfalls (200+), with trails and guided outings.

Onsen & wellness

Gero Onsen (下呂温泉, Gero onsen) is associated with the idea of Nihon Sanmeisen (日本三名泉, “Japan’s three famous hot springs”), thanks to its historical reputation and the quality of its water.

• The classic experience : stay in a ryokan, kaiseki dinner (会席, kaiseki), evening bath + morning bath.
• The simple version : public bath (共同浴場, kyōdō yokujō) + a yukata stroll (浴衣, yukata) in town.
• Good to know : tattoo policies vary by facility, so check ahead.

Nature & outdoors

• Waterfalls and gorges : Hida-Osaka is a solid choice (from easy walks to more sporty hikes).
• Strolls : riverside paths along the Hida-gawa (飛騨川) around Gero Onsen.
• Seasons : autumn is very photogenic; winters are cold with possible snow (winter tires recommended in the mountains).

Culture & history

• Local legends : the White Heron story (白鷺, shirasagi) is a major theme linked to the discovery of the springs.
• Heritage : temples, traditional buildings, and a lively “spa-town culture”.
• A city shaped by mergers : Gero brings together several former towns and villages, explaining its strong diversity.

Food & local specialties

 

• Hida-gyū (飛騨牛, Hida beef) : highly regarded local wagyū, common across the region.
• Kei-chan (鶏ちゃん, keichan) : marinated/grilled chicken with vegetables, a popular specialty.
• Nattoku-ton (なっとく豚) : local pork highlighted in Gero cuisine.
• Sweets & snacks : easy to find spa-town treats (perfect for eating while you walk).

Events you shouldn’t miss

• Winter : “Hanabi Monogatari” (花火物語・花火の歳時記) : fireworks every Saturday from January to March (seasonal format).
• Summer : “Gero Onsen Matsuri” (下呂温泉まつり) : the big event from August 1 to 4.
• Autumn : Annual festival of Gero Onsen Shrine (下呂温泉神社 例祭) : October 8 (fixed date).

Getting there

• Train (recommended) : from Nagoya (名古屋), the “Hida” limited express (ひだ) reaches Gero in about 1h45 to 2h depending on the service.
• Bus : direct options exist depending on season and operators, sometimes with conditions (e.g., reserved for guests of certain accommodations).
• Car : very convenient if you want to explore Hida-Osaka, Kanayama, or Maze.
• IC cards : TOICA/Suica usability depends on the route. Since October 2025, TOICA has been announced as usable for Gero in some cases (notably with the “Hida” service).

Getting around

• On foot : perfect for Gero Onsen and the main nearby spots.
• Local bus / taxi : useful for more distant points.
• Car : almost essential to fully enjoy nature areas (waterfalls, megaliths, valleys).

Best time to go

• Spring : pleasant; a good “walk + onsen” season.
• Summer : festivals and lively evenings, but more crowds.
• Autumn : stunning colors, great for photos.
• Winter : perfect onsen mood; cold and possible snow.

Practical tips

• Photos : early morning for a quieter town, blue hour by the river, and Onsen-ji for “above-town” views.
• Weather : bring a warm layer in the evening even outside winter, and non-slip shoes if you plan waterfalls/trails.
• Transport : without a car, stay centered on Gero Onsen. With a car, add Hida-Osaka and Kanayama.

Official links

• Official city website (下呂市)
• Tourism site “Gerotabi” (げろたび)
• Gero Onsen Tourism Association (下呂温泉観光協会)

Sources & references

• Hanabi Monogatari (花火物語) – city page
• Gero Onsen Matsuri (下呂温泉まつり) – city page
• Onsen-ji (温泉寺) – spot page (association)
• Gero Onsen Gasshō-mura (合掌村) – official site
• Sarubobo Golden Footbath (黄金の足湯) – spot page
• Kanayama Megaliths (金山巨石群) – spot page
• Hida-Osaka falls (小坂の滝めぐり) – city page
• Kei-chan (鶏ちゃん) – city page
• Gerogle (げろぐる) – gourmet guide
• JR Central – TOICA expansion (PDF)