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Name in Japanese and English

• 下呂温泉まつり
• Gero Onsen Festival

History

The Gero Onsen Matsuri (下呂温泉まつり) is the major summer event of the Gero Onsen (下呂温泉, Gero onsen) hot-spring resort, in the city of Gero (下呂市, Gero-shi), Gifu Prefecture (Gifu (岐阜県, Gifu-ken)). Held in the heart of the hot-spring town (温泉街, onsen-gai), it combines popular festivities, rituals of gratitude toward the hot waters (温泉, onsen), and major spectacle moments centered on fire and mikoshi (神輿, mikoshi).

Its fame is tied in particular to the Dragon Fire Festival evening, the Ryūjin Hi Matsuri (龍神火まつり), where dragons (龍, ryū) move through dramatic staging with flames and light, as well as the large musical fireworks show Gero Onsen Hanabi Myūjikaru (下呂温泉花火ミュージカル). Depending on the year, the festival has also adopted adjusted formats (health restrictions, reduced parades and stalls), while keeping its signature highlights.

Event location and date

• Location : central Gero Onsen (下呂温泉街, Gero onsen-gai), around Shirasagi-bashi (白鷺橋) and Gero Ōhashi (下呂大橋), as well as the banks of the Hida-gawa (飛騨川).
• Address : 〒509-2207 岐阜県下呂市湯之島 (Gifu-ken, Gero-shi, Yunoshima).
• Access : from JR Gero-eki (JR下呂駅), about a 5 to 10-minute walk to the central area. Municipal parking and temporary lots depending on the day (混雑, konzatsu, possible in the evening).
• Date : generally from August 1 to August 4 every year (with a major “musical” fireworks night on August 3).
• Date type : fixed (set for August 1–4, with the detailed program varying by year).

Schedule

The festival runs for 4 days, with the feel of a big hot-spring resort celebration (温泉街, onsen-gai): parades, stages and performances, plus more ritual moments tied to gratitude toward the spring and local prosperity. Visitors come as much for the summer atmosphere (夏祭り, natsu matsuri) as to experience the event’s signature highlights.

Key must-sees include the spectacular Ryūjin Hi Matsuri (龍神火まつり), typically around the Shirasagi-bashi (白鷺橋) area, and the Yunohana Mikoshi Parēdo (湯の華みこしパレード), which brings mikoshi, festive groups, and performances through the streets. On August 3, the main climax is Gero Onsen Hanabi Myūjikaru (下呂温泉花火ミュージカル): a show where music and pyrotechnic effects (花火, hanabi) are synchronized, launched from the banks of the Hida-gawa (飛騨川) near Gero Ōhashi (下呂大橋).

The more ceremonial side includes the Onsen Kanshasai (温泉感謝祭), with a procession between the station and Onsen-ji (温泉寺, Onsen-ji) depending on the year, as well as dances such as Gero Odori (下呂おどり) and, when it takes place, Min’yō Nagashi (民踊流し): a very participatory moment where people dance in yukata (浴衣, yukata) alongside local residents.

Practical tips

Photos

For the most photogenic scenes, head to the area around Shirasagi-bashi (白鷺橋) for the parades and the Ryūjin Hi Matsuri (龍神火まつり): you can capture fire, dragons, and the crowd in one place. For the musical fireworks (花火ミュージカル, hanabi myūjikaru), position yourself on the Hida-gawa riverbanks (飛騨川) near Gero Ōhashi (下呂大橋) and arrive early—the best spots fill up fast.

Weather

In early August, expect summer heat and noticeable humidity (蒸し暑い, mushiatsui), with the chance of showers. Choose breathable clothing, bring a towel, and wear comfortable shoes (you’ll be standing a lot). A small fan (うちわ, uchiwa) or cooling wipes can really save the evening.

Transport

The easiest way is to arrive by train at JR Gero-eki (JR下呂駅), then walk to the central area. By car, plan for slow traffic and parking that may be full in the evening (特に, toku ni, on August 3). For a smoother return, leave some buffer time after major highlights (fireworks, the end of dances) to avoid peak crowd flows.

Visitor tips

If you want to enjoy it without getting “pulled” into the densest crowds, catch some activities earlier in the late afternoon, then save your energy for the big evening highlight. Useful phrase: 「どこで花火が見やすいですか？」 (Doko de hanabi ga miyasui desu ka?, “Where is a good place to watch the fireworks?”): shopkeepers and locals can often point you to the best spot at that moment.

What to bring

Cash (現金, genkin), power bank, water, towel, mosquito repellent, poncho or a compact umbrella, and optionally a small foldable mat if you plan to wait a long time near the riverbanks.

Sources & References

• 下呂市: 2025年下呂温泉まつり

  Municipal page (下呂市, Gero-shi) detailing the program, locations, and reference times (2025 edition).

• 下呂温泉観光協会: 下呂温泉まつり

  Tourism office/local association listing (access, period, practical information).

• 岐阜の旅ガイド: 下呂温泉まつり

  Event listing on Gifu’s official tourism site (period, access, general information).