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Name in Japanese and English

• サマーフェスティバルin下呂温泉・いでゆ夜市
• Gero Onsen Summer Festival (Ideyu Night Market)

History

The サマーフェスティバルin下呂温泉 is a summer event designed to bring the 下呂温泉（Gero onsen） hot-spring resort to life after dusk, when visitors head out in 浴衣（yukata） for a stroll after their bath. The best-known part of the festival is the いでゆ夜市（ideyu yoichi）, a night market lined with food stalls, small local specialties, and souvenir items, creating an easygoing evening promenade vibe.

Over time, the event has been structured as a series of evenings (often Saturdays) from late July to mid-August, with a small stage program (taiko, dance, bands, activities) that changes depending on the date. In some years, the schedule is adjusted to fit other seasonal highlights, especially 下呂温泉まつり（gero onsen matsuri）, which explains occasional exceptions (a moved evening or a skipped date) depending on the edition.

Event location and date

• Location : around 白鷺橋（shirasagi-bashi）, along 阿多野谷（atanotani）, in the central area of 下呂温泉街（gero onsen-gai）.
• Address : 岐阜県下呂市湯之島（白鷺橋～阿多野橋周辺） / Yunoshima, Gero-shi, Gifu (Shirasagi-bashi to Atano-bashi area).
• Access : from JR下呂駅（JR Gero-eki） (line JR高山本線（JR Takayama-honsen）), about a 5-minute walk. Municipal parking is available nearby (capacity varies by area); arrive early on busy event nights.
• Date : typically multiple evenings between late July and mid/late August, most often on Saturday nights, with sometimes an exception (an evening moved or canceled) depending on the edition.
• Date type : variable, since the festival follows a “summer weekends” pattern and adjusts to the local calendar (notably around 下呂温泉まつり（gero onsen matsuri）).

Schedule

The format is a friendly, human-scale night market, perfect for an evening of “stop, taste, watch.” The いでゆ夜市（ideyu yoichi） stalls set up along 阿多野谷（atanotani） around 白鷺橋（shirasagi-bashi）, and the atmosphere gradually builds as night falls.

Depending on the date, there may be a stage with performances (taiko, dance, bands, demonstrations), and sometimes a more “matsuri” feel with 盆踊り（bon-odori） toward the end of the season. People move between the stalls, photo spots on the bridges, and strolls through the resort area, often in yukata.

What makes it special is the contrast between the quiet of a hot-spring town and the energy of a summer evening: lights, the smell of grilling food, small purchases, music, and a real “vacation night” feeling in the heart of 下呂温泉（Gero onsen）.

Practical tips

Photos

The easiest spot: near 白鷺橋（shirasagi-bashi） to capture the vibe (stalls, crowd, river lights). To avoid having faces too prominent, go early (start of the evening) or stand slightly back along 阿多野谷（atanotani）. A fast lens helps once it’s fully dark, and a small strap/wrist strap is handy in the crowd.

Weather

Late July–August in Gero: hot and often humid, with possible showers. Wear breathable clothes, but bring a light layer if you stay out for a long time. If it rains, a poncho is often more practical than an umbrella in stall areas.

Transport

The simplest option is the train to JR下呂駅（JR Gero-eki）, then walk. If you come by car, use municipal parking and arrive early on event nights. After it ends, pedestrian flow increases, so expect a slightly slower return around the bridges.

Visitor tips

To enjoy it without stress: do a first “scouting lap,” then come back to the stalls you want. If a date includes 盆踊り（bon-odori）, arrive earlier to get a good spot. Useful phrase if you’re looking for the center of the event: 「いでゆ夜市はどこですか？」（ideyu yoichi wa doko desu ka?）.

What to bring

Cash (some stalls don’t accept cards), power bank, wipes, poncho (or a mini umbrella), mosquito repellent, and a small pouch/bag for your purchases. If you wear a yukata, consider comfortable footwear (or insoles) for longer walking.

Sources & References

• 下呂市：サマーフェスティバルin下呂温泉

  Information page (City of Gero): overview, hours, area (白鷺橋周辺), and access from JR下呂駅.

• 下呂温泉観光協会：サマーフェスティバルin下呂温泉開催について（2025）

  Announcement for the 2025 edition (listed dates, hours, notes on opening/activities, weather conditions).

• 下呂温泉旅館協同組合：2025年サマーフェスティバルin下呂温泉

  “Hot news” summary with the period, any possible exceptions, and a link to a program PDF.