🕓 2024/11/22
＃温泉
Table of Contents
Located in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, Gero Onsen is renowned as one of Japan's "Three Famous Hot Springs" and has been cherished by many for centuries. Nestled in stunning natural surroundings, the hot spring town boasts abundant water and a highly alkaline spring quality, often referred to as “Bijin no Yu” or “Beauty’s Hot Spring.” Visitors appreciate not only the soothing waters but also the rich cultural attractions and seasonal events that make Gero Onsen a truly enchanting destination.
This article provides a detailed introduction to Gero Onsen’s history, features, and must-see highlights, offering helpful insights for your visit. Whether you’re soaking in the rejuvenating hot springs or exploring its history, culture, and culinary delights, Gero Onsen promises a memorable and unique travel experience.
Gero Onsen (pronounced "Gero Onsen") is one of Japan’s most renowned hot spring resorts, located in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture. Along with Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, it is celebrated as one of the "Three Famous Hot Springs of Japan" (Nihon Sanmeisen).
The origins of Gero Onsen date back to the mid-Heian period (947–957). Initially, the hot spring emerged near the summit of Mount Yugamine, which has an elevation of 1,067 meters. However, in 1265 (Bunei 2), the spring suddenly ceased flowing. Later, it was rediscovered along the banks of the Hida River. According to local legend, Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing, transformed into a white heron and guided villagers to the new source of the spring. This tale is known as the "White Heron Legend."
The water of Gero Onsen is classified as a simple alkaline hot spring, with a high pH level of 9.2. It is colorless, transparent, and carries a faint, soothing scent. The high alkalinity gives the water natural soap-like properties, leaving the skin smooth and soft, earning it the nickname “Bijin no Yu” or “Beauty’s Hot Spring.” Additionally, the bath’s warmth enhances circulation and promotes recovery from fatigue and overall health improvement.
The onsen town stretches along the Hida River and is lined with traditional ryokan and modern hotels. Visitors can enjoy free foot baths scattered throughout the town, allowing them to relax and experience the hot springs while strolling. With a “Yumeguri Tegata” pass, guests can enjoy the baths at three affiliated ryokan, making it easy to sample the various hot springs in the area.
Renowned for its long history and picturesque natural surroundings, Gero Onsen offers a unique experience combining its highly alkaline water with its rejuvenating benefits for beauty and health. The charming atmosphere of the town, diverse hot spring facilities, and convenient access make it a popular destination for travelers.
Gero Onsen, located in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, is a historic hot spring town recognized as one of Japan’s "Three Famous Hot Springs." This section provides a detailed overview of its history, highlighting key events and their corresponding years.
1. 10th Century: The Emergence of Hot Springs at Mount Yugamine
During the mid-Heian period, between the Engi (901–923) and Tenryaku (947–957) eras, hot springs emerged near the summit of Mount Yugamine, located east of the present-day Gero Onsen. This area, situated at an elevation of 1,067 meters, became a popular therapeutic site for many people at the time.
In 1265 (Bunei 2), the hot springs at Mount Yugamine suddenly ceased to flow. Later that year, a new source was discovered along the Hida River. According to the "White Heron Legend," Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of healing) transformed into a white heron and guided villagers to the new spring. This rediscovery revived the hot spring area as a place of healing and rejuvenation.
2. Around 1480: Recognition by Banri Shukyu
In the Muromachi period, around 1480, Banri Shukyu, a Zen monk and poet of the Kyoto Gozan temples, visited Gero Onsen. He praised the excellence of the hot springs in his literary work Baika Mujinzou and referred to Gero Onsen alongside Arima Onsen and Kusatsu Onsen as the “Three Famous Hot Springs of Japan.”
This recognition brought national attention to Gero Onsen, marking a significant turning point in its rise to fame as a premier hot spring destination.
3. 1600s: Mention by Hayashi Razan and the Founding of Onsenji Temple
In the early Edo period, in 1621, Hayashi Razan, a Confucian scholar, described Gero Onsen as one of the “Three Famous Hot Springs of Japan” in his writings. His endorsement reaffirmed Banri Shukyu’s earlier recognition and further solidified Gero Onsen’s reputation.
In 1671 (Kanbun 11), the Yakushi Nyorai statue, which had been moved from Mount Yugamine, was enshrined in Onsenji Temple at the foot of Nakane Mountain. This temple became a center of local faith and a spiritual symbol of Gero Onsen.
4. 1900s–2000s: Floods of the Hida River and Recovery Efforts
From the Edo period through the Meiji era, Gero Onsen suffered significant damage from repeated floods of the Hida River. In particular, the great flood of 1859 (Ansei 6) destroyed the hot spring’s source, leaving the area without a functioning spring.
In the late Meiji period through the Taisho era, local residents worked tirelessly to revive the hot springs, and their efforts culminated in successful borehole drilling. In the early Showa period, industrialist Takehichi Iwata from Nagoya spearheaded further development, opening the Yunoshimakan Inn in 1931 (Showa 6). This iconic building, now a nationally registered tangible cultural property, has become a symbol of Gero Onsen.
5. Present Day: Development as a Tourist Destination
Today, Gero Onsen thrives as one of Gifu Prefecture’s top tourist destinations. The hot spring town features a variety of ryokan and hotels, as well as numerous public footbaths and communal bathhouses, allowing visitors to enjoy the hot springs casually.
The "Yumeguri Tegata" pass enables visitors to experience the baths at multiple ryokan, making it a favorite among tourists. Beyond the hot springs, the town offers local cuisine, seasonal events, and stunning natural scenery, making it a beloved destination year-round.
Gero Onsen, located in Gifu Prefecture’s Gero City, is renowned as one of Japan’s "Three Famous Hot Springs," offering breathtaking natural beauty and abundant hot spring resources. Below are the must-visit attractions for anyone planning a trip to this iconic hot spring town.
■ Gero Onsen Gassho Village
Gero Onsen Gassho Village is an open-air museum featuring ten traditional Gassho-style houses relocated from Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. At the heart of the village is the Kyu-Odo Residence, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Visitors can explore facilities showcasing the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Hida region.
The Folk Museum exhibits tools and everyday items used in the past, offering a glimpse into historical ways of life. The village also offers craft workshops such as paper and ceramic painting, as well as pottery-making experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy Japan’s rustic charm and cultural heritage.
■ Onsenji Temple
Founded in 1671, Onsenji Temple belongs to the Myoshinji sect of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. The temple enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing, who is said to have appeared in the form of a white heron to reveal the location of Gero Onsen’s hot springs.
Located halfway up Mount Nakane, the temple offers a panoramic view of the Gero Onsen town below, making it a popular spot, especially during autumn when the leaves create a stunning display. Visitors can also collect sacred spring water from the temple grounds, which is believed to bring blessings.
■ Gero Onsen Museum
The Gero Onsen Museum offers an educational and interactive exploration of hot springs. Visitors can learn about the origins, composition, and health benefits of hot springs, as well as the history and cultural significance of hot springs around the world.
The museum features hands-on experiences, such as analyzing hot spring components, and even includes a relaxing footbath, making it both an informative and soothing destination for visitors.
■ Gero Onsen Town
Gero Onsen’s town is dotted with free footbaths, perfect for relaxing during a leisurely stroll. Popular spots include “Sagi no Ashiyu” (Heron’s Footbath), which is open 24 hours; “Venus no Ashiyu” (Venus Footbath), located around a Venus statue; and “Miyabi no Ashiyu” (Elegance Footbath) in front of Miyabi-tei Inn. These spots allow visitors to casually enjoy the hot spring experience.
The town is also a foodie’s paradise, featuring local delicacies such as dishes made with Hida beef, onsen eggs, and unique regional sweets. Exploring the area through food is a delightful way to immerse oneself in the town’s charm.
■ Gero Onsen Winter Fireworks Musical
The Gero Onsen Winter Fireworks Musical is an annual event held in December, showcasing a spectacular display of fireworks synchronized with music. This event takes advantage of the wide stage provided by the Hida River running through the town and features breathtaking performances by world-class pyrotechnicians.
The combination of fireworks and music against the clear winter night sky creates a magical experience, enhanced by the backdrop of the illuminated hot spring town.
Gero Onsen seamlessly blends its rich history, stunning natural surroundings, and the unique atmosphere of a traditional hot spring town. Renowned for its healing waters, the area offers visitors rejuvenation along with its cultural and historical attractions such as Gassho Village and Onsenji Temple. With activities ranging from gourmet food tours to seasonal events like the Winter Fireworks Musical, Gero Onsen has something for everyone.
Each visit to Gero Onsen brings new discoveries, as the town changes with the seasons. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, a trip to Gero Onsen is the perfect way to refresh your mind and body. We hope this article helps you plan your next unforgettable journey to this iconic destination.