Gero Onsen, Hot spring town in Gero, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Gero Onsen is a hot spring town in Gero, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, long regarded as one of the country's top onsen destinations. Traditional ryokan line the streets alongside the Hida River, and the area offers both private baths within guesthouses and public bathhouses open to all visitors.
The springs at Gero were used in medieval times but lost their reputation for a period after an earthquake stopped the water flow. In the 17th century, the scholar Hayashi Razan named them among the three best hot springs in Japan, and that recognition helped restore and grow the town's fame.
The town has several free foot baths placed along its streets, where both locals and visitors stop to soak their feet while taking a break from walking. Many guests also wear a yukata, a light cotton robe provided by most ryokan, which gives the streets a recognizable look.
Gero Station sits at the edge of the town center, so arriving by train puts visitors within easy walking distance of the main baths and streets. A wooden spa pass called the Yumeguri Tegata allows entry to baths in several ryokan and works as a handy way to try different pools without paying separately each time.
The Funsenike pool in the center of town was once a full outdoor bathing pool, but complaints about its exposed location led to it being converted into a foot bath. It is now one of the most visited rest stops along the main street.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
