Gero Tourist Information & Local Events

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Gero Tourist Information

Gero Onsen ? one of Japan’s Three Famous Onsen. A town of Hida, nestled in a quiet valley, that soothes the soul with its colorful seasons.
Gero Onsen Gassho-mura

Gassho-mura, a village with folk dwellings moved here from Shirakawa-mura, features Handicraft Village, where one can try out paper-making and pottery decorating; the Shirasagi Theatre, a shadow-puppet story theatre where one can hear traditions and folk tales about Gero and enjoy impressive shadow-puppetry; and Furusato No Yashiro, where one can experience the natural scenery and festivals of Hida. There is even a foot bath visitors can use, free of charge.

Location Mori, Gero
Directions 5 minutes by car from Suimeikan Click here for details
Gero Onsen Museum (Gerohatsu Onsen Hakubutsukan)

This onsen-themed museum informs visitors about what makes onsen flow as well as qualities and effects of onsen water. It also has an activity corner where visitors can test the actual salt content and pH of the onsen water, and a library of books and publications related to onsen, while offering the opportunity to learn about the history of Gero Onsen through valuable photographs, materials, dioramas, and more.

Location Yunoshima, Gero
Directions 10 minutes on foot from Suimeikan
Onsen-ji Temple (Onsen-ji)

At Onsen-ji Temple, where Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru) of the “Legend of the Egret” told in Gero Onsen is worshipped, a long, continuous staircase of 173 stone steps leads from the Jizodo up to the temple precincts. Passing through the temple gate and into the precincts, one is able to enjoy an overall view of the old town of Gero. This spot is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and its colorful leaves in autumn, and many tourists come to visit each year.

Location Yunoshima, Gero
Directions 15 minutes on foot from Suimeikan
South Hida Health Center (Minami Hida Kenko Zoshin Senta)

This is the site of the 57th National Treeplanting Celebration, which welcomed Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress as visitors on May 21, 2006; and here, the South Hida Health Dojo has been set up as a place where people can engage in a variety of activities. All kinds of health-related activities can be enjoyed here, including confection-making, local food preparation, and activities like walking, wood crafting, aroma treatments, and tai chi, that take advantage of the great outdoors. One such activity is the soba-making activity, popular among adults, which involves the making of soba noodles by hand using locally produced soba flour ground with a stone mortar. Of course, one can eat there as well.

Location Hagiwaracho Shimi, Gero
Directions 25 minutes by car from Suimeikan
Gandate Gorge (Gandate-kyo)

This expansive rock face provides an example of the harsh mountainside along the Kosaka River. The location is designated by the Prefecture as a natural monument, with its pillar-shaped joints 72 m in height and 120 m in width, formed by a massive volcanic eruption of Mount Ontake. It is also well known for its autumn leaves, the bright, colorful trees forming a stark contrast with the rock face. At Gandate Park, there is the Gandate observation deck, shops, and a parking lot, as well as a foot path leading to a waterfall inside the park.

Location Ochiai, Kosaka-cho, Gero
Directions 45 minutes by car from Suimeikan
Iwaya Dam (Iwaya Damu)

This rock-fill dam is located at Tosenkyo-kanayama Lake along the limpid Maze River. This giant dam, 127.5 meters long and 366 meters wide, was constructed out of earth and stone, with a core (fine earth), a filter (course stone), and rocks (large boulders). It features some of Japan’s greatest beauty, and visitors can enjoy the changing appearance of the seasons along the lakeshore. The autumn leaves of the surrounding mountains have been designated one of 33 select Hida Mino autumn leaf spots.

Location 6-27 Unohara, Kanayama-cho, Gero
Directions 40 minutes by car from Suimeikan
Kanayama Megaliths (Kanayama Kyoseki-gun)

The Kanayama Megaliths, enormous boulders piled with an air of composure, function as a solar calendar. Thought to have been constructed through the knowledge and wisdom of the ancients, several points for observing the sun’s track have been discovered, allowing one to ascertain the summer and winter solstices, the spring and fall equinoxes, and other aspects of the annual calendar.

Location Takadaira, Iwase-aza, Kanayama-cho, Gero
Directions 40 minutes by car from Suimeikan
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