It goes without saying that Japan is blessed with numerous hot springs. There’s no better season than winter to relax and enjoy soaking in hot water – whether inside or outside. When it comes to the Chubu Region, the most famous of these hot springs is arguably Gero Onsen, located in the Hida Valley in north-central Gifu Prefecture. Gero Onsen isn’t just a local destination either; it is one of Japan’s most famous hot springs, along with Arima Onsen near Kobe and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture.
Thanks to this reputation, Gero Onsen has been a popular tourist destination for some time, and as such getting there is a relatively painless process. There are several limited express trains leaving from JR Nagoya station that can take you directly to Gero station in under 2 hours. Those traveling on a budget or not pressed for time can get there by local trains, which takes about 2.5-3 hours depending on transfer times. Either option is fine, as you will be treated to some of the best scenery in the entire country when the train passes through the Hida Valley before arriving at Gero station.
The entire city can be explored on foot, and information on the various facilities throughout the city can be found at the tourist information center. It is right outside the station and has information available in several different foreign languages, including English, Chinese and Korean.
While a good deal of travelers come on prearranged tours and hotel stays, higaeri onsen (one-day hot spring) visits are quite popular and many of the establishments in the city cater to these visitors as well. In fact, there is a special deal available for visitors who want to visit several different hot springs in the city in the course of one day. It is called the “Yumeguri Tegata” pass, which gets you entry into three different hot springs for the reasonable price of 1200 yen. The pass is sold in several different locations around the city, and lists of hot springs accepting the pass are easy to find.
There are also other sites around the general area, and as mentioned before the scenery is fantastic. If you are interested in trying any local food and drink, Hida beef and amazake (sweet sake) are two good choices. There is also a local museum and a temple dedicated to (you guessed it!) hot springs.
If you have a little more time, Takayama and other destinations in the Hida area aren’t all that far away. Still, Gero Onsen is one of the best options available for hot springs in the Chubu area, and can be easily done as a day trip. For a chance to relax in a hot bath and enjoy some of the best scenery in the country, this is one of the best options available!
Facts
Where: Gero Onsen
What: A famous hot spring resort in Hida Valley, Gifu Prefecture
How: Public Transport (JR Nagoya to Gifu station, transfer to the Takayama Line)
Cost: 3990 yen one-way from JR Nagoya station (Limited Express Wide View Hida), 2210 yen one-way from JR Nagoya station (rapid/local trains only)
For more information (in English): http://www.gero-spa.or.jp/english/
[nggallery id=17]
