Hida: Discover Gero Onsen’s Historic Gassho Village
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1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step into Japan's rural past with a guided tour of Gero Onsen Gassho Village, a unique open-air museum showcasing authentic thatched-roof houses. Nestled above the famous hot springs, this village highlights the traditional lifestyle of the Hida region, where gassho-zukuri homes flourished in snowy climates. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the village, explaining the significance of its architecture and the customs of the local people. Discover the ingenuity behind the steep roofs designed for heavy snow and learn about farming and daily life in mountain communities.
- Explore the historic Gero Onsen Gassho Village, an open-air museum
- Guided tour with insights into traditional Hida culture and architecture
- View authentic gassho-zukuri houses relocated from Shirakawa-go
- Gain knowledge about local customs, tools, and the rural way of life
Available options
Hida: Discover Gero Onsen’s Historic Gassho Village
What's included
Guided tour of Gero Onsen Gassho Village
Admission fee to Gero Onsen Gassho Village
Visit to historic thatched-roof houses
Detailed itinerary
1
Gero Onsen Gassho Village is an open-air museum preserving traditional gassho-zukuri houses from the Hida region. With steep thatched roofs designed for heavy snow, the village introduces rural mountain life, folk culture, and daily practices shaped by nature and seasonal change.
What's not included
Transportation to Gero Onsen Gassho Village
Meals and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Please meet in front of Gero Onsen Gassho Village, where your guide will be waiting for you holding a yellow sign. For detailed directions, please refer to the map.
About Gero
Gero is a charming town in central Japan, renowned for its hot springs and scenic beauty. Nestled in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, it offers a serene escape with traditional ryokan (inns) and rejuvenating onsen experiences.
Top Attractions
Gero Onsen
Gero is famous for its hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. The town has numerous public and private onsen facilities.
Hot Spring
2-4 hours per visit
Free to ¥1,500
Hida Folk Village
An open-air museum showcasing traditional thatched-roof houses and folk crafts from the Hida region.
Cultural
2-3 hours
¥700
Kamigiri Park
A scenic park with walking trails, a waterfall, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hida Beef
A premium type of wagyu beef known for its tenderness and flavor, often grilled or served as sashimi.
Dinner
Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Gero Soba
Buckwheat noodles served hot or cold, often with a dipping sauce or in a broth.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian if served without toppings
Onsen Tamago
Eggs slowly cooked in the hot springs, resulting in a creamy, custard-like texture.
Snack
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Onsen
Meditation
Traditional crafts
Local festivals
Onsen bathing
Skiing
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
These seasons offer comfortable weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The autumn foliage and spring blossoms are particularly beautiful.
10-25°C
50-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Gero is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. Petty crime is rare, and the town is generally peaceful.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Beware of natural hazards such as earthquakes and heavy snowfall
- • Follow onsen etiquette to avoid cultural misunderstandings
Getting there
By air
- Chubu Centrair International Airport • 100 km
- Nagoya Airfield • 80 km
By train
Gero Station
By bus
Gero Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Gero, with frequent services to popular onsen areas and scenic spots.
Taxis
Available • Apps: None widely used
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Onsen District
Downtown Gero
Kamigiri Area
Day trips
Takayama
40 km • Full day
A charming town known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets, traditional houses, and annual festivals.
Shirakawa-go
50 km • Full day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Gujo Hachiman
60 km • Full day
A picturesque town known for its well-preserved samurai district, historic castle, and annual dance festival.
Festivals
Gero Onsen Festival • August
Gero Cherry Blossom Festival • April
Pro tips
- Book a ryokan with a private onsen for a truly relaxing experience
- Visit during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and pleasant weather
- Try local specialties like Hida Beef and Gero Soba
- Explore the surrounding nature and scenic spots, such as Kamigiri Park
- Learn some basic Japanese phrases to enhance your cultural experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
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