Gero Onsen (Gero Hot Springs) Autumn Foliage x Hot Springs Perfect Guide: 7 Maple Viewpoints, Soup Tours, Experiences and Activities in One Package

I would like to collect one of the three most famous springs in Japan in one trip.Gero Onsen (Gero Hot Spring/Gero Onsen)Autumn is a time to visit Gifu Prefecture's Gero City. Gifu Prefecture's Gero City has a wealth of natural resources, from the maple-viewing spots around the hot spring towns to the depth of the valley trails, crafts and local experiences, as well as the Higo Onsen, which offers a wide range of hot springs. This article is organized from the perspective of a Taiwanese visitor to Japan.Top 7 Foliage Attractions與Selected hot spring facilities、Transportation and Useful InformationThe tour will help you to schedule your fall trip to Gero in one go.

Why is Gero Onsen and the surrounding area suitable for fall travel?

The difference between the north and south of Gero City is about 2,800 meters, so the period of maple viewing extends from north to south, from high to low, extending the window for maple viewing by almost a month. In addition, the concentration of hot spring villages and the short moving time make it very suitable for "chasing the maples in the daytime, soaking in the hot springs in the evening, and walking at night".

Hot Spring Street and 7 Maple Viewpoints in the area

1. Onsenji Temple (Hot Spring Temple/Onsenji Temple)

Located on the hill above Onsen-dori Street, you can climb up the steps and overlook the town. The statue of Yukushi Nyorai (Yukushi Nyorai) enshrined in the temple is one of the originators of the "Legend of the White Egret" in Gero, with hot springs gushing out from its pedestal. The temple is illuminated at night from early to mid-November every year, and the red maple color reflects the temple's beautiful atmosphere.

■ Onsenji (Hot Spring Temple)
Tel: 0576-25-2465 Address: 680 Yunoshima, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
Worship: Free to worship before sunset as a rule (during the program period, according to the announcement of the temple).
Official Website:https://www.onsenji.jp/

2. Gero Onsen Gassho-mura (Gero Onsen Gassho-mura)

The thatched roofs and red foliage of this outdoor museum are interspersed with a nostalgic atmosphere of a gassho-zukuri settlement that was moved from Shirakawa-go and other places. Inside the museum, there are experience workshops, a tea house, and a foot bath, making it an ideal place for a 1.5 to 2 hour tour.

■ Gero Onsen Hapo Village
Tel: 0576-25-2239 Address: 2369 Mori, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
Hours: 8:30 - 17:00 (latest admission 16:30) / Open year-round (one facility is not closed)
Admission: Adults 800 yen, Elementary and Junior High School students 400 yen
Official Website:https://www.gero-gassho.jp/

3. Iwate Gorge (巌立峡/Gandate Gorge)

The huge lava rock wall formed by the eruption of Mt.

■ Rocky Gap
Inquiries: Hida Kosaka Tourism Association 0576-62-2570
Location: Ochiai, Kosaka-cho, Gero-shi, Gifu (around Iwate Park)
References:Hida-Osaka Tourism (E)

4. Zenshoji Temple (禅昌寺／Zenshoji Temple)

This Zen temple is said to have been founded in the Heian Period, and its architecture is still in the style of the Song Dynasty. There is a famous garden called "Manshodo" in the precincts, which is even more solemn and beautiful during the season of red maple. The temple is also famous for its snow boat "Happo Yoridama".

■ Chanchang Temple
Tel: 0576-52-1353 Address: 1089 Nakaru, Hagiwara-cho, Gero-shi, Gifu-ken
Visiting: 8:30 - 16:00 Viewing fee: 500 yen for adults, free for junior high school students and younger.
Official Information (Gero City Sightseeing)https://www.city.gero.lg.jp/site/kanko/31433.html

5. Mase River (Mase River/Maze River)

The clear stream that runs from north to south through the Maase area is famous for its scented fish. Autumn colors along the riverbanks change from yellow to orange to deep red, making it an ideal place for driving or taking pictures along the river.

■ Masegawa
Inquiries: Minami Hida Mase River Tourism Association 0576-47-2841
Official Website:https://www.mazekanko.jp/

6. Nakayama Shichiri (Nakayama Shichiri/Nakayama Shichiri Valley)

The valley scenery of Gero Onsen runs south along the Hida River to Kanayama-cho, where you can enjoy the autumn scenery from the national highway or the JR train window.

▪ Zhongshan Qili
Inquiries: Gero City Tourism Office 0576-25-4711
Official Information (Gero City Sightseeing)https://www.city.gero.lg.jp/site/kanko/31439.html

7. Yulong Temple (Yulong Temple/Gyokuryu-ji Temple)

It was founded by Gyoki in the Nara period and rebuilt by Kanamori Nagachimo in the early Edo period, and is called "Ryuju no Akeji Temple". The area is covered in crimson red in the fall, and the scenery is spectacular.

■ Yulong Temple
Tel: 0576-32-2361 Address: 1545 Kanayama-cho, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
Hours: 9:00 - 16:00 Viewing fee: 500 yen
Official Website:https://gyokuryuji.net_