The trip to Gero Onsen (Gero Hot Springs) was a heartwarming time spent with my family. The steamy hot spring town, the historic Gassho-zukuri village, the famous Hida beef, and the joy of making things by hand. All of these were peaceful moments that made me forget my everyday life. Here are my recommendations for the best of Gero that I discovered with my family on this trip. The picturesque scenery of Gassho Village, the warm hospitality of Suimeikan, a lunch of the finest Hida beef, and the experience of making your own crafts. This trip will surely leave a lasting impression on your heart. Why not spend a healing moment in Gero Onsen with your family or loved ones?
Morning: Experience history at Gero Onsen Gassho-mura (Gero Onsen Gassho Village)
The first stop on the morning you get off at Gero Station is Gero Onsen Gassho-mura (Gero Onsen Gassho Village). About a 15-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from the center of Gero Onsen Town, this museum village is a relocated gassho-style house from the Edo period. More than 10 houses, including the former Oto family residence, a National Important Cultural Property, are lined up to recreate the lifestyle of the old days in Hida. On an autumn morning, walking among the colorful trees, children’s eyes lit up at the sunken hearth and earthen floor, and they were curious, “Did people eat here in the old days? They were very curious. My husband and I were fascinated by the scenery of the gassho-roofed houses against the mountains of the hot spring resort. Walking along the walking paths in the village, the family reminisced about the old days, and the time spent soaking up the atmosphere of history was exceptional. Gassho Village is a place that satisfies the intellectual curiosity of children and adults alike.
Admission is a reasonable 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children. The park opens at 9:00 a.m. (9:00-17:00, until 16:30 in winter), so visit early to enjoy the quiet atmosphere. Check the official website ( Gero Onsen Gassho-mura ) for event information and access. The autumn leaves in fall and the snowy landscape in winter are especially beautiful.
LUNCH: Excellent lunch at Hida-gyu Saryo Kamizuki
After enjoying the history in Gassho Village, we will go to Hida beef restaurant “Hida beef saryo Kamigetsu” for lunch. Located along Onsen Street in the center of Gero Onsen Town, this popular restaurant specializes in Hida beef. As we entered the calm, wood-grained restaurant, we could see the bustle of the hot spring resort area through the window, which heightened our excitement for the trip. I ordered the Hida beef steak lunch set (2,500 yen). The children were excited to hear the sizzling sound of the beautifully marbled Hida beef being cooked on the griddle. The sizzling sound excited the children. and my husband was satisfied, saying, “This is the best flavor I’ve ever tasted. I was also impressed by the rich yet light aftertaste of the herb sauce. The Hida vegetable salad was refreshing and perfect for a post onsen meal. Hida beef is the pride of Gero, and the fresh dish we enjoyed at this restaurant was the highlight of our trip.
Open for dinner from 11:00 to 14:00 (L.O. 13:00). Since it is a popular restaurant, advance reservations are recommended. For more information, please check the official website ( Hida Gyu Saryo Kamizuki ). Gero’s other gourmet foods, such as onsen manju (hot spring buns) and local sake are also attractive, but Hida beef is a dish that can easily be shared with the whole family.
Evening: Onsen and luxurious rest at Suimeikan
After lunch, we checked in in the evening at Suimeikan, a long-established ryokan in Gero Onsen. Located in the center of the hot spring resort area, this ryokan has been in business for more than 300 years and boasts hot spring water flowing from the source. Family rooms are spacious with tatami mats laid out on the floor, and it is relaxing to see children lounging on the futon. The lights of the hot spring resort gently shone in through the window, soothing us after a tiring trip. Dinner was kaiseki cuisine, with Hida beef shabu-shabu as the main dish. The thin slices of meat swimming in the hot water were beautiful, and the refreshing taste of the ponzu sauce was a hit with the whole family. At breakfast, the local wild vegetables and hot spring eggs were impressive. The warmth of the staff was also pleasant, and I was glad that they taught my children how to enter the hot spring. The open-air bath with 100% spring water is gentle on the skin, and bathing at night makes your body warm and fluffy. The hotel is only a 5-minute walk from the station and has excellent accessibility.
Accommodation plans start at around 30,000 yen per room per night with two meals. You can also choose a room with an open-air bath. For details, please check the official website ( Suimeikan ). Other ryokans in Gero Onsen are also attractive, but the tradition and comfort of Suimeikan are exceptional.
Morning: Footbath and painting experience in Gero Onsen town
After enjoying breakfast, we enjoyed a footbath and painting experience in the Gero Onsen district. First, we went to the free “Sarubobo Footbath” in the center of the hot spring resort area. Soaking our feet in the warm water from the source was a pleasant and relaxing way to end our trip. The children were delighted as they splashed their feet in the bathtub and said, “It feels so good! They were overjoyed. We chatted with the family while watching the bustle of the hot spring town. Next, we went to the Gassho Village studio to try our hand at painting pottery (1,500 yen per person, one hour). The children painted the hot springs of Gero and the mountains of Hida on unglazed cups. The children were satisfied with their creations, saying, “I got a souvenir! They were so satisfied with their creations. I, too, found the concentration of the brushwork calming. Even beginners were able to achieve beautiful results under the careful guidance of the artisans. I still use the finished teacups at home.
The footbath is free for 24 hours. For details on the painting experience, check the official website ( Gero Onsen Gassho-mura Experience ). Cool morning hours are recommended.
Tips for enjoying a smooth trip
There are a few things to keep in mind in order to fully enjoy your trip to Gero Onsen. First, for transportation, use Gero Station as a base and walk or take a bus. Gassho-mura and the hot spring resort area are compact, so you can get around efficiently, but if you are with children, renting a bicycle (about 500 yen per hour) is convenient. If you visit Gassho Village first thing in the morning, you can enjoy a quiet walk through history. At Hida Gyu Saryo Kamizuki, you can tell them in advance how you would like your steak cooked to your liking. At ryokans such as Suimeikan, it is a good idea to discuss the rules of the hot spring before checking in. Don’t forget to rehydrate after bathing in the footbath. Checking the official website for seasonal events (fireworks displays in summer, snow viewing baths in winter) will add even more color to your trip. Bring light snacks for the kids so they can stroll around in a good mood.
Gero is a city where nature and culture are combined. Every time I was touched by the smiling faces of families and the warmth of the steam, I felt the value of my trip. The best part of the trip was when the children, holding their painted teacups, said, “I want to come back!” was the best thing that could have happened to me.
Private Wisdom’s Summary
The trip to Gero Onsen was a fulfillment of the spiritual richness and sensitivity that Private Wisdom values. The historical atmosphere of the Gassho Village stimulated my intellectual curiosity, and the exquisite flavors of Hida Gyu Saryo Kamizuki gave me the pleasure of experiencing local pride. The hot springs and hospitality of Suimeikan gently embraced the family bond, and the footbath and painting experience created creative moments. The trip was short but left a deep aftertaste. You, too, can experience the serene charm of Gero Onsen and have a heartwarming trip with your family and loved ones. In the comments, please share your recommended experiences in Gero!
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