Gero Onsen (下呂温泉)

One of Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs alongside Kusatsu and Arima. Named on both Muromachi-era and Edo-era famous onsen lists. Discovered around 947 AD — roughly 1,000 years of history. Alkaline simple hot spring (pH 9.18). The high alkalinity gently exfoliates skin, earning it the name "Beauty Spring" (Bijin-no-Yu). Source temperature 84°C, colorless, transparent, with a distinctively silky texture. Since 1974, the Gero Onsen Cooperative centrally manages the spring, delivering water at 55°C to ryokan. Kua Garden open-air bath (700 yen) has 6 types of baths along the Hida River. Shirasagi-no-Yu (430 yen) features cypress wood baths. Direct access from Nagoya: JR Limited Express Hida, 1.5-2 hours.

Compiled from publicly available information and visitor reports. The rating shown is an editorial summary of the same, and does not mean we have visited every place in person. Prices and hours may change — please confirm with the venue before visiting.