Complete Guide to Accessing Gero Onsen – One of Japan’s Three Famous Hot Springs - Japan Travel Sights

Gero Onsen, located in the center of Gifu Prefecture, is a stunning hot spring town renowned for its therapeutic waters, charming atmosphere, and delicious local cuisine such as Hida beef. Recognized as one of Japan’s Three Famous Hot Springs, it attracts numerous visitors year-round.

This guide provides detailed access information, including transportation options from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, as well as seasonal travel tips and recommended itineraries to help you make the most of your visit.

How to Get to Gero Onsen

By Train

🚄 From Tokyo via Nagoya

1. Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya (Approx. 1 hr 40 min).
2. Transfer to the JR Takayama Main Line and take the Limited Express “Wide View Hida” to Gero Station (Approx. 1 hr 30 min).
3. Walk or take a taxi to the onsen area (5–10 min).

• Total Travel Time: Approx. 3 hr 10 min
• Cost: Around 14,000 JPY

🚄 From Osaka via Nagoya

1. Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Nagoya (Approx. 1 hr).
2. Transfer to the Limited Express “Wide View Hida” to Gero Station (Approx. 1 hr 30 min).

• Total Travel Time: Approx. 2 hr 30 min
• Cost: Around 10,000 JPY

🚄 From Toyama via Takayama

1. Take the JR Takayama Main Line from Toyama to Gero on the Limited Express “Wide View Hida” (Approx. 2 hr 30 min).

• Total Travel Time (from Tokyo via Toyama): Approx. 4 hr 45 min

By Highway Bus

🚌 From Tokyo (via Nagoya)

• Travel Time:
  • Tokyo to Nagoya: 6 hr 30 min
  • Nagoya to Gero Onsen: 2 hr 30 min
  • Total: Approx. 9 hr
• Cost: Around 5,500 JPY

🚌 From Osaka (via Nagoya)

• Travel Time:
  • Osaka to Nagoya: 3–4 hr
  • Nagoya to Gero Onsen: 2 hr 30 min
  • Total: Approx. 5 hr 30 min – 6 hr 30 min
• Cost: Around 5,800 JPY

🚌 From Nagoya

• Travel Time: Approx. 2 hr 30 min
• Cost: Approx. 3,300 JPY
• Operator: Nohi Bus (Reservation required)

By Car

🚗 From Nagoya

• Travel Time: Approx. 2 hr
• Route:
  1. Take the Meishin Expressway → Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway → Exit at Mino-Kamo IC.
  2. Drive along Route 41 to Gero Onsen.

🚗 From Osaka

• Travel Time: Approx. 3 hr 30 min – 4 hr
• Route:
  1. Take the Meishin Expressway → Ichinomiya JCT → Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway → Exit at Mino-Kamo IC.

🚗 From Tokyo

• Travel Time: Approx. 5–6 hr
• Route:
  1. Take the Chuo Expressway → Nagano Expressway → Exit at Matsumoto IC.
  2. Drive along Route 158 & Route 41 to Gero Onsen.

By Air

The nearest airports are Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya) and Toyama Airport.

✈ From Chubu Centrair Airport (Nagoya)

• Travel Time: Approx. 3 hr 30 min
• Route:
  1. Take the Meitetsu Limited Express to Nagoya Station (Approx. 40 min).
  2. Transfer to the Limited Express “Wide View Hida” (Approx. 1 hr 30 min).

✈ From Toyama Airport

• Travel Time: Approx. 3 hr
• Route:
  1. Take the bus to Toyama Station (Approx. 25 min).
  2. Take the Limited Express “Wide View Hida” (Approx. 2 hr 30 min).

Getting Around Gero Onsen

🚶 Walking:

• Gero Station to the main onsen area: 5–10 min walk.

🚕 Taxi:

• Available at Gero Station for 500–1,000 JPY within the onsen area.

🚌 Local Bus:

• Routes to Gero Onsen Gassho Village (10 min, 260 JPY).

🚲 Rental Bicycle:

• Standard bike: 1,000 JPY/day.
• Electric-assist bike: 2,000 JPY/day.

🚗 Car Rental:

• Available near Gero Station for 5,000 JPY/day.

Seasonal Travel Tips

❄ Winter (Dec–Mar)

• Snow & Ice: Prepare snow chains/winter tires if driving.
• Public Transport: Check for possible delays due to snowfall.
• Warm Clothing: Bring thermal layers, gloves, and non-slip shoes.

🌸 Spring (Mar–May)

• Cherry Blossom Season: Ideal for onsen + flower viewing.
• Temperature: Cool in the morning/evening, so bring a light jacket.

☀ Summer (Jun–Aug)

• Rainy Season (June–July): Bring an umbrella & waterproof shoes.
• Obon Festival Crowds: Book accommodations early.

🍁 Autumn (Sep–Nov)

• Best for Fall Foliage: Visit Gero Onsen Gassho Village for stunning views.
• Layered Clothing Recommended: Mornings & evenings get chilly.

Recommended Itinerary for Gero Onsen

🕘 Day 1 – Arrival & Exploration

• Morning: Travel to Gero Onsen.
• Afternoon: Check-in & explore the onsen town. Visit footbaths & Gero Bridge.
• Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner featuring Hida beef & relax in an onsen.

🕘 Day 2 – Culture & Food

• Morning: Visit Gero Onsen Gassho Village.
• Lunch: Try Hida beef dishes or “Kei-chan” (miso-grilled chicken).
• Afternoon: Return to Nagoya or continue exploring Gifu.

Conclusion – Why Visit Gero Onsen?

🌿 One of Japan’s Three Famous Hot Springs with healing waters.
🏯 Rich history & charming onsen town ambiance.
🍣 Delicious local cuisine, including Hida beef.
🚅 Easily accessible from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

Plan your perfect getaway to Gero Onsen and enjoy the ultimate relaxation experience!