1-Day Tour from Takayama: Unveiling the Charm of Gero Onsen

5.0
(2 reviews)

8 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Dive into a day of tranquility and cultural richness with our group tour to Gero Onsen, a haven celebrated for its healing hot springs. This full-day excursion from Takayama offers a harmonious blend of scenic natural beauty, historical insights, and the rejuvenating charm of onsen. Your journey starts with a soothing riverside stroll, setting a peaceful tone. Explore Gero Onsen Gassho Village to witness traditional living, delve into the mystical world of onsen at Gero Onsen Museum, and seek spiritual solace at Onsenji Temple. Cap your experience with a relaxing onsen bath, immersing in the local hot spring culture. This tour is an ideal fusion of relaxation, cultural discovery, and historical exploration, making it a perfect getaway to one of Japan’s most famed onsen towns.

What's Included

Cost to take a bath in an onsen
English speaking guide
Guided walks at Gero Onsen
Entrance to the Onsen Museum
Entrance to the Gero Onsen Gassho Village
The train to Gero Onsen from Takayama, and from Gero Onsen to Takayama
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meetup point is outside of the ticket gates at JR Takayama Station. Once you have left the gates, look to your left to see a walkway and a carving depicting an ornate wagon. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:30 A.M.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Your serene adventure to Gero Onsen begins at Takayama Station, where your guide will welcome you at 9:30 AM. As you embark on the journey to Gero, renowned for its rejuvenating hot springs, enjoy the unfolding scenery of lush valleys and tranquil streams. The train ride itself sets a soothing tone for the day, with occasional insights from your guide enriching the tranquil journey to this famed hot spring town. Upon reaching Gero, you’ll be guided to a picturesque riverside path. This serene stroll by the central stream of the town offers a calming ambiance, setting the tone for your day in this renowned hot spring haven. The gentle murmur of the flowing water and the charming views along the riverbanks invite a sense of tranquility, reflecting Gero’s reputation as a peaceful retreat.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 2

    From here we delve into the Gero Onsen Gassho Village, a picturesque outdoor museum showcasing traditional thatched-roof houses from regions like Shirakawa-go. As you wander through the open-air museum, discover various historical houses, each offering a unique window into the traditional lifestyles of Hida. These well-preserved structures capture the essence of a bygone era, showcasing the architectural ingenuity and rural charm of the region. This immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of the area’s heritage, set against the backdrop of Gero’s tranquil natural beauty.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 3

    After enjoying some time for lunch, your tour resumes with a visit to the Gero Onsen Museum. This visit offers an enriching dive into the history and science behind onsen. The museum’s interactive exhibits and detailed displays unravel the mysteries of these natural hot springs, illuminating their role in Japanese culture and health practices. The museum experience not only educates but also deepens your appreciation for the onsen culture integral to Gero and Japan as a whole. Here, you also have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing foot bath, a signature experience in Gero. This tranquil moment is not only soothing but also lets you personally experience the health benefits of the onsen water. It’s an ideal way to relax and immerse yourself in the local hot spring culture, feeling the therapeutic warmth and rejuvenation of these natural springs.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 4

    Steeped in legend and serenity, the journey through Gero Onsen is further enriched by a visit to Onsenji Temple. Dedicated to the healing Buddha, Yakushi Nyorai, this temple is revered for reportedly restoring Gero’s hot springs after an earthquake. As you ascend the temple’s steps, breathtaking views of Gero unfold, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and tranquility. Renowned as a ‘power spot,’ Onsenji provides a peaceful retreat, enriching your experience with its deep historical and spiritual significance. As the afternoon gently progresses, from 3:00 PM onwards, you’ll have the delightful opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Gero’s celebrated onsens. This serene onsen visit offers not just relaxation but a chance to absorb the tranquil beauty of Gero’s natural surroundings before reconvening with your guide at 4:15 PM. Once reunited with your guide, commence the journey back to Takayama, sharing stories and reflections of the day’s experiences.

    3 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Tour Availability Disclaimer All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.
Supplied by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Nature Walks
New Product

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 2 2 reviews
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