A heart-racing, authentic open-air hot spring:: Gero Onsen:: Fountain Pool

 

Gero Onsen, along with Arima and Kusatsu, is known as one of Japan’s “Three Famous Springs.” It is a legendary hot spring celebrated throughout Japan. Its therapeutic waters have been renowned for their healing properties for over a thousand years. Located by the Hida River, Gero Onsen is far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The serene green mountains and waters create an elegant hot spring town atmosphere—perfect for strolling down streets adorned with willow branches in traditional Japanese yukata, and experiencing the unique charm of this land of famous springs.

Legend has it that Gero Onsen originated when Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of Healing), disguised as an injured egret, came to Gero to recover and accidentally discovered the source of the hot spring. Standing in the middle of the bridge and looking down, you’ll see hot spring ryokan lining both sides of the Hida River. Beneath the bridge on the riverbed is the locally famous “Fountain Pool,” where many gather to enjoy the pleasures of soaking in the hot springs.

“No way—people are really soaking naked in broad daylight, and it’s a genuine ‘open-air’ hot spring!” This is often the unspoken reaction of Taiwanese travelers upon their first encounter. Though a bit embarrassing, their eyes can’t help but linger and take it all in. Click to view full attraction details

Read more:: The Secret to Venus’s Eternal Beauty:: Gero Foot Bath

A hallmark of Gero Onsen is the abundance of “foot baths.” Foot baths have become a popular public wellness facility in Japan in recent years, often found at train stations in hot spring towns rich in thermal waters or on street corners...Click to view full introduction