New way to explore Shirakawa-go in Japan: Slide 175 meters down into a fairy-tale village

▲ As a popular hot spring destination, free foot baths are also available here.

“Gero Onsen Gassho Village”Located deep within Gero Onsen, it takes about 15–20 minutes to walk from the hot spring town or around 6 minutes by shuttle bus from Gero Station. Featuring the Old Ohda Family Residence, which is designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property by the national government, over 20 gassho-style houses relocated from Shirakawa-go and other regions have been reconstructed here. Visitors can not only step inside these traditional homes to explore past rural life and enjoy cuisine from the Hida region,According to staff at the Gero Onsen Tourist Information Center, this is also the only place within the Gero Onsen area where you can experience wearing a kimono — but advance online reservations are required, as walk-ins aren’t accepted.

▲ The largest gassho house in Gero Onsen Gassho Village — the Old Ohda Family Residence.

▲ The second floor is not only open for viewing but also serves as an indoor observation deck, offering a view of the gassho village through the window at the end.

The largest gassho house in the park is the Old Ohda House. Historical records indicate it took 13 years to build, with a roof height of 13 meters and width of 21 meters, making it the largest structure of its style. Inside, the layout of various spaces is meticulously reproduced — such as the toilet near the entrance, kitchen, and separate work areas for men and women. A limited-time sweet sake tasting service is also available. Climbing the nearly vertical staircase, you’ll reach the second floor, where scenes of traditional silk production and sericulture are recreated. This floor also functions as an indoor observation deck, with windows offering a full view of the entire gassho village.

▲ The 175-meter forest slide — you have to try this when you visit here.

One must-try attraction in Gero Onsen Gassho Village is the “Forest Slide,” located halfway up the mountain in the Suijiki Forest nearby.“Forest Slide”Reachable by going through an underground passage connected to the gassho village and then climbing up the hillside. Built along the slope and situated at a higher elevation, this spot offers close-up views of the entire gassho village complex, as well as distant vistas of Gero Onsen nestled among layered mountains. The scenery becomes even more unforgettable when visited during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons.

▲ Entrance to the forest slide — pay 100 yen for one ride.

▲ First section of the forest slide.

The forest slide is a two-stage cylindrical slide, costing just 100 yen per ride. If you need to exchange money, you can do so at the teahouse Mankoan located near the slide. The entire slide is made of thin metal pipes painted in bright blue, yellow, and orange, resembling a colorful dragon coiled around the mountain.

▲%Sliding down the slide gives you a speedy and exhilarating ride.%