Japan's Gero Onsen "Frog Shrine" – Throw in a Coin and the Deity Says Thank You

▲ Just drop in a coin, and the Frog God will say thank you to you (Photo: Reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

Reported and photographed by Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Gero Onsen is one of Japan’s three famous hot spring resorts, attracting countless visitors every year. Along the hot spring streets, free foot baths can often be found, allowing travelers to soak their feet without even taking off their shoes. In addition to numerous foot baths, there is also a unique "Frog Shrine" in the hot spring district. Not only is the deity worshipped here a frog, but if you toss in a coin, the deity will even say thank you to you!

▲ From the stone lanterns to the deities, everything at this shrine is frog-themed.

▲ A frog-shaped hand-washing basin.

▲ A frog-themed ema (votive plaque).

Gero Onsen shares a Japanese pronunciation similar to the sound a frog makes, which is why the local mascot is a frog. It’s no surprise, then, to find a Frog Shrine here. The official name of the Frog Shrine is“Kaeeru Shrine”—its Japanese pronunciation “kaeru” is the same as the word for frog—so it’s affectionately nicknamed the Frog Shrine by many visitors. Not only is the main deity a frog, but frogs can also be spotted everywhere, from the hand-washing basin to the stone lanterns and ema plaques.

▲ The main deity: the Great God Frog.

Inside this small shrine lies a fun experience: when you throw a coin into the offering box during your prayer, wait about five seconds, and the Frog God will say “Thank you, ribbit!” Even Japanese visitors can’t help but smile.

In Japanese, “kaeru” not only means frog, but also implies returning or repaying. Therefore, people visit Kaeeru Shrine to pray for safe returns, youthfulness, debt repayment, quick recovery from illness, and more. Business owners also come here to pray for a steady stream of customers. Because frogs are skilled at jumping and swimming, swimmers and high jumpers also visit to pray for good performance in competitions.

▲ Kaeeru Shrine (Frog Shrine).

Gero Onsen – Kaeeru Shrine
Address: Yunosima, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture
Access: About a 10-minute walk from Gero Station