[February 2027] Winter illumination of Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

2026.08.01

From February 1st to 12th, 2027, the Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura in Gifu Prefecture will host a winter illumination event. Enjoy the fantastical sight of the Gassho-zukuri houses illuminated against the night sky. A free shuttle bus will also operate from the hot spring town. This winter-only event is perfect to enjoy along with a footbath and some sweets.

• Table of Contents
• [February 2027] Winter illumination of Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
• What is Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura?
• Gassho-zukuri houses illuminated on a winter night
• When snow falls, the scenery becomes even more magical.
• If you're taking photos, I recommend doing it after sunset.
• Winter 2027 Light-Up Event Overview
• A free shuttle bus service is available from the Gero spring resort area.
• Access to Gero Onsen
• Clothing suitable for winter illuminations
• Take a stroll through the Gero Onsen town before and after the light-up.
• Gero Onsen, one of Japan's three most famous Gero springs.
• Let's stroll through the hot spring town while visiting footbaths.
• Sweets and street food in Gero Onsen
• Recommended ways to spend your time
• Experience a truly Japanese night in winter at Gero Onsen.

[February 2027] Winter illumination of Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

A winter light-up event will be held at " Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura " in Gero City , Gifu Prefecture Prefecture, from February 1st (Monday) to February 12th (Friday), 2027 .

This special winter-only event features traditional thatched-roof houses illuminated by warm light, standing out against a backdrop of dark mountains.

On snowy days, the white snow, thatched roofs, and soft light combine to create a landscape that feels like stepping into a Japanese folktale.

A free shuttle bus runs from the Gero spring resort area , making it easy for travelers staying at hot spring inns to visit.

What is Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura?

Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura is an open-air museum that recreates an old village using gassho-zukuri style houses relocated from places like Shirakawa. In the "Gassho no Sato" area of ​​the park, ten gassho-zukuri houses are lined up, centered around the former Oto family residence, which is a nationally designated important cultural property.

Inside the building, farming tools and household items that were once used in the Hida region are on display, allowing visitors to experience the lives and culture of people who lived in mountain villages across Japan.

* Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura is not the World Heritage site "Shirakawa" itself. It is a facility where you can see historical buildings that have been relocated from Shirakawa and other locations, located in Gero Onsen.

What is a Gassho-zukuri style house?

Gassho-zukuri is a traditional Japanese architectural style characterized by its large, steeply sloping thatched roof , resembling the shape of hands clasped together in prayer ("gassho"). Even in areas with heavy snowfall, the roof is designed to prevent snow accumulation, protecting the building. The interior, constructed from thick timbers, is spacious, and the attic was once used for silkworm farming and other purposes. This architecture embodies the wisdom and skills of people who have lived in harsh natural environments.

Gassho-zukuri houses illuminated on a winter night

During the day, you can leisurely explore the structure of the thatched roofs, the interiors of the buildings, and the everyday tools used in the past at Gassho Village, but at night, when it's lit up, you can enjoy a completely different atmosphere.

In the darkness, warm light spills from the windows of the gassho-zukuri style house. Lights illuminate the steeply sloping thatched roof. The quiet mountains surrounding it and the clear winter night sky.

The fusion of traditional Japanese architecture and the winter natural environment creates a fantastical and tranquil space.

Unlike the bustling illuminations, the charm of the light-up at Gassho Village lies in the opportunity to slowly savor the quiet atmosphere of a Japanese winter.

When snow falls, the scenery becomes even more magical.

In February, it sometimes snows in Gero Onsen. When snow accumulates on the large thatched roofs of the gassho-zukuri houses and on the trees, the light from the lamps reflects off the snow, enveloping the surroundings in a soft, gentle light.

The contrast between the white snow, the dark night sky, the thatched roofs, and the warm light creates a special scene that can only be seen in winter.

*The amount and condition of snow will vary depending on the weather on that day.
*Even on days when there is no snow, you can enjoy the illuminated Gassho-zukuri houses and the tranquil night scenery.

If you're taking photos, I recommend doing it after sunset.

The illuminated Gassho-zukuri houses have a different atmosphere depending on the time of day. Just after sunset, when there is still a hint of blue in the sky, you can photograph the blue sky and the warm lights together.

Once it gets completely dark, the Gassho-zukuri houses stand out clearly against the darkness, making for even more fantastical photographs.

If it's snowing, the light illuminating the snow can capture a truly wintery image in your photos. In crowded areas, please be considerate of other visitors while enjoying your photography.

Winter 2027 Light-Up Event Overview

item	Content
Event period	February 1st (Monday) to February 12th (Friday), 2027
Event time	18:00-21:00
final entry	20:30
Event Area	Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura "Gassho no Sato"
Same-day rates	Adults 800 yen / Children 400 yen
Advance ticket price	Adults 700 yen / Children 350 yen
address	2369 Mori , Gero City , Gifu Prefecture
telephone number	0576-25-2239
Gassho Village Official Website	https://www.gero-gassho.jp/

*For safety reasons, access to areas other than "Gassho no Sato" will be restricted at night.
*Event details may be changed or canceled due to weather conditions or other factors. Please check the official website for the latest information before the event opens or before attending.

A free shuttle bus service is available from the Gero spring resort area.

During the event period, a free shuttle bus will Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura between accommodations and tourist spots in the Gero Onsen area and Gero Onsen Gassho Village.

Even if you're staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) near JR Gero Station or in the hot spring town, you can still go to see the illuminations without using a car.

Precautions when using the shuttle bus

Free shuttle bus - Route 1

Route 1 goes via Kusakabe Almeria, Suimeikan, and Shirasagi Bridge.

flight	BOSENKAN	Yamagataya	Gero Onsen Museum	Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
Outbound ①	Departure at 18:10	Departure at 18:13	Departure at 18:20	Arrive at 18:25
Outbound ②	Departure at 18:50	Departure at 18:53	Departure at 19:00	Arrive at 19:05
Outbound ③	Departure at 19:50	Departure at 19:53	Departure at 20:00	Arrive at 20:05

flight	Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura	Shirasagi Bridge	Suimeikan	Kusakabe Almeria
Return trip ①	Departure at 19:35	Departure at 19:40	Departure at 19:45	Arrive at 19:55
Return trip ②	Departure at 20:35	Departure at 20:40	Departure at 20:45	Arrive at 20:55
Return Trip ③	Departure at 21:15	Departure at 21:20	Departure at 21:25	Arrive at 21:35

Free shuttle bus - Route 2

Route 2 goes via BOSENKAN, Yamagataya, and Gero Onsen Museum.

flight	BOSENKAN	Yamagataya	Gero Onsen Museum	Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
Outbound ①	Departure at 18:10	Departure at 18:13	Departure at 18:20	Arrive at 18:25
Outbound ②	Departure at 18:50	Departure at 18:53	Departure at 19:00	Arrive at 19:05
Outbound ③	Departure at 19:50	Departure at 19:53	Departure at 20:00	Arrive at 20:05

flight	Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura	Gero Onsen Museum	Yamagataya	BOSENKAN
Return trip ①	Departure at 19:25	Departure at 19:30	Departure at 19:37	Arrive at 19:40
Return trip ②	Departure at 20:25	Departure at 20:30	Departure at 20:37	Arrive at 20:40
Return Trip ③	Departure at 21:10	Departure at 21:15	Departure at 21:22	Arrive at 21:25

Access to Gero Onsen

The gateway to Gero Onsen is Gero Station on the JR Takayama . From Nagoya Station, it's a direct 1 hour and 30 minute ride on the Limited Express "Hida." You can enjoy a relaxing train ride while taking in the scenery of mountains and rivers.

If you are coming from Tokyo or Osaka, the easiest and most convenient route is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station and then transfer to the JR Takayama's Limited Express "Hida." The journey from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes on the Shinkansen "Nozomi."

From Chubu Centrair International Airport, take the Meitetsu Airport Express "μ-SKY" to Meitetsu Nagoya Station in approximately 28 minutes. At Nagoya Station, transfer to the JR Limited Express "Hida" and head to Gero Station.

Please note that IC cards cannot be used at JR Gero Station. It is recommended to purchase your train ticket and limited express ticket to Gero Station in advance at your departure station, such as Nagoya Station. The Limited Express "Hida" can get crowded on weekends and during tourist seasons, so we recommend reserving your seat in advance.

Upon arriving at Gero Station, you can walk to the center of the hot spring town. Some inns offer shuttle services from Gero Station, so be sure to check when making your reservation.

Clothing suitable for winter illuminations

February in Gero Onsen is cold, especially at night. Since the light-up event is an outdoor event, proper cold-weather gear is essential.

Prepare a thick coat or down jacket, gloves, a scarf, and a hat.

On days with snow or ice, the paths in the park may become slippery. Please avoid high heels and choose shoes that are non-slip and easy to walk in. On snowy days, waterproof shoes that prevent water from getting inside are recommended.

Take a stroll through the Gero Onsen town before and after the light-up.

If you're planning a visit to see the illuminations, it's a good idea to arrive at Gero Onsen a little early and take a stroll around the hot spring town.

The Gero spring town is home to footbaths, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and more. Enjoy strolling around the town until evening, then take the free shuttle bus to Gassho Village for a relaxing day in Gero Onsen.

Gero Onsen, one of Japan's three most famous Gero springs.

Gero Onsen Tourism Association: https://www.gero-spa.com/

Gero Onsen is known as one of the "Three Great Hot Springs of Japan," along with Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture .

The hot spring town spreads out around the Hida River, offering both a lively atmosphere with inns and restaurants and the scenery typical of a mountain hot spring resort.

The hot spring water is an alkaline simple hot spring, characterized by its colorless, transparent, and mild texture. It is also known as the "beauty spring" because it leaves the skin feeling smooth.

Enjoying the illuminations on a cold winter night, and then returning to a hot spring inn to soak in the warm waters, is an experience unique to Gero Onsen.

Let's stroll through the hot spring town while visiting footbaths.

The Gero hot spring resort area has several footbaths scattered throughout, perfect for a quick dip while strolling around.

Many of the footbaths in the hot spring town are free , allowing even those not staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) to experience the hot springs of Gero Onsen.

Located on Yunomachi Street, "Sagi no Ashiyu" (Heron Footbath) is the first footbath to be established in the Gero spring resort area. With a cypress wood bath, it's a great place to rest your feet while strolling around town.

When using a footbath, it's convenient to have a small towel with you.

In winter, your feet tend to get cold easily after getting out of a footbath, so be sure to dry them thoroughly before putting on socks.

Sweets and street food in Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen is also focusing on original sweets made with local ingredients, as well as easy-to-enjoy street food .

The hot spring town has shops where you can enjoy sweets such as pudding and soft serve ice cream, and you can enjoy eating them little by little while soaking your feet in the footbath or taking pictures.

Besides sweets, nigiri sushi made with Hida beef , a representative brand of beef from Gifu Prefecture, is also popular.

The Gero Onsen Tourism Association also recommends a stroll through the hot spring town that combines original sweets, Hida beef sushi, and footbaths.

Opening hours and closing days vary by store, so please check the latest information before visiting.

Recommended ways to spend your time

Arrived at Gero Onsen around 2:00 PM.

Upon arriving at JR Gero Station, I will leave my luggage at the inn where I will be staying.

15:00-17:00 Stroll through the hot spring town

We'll enjoy strolling around and sampling sweets and Hida beef while soaking our feet in a footbath.

I recommend stopping by cafes and souvenir shops and taking a leisurely stroll through the streets of Gero Onsen.

17:00-18:00 Early dinner

We'll have dinner at the inn or in the hot spring town before heading out to see the illuminations.

From 18:00 onwards, take the free shuttle bus to Gassho Village.

Check the bus stop and departure time, and head to the boarding area with plenty of time to spare.

18:30-20:30 Enjoy the illuminations.

As you stroll through the Gassho Village at night, you can admire the thatched roofs and Gassho-style houses illuminated by lights.

After the lights came on, we went to the inn's hot springs.

After returning to the hot spring town from the Gassho Village, take a dip in the hot springs and slowly warm your chilled body.

Experience a truly Japanese night in winter at Gero Onsen.

The Gassho-zukuri style houses, illuminated on a winter night, reveal a beauty entirely different from that seen during the day.

On snowy days, the thatched roofs, snow, and warm sunlight combine to create a scene that is symbolic of Japanese winter.

Before and after the light-up event, you can enjoy foot baths, sweets, and street food in the Gero Onsen town, and then relax at a hot spring inn in the evening.

For your winter trip to Gifu in 2027, why not stay at Gero Onsen and visit the limited-time Gassho Village light-up event?