![[January 2027] Limited to 5 days! Winter illumination at Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura | Free shuttle bus](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2026/09/04-270148.webp)
From January 18th (Monday) to 22nd (Friday), 2027, a winter illumination event will be held at the Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura, Gifu Prefecture. Enjoy the fantastical sight of the Gassho-zukuri houses floating in the night sky. A free shuttle bus will also be running from the hot spring town. This is a winter-only event that you'll want to enjoy along with footbaths and sweets.
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We introduce the lesser-known charms and unique local experiences of various regions throughout Japan, including Gero Onsen. Hot springs, sake, local cuisine, beautiful nature, and encounters with local people. We introduce trips that go beyond simply "seeing" tourist destinations, allowing you to experience the local lifestyle and culture.
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Table of Contents
- [January 2027] Winter illumination of Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
- Event period: January 18th (Mon) - 22nd (Fri), 2027
- What is Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura?
- Gassho-zukuri houses lit up in the snowy Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
- Snowscape and Gassho-zukuri houses in Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
- For photos, we recommend visiting after sunset
- Winter 2027 Light-Up Event Overview
- Free shuttle bus from Gero Onsen town to Gassho Village
- Access to Gero Onsen
- Clothing suitable for winter illuminations
- Winter sightseeing in Gero Onsen | Hot spring town to enjoy before and after the illuminations
- Gero Onsen, one of Japan's Three Famous Hot 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
- For a winter trip to Gero Onsen in 2027, be sure to check out the illuminated Gassho Village.
[January 2027] Winter illumination of Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
A winter light-up event will be held at " Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura " in Gero City, from January 18th (Monday) to 22nd (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 Onsen town , making it easy for travelers staying at hot spring inns to visit.
Event period: January 18th (Mon) - 22nd (Fri), 2027
Time 18:00-21:00
Admission: Adults 500 yen / Children 250 yen (Advance tickets: Adults 400 yen / Children 200 yen) Free shuttle bus: Gero Onsen town ⇄ Gassho Village
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-go. 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 Japan's mountain villages.
* Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura is not the World Heritage site "Shirakawa-go" itself. It is a facility in Gero Onsen where you can see historical buildings relocated from Shirakawa-go and other places.
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 lit up in the snowy Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
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.
Snowscape and Gassho-zukuri houses in Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
In winter, 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.
For photos, we recommend visiting 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 | Monday, January 18, 2027 to Friday, January 22, 2027 |
| Event time | 18:00-21:00 |
| Last entry | 20:30 |
| Event Area | Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura "Gassho no Sato" |
| Same-day admission | Adults 500 yen / Children 250 yen |
| Advance tickets | Adults 400 yen / Children 200 yen |
| Address | 2369 Mori, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture |
| Phone | 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.
Free shuttle bus from Gero Onsen town to Gassho Village
During the event, free shuttle buses run between accommodations and sightseeing spots in Gero Onsen town and Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura.
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
- Each bus has a capacity of 20 people. If the bus is full, please take the next bus.
- Arrival times may be delayed due to road conditions or weather.
- Before boarding the bus, be sure to check the return bus schedule as well.
Free shuttle bus - Route 1
Route 1 goes via Kusakabe Almeria, Suimeikan, and Shirasagi Bridge.
| Bus | Kusakabe Almeria | Suimeikan | Shirasagi Bridge | Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura |
| Outbound ① | Departure at 18:05 | Departure at 18:15 | Departure at 18:20 | Arrive at 18:25 |
| Outbound ② | Departure at 18:50 | Departure at 19:00 | Departure at 19:05 | Arrive at 19:10 |
| Outbound ③ | Departure at 20:05 | Departure at 20:15 | Departure at 20:20 | Arrive at 20:25 |
| Bus | 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.
| Bus | 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 |
| Bus | 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 Line. 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 Line'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 at JR Gero Station, IC cards such as TOICA can only be used under certain conditions (for example, when traveling on the Limited Express "Hida" to or from stations in the TOICA area), and a limited express ticket must be purchased separately. It is recommended to buy your base fare ticket and limited express ticket 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
January 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.
Winter sightseeing in Gero Onsen | Hot spring town to enjoy before and after the illuminations
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.
Gero Onsen 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 Famous Hot Springs
Gero Onsen Tourism Association: https://www.gero-spa.com/
Gero Onsen is known as one of the "Three Famous 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 "bijin no yu" (a hot spring for beautiful skin) 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.
Gero Onsen town 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 Gero Onsen town. 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
Around 14:00: Arrive at Gero Onsen
After arriving at JR Gero Station, drop off your luggage at your inn.
15:00-17:00 Stroll through the hot spring town
Stroll around, enjoy sweets and Hida beef, and soak your feet in footbaths.
We also recommend stopping by cafes and souvenir shops and taking a leisurely stroll through the streets of Gero Onsen.
17:00-18:00 Early dinner
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 illuminations: back to your inn's hot spring
After returning to the hot spring town from the Gassho Village, take a dip in the hot springs and slowly warm your chilled body.
For a winter trip to Gero Onsen in 2027, be sure to check out the illuminated Gassho Village.
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 light 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?
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