[February 2027] Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura Light-up | Geisha, Maiko and Ryujin Taiko Drums

2026.09.11

From February 1st to 12th, 2027, Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura will host a winter light-up event. As the snow-covered Gassho-zukuri houses are magically illuminated, you can enjoy geisha and maiko dances in the first half and a powerful Ryujin Taiko drum performance in the second half. Experience a special night of traditional Japanese culture in wintery Gero Onsen.

• Table of Contents
• "February 1st-6th | Experience the art of Japanese hospitality through the dances of geiko and maiko"
• "Geisha and maiko are not a culture exclusive to Kyoto."
• "February 7th-12th | Experience the sound with your body: Gero Gero Ryujin Taiko"
• "Which day will you go to see the geisha/maiko performance or the Ryujin Taiko drum performance?"
• " Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura Light-Up Event Details, February 2027"
• "Free shuttle bus service available from Gero Onsen town."
• "How cold is Gero Onsen in February? Temperature and what to wear."
• "What should we do for dinner? Let's decide before we go see the lights."
• "To those visiting Gero Gero from Taiwan"

Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture is one of Japan's three most famous hot springs.

From February 1st (Monday) to 12th (Friday), 2027 , the popular tourist spot "Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura " will be holding a special winter nighttime illumination event.

A fantastical scene where the thatched-roof houses are bathed in soft light.

And this time, I'd like to draw your attention to the special performance taking place at the "Shirasagi-za" entertainment hall within the Gassho Village.

From February 1st to 6th, there will be "Geisha and Maiko Dances".

From February 7th to 12th, it's "Gero Gero Ryujin Taiko".

This 12-day winter Gero in Gero Onsen offers a chance to experience Japan's hot spring culture, traditional performing arts, and Gassho-zukuri architecture all in one place.

The light-up event will be held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM . Last entry is at 8:30 PM .

Unlike the Gassho Village during the day, once darkness falls, the thatched-roof Gassho-zukuri houses stand out in the light.

Winter is the season when the air is clear and you can slowly admire the Gassho-zukuri houses nestled in the quiet mountains.

On days when it snows, the white snow and the warm lights combine to create an even more magical scene.

However, Gero Onsen is not a heavy snowfall area that is covered in snow all winter long. We will discuss the snow in more detail later.

"February 1st-6th | Experience the art of Japanese hospitality through the dances of geiko and maiko"

During the first half of the event, from February 1st (Monday) to 6th (Saturday) , geisha and maiko dances will be performed at the "Shirasagi-za" theater.

There are two performances per day.

First session: 19:00~
Second session: 8:00 PM

Even if people overseas know the word "Geisha," many may still wonder, "What kind of person is a geisha?"

Geisha are bearers of traditional Japanese culture, who have mastered arts such as Japanese dance, singing, shamisen, and percussion, and have entertained guests at banquets.

Beyond their splendid kimonos and graceful movements, a geisha's important role also includes entertaining guests through music, dance, and conversation, skills honed through years of training.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) also introduces geiko and maiko as representative figures of Japanese culture, who learn arts such as Japanese dance and traditional music and entertain guests.

"Geisha and maiko are not a culture exclusive to Kyoto."

When people hear the terms "geiko" and "maiko," many might think of Kyoto.

However, there are geisha cultures that have been nurtured in each region throughout Japan.

Especially in hot spring resorts, along with the culture of entertaining guests at banquets in inns and restaurants, geisha have passed down local performing arts.

Gero Onsen also has a long history of geisha culture.

According to records from Gero City , in the early Showa period, when the Takayama was extended to Gero , the number of restaurants and geishas increased along with the development of the hot spring resort area, and around Showa, 96 geishas were recorded.

Currently, efforts are underway in Gero to preserve this culture for future generations. The Gero Onsen Tourism Association is implementing programs for children to learn Japanese dance and traditional Japanese clothing etiquette in order to pass on the geisha culture rooted in the region to the next generation.

Therefore, this performance is not just a stage show.

This is also an opportunity to experience firsthand the "hospitality culture of hot spring resorts" that has been passed down in Gero Onsen.

After strolling through the illuminated Gassho-zukuri houses, you can witness the elegant dances of geisha and maiko in their kimonos.

This is an experience that I would definitely recommend to travelers from Taiwan who are interested in Japanese culture.

"February 7th-12th | Experience the sound with your body: Gero Gero Ryujin Taiko"

In the second half of the event, from February 7th (Sunday) to 12th (Friday), the "Gero Onsen Ryujin Taiko" group will be performing.

The performance time is,

First session: 19:00~
Second session: 8:00 PM

is.

"The sound of the Japanese drum has been passed down through generations, along with Japanese festivals and prayers."

The taiko drum is one of Japan's representative traditional musical instruments.

Its history is very old, and a Haniwa (clay figure) of a person holding a drum has been discovered in a burial mound dating back to around the 6th century.

Since then, taiko drums have been used in various aspects of Japanese culture, including ceremonies at temples and shrines, Noh and Kabuki performances, and local festivals.

Even today, the sound of drums is an indispensable part of festivals throughout Japan.

Drums not only play music, but they have also played a role in bringing people together, enlivening festivals, and passing on the prayers and stories of the land to the next generation.

And the appeal of Japanese taiko drumming isn't limited to just "listening to it."

The low-pitched sounds produced by the large drums vibrate the air, and those vibrations can be felt throughout your body.

Even if you don't understand Japanese, you can enjoy Japanese culture through its sounds and rhythms.

There's an even more interesting story behind the Gero Ryujin Taiko drums.

The folktale of "Wankase-buchi," which served as the basis for the Ryujin Taiko drum.

Once upon a time, in the village of Gero, there was a deep pool called "Wankasebuchi" (Bowl Lending Pool).

The villagers, who had little farmland and were far from wealthy, would pray towards the deep pool whenever they needed many bowls and trays for festivals and celebrations.

The next morning, miraculously, the exact number of bowls and trays that had been requested were prepared by the edge of the pool.

The villagers treated the object with care, as if it had been borrowed from the Dragon God, and washed it thoroughly before returning it to the pool.

However, one day, a villager accidentally broke a bowl he had borrowed.

Fearing reprimand, the villager didn't tell anyone about the broken bowl and didn't return it.

After that, no matter how much they begged, bowls and trays were never lent out from Fuchi again.

The Dragon God trusted people and helped the villagers.

This is a folktale from Gero that tells us about the loss of that trust.

And based on this legend of the dragon god, Ryujin Taiko expresses the power and ferocity of the dragon through drumming.

The Gero Gero Ryujin Taiko Preservation Society was established in 1970.

They still perform at events such as the "Ryujin Fire Festival" in Gero Onsen, as well as at inns and various other events throughout the country.

If you listen to the drums after learning the story, I'm sure your perception of them will change.

A quiet winter night, and the powerful sound of drums resonating through your body.

This is a unique winter experience at Gero Onsen, where stillness and movement intersect.

Gero Ryujin Taiko Preservation Society Official Website

"Which day will you go to see the geisha/maiko performance or the Ryujin Taiko drum performance?"

Both performances offer an opportunity to experience Japanese culture, but their appeal differs greatly.

For those who want to enjoy the elegant traditional culture of Japan, including Japanese dance, kimono, and delicate movements, we recommend the "Geisha and Maiko Dance" performance from February 1st to 6th.

For those who want to experience the excitement of the festival and the sound of Japanese drums with their whole body, we recommend "Ryujin Taiko" from February 7th to 12th.

Whichever you choose, it will be an opportunity to learn about the "culture of Gero" that you wouldn't normally encounter through typical sightseeing.

" Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura Light-Up Event Details, February 2027"

item	Content
Event period	February 1st (Monday) – February 12th (Friday), 2027
Light-up	18:00-21:00
final entry	20:30
Venue	Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura "Gassho no Sato"
Dances of geisha and maiko	February 1st - 6th
Ryujin Taiko	February 7th - 12th
Performance time	19:00 - / 20:00 -
Performance venue	Heron
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
TEL	0576-25-2239

The event details are based on the official announcement from February 2027.

"Free shuttle bus service available from Gero Onsen town."

During the illumination period, a free shuttle bus will operate between the Gero Onsen town and the Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura.

You can choose from two routes depending on the hotel you're staying at and where you plan to spend your time in the hot spring town.

"Free Shuttle Bus Route 1"

To Gassho Village

flight	Kusakabe Almeria	Suimeikan	Shirasagi Bridge	Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
①	Departure at 18:05	Departure at 18:15	Departure at 18:20	Arrive at 18:25
②	Departure at 18:50	Departure at 19:00	Departure at 19:05	Arrive at 19:10
③	Departure at 20:05	Departure at 20:15	Departure at 20:20	Arrive at 20:25

To the hot spring town

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

"Free Shuttle Bus Route 2"

To Gassho Village

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

To the hot spring town

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

Each flight has a capacity of 20 people . If a flight is full, please take the next available flight .

Additionally, the free shuttle bus service will not be operating on February 6th (Saturday) and 7th (Sunday).

There will be performances by geisha and maiko on February 6th, and by Ryujin Taiko on February 7th. If you plan to go on these two days, be sure to check alternative transportation options such as walking or taking a taxi in advance.

"How cold is Gero Onsen in February? Temperature and what to wear."

For those visiting Gero Onsen from relatively warm regions such as Taiwan, one thing to be especially aware of is how cold it can get at night .

According to the average values ​​from 1991 to 2020 at the Japan Meteorological Agency's Hagiwara Observatory in Gero City, February is as follows:

February temperatures	Average value
Average temperature	1.3℃
Average daily maximum temperature	6.6℃
Average daily minimum temperature	-2.8℃

It is especially cold in early February when the lights are turned on, and according to the average values ​​from the Hagiwara observation station, the average daily minimum temperature in the first ten days of the month is -3.5℃.

The temperature drops after 6:00 PM when you can see the lights up compared to daytime.

Dress in proper winter clothing, such as a down jacket, thick coat, scarf, and gloves.

Since you'll be spending a lot of time walking outdoors, don't forget to keep your feet warm.

Since the roads may be wet or icy, it's best to avoid heels and wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.

Having hand warmers is also convenient when taking photos outdoors.

"Just because it's February doesn't mean you're guaranteed to see snow."

This is an important point to keep in mind when planning a winter trip to Gero.

It does snow in Gero City, but it's not an area that's covered in deep snow all winter long.

Gero City has also officially stated that the amount of snowfall is less compared to heavy snowfall areas, and that it only snows a few times a season, and even if it accumulates temporarily, it usually melts within about a week.

Therefore,

Encountering a snowy landscape is a delightful bonus on a winter trip. Even without snow, you can enjoy the illuminated Gassho-zukuri houses standing out against the darkness.

Before your visit, be sure to check the weather forecast and temperature for Gero Onsen before deciding what to wear.

If you're visiting by rental car, extra caution is needed. Gero City advises the use of winter tires from December to March, and caution is required not only for snow but also for icy roads.

"What should we do for dinner? Let's decide before we go see the lights."

If you want to enjoy the illuminations, it's a good idea to plan your dinner time at the same time.

The official 2027 light-up guide does not mention anything about nighttime food and beverage sales.

While the operation of shops and tea houses was announced for the previous year, 2026, this may not be the case for 2027.

Therefore, it's safer to plan your meals in the hot spring town or at your hotel rather than assuming you'll eat dinner at the Gassho Village itself.

"Recommended Plan 1: Have an early dinner before you go."

The safest option is to have dinner early, around 5 PM, before heading to Gassho Village.

We entered Gassho Village around 6 PM and strolled around enjoying the illuminated buildings.

If you attend the 7 PM performance and then return to the hot spring town, you'll have plenty of time.

If you have booked a hotel or inn with a dinner-inclusive plan,

"I want to see the illuminated Gassho Village and the 7 PM performance."

It's a good idea to contact your accommodation in advance and ask if you can have dinner earlier.

"Recommended Plan 2: Enjoy the light-up and performance, then have dinner."

Another option is to enjoy the illuminations and performances first, and then have dinner afterward.

If you have dinner plans at a hotel or inn, be sure to inquire in advance about the possibility of changing the meal time to a later one.

However, some accommodations may not be able to accommodate late-night dinners.

If you're using restaurants outside the home, you need to be even more careful.

While there are some establishments open at night in the Gero Onsen area, there aren't necessarily many restaurants that stay open late.

In particular, if you attend the 8 PM performance, you won't be able to return to the hot spring town from Gassho Village until 8:30 PM or later.

Instead of searching for dinner options at that time, be sure to check in advance the operating days, hours, last order times, and whether reservations are required for the restaurants you want to visit .

Since Google Maps may not always reflect changes in business hours, it's best to check the latest information on the store's official website, social media, or by phone.

Recommended itinerary using the free round-trip shuttle service.

If it's your first time visiting, this schedule is recommended.
17:30-18:30 A slightly early dinner ↓
From 18:50 to around 19:05, take the free shuttle bus from the nearest bus stop.
Arrived at Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura around 19:05-19:10 ↓
Approximately 50 minutes: Stroll through the illuminated Gassho-zukuri houses and take photos ↓
20:00 Special Performance Geisha and Maiko: approx. 10 minutes Ryujin Taiko: approx. 15 minutes ↓
Performance ends around 20:10-20:15 ↓
Take the free shuttle bus to the hot spring town at 20:25 or 20:35 ↓
Around 20:40-20:55, head to the hotel ↓
Relax in a hot spring ♨️

This way, you can enjoy both the performance and the light show without rushing. If you choose the 8 PM performance, it's best to have dinner beforehand.

"To those visiting Gero Gero from Taiwan"

Even those who have traveled from Taiwan to Japan many times may not have many opportunities to experience the "geisha culture that remains in hot spring resorts" or "taiko drumming that originated from local legends."

Unlike trips that visit famous tourist spots in Kyoto or Tokyo, the charm of Gero Onsen lies in being able to experience the culture that has been passed down by the people who live there.

Soak in a hot spring, stroll through a traditional Gassho-zukuri house, and watch traditional Japanese performing arts.

In Gero in February, you can enjoy a truly Japanese winter trip in just one night.

However, especially if you are visiting from Taiwan,

Temperatures can drop below freezing at night; snowscapes are not guaranteed; decide on dinner time in advance; and check the shuttle bus schedule.

Remembering these four things before your trip will help you enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

"Discover Japanese culture beyond just the scenery at Gero Onsen in winter."

The main reason for visiting Gero Onsen is, of course, the hot springs themselves.

However, learning about the local culture will make your travel memories even more meaningful.

Gassho-zukuri houses at night.

The elegant dances of geisha and maiko.

Taiko drums have resonated throughout the lives and festivals of the Japanese people for over 1000 years.

And then there's the story of the dragon god, which the people of Gero still tell to this day.

In February 2027, at Gero Onsen, experience a Japanese winter that goes beyond mere sightseeing.

For more information on access to the light-up event and detailed sightseeing information for Gero Onsen, please also see this article.