This article introduces autumn foliage viewing spots in Gifu Prefecture, Gero Prefecture. In addition to three spots within walking distance—Onsenji Temple, Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura, and Yunomachi Ujo Park—we also introduce Zenshoji Temple, which is worth visiting if you venture a little further.
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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
- [1] Onsenji Temple | The Gero foliage that spreads out beyond the stone steps is representative of Gero Onsen.
- [2] Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura| "Japanese Autumn" created by Gassho-zukuri houses and autumn leaves
- [3] Yunomachi Ujo Park | A quiet autumn foliage stroll to enjoy the sound of the clear stream
- [Recommended] Explore these three autumn foliage spots on foot
- [Go a little further] Zenshoji Temple | Deep red maple leaves adorn the Japanese garden
- When can you enjoy the Gero foliage at Gero Onsen?
Gero in Gifu Prefecture Prefecture is known as one of Japan's three most famous hot springs.
While Gero is strongly Gero with hot springs, in autumn the mountains surrounding the hot spring town, as well as the trees in the parks and temples, turn red and yellow, giving the town a slightly different appearance than usual.
What's great is that many of Gero Onsen's most famous autumn foliage spots can be reached on foot from the hot spring town .
This time, we'll introduce three must-visit spots for enjoying autumn foliage on foot if you're staying in Gero Onsen, as well as Zenshoji Temple, a Zen temple worth visiting if you're willing to venture a little further.
Why not enjoy the beautiful autumn of Japan along with a relaxing soak in a hot spring?
[1] Onsenji Temple | The Gero foliage that spreads out beyond the stone steps is representative of Gero Onsen.
The first place you should visit is Onsenji Temple , which stands on the mountainside of Nakaneyama overlooking the Gero spring town.
From the hot spring town, climb the 173 stone steps to reach the temple grounds.
In autumn, the maple and other trees turn red and yellow, creating a picturesque scene where the tiled roofs of the main hall and the covered walkways are adorned with the autumn foliage. In Gero City, it is typically featured as a spot to see the autumn leaves around mid-November.
Onsenji Temple is a temple deeply connected to the history of Gero Onsen.
Therefore, the appeal lies not only in seeing the autumn leaves, but also in being able to experience the culture and history of Gero, a Gero known for its hot springs.
Furthermore, the area is illuminated at night during the autumn foliage season every year .
The vibrant red autumn leaves, illuminated in the darkness, create a completely different, fantastical atmosphere compared to daytime. It's also recommended to visit after enjoying dinner at a hot spring inn, strolling through the hot spring town at night in a yukata (traditional Japanese robe).
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Gero Station. Best time to see the flowers: Early to mid-November.
[2] Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura| "Japanese Autumn" created by Gassho-zukuri houses and autumn leaves
If you want to enjoy a quintessential Japanese autumn landscape, head to "Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura" .
Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura is a facility that recreates the lifestyle of a former mountain village using Gassho-zukuri style houses that were relocated from places like Shirakawa .
There are 10 gassho-zukuri houses in the village, and in autumn the maple and zelkova trees turn vibrant colors. The sight of the thatched roofs of the gassho-zukuri houses combined with the autumn leaves is truly a quintessential Japanese landscape.
Within the village, there is a satoyama (traditional rural landscape) called "Seasonal Calendar Forest," where you can enjoy cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Take a leisurely stroll while admiring the old buildings, or take a break in a traditional house. You can enjoy a quiet autumn time, a little different from the hot spring town.
It's about a 20-minute walk from JR Gero Station. It's only about a 6-minute bus ride, so you could enjoy a walk to see the autumn foliage and then take the bus back.
Access: Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Gero Station. Best time to visit: Early to mid-November. Opening hours: 8:30 - 17:00 (last entry 16:30).
Gero Onsen Gassho Village
[3] Yunomachi Ujo Park | A quiet autumn foliage stroll to enjoy the sound of the clear stream
For those who want to get away from the bustling tourist spots and enjoy the autumn scenery at a leisurely pace, we recommend "Yunomachi Ujo Park" .
This park is located very close to the hot spring resort town, and the clear stream of Atanoya, which flows from the mountains of Gero, runs through its center.
In autumn, the trees along the river change color, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst the autumn foliage while listening to the sound of the water. In Gero City , the peak season for autumn leaves is typically around the beginning of November.
The park's name originates from " Gero Kouta," a song written by the poet Noguchi Ujo, who visited Gero in the early Showa period.
Instead of just visiting famous tourist spots, taking a walk in quieter areas allows you to feel closer to the daily life and nature of the place.
It's easily accessible from the hot spring town, making it a great spot for a morning stroll.
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Gero Station. Typical best time to visit: Early November. Admission: Free.
[Recommended] Explore these three autumn foliage spots on foot
These three locations can be enjoyed on foot, starting from the Gero Gero spring resort area.
for example,
Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
↓
Yunomachi Ujo Park ↓
Enjoy street food and footbaths in the hot spring town ↓
Onsenji Temple ↓
Hot springs at the inn ↓
Nighttime illumination of Onsenji Temple
This is another way to spend your time that I recommend.
Gero Onsen is a town that suits you more for strolling along the river and mountains, enjoying footbaths along the way, and savoring delicious food, rather than moving from one major tourist spot to another.
Autumn is a particularly pleasant season for strolling through hot spring towns.
[Go a little further] Zenshoji Temple | Deep red maple leaves adorn the Japanese garden
If you have some extra time, I highly recommend visiting Zenshoji Temple .
It's not within walking distance of the Gero spring resort area, but it's about a 5-minute walk from Zenshoji Station on the JR Takayama.
This historic Zen temple is said to have been founded during the Heian period, and behind the main hall is the famous garden "Banzaidō , " designed by the tea master Kanamori Sōwa.
The garden is planted with maple trees and azaleas, which turn vibrant colors in the autumn. Gero City also describes it as a "famous spot for fiery red autumn leaves," a truly beautiful autumn scene.
Looking out at the garden from the veranda of the building, you can feel a tranquil atmosphere completely different from that of the hot spring town.
This is a place I would definitely recommend to travelers interested in Japanese culture.
The temple grounds also feature other attractions besides the autumn foliage, such as the "Eight-Directional Staring Daruma" said to have been painted by Sesshu, and a large cedar tree that is over 1,000 years old .
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Zenshoji Station on the JR Takayama. Visiting hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from October to April.
Admission fee: 500 yen for adults. *Please note that the temple may be closed on certain days or during temple events.
Zenshoji Temple Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenshoji.jiunin/
When can you enjoy the Gero foliage at Gero Onsen?
The autumn foliage around the Gero hot spring resort area can usually be enjoyed from early to mid-November .
However, the timing of the autumn foliage varies depending on the temperature and weather conditions of that year.
Before your trip, it's recommended to check the latest information on autumn foliage and the illumination schedule for Onsenji Temple.
The charm of Gero Onsen in Gero is that you don't have to travel far to see the autumn leaves; you can naturally encounter the autumn scenery while strolling through the hot spring town.
Gassho-zukuri houses and autumn leaves.
A walking path along a clear stream.
Bright red maple leaves adorn the historic temple.
And after walking, we went to a hot spring.
As autumn begins to bring a slight chill to the air, the combination of autumn foliage and hot springs feels all the more delightful.
If you're traveling in Japan in the autumn, be sure to visit Gero Gero and enjoy the slow pace of time and the beautiful autumn foliage.
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