Gero-onsen Hot Spring下呂温泉

One of the three best hot springs in Japan. Amateur Kabuki performances are held in the spring and fall.

The Gero-onsen Hot Spring in rich nature, located in the center part of Honshu, has been known as a healing hot spring since the 10th century and has welcomed a number of visitors. It is considered one of the three best hot springs in Japan, and is effective for treating rheumatism, impaired motor function, and nervous disease and relieving fatigue. The hot spring is also nicknamed the "Hot Spring for the Beauty," because of the smooth touch of water. Footbaths are spotted in the town, which you can enjoy while strolling, free of charge.

Amateur Kabuki performances are held in the spring by the Ho-o-za Troupe and in the fall by the Haku-un-za Troupe. This is a hundred-year-old performing art peculiar to the local farming villages, while the Haku-un-za stage has been designated a tangible national folklore cultural asset. In mid-summer, the Gero-onsen-matsuri Festival is held for three days, where you can enjoy watching the fire festival with five dragons vigorously strolling, a portable shrine carried by women 'geisha,' as well as a samba parade. The festival ends with fireworks.

In fall, nature's hills create beautiful scenery with red leaves, while you can also enjoy local dishes such as tomato and Hida beef. Firework musicals are performed to attract many visitors in December, where the sound of music and the view of fireworks are beautifully harmonized.　The Ta-no-kami-matsuri Festival, designated an important cultural asset, is held to announce the start of spring in Hida-ji, the road to Hida. The festival originated in the rice-field play started during the Middle Ages to pre-celebrate the rice harvest for the year. It is also called "Hanagasa-matsuri," as people dance with Hanagasa, a hat with flowers.