Gero Onsen Shrine
shrine
Gero Onsen Shrine
下呂温泉神社
Overview
Thermal waters spout from the mouth of a dragon sculpture at Gero Onsen Shrine, symbolizing the abundant hot springs that feed Gero’s many baths.
A dragon sculpture at the entrance of Gero Onsen Shrine spouts thermal water into a stone basin, a symbol of the hot springs that define this town. The shrine was established in 1989 to express gratitude for those springs and is affiliated with the ancient Yudonosan Jinja in Yamagata. The white egret is central to local tradition: legend holds that the springs were rediscovered when townspeople followed a white egret they saw bathing at the Hida River each day. The egret motif appears throughout Gero, and at the annual October 8 festival, celebrants parade in white egret costumes and formal samurai attire through the surrounding streets.
Local tips
Purify your hands at the temizuya before approaching the main hall. Left hand first, then right, then pour water into your left hand to rinse your mouth.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 下呂温泉神社
- Nearest station
- Gero Station (7 min walk)
- Payment
- Cash only
- Reservations
- not required
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