Things to Do in Gero

Hida-Osaka is situated 40 minutes south from Takayama, and 40 minutes north from Gero either by train or bus or car. It's the best choice for those who are looking for the off-the-beaten path in Japan. The frozen waterfall gets as big as 15 meters (50 feet) high and 5 meters (16 feet) wide. It starts forming in early November and will drop and disappear by the end of April. The local guide who knows the area better than anyone will take you to the waterfall in all its beauty. The trail is about total 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and takes about 4. 5 hours round trip. It’s a complete snow trail which requires snowshoes and spikes. The trail starts at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). There, the air gets as cold as -20 ℃ (46 ℉), and the snow piles up as high as 2 meters (6.6 feet). Physical toughness and the ability to walk and stay outside in these conditions is necessary for this tour. During the tour, the guide will prepare a hot outdoor lunch.

This is a private rural e-bike tour with local lunch at the Maze Village and the Hagiwara Town in the Hida region. Because it has no businesses specifically catering to tourists, the area is largely unknown and overlooked in the main guidebooks, though it’s close to the tourist towns like Takayama or Gero. Please do not worry about uphills because our e-bike helps you a lot so that you can easily enjoy seeing the nature of Hida Mountains. In the area of the Maze Village, there are 10 small hamlets that located along the beautiful Maze River. Each has only 50-300 people and these many small communities are together referred to as the Maze Area Villages. Our friendly and knowledgeable English-speaking guide will take you to picturesque spots and offer you some local stories about history, culture and lifestyle. Seeing the tranquil views and tasting the special meal with local ingredients, you can fully enjoy the authentic rural Japan.

This is a private sake brewery tour dedicated for small groups who want to escape from tourist crowds to have the authentic sake experience, including a leisurely town walk and sake tasting. The tour is held at the small country town named Hagiwara, which is near from Takayama but definitely no tourist here. You can enjoy understanding the sake brewing process and the beautiful sake tasting at your own pace without any stress. On the way to the Tenryo Sake Brewery, your guide will share not only the introduction of sake but the historical background of town. Inside the brewery, you will understand the brewing process of sake step by step with seeing the actual facilities and machines for production. Afterward, you will taste various excellent sake of Tenryo (天領) to enjoy the difference of flavors, and you can get a lot of useful tips to drink and order sake. If you love sake, please do not miss this opportunity!

E-BIKE Tour in Hida-Osaka – Nature & Hot Springs Adventure Day 1: Hida-Osaka ⇒ Nigorigo Onsen Start from Hida-Osaka Station and ride to Nigorigo Onsen (1,800m). Enjoy the challenge of a mountain climb made easier with an E-BIKE. At night, relax in a hot spring under the stars. Mostly uphill with no vending machines, stores, or toilets. Bring enough food and water. Distance: 50 km Elevation Gain: 1,300 m Time: 8 hours Day 2: Nigorigo Onsen ⇒ Hida-Osaka Station Experience a thrilling downhill ride with views of Mount Ontake, forests, and valleys. Enjoy local gourmet stops. Distance: 50 km Elevation Loss: 1,300 m Time: 6–8 hours Tour Details Accommodation: Book a ryokan at Nigorigo Onsen (with meals). Supplies: No stores; bring two days’ worth of food & water. Costs: Lodging and meals not included. Backpack: 50L+ for food, water, rain gear, and a 5kg spare battery. Fitness: For experienced riders only. Luggage: No storage at the station.

Discover the authentic nightlife of Gero Onsen on this guided bar hopping tour. Experience the charm of local bars and eateries where Gero residents unwind over drinks and conversations. Tailored to your preferences, the tour adapts to your tastes, whether you prefer beer, sake, or light snacks. Visit two unique bars, each offering a distinct atmosphere, with a food and drink allowance of 1,500 yen per venue, so you can enjoy the local cuisine without worry. Gain cultural insights from your guide and connect with the warm hospitality of this quaint hot spring town. - Guided tour exploring two local bars in Gero Onsen - Personalized experience based on your drink and food preferences - Enjoy up to 1,500 yen allowance for food and drinks at each venue - Learn about local customs and bar culture from your guide

Hida-Osaka E-BIKE Adventure – Short Course Majestic Waterfalls × Forest Bathing × Countryside Gourmet! A Casual E-BIKE Tour Course Hida-Osaka Station - Gandate Park - Michi-no-Eki Hanamomo -Hida-Osaka Station Located between Gero City and Takayama City, Hida-Osaka is a town rich in nature and history. On this E-BIKE tour, you can comfortably explore the area's hidden gems while riding an electric-assisted mountain bike. At Gandate Park, experience the breathtaking power of a magnificent waterfall and immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy the refreshing ride through the forest as you make your way to Michi-no-Eki Hanamomo. At the roadside station, indulge in delicious local gourmet food made with fresh regional ingredients. Thanks to E-BIKE support, even beginners or those who are not confident in their stamina can enjoy this easy and exciting adventure ride. A compact yet fulfilling experience of Hida-Osaka in a short time! Feel the breath of nature and enjoy a refreshing E-BIKE journey.

Discover the cultural heart of Gero Onsen, a renowned hot spring town in Japan, known for its soothing alkaline waters and rich heritage. This guided walking tour dives into the significant role hot springs play in Japanese culture, history, and daily life. Start in the town center to learn about Gero’s evolution as a healing destination, visit the Gero Hot Spring Museum for insights into the science behind the springs, and hear the enchanting White Heron Legend at Onsenji Temple. Conclude your journey with local onsen street food, bringing a taste of Gero's vibrant hospitality to life. - Explore Gero Onsen’s unique history and cultural significance - Visit the Gero Hot Spring Museum and learn about bathing customs - Discover the White Heron Legend at Onsenji Temple - Enjoy local onsen street food with your guide, embracing Gero's hospitality

Step into Japan's rural past with a guided tour of Gero Onsen Gassho Village, a unique open-air museum showcasing authentic thatched-roof houses. Nestled above the famous hot springs, this village highlights the traditional lifestyle of the Hida region, where gassho-zukuri homes flourished in snowy climates. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the village, explaining the significance of its architecture and the customs of the local people. Discover the ingenuity behind the steep roofs designed for heavy snow and learn about farming and daily life in mountain communities. - Explore the historic Gero Onsen Gassho Village, an open-air museum - Guided tour with insights into traditional Hida culture and architecture - View authentic gassho-zukuri houses relocated from Shirakawa-go - Gain knowledge about local customs, tools, and the rural way of life