The 10 Best Ryokans in Gero Onsen

Gifu Prefecture’s Gero Onsen has been widely considered one of Japan’s three best hot-spring towns since ancient times and is one of the most famous in Japan. A quaint town located between Takayama and neighboring Aichi Prefecture’s Nagoya, Gero Onsen’s waters are famously known as bijin no yu, literally translated as “the water of beauties,” as they’re said to leave the skin silky-smooth.

Though Gero Onsen can be visited on a day trip, consider spending the night at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) here to pamper yourself. That is the best way to get the most out of this hot spring town’s moisturizing, relieving waters. You’ll also have more time to stroll around, try the assortment of photogenic sweets the town offers, and savor local delicacies like Hida beef and hoba (magnolia-leaf) miso. Here are our 10 picks for the best ryokan in Gero Onsen.

The long-running Gero Onsen Bosenkan, which first opened its doors in 1818, commands superb views of the Hida River from selected rooms and baths. Some rooms even have an open-air bath that overlooks Gero Onsen’s scenery, be it the surrounding mountains or Bosenkan’s approximately 40,000 square feet (3,600 square meters) Japanese garden. Guests also have the option of booking two private open-air baths: one made of rock and the other of cypress. In the middle of the ryokan’s garden is a footbath, where guests can relax their feet after a stroll.

Gero Onsen Yunoshimakan is a well-preserved piece of history and an architectural wonder, as the wooden main building of this distinguished ryokan is a registered Tangible Cultural Property. First opening its doors in 1931, this inn harmoniously blends early Showa-era (1926–1989) aesthetics and modern comforts. While the standard rooms in the main building are already pleasant enough, some of the more upscale rooms, such as Keizanso, come with a mountain view private bath. Relax and enjoy mountain views from Yunoshimakan’s open-air baths, and, at mealtime, feast on exquisite local specialties and the ryokan’s original grilled sushi.

In business since the Edo period (1603–1867), Gero Onsen Yamagataya stands on the banks of the Hida River, offering gorgeous mountain and river views from its communal and private baths alike. During cherry-blossom season, you can even see these dainty flowers up close from the ryokan’s two bookable private baths. In addition to standard Japanese- and Western-style rooms, Yamagataya also boasts more luxurious suite-style rooms with private baths. 

Much like a resort, Gero Onsen Suimeikan consists of three buildings and an annex, all facing the Hida River. Here, guests can dip into three types of communal baths — cypress, open-air, and panoramic — and bookable (or, in some cases, in-room) private baths. Though the hotel’s first three buildings also boast VIP rooms and suites, its most luxurious rooms can be found at the annex, where all rooms are built in the refined sukiya architectural style, and guests can feel as if they’ve retreated to their own private Japanese-style villa. The hotel is also dotted with art pieces by renowned artists and craftspeople, and it even has a stage for Noh performances and a traditional tearoom. 

With five spacious communal baths and nine bookable private baths, you’ll be spoiled for choice at Gero Onsen Ogawaya. One of its baths is the largest tatami-matted bath in central Japan, reducing the likelihood of elderly guests and children slipping and falling. Ogawaya offers a dinner service in which premium Hida beef is the star of the show and is exquisite and delightful. Guests have also lauded Ogawaya’s breakfast buffet, which features around fifty dishes at a time, including local specialties such as hoba miso.

Especially popular among women and couples is Gero Onsen Sasara, a charming ryokan with a vintage feel, thanks to the antiques and art pieces adorning it. Among its 44 rooms, 20 come with private open-air baths, and many overlook the townscape. If a soak in the ryokan’s baths isn’t enough, Sasara also has a ganbanyoku (hot-stone spa) for those seeking extra heat therapy. Additionally, guests can enjoy soothing jazz music and original cocktails at the bar, which also has a retro ambiance.

Slightly farther away — but not too far — from the bustling town center is Gero Onsen Miyako, a serene ryokan atop a hill. Lending the hotel an air of exclusivity and luxury is the fact that it only has 16 rooms, all of which come with scenic views. Out of these, four are detached villas with private open-air baths. Out of the rooms in the main building, the suites include a private bath. Surrounded by greenery and calming ambient lighting for its facilities and guest rooms, Miyako is ideal for those visiting Gero Onsen for a tranquil getaway!

Located on the banks of the Hida River is Gero Onsen Kawakamiya Kasuitei, another ryokan with the feel of a secluded hideaway. A 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from JR Gero Station, this 14-room homey inn has one indoor bath, one communal open-air bath, and one private open-air bath that can be reserved for 40 minutes at a time. The cuisine makes use of not only Hida beef, but also river fish, as well as locally grown produce and seasonal ingredients.

Just two minutes on foot from JR Gero Station, Gero Onsen Mutsumikan is a convenient choice for those arriving by train. While some ryokan may not accommodate solo guests, this ryokan is quite solo traveler friendly. The rooms are Japanese, Western, or Japanese-Western style and the onsen baths — one indoor and one outdoor — are simple but rejuvenating. Reflecting the changing seasons, Mutsumikan’s kaiseki-style meals feature Hida beef and/or pork, as well as locally caught fish.

Perched on a hilltop is Gero Onsen Kaisekiyado Suihoen, a distinguished ryokan with 16 traditional Japanese and Japanese-Western guest rooms, nine of which come with open-air private baths. Its open-air communal bath treats guests to views of the townscape and nearby mountains; on a clear night, you may even see stars twinkling in the sky. Also on the premises is Kangetsu, a steakhouse that specializes in high-grade Hida beef grilled on a lava plate. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and some accommodation plans include a Hida beef dinner course here.