Gero Onsen Gassho Village | A Hida Satoyama culture spot where you can enjoy experiences and take great photos

Located in Mori, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, Gero Onsen Gassho Village is an open-air museum where you can experience the life and culture of Hida, centered around 10 gassho-style houses that were relocated from Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.
It is a popular multifaceted spot that is not only a tourist spot, but also offers experiences, photogenic spots, and educational opportunities.

A reproduction of a Gassho-style village where you can experience the life of Hida

The museum is lined with Gassho-style houses that have been relocated from all over Hida, including the Former Oto Family Residence, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. By touring the displays of agricultural and folk tools and the buildings that recreate living spaces with hearths, you can get a real feel for what life was like in Hida in the past.

Former Oto family residence

This iconic building in Gassho Village is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It was relocated from the Oto family home in Gokayama, built in the mid-Edo period, and visitors can see the structure and interior layout that are unique to areas with heavy snowfall.

Former Toyama family storehouse

This building is a continuation of the architectural style of the grain warehouses that were once seen in Hida. Its unique structure, constructed by piling up wooden boards, is both fireproof and breathable.

Former Iwasaki family

This is a restored village headman's house from the Edo period, and displays the heavy beams and everyday items from that time. The exhibits give a real feel for the way of life in Hida.

Plenty of opportunities to experience traditional crafts and learn about culture

• Hida Workshop:A hands-on facility where you can enjoy pottery, washi paper making, and Sarubobo painting.
• Lecoris:A permanent shadow play theater (currently closed). A unique facility where you can enjoy old stories of Hida through shadow play.
• Bankoan:Enjoy a hearth cafe in a Gassho-style building. Hida beef buns and Japanese sweets are also popular.

The appeal of being a photogenic spot

The scenery of Gassho Village, made up of thatched roofs and rural mountain scenery, shows different beauty in each season: cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery in winter.
There are plenty of attractive backgrounds for photography enthusiasts and social media users, and it's also perfect for combining photo shoots with rental Japanese clothing.

Enjoy it in combination with sightseeing at Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen Gassho Village is within walking distance of the hot spring town, and is a great place to spend a whole day visiting the fountain pond, the Gero Hot Springs Museum, the foot bath facility, and more. You can also combine it with a visit to the morning market and cafes to spend a relaxing time.

Tourist spots and stop-off information around Gero Onsen Gassho Village

• Gero Hot Springs Fountain Pond:A free mixed-gender footbath on the riverbank. Popular for its open, spacious location.
• Gero Hot Springs Museum:An interactive museum where you can learn about the science and history of hot springs, within a 5-minute walk.
• Shirasagi Yokocho:A complex with a wide selection of local gourmet food and souvenirs. Convenient for stopping by between sightseeing.

Summary | Experience cultural heritage through Gassho-style houses

Gero Onsen Gassho Village, where you can experience Gassho-style architecture and Hida culture, is a tourist spot that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Be sure to experience the charm of this place, where you can enjoy experience, history, nature, and gourmet food all at once.