Direct access from Nagoya | Gero Onsen Gassho Village History Experience

↑ Gassho-style house *Image provided by Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

Many people probably imagine Gassho-style villages quietly nestled in the snowy mountains as a symbolic landscape of Japan. However, did you know that you can actually see these beautiful Gassho-style buildings in Gero Onsen, one of Japan's leading Gero resorts?

In this article, we will introduce Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura , the perfect place for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a leisurely experience of traditional Japanese scenery.

• Table of Contents
• Welcome to the fantastic world of Gassho-style houses
• You can also see Gassho-style houses at Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura in Gero Onsen.
• "Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura" can be enjoyed all year round while avoiding the crowds
• Exclusively for guests staying at Gero Onsen! "Gassho no Sato" can be rented exclusively.
• Access to Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura
• Conclusion

Welcome to the fantastic world of Gassho-style houses

Gassho-zukuri is a traditional Japanese architectural style, consisting of thatched roof houses that are mainly found in the mountainous areas of the Chubu region.

Characteristics and structure of "Gassho-style" houses

The most distinctive feature of Gassho-zukuri is its steeply sloping triangular roof. This roof is named "Gassho" because it resembles the shape of two palms clasped together. The roof slope is usually very steep, between 45 and 60 degrees, and is designed to reduce the burden of snow removal in areas with heavy snowfall and to prevent the building from collapsing under the weight of the snow.

The building is made of wood and is assembled using only ropes and wedges, with almost no nails. This traditional construction technique gives it earthquake resistance, allowing it to flexibly adapt to shaking caused by earthquakes.

The region and cultural background of "Gassho-style" houses

Gassho-style houses developed mainly in Shirakawa, located near the center of Japan, and the Gokayama region of Toyama Prefecture. These areas are subject to heavy snowfall and are often cut off from transportation to the outside world during the long winters, so it was necessary for people to live a self-sufficient life within the region.

The large attic spaces were often used for sericulture, while agriculture and handicrafts were carried out on the ground floor. Larger buildings often housed multiple families, which also served to strengthen community ties.

Currently, the Gassho-style villages of Shirakawa and Gokayama were registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995, and their cultural value is recognized internationally.

You can also see Gassho-style houses at Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura in Gero Onsen.

Gero Onsen Gassho Village , located in a corner of Gero Onsen town, is an outdoor museum made up of 10 Gassho-style houses. Here you can not only see the architecture, but also have a variety of experiences that allow you to come into contact with traditional Japanese culture.

Gero Onsen Gassho Village

2369 Mori, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture 509-2202

Gero Onsen Gassho Village is a recreated traditional village featuring 10 gassho-style houses relocated from places such as Shirakawa-go. The site offers a glimpse into Japan's nostalgic countryside and showcases the traditional lifestyle and seasonal beauty of the Hida region. You can also enjoy hands-on activities such as: ・Washi paper painting ・Pottery painting ・Ceramic crafting experience

Gassho Village is divided into two areas: Gassho Village and Saijiki Mori.

Experience history and culture at Gassho Village

This area is home to the former Oto family residence , which has been designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

↑ "Oto Family Residence" *Image provided by Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

This building, a gabled thatched gassho-style building, took 13 years to build and was relocated when the Miboro Dam was constructed. It features an atmospheric hearth , allowing you to experience the nostalgic Japanese lifestyle.

↑ Hearth ※Photo provided by Gero Onsen Tourism Association

Other historical buildings include the " Old Iwasaki Family House (Folklore Museum) ," a mid-Edo period building that conveys the characteristics of Gokayama's traditional gassho-zukuri style, and the " Takehara Bunraku Memorial Museum ," which exhibits items from the puppet Takehara theater "Takehara Bunraku."You can also enjoy a foot bath in Gero Onsen, one of Japan's three most famous Gero springs.

Enjoy nature and play at "Saijiki no Mori"

"Mori no Mori" is a satoyama (village forest) of cherry blossoms and maples, where you can experience the beautiful nature of Japan. Here, you can find the popular " Mori Slide ," approximately 175 meters long, where you can enjoy the thrill while overlooking the entire village (100 yen per slide, not available in rainy or snowy weather). You can also use the Masuda-style building " Bankoan " as a tea house.

Furthermore, at Hida Kobo you can experience traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

◆ Sarubobo making experience

You can safely make a "Sarubobo," a local toy from the Hida region, without using needles. No reservations are required, and you can complete it in about 15 minutes and take it home on the same day.

↑ "Sarubobo" *Image provided by Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

◆Ceramics

You can try painting unglazed plates and teacups, or even try turning a potter's wheel. The finished product will be shipped to you at a later date.

↑ Potter's wheel experience ※Photo provided by Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

"Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura" can be enjoyed all year round while avoiding the crowds

While the world-famous Shirakawa-go Gassho-style village is bustling with tourists, Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura is relatively quiet, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll, which is its great appeal. Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura is open all year round, allowing visitors to enjoy the Gassho-style houses in the beautiful scenery of each season: cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter.

Spring | Cherry Blossom Gassho Village

In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, creating a beautiful contrast between the Gassho-style houses of Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura and the pink flowers.

↑ Spring *Image provided by Gero Onsen Tourism Association

Summer | Gassho Village Surrounded by Greenery

In summer, you can view the Gassho-style houses surrounded by lush green trees and fresh air.

↑ Summer *Image provided by Gero Onsen Tourism Association

Autumn | Autumn leaves in Gassho Village

In autumn, the leaves decorate the Gassho-style roofs, creating a vibrant sight.

↑ Autumn *Image provided by Gero Onsen Tourism Association

Winter | Snow-covered Gassho Village

In winter, the snow-covered Gassho-style houses appear, creating a landscape that makes you feel as if you have wandered into a world straight out of a fairy tale.

↑ Winter *Image provided by Gero Onsen Tourism Association

Exclusively for guests staying at Gero Onsen! "Gassho no Sato" can be rented exclusively.

A special plan is available exclusively to guests staying at Gero Onsen, allowing you to rent out a portion of the Gassho Village area within Gero Onsen Gassho Village. You can spend some private time among the gassho-style houses, which are fantastically lit up at night.

Nighttime rental and lighting

↑ Illumination image ※Image provided by Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

The traditional Gassho-style houses are lit up, creating a fantastical atmosphere. You can hold an event in this special space or have the foot bath of Gero Onsen all to yourself.

Private party at the "Oto Family Residence"

You can even rent out the former Ooto House, a nationally designated important cultural property, for a party where you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine and drinks around the hearth!

↑ Image of the venue inside the former Ooto family residence

Private experience of traditional performing arts at Shirasagiza

Shirasagiza is a gassho-style building where you can enjoy traditional performing arts. You can also rent out the entire Shirasagiza for special events where you can enjoy or experience local performing arts such as Jikabuki, Ryujin Taiko, and Geisha Dance.

↑ "Jikabuki" *Image provided by Gero Onsen Tourism Association

↑ "Dragon God Taiko"

↑ "Geisha" *Image provided by Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

For inquiries about private rental plans, please contact Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

For private rental plans, please contact Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura.

[TEL] 0576-25-2239

［FAX］0576-25-4283

[MAIL] gassho-mura@city.gero.lg.jp

[WEB] https://www.gero-gassho.jp/

*Advance reservations are required to use the private plan.

*Only available to guests staying at hotels and inns in Gero Onsen.

*Craft experiences such as the "Sarubobo Making Experience" cannot be reserved exclusively.

We are also selling an evening sightseeing tour that allows you to rent out the Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura!

A private evening sightseeing tour featuring the Ooto Family Residence and a geisha experience is scheduled to run exclusively in October 2025. This premium tour includes not only a visit to Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura, but also a private viewing of the fantastic traditional fishing method known as "hiburi fishing," and a luxurious Hida beef special dinner.

Click here for more details.

[Private tour application]

Book a private tour of Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura (JTB BOKUN)

Book a private tour of Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura (WAmazing)

We will also be holding a winter light-up event!

It has also been decided that a light-up event will be held in the winter of 2026!

Please refer to the separate column for more details.

Access to Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

From Tokyo or Osaka to Gero Station

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station or Osaka Station to Nagoya Station. At Nagoya Station, transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line or Takayama Line and get off at Gero Station. From Nagoya Station to Gero Station, it takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours by express train.

From Kanazawa to Gero Station

Take the Shinkansen from Kanazawa Station to Toyama Station. At Toyama Station, transfer to the JR Takayama and get off at Gero Station. The journey from Toyama Station to Gero Station takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by express train.

From Gero Station to Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

From the Nohi Bus Center in front of JR Gero Station, take the Gasshomura Line bus bound for Gasshomura/ Gero Community Center. After about a 6-minute ride, get off at the Gasshomura bus stop.

Conclusion

If you visit Gero Onsen, be sure to stop by Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura. Here, you can spend a relaxing time experiencing the beautiful traditional Japanese architecture and culture. Why not plan a luxurious trip where you can relax in the hot springs and experience Japanese history and culture in the Gassho-style village?

If you book a private stay at Gassho Village, you'll be able to create even more special memories. Enjoy the best trip to Gero Onsen, where you can fully enjoy both the Gassho-style buildings and the hot springs!

[Application for Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura Private Tour]

Book a private tour of Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura (JTB BOKUN)

Book a private tour of Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura (WAmazing)