1-Day Gero Onsen Getaway: Soak & Explore

Gassho-style refers to a special form of Japanese houses. It is a wooden structure and does not need a nail during construction. Because the roof is in the shape of a herringbone, it is shaped like a person's hands clasped together, so it is called gassho. There are various gassho buildings in Gero Onsen Gassho Village, you can enjoy it slowly, and if you are tired, you can relax in the hot springs.

Shirakawa-go is located in the northwestern part of Gifu Prefecture and was listed as a "World Cultural Heritage" in 1995. The "gassho-style" style residential roof has a triangular shape, which is an architectural form created by local residents to resist the severe cold and heavy snow, which is suitable for large families to live in. The shape of the house is very pointed, like a co-authoring hand, hence the name. In this snowy area, one of the few in Japan, the gassho buildings can withstand the severe weather and heavy snow, and the villagers still live in such villages to this day. With the centuries-old gassho architecture, the nature that nurtured village life, the long history and modern life harmoniously coexist here. It can be described as a "living world cultural relic". Shirakawa-go Lighting Ceremony Shirakawa-go holds a light-up ceremony every weekend from mid-January to late February. When the color of the sky gradually darkened, the icy snow and the warm lights began to interweave a soft scene, and the silver-clad thatched roof was gradually surrounded by orange light, and the scene in the dream slowly emerged. Main Attractions 1. The Hotan House (an important cultural property designated by the state) has a long history of 400 years. 2. The gassho-shaped house of the four-story building of the Kanda family. The first floor is a tea drinking room, the second and third floors are displays of winemaking, daily utensils, and sericulture utensils, and the fourth floor is an observation room. 3. The five-story building of the Nagase family's gassho-shaped house. The first floor is a display of Buddhist altars from 500 years ago. The third and fourth floors are the display of the previous daily utensils. 4. The Shiroyama Observatory overlooks the panoramic view of Shirakawa Township and is a good location for photography. 5. There are 25 thatched cottages in the shape of gassho palms, 9 of which are designated as important cultural properties by Gifu Prefecture. You can also visit the inside of the Gassho Thatched Cottage.

Hida Takayama is located in the center of Takayama in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture and in the center of the Hida area. It has preserved the complete form of castle towns and merchant towns since the Edo period, so it is called "Hida's Little Kyoto". In addition, you can take a walk in the "Sancho" built in the Meiji and Taisho eras, taste local delicacies such as Hida beef and Takayama ramen, and appreciate the craftsmanship of Hida craftsmen. Hida Takayama is everywhere. Full of charm. Since the Edo period, it has been prosperous as a central town. Today, lattice windows and a fireplace create a unique atmosphere. Just strolling here can make you feel good, and local restaurants, cafes, breweries, and grocery stores all use the buildings of machiya to juxtapose the streets. Local flavors such as miso leaves make you want to try them. In addition, rickshaws are also running on the streets of the ancient town, listening to the explanations of the drivers, while enjoying the breeze on the cheeks is also a kind of pure pleasure. Takayama Festival Takayama holds a large-scale festival every spring and autumn. Spring is the Sanno Matsuri held in April, and autumn is the Hachiman Matsuri held in October. These two festivals are collectively known as the Takayama Festival. The Takayama Festival, the Gion Festival in Kyoto, and the Chichibu Night Festival in Saitama are known as the three most beautiful festivals in Japan. The Takayama Festival originated in the era of Hida lord Daimyo Kanamori (1585-1692), and the establishment of the yatai dates back to 1718. The dexterous mechanical dolls and the carriage return with special devices are artistic creations that combine the beauty of traditional Japanese form with exquisite art and craftsmanship. After nightfall, more than a hundred lanterns will be lit on each roof (float) to decorate the solemn and gorgeous mountain night. There is an ancient street on the east bank of the Miyagawa River that flows through the city of Takayama. This Sancho, in the middle of the old town, has well-preserved residences from the Edo period. This old town still clearly outlines the shadow of the castle city "Takayama". You can see the traditional brewery with your own eyes when you visit here. An ancient residence with latticed doors and windows. This area has been designated as an "Important Traditional Building Group Reserve" by the Japanese government. Morning Market Takayama's morning market is one of the three largest morning markets in Japan. Morning markets are located in Miyagawa and Takayama Jinya. Previously held. The Miyagawa Morning Market is located about 350 meters from the Miyagawa River flowing in the center of the town from the "Kuji Bridge" to the "Yayoi Bridge". There are more than 60 stalls. The river bank near the street There are open-air shops selling vegetables, fruits, pickles, spices, etc. On the opposite side of the street are shops selling snacks and handicrafts. In addition, there are chopsticks and other Japanese-style small items. In winter and rainy days, there may only be about 10 stalls. Another morning market in Takayama Jinya started 300 years ago. It was purchased by a farmer who raised silkworms. It was formed by the market of mulberry leaves, and now only farmers can operate it. There are stalls selling fruits and vegetables picked early in the morning, and selling sun-dried or homemade pickles. The store will also tell you how to eat and store them. There are about 40 or 50 stores, and you can also see rare ingredients such as potato stems, ginseng leaves, and mountain vegetables. No matter where the morning market is close to noon, if you live in If you are in Takayama City, you can go out for a walk around 6:00 in the morning. You can see the "Nora's style" that was worn in agricultural work in the past, and a substitute for the apron that modern Japanese housewives also wear "Korai" The local people who wrote "Look at how they started to set up stalls in good spirits. The so-called Jinya in Takayama Jinya refers to the place where the county and deputy officials (official titles) were in power during the Edo period. ) houses, warehouses, etc. are collectively referred to as Jinya. The Hida representative was promoted to Hida County in the sixth year of Ernst & Young (1777), and was as famous as the Mide County representative at that time (Kanto, Saiguo, Mino), and the establishment of the shogunate was important. It is said that among the more than 60 prefectures and yamen that have survived all over the country at the end of the Shogunate, only Takayama Jinya has preserved the buildings of that time. As the only remaining relic in the whole country, it was designated as a national relic in Showa 4. .Hida no-go Outdoor Museum relocates and restores ancient and precious folk houses in the Hida area, including the gassho-style building. There is an experience area inside, where you can experience seasonal rituals handed down from ancient times to the present, and you can materialize and bring back memories of your travels Among them, we recommend to you the experience of making "Monkey Baby", a special product of Takayama City. Monkey Baby means "little monkey that brings happiness". In the past, mothers would make their own hands in order to wish the happy growth of their children and grandchildren. Sew a baby monkey for your child.