Onsen-ji Temple
温泉寺
An ancient temple guarding Gero Onsen, enshrining the Medicine Buddha, said to have appeared as a white heron to point out the spring. A 173-step stone staircase leads to views over the hot spring town.
Onsen-ji Temple was founded in the early Edo period and enshrines the Medicine Buddha, who legend says appeared as a white heron to tell villagers where the hot spring was. It is regarded as the guardian temple of Gero Onsen. From the hot spring street, a climb of about 173 stone steps leads to the temple. From the gate you can overlook the Hida River and the whole hot spring town. Hydrangeas bloom along the steps in June, the maples turn red in November, and in summer there are night-time 'Ruri lantern' illuminations on certain nights each month. Entry is free, but the steps are steep, so take care in the rain. Pair it with Kassho Village and the Hot Spring Museum for a half-day stroll through the hot spring town.
Opening hours
Open all day (temple office hours per the temple)
Nearby sights
- Gero Museum of Hot Springs
- Kaeru Shrine
- Gero Onsen Town & Yumeguri
- Gero Funsen-ike & Hida River
- Gero Onsen Gassho Village
- Nakayama Shichiri Gorge
- Zenshoji Temple
- Iwaya Iwakage Site