Gero Onsen Matsuri: Dates, Times, Access & Crowd Tips

Overview

The biggest summer event at Gero Onsen, one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs, held every year from August 1 to 4. Events continue over four days, including the Ryujin Hi Matsuri, where five dragons parade through flames; the Yunohana Mikoshi Parade; Minyo Nagashi folk dancing; and the Gero Onsen Fireworks Musical summer show.

When: Every year August 1–4
Venue: Gero Onsen hot spring town (around Shirasagi Bridge, the riverbed upstream of Gero Ohashi Bridge and more; Gero City, Gifu Prefecture)
Official website: https://www.city.gero.lg.jp/site/kanko/23881.html
Official website (English) ↗

Area

Gero OnsenGero Onsen weather & what to wear →

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Highlights

At the Ryujin Hi Matsuri on the first day, five dragons dance boldly through fire and smoke. On the third night, the Fireworks Musical, with fireworks launched in time to music, lights up the sky over the hot spring town, and together with Minyo Nagashi and Gero Odori it makes for the liveliest night of summer in the onsen town.

Times

Ryujin Hi Matsuri (Dragon God Fire Festival)18:35–21:30

August 1, around Shirasagi Bridge. Official Gero City information for 2026

Yunohana Mikoshi Parade (portable shrine parade)17:30–21:30

August 2, Gero Onsen town. Official Gero City information for 2026

Onsen Kanshasai (Hot Spring Thanksgiving Festival)15:25–17:00

August 3, from Gero Station to Onsenji Temple. Official Gero City information for 2026

Gero Onsen Fireworks Musical summer show20:00–20:30

August 3, riverbed upstream of Gero Ohashi Bridge. Held in light rain; postponed in stormy weather or when the river is high (the 2026 backup date was August 22)

Minyo Nagashi & Gero Odori (folk dancing)From about 19:00 to 22:00

August 3. Minyo Nagashi from Gero Ohashi Bridge to Shirasagi Bridge (around 19:00); Gero Odori at Shirasagi Bridge (20:40–22:00). Official Gero City information for 2026

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

✓The highlights are the Ryujin Hi Matsuri on the night of the 1st and the Fireworks Musical on the night of the 3rd. If you can go for only one day, plan around these two
✓On fireworks day (August 3), Shirasagi Ryokuchi Park is closed from 8:00 to 17:00 for venue preparation (2026)
✓The Fireworks Musical is postponed in stormy weather or when the river is high, so check official announcements on the day
✓The hot spring town venue is about 3–5 min on foot from Gero Station. Staying at an onsen inn and heading out in yukata is fun too
✓Between festival events, a tour of the town’s footbaths is also recommended

Access

Getting there

Nearest stations: JR Gero Station (JR Takayama Line)About 3–5 min on footGero Onsen town / festival venue
From major stations: Nagoya Station: JR Limited Express Hida to Gero Station (About 1 hr 35 min (example timing from a Gero Onsen Tourism Association model course))
Getting back: After the fireworks, Gero Station and the parking areas get crowded, so linger in the onsen town a little before heading back
Check return train times in advance

Open in Google Maps ↗

Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times: The evenings of the Ryujin Hi Matsuri on August 1 and the Fireworks Musical on August 3
Quieter times: Daytime each day
Time needed: The Fireworks Musical lasts about 30 minutes (20:00–20:30). The Ryujin Hi Matsuri runs 18:35–21:30 (2026)

Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures: August normals for the Gero Onsen area (Hagiwara AMeDAS station) are a high of 31.1°C and a low of 20.5°C. Days are hot, and nights get a little cooler
What to wear: Breathable summer clothes or a yukata. Insect repellent is handy for watching from early evening
Rain, snow & typhoons: The Fireworks Musical is held in light rain and postponed in stormy weather or when the river is high (the 2026 backup date was August 22)
Where to check for cancellations: Gero City Tourism Division (0576-24-2222), Gero City website (https://www.city.gero.lg.jp/site/kanko/)

☁ Chubu & Hokuriku weather in August →

Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

!Take your trash home, or sort it and put it in the designated places
!Do not get too close to the fire or dragons at the Ryujin Hi Matsuri. Follow staff instructions
!Do not enter restricted riverbed areas or Shirasagi Ryokuchi Park when closed
!Many people in the onsen town wear yukata and geta, so watch your step in crowds
!Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
!Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.

Facilities

Toilets: Toilets in the onsen town get crowded at night, so go early
Lockers & luggage: It’s best to leave large luggage at your accommodation before heading out
Paying at food stalls: Some street stalls may be cash only, so bring cash as well
ATMs: Convenience store ATMs around Gero Station
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers: Fireworks and Ryujin Hi Matsuri nights are crowded, so allow extra time when getting around with a wheelchair or stroller

Food

Local favorites: Hida beefSalt-grilled ayu (sweetfish)Onsen tamago (hot-spring eggs)
Vegetarian & halal: Vegetarian and halal labels are rare, so it helps to check with your accommodation or nearby restaurants in advance

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