Gero Onsen Shrine

Established to express gratitude for the abundant blessings of Gero Onsen and to pray for its continued prosperity, Gero Onsen Shrine holds a special place in the hearts of the local community. The shrine is a branch of the Yudonosan Shrine, whose main shrine is in Yamagata Prefecture, known as the Oku-no-miya (inner shrine) of the sacred Dewasanzan mountains. Remarkably, this is the first time the deity of Yudonosan Shrine has been enshrined west of Hakone.

The shrine itself is simple, with a concrete torii gate leading to a main hall, a purification fountain (temizuya), and a statue of a dragon god that pours hot spring water from its mouth. Located on the first floor of the Gero Onsen Ryokan Association Building, at the corner of Shirasagi Bridge in the heart of Gero Onsen town, the shrine is easily accessible for visitors exploring the area.

Every year on October 8th, the shrine hosts its annual festival to give thanks for the hot spring’s blessings. During this event, people involved in the tourism industry don traditional costumes and parade from Gero Station to the shrine in a procession known as "Ogyoretsu." Following the ritual, the festival features a lion dance, mochi-throwing, and sake offerings, creating a lively and festive atmosphere in the onsen town, making it a beloved autumn tradition.