Bosenkan in Gero Onsen (Photo: Emi Takahata)

Gero Onsen's Ryokan From Edo Period

Take New Challenges to Carry On Its Long History

Bosenkan in Gero Onsen (Photo: Emi Takahata)
Emi Takahata   - 6 min read

Hot springs are one of the most beloved spots across Japan. There are tons of onsen facilities in a volcanically active country. According to the Ministry of Economy, the total number of hot spring sources is approximately 28,000. As for overnight accommodations, there are about 3,000 throughout the country. Although there is uncertainty of which and where is the oldest hot springs in Japan, one ryokan in Gifu has run the facility since the 1818 - Edo era.

With the opening of the Takayama Line, the inn was moved to its current location and opened in 1936
With the opening of the Takayama Line, the inn was moved to its current location and opened in 1936
1,100 tsubo Japanese garden entertains four seasons
1,100 tsubo Japanese garden entertains four seasons
A room mountain/river view
A room mountain/river view

Bosenkan in Gero Onsen has offered a space as a healing facility for more than two centuries. The Manager of the Reservation Centre of Bosenkan, Shigeyuki Kato, says the 14th generation, Kumazaki Heiichiro runs the facility today. Interestingly, Kato said the first president of Bosenkan used to be a doctor and offered the Bosenkan's space for a military nursing home at first. Because Gero Onsen's hot spring is famous for its healing waters from the 10th century (Edo era) and said to be effective for injuries and illness, etc. Then, opened up the place as a Japanese inn.

Bosenkan's timeline from 1818
Bosenkan's timeline from 1818
Retro atmosphere on Basement 1st Floor
Retro atmosphere on Basement 1st Floor

Bosenkan used to be a family-owned business for a long time, but due to the business failure, it became a business corporation ten years ago, according to Kato. While Bosenkan passes on its service style and own history, the business accepts new businesses to attract more tourists, such as associating with a cartoon character.

Unfortunately, business failure affects everywhere, especially in the countryside. Several shuttered stores in the shopping arcade are due to bankruptcy as well as the lack of a successor. Therefore, the tourist association and the Onsen association are trying to revitalize the town to attract tourists and young people.

Foot bath (Ashi-yu, 足湯) in the garden
Foot bath (Ashi-yu, 足湯) in the garden
Kato said Bosenkan launched a beer garden service first in Gero Onsen town, and it became an icon for not only tourists but local people in summer
Kato said Bosenkan launched a beer garden service first in Gero Onsen town, and it became an icon for not only tourists but local people in summer
1,100 tsubo Japanese garden entertains four seasons
1,100 tsubo Japanese garden entertains four seasons

Hida Beef Dinner Course
Hida Beef Dinner Course
Grilled Hida Beef with miso in Houba Leaves
Grilled Hida Beef with miso in Houba Leaves

Bosenkan hired English-speaking staff five or six years ago to welcome international tourists and fix employees shortage. One of the Nepalis, Sadhana Chhetri, came to Japan several years ago for studying and now working at Bosenkan for three years. She said, "I enjoy working in Gero Onsen because the local people are friendly and nature is gorgeous." There are more than a dozen of international workers at Bosenkan.

Getting there

From Tokyo Station to Gero Station (approx: 4 hours)

  1. Take a bullet train (Tokai-Sanyo Shinkansen) to Nagoya Station
  2. Change a train to the Hida Line
  3. Get off a train at Gero Station

Information on shuttle bus

Gero Station to Bosenkan

Free shuttle bus is available, according to the hotel website, corresponding with the express trains of Takayama lines from 1:30pm to 5:30pm.

Bosenkan to Gero Station

7:07 (reservation is required) 8:30 9:10 9:45 10:10

Emi Takahata

Emi Takahata @takahata.emi

Stay safe, healthy and positive!  A freelance journalist as well as a producer/host of her Japanese radio show at 105.9FM the region. Besides her radio show, she contributes an interesting story that's happening in Japan.