⛩️ Gero Onsen Shrine

Gero Onsen Shrine was built to express gratitude for the abundant hot spring resources and to pray for prosperity and development. It is the first shrine far from "Hakone" that is a branch of the main shrine of "Yudonosan Shrine," which is located in the sacred mountains of Dewa, Yamagata Prefecture, and has the rocks from which the hot springs emerge as its deity. In front of the cement torii gate, there are only the worship hall and the temizuya (purification fountain), along with a statue of the dragon god from which the hot spring flows. It is a rather simple shrine. The location is on the first floor of the "Gero Onsen Ryokan Kaikan" at the corner of Shirakawa Bridge in the center of Gero Onsen town, making it convenient for tourists to visit while strolling through the hot spring area. Every year on October 8th, a regular festival is held to give thanks for the hot springs. Participants dressed in ancient costumes form a "traveling group" that walks from "Gero" Station to the shrine. After the rituals, there are activities such as lion dances, rice cake throwing, and celebratory drinks, making it a classic autumn event that livens up the hot spring town more than usual.

Expressing gratitude for Gero Onsen and praying for its prosperous development at the shrine built for this purpose. It is a branch of the Yudonosan Hongu from Yamagata Prefecture. Hot springs flow from the dragon mouth next to the worship hall. An annual festival is held on October 8th.