Ogawaya

Ogawaya is a long-established luxury ryokan in Gero Onsen, positioned along the Hida River in Gero City — one of Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs and a destination prized since the Edo period for its therapeutic sodium bicarbonate waters. The property encompasses riverside tatami suites with direct views across the rushing Hida River to the forested hillside beyond, as well as premium suites featuring enclosed private bath areas where guests may soak in complete seclusion. The communal outdoor onsen, set at the river's edge with a natural rock surround, is among the most scenically positioned bathing environments in the Gero area; the sound of the river current accompanies the soak. A private indoor onsen is also available by hourly reservation for guests preferring non-communal bathing. Kaiseki cuisine anchors the dining experience: an elaborate evening sequence of seasonal Hida dishes — river sweetfish (ayu) in summer, local mushrooms in autumn, mountain vegetables in spring — is artfully plated and served in-room by inn staff. The garden courtyard at the property's centre provides a contemplative outdoor space decorated with seasonal plantings and stone lanterns. Rates are per person and include both the kaiseki dinner and a traditional Japanese breakfast, placing Ogawaya firmly in the premium tier of Gero's substantial ryokan offering. A complimentary shuttle from JR Gero Station runs at scheduled times, eliminating the need for a taxi on arrival. Gero itself is accessible from Nagoya by Hida Wide-view limited express in approximately 90 minutes.