Tucked into the lush mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Gero Onsen is one of Japan’s most beloved hot spring towns, famous not only for its silky, mineral-rich waters but also for an unexpected and utterly delightful mascot: the frog.

Wander through town, and you’ll find frog statues, frog charms, frog motifs on manhole covers, and even frog-themed treats. This quirky identity grew from a linguistic twist: the Japanese word “gero” resembles the croaking sound of a frog, and over the years, the town embraced the amphibian association with playful pride.

But Gero Onsen is far more than a cute theme. Its thousand-year history, soothing public foot baths, and, especially, its incredible local food scene make it a destination worth traveling for. Whether you’re nibbling on premium Hida beef, indulging in silky puddings, or ordering a dessert shaped like a smiling frog, this town is a culinary paradise for explorers.

Below is your full Gero Onsen food guide to why this frog-themed hot spring town should be on your bucket list, especially if you love a relaxing time with tasty dishes every step of the way.

A Short History of Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen is counted among Japan’s top three hot spring towns (alongside Arima and Kusatsu), a recognition that dates back centuries. The area was first recorded as a hot spring destination in the early Heian period (784-967).

Legend says that when a powerful earthquake caused the original spring to dry up, villagers were distraught, until a white heron landed on a nearby riverbank, scratching at a steaming patch of earth. Beneath it, the spring had been reborn. This “heron spring” origin story is celebrated in statues and artwork throughout the town.

Since then, travelers, monks, and feudal lords have bathed in Gero’s alkaline hot waters, which are known for leaving skin remarkably smooth, earning it the nickname the beauty bath. Even today, ryokan (traditional Japanese-inn) owners proudly reference the phrases from ancient woodblock travel guides praising the clarity and purity of Gero’s onsen.

But while the hot springs are timeless, the food scene has become one of the most talked-about parts of modern Gero.

Foot Baths: Snack, Stroll, Soak, Repeat

One of the most charming features of Gero Onsen is its network of free public foot baths (ashiyu・足湯).

These small open-air tubs can be found on street corners, in front of shops, and alongside the Hida River. They make the perfect pit stop between meals: slip off your shoes, soak your feet, and enjoy the warm mineral water while planning your next snack.

Bring a hand towel, settle in, and enjoy some people-watching; locals relaxing after work, families dipping their toes, and visitors nibbling on treats from nearby cafes.

The foot baths are particularly soothing in the winter when steam rises from the water and the mountains glow with frost.

The Frog Shrine: A Whimsical & Lucky Stop

No visit to Gero is complete without a stop at the famed Kaeru (Frog) Shrine. The word kaeru has a double meaning in Japanese. It means frog as well as “to return” or “to come back,” making frog figures a symbol of good fortune, safe travels, and wealth returning.

Locals and travelers alike visit the shrine to pray for good luck or simply to meet the hundreds of frog statues ranging from tiny stone figurines to towering green monuments. It’s charming, playful, and makes for great photos!

Be sure to read the wooden ema plaques where visitors write prayers for loved ones, successful journeys, and of course, safe returns. After a spiritual stop with the frogs, it’s time to indulge. Gero’s food offerings are as memorable as its amphibian guardians.

Gero Onsen Food Guide: Five Can't Miss Stops

1. Lobby Lounge Evian: Home of the Famous Frog Tiramisu

Located inside the beautifully modern Suimeikan Ryokan, Lobby Lounge Evian serves one of the most iconic desserts in Gero: the frog tiramisu.

This adorable dessert features a matcha-dust top with a cute frog face drawn in cocoa. Under the surface is a velvety mascarpone layer balanced with just the right bitterness of matcha.

It’s picture-perfect without being overly sweet, ideal for enjoying with a cup of tea while watching the lobby’s serene koi pond.

Whether you’re staying at Suimeikan or just passing through, this tiramisu is worth making time for.

2. Un du plaisir : Frog Crepes that Look Almost Too Cute to Eat

If you love themed sweets, head straight to Un du plaisir, a boutique dessert cafe known for its whimsical frog crepes. These creations combine whipped cream, matcha or chocolate cream, fruit, and crunchy toppings, all crowned with an adorable frog face made from pudding or chocolate.

Their crepes strike a balance between aesthetic charm and genuinely impressive flavor. Seasonal variations, strawberry in spring, chestnut in autumn, keep locals coming back year-round.

Pro tip: visit earlier in the day as popular flavors often sell out.

3. Kanare: Hida Beef Skewers You’ll Dream About Later

Food lovers flock to Gero for one main savory highlight: Hida beef. This regional wagyu is famous for its marbling, tenderness, and deep umami richness.

While many ryokan serve luxurious multi-course meals featuring Hida beef, some of the best bites in town are also the simplest.

At Kanare, you can enjoy freshly grilled Hida beef skewers right on the street.

Each skewer is seared over a flame, caramelizing the fat and letting the smoky aroma drift through the air. It’s juicy, melt-in-your-mouth, and surprisingly affordable, perfect as a snack or an appetizer before dinner!

4. Gero Pudding : Velvety, Local-Made Puddings

For something silky and comforting, stop by Gero Pudding, a charming dessert shop specializing in bottled puddings. These puddings come in a variety of flavors, classic custard, matcha, seasonal fruit, and even local milk-based specialties.

Each pudding has a luscious, smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the hot spring atmosphere. The jars also make cute souvenirs, though many travelers end up eating their purchases immediately after stepping outside.

If you time it right, you may even be able to watch staff preparing fresh batches through the shop window.

5. Terumae Shateki : Try the Gero Curry Bread!

This wonderfully quirky spot, Terumae Shateki is part amusement-style shooting game shop and part snack stand that offers one of Gero’s unexpected must-tries: curry bread.

Lightly crisp on the outside, warm and savory on the inside, this curry bread is surprisingly delicious for a place you might initially visit just for the fun and retro vibes.

It pairs perfectly with a stroll through town or a break between foot bath stops.

Grab a curry bread, take a silly photo with the frog-themed setups inside, and enjoy the playful ambiance.

5 Reasons Gero Onsen is Perfect for Foodies

Walkability

Almost all the top food spots are within easy walking distance, making it simple to graze your way through town.

Foot baths everywhere

Eat, walk, soak, repeat - there’s no better routine.

Local pride

Shops are small, family-run, and dedicated to quality ingredients, especially Hida beef and local dairy.

Affordable indulgence

Unlike major cities, Gero offers premium flavors at significantly lower prices.

Seasonal cuisine

From sakura sweets to autumn chestnut treats, the offerings shift seasonally throughout the year.

Final Thoughts: Why Gero Belongs on Your Bucket List

Gero Onsen is a place where relaxation and indulgence come together in the most charming way.

Spend the morning soaking in a riverside foot bath, enjoy a frog-themed dessert for lunch, snack on Hida beef in the afternoon, and wander to the Frog Shrine as lanterns glow across the bridges at sunset.

Whether you’re a foodie, a hot spring lover, or simply someone who appreciates a town with personality, Gero Onsen deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

It’s a town with soul, equal parts traditional onsen culture, whimsical frog imagery, and seriously delicious food. And once you visit, don’t be surprised if, true to the frog’s symbolism, you find yourself wanting to return again and again.