Gero Onsen - Onsenji Temple

I visited Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture. This is Onsenji Temple. From the temple grounds, located at the top of 173 stone steps, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Gero Onsen town. In front of the main hall, there is a statue of Yakushi Nyorai called "Yugake Yakushi," and hot spring water gushes out from its base. Be sure to check it out! The origin of Onsenji Temple is said to be tied to a legend where, when the original hot spring source dried up, a white heron indicated the location of a new hot spring. A statue of Yakushi Nyorai was then enshrined at that spot. For those who find climbing the stairs difficult, there is a slope on the right side that allows you to skip about two-thirds of the steps.