Gero, Gifu

Gero
下呂市
City

Flag

Location of Gero in Gifu Prefecture
Gero

Location in Japan

Coordinates: 35°48′N 137°15′E / 35.800°N 137.250°E / 35.800; 137.250Coordinates: 35°48′N 137°15′E / 35.800°N 137.250°E / 35.800; 137.250
Country Japan
Region Chūbu
Prefecture Gifu Prefecture
Government
 • Mayor Makoto Nomura
Area
 • Total 851.06 km2 (328.60 sq mi)
Population (July 2011[1])
 • Total 35,906
 • Density 42/km2 (110/sq mi)
Symbols
 • Tree Maple[2]
 • Flower Satsuki azalea[2]
Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City hall address 960 Mori, Gero-shi, Gifu-ken, Japan
509-2202
Website www.city.gero.lg.jp

Gero (下呂市 Gero-shi) is a city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The city is famous for its hot springs. The Hida River runs throughout the city.

As of July 2011, the city has an estimated population of 35,906 and a population density of 42 persons per km². The total area is 851.06 km².

History

The modern city of Gero was established on March 1, 2004, from the merger of the former town of Gero, absorbing the towns of Hagiwara, Kanayama and Osaka, and the village of Maze (all from Mashita District).

Industry

Hida River running through Gero

Gero's major industry is tourism. It is known throughout Japan for its hot springs known as Onsen, leading many tourists to visit the area each year. Forestry and agriculture also play significant roles in the local economy. Gero has many hotels that can be visited by guests that are looking for accommodations near the hot springs. Large tubs are located in some hotels allowing couples to bathe together. Some hotels lend yukatas to the couples. It's not unusual to see people wearing yukatas on the streets of Gero and even in some stores. Besides those in hotels, there are many inexpensive and convenient onsens located near railway stations, residential areas, and commercial centers up and down the valley.

Local government

Gero City Hall

The current mayor of the city is Makoto Nomura. He is the second mayor of the city and is currently serving his first four-year term. In April 2008, he replaced Ryōji Yamada, who only served one term as the first mayor of the city.

The city council is made up for 21 members elected from separate districts within the city. City council sessions are held four times a year in March, June, September and December.

In the prefectural assembly, the city of Gero is in a separate district from neighboring municipalities and has one representative.

Transportation

Rail

Gero Station

Because of previous mergers with nearby towns, the city of Gero now has eight train stations on JR Central's Takayama Main Line:

Highway

Three national routes (41, 256 and 257) and fourteen prefectural routes run through the borders of the city.

Sister cities

Domestic

International

Within Japan

References

  1. ↑ 岐阜県の人口・世帯数人口動態統計調査結果. Gifu prefectural website (in Japanese). Gifu Prefecture. Retrieved September 11, 2011.
  2. 1 2 市章と市の花・木. Gero official webpage (in Japanese). Retrieved 10 August 2011.
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