The Ginzan Onsen we will introduce this time is lined with multi-story wooden inns exuding a Taisho era romantic atmosphere, and is also renowned for its hot spring water, which is known for its skin-beautifying properties.

By reading this article, you will have all the information you need to know about Ginzan Onsen in one place, and you will no longer have to worry about choosing your next travel destination. We will cover everything from how to get there to tourist spots and how to spend your time in the retro townscape, so please take a look.

Ginzan Onsen is located in Yamagata Prefecture! A hot spring town with a Taisho era feel

Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Multi-story western-style wooden inns built between the end of the Taisho period and the beginning of the Showa period line the river, creating a fantastical landscape that is reminiscent of a period drama set. At dusk, the gas lamps are lit, further enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere. This is the perfect spot for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a trip where they can forget about time for a while.

Nostalgic and photogenic streetscape

The biggest reason why Ginzan Onsen attracts so many tourists is its "nostalgia" and "photogenic" scenery. The town itself is protected under the concept of Taisho era romance, so no matter where you look, it's picturesque and you can take great photos to post on social media, which is why it's garnering a lot of attention.

In winter, the area is covered in snow, and the sight of the gas lamps shining against the silver landscape is extremely popular.

Must see! A Western-style wooden multi-story inn

Ginzan Onsen is home to a number of multi-story, Western-style wooden inns built from the end of the Taisho period to the early Showa period, including Notoya Ryokan, which is designated as a national tangible cultural property.

Not only the exterior, but the interior details are also carefully designed, allowing you to fully enjoy the traditional atmosphere with stone paving, colorful tiles, and trowel paintings that highlight the craftsmanship of the inn. At dusk, the lights of the inn blend together with the gas lamps, creating an even more romantic atmosphere.

Reasons why we recommend Ginzan Onsen! Spring quality and benefits

Ginzan Onsen is not only popular for its beautiful townscape. It is also highly rated for its spring quality and efficacy, and many people visit in search of the warmth of the water that can only be experienced here.

Sodium chloride and sulfate hot springs also have skin-beautifying effects

The water at Ginzan Onsen is classified as a sodium chloride/sulfate hot spring. The water is milky white and is gentle on the skin.

・Chloride springs : They are said to warm the body from the inside and keep it warm for a long time.

・Sulfate springs : These are popular for moisturizing the skin and providing skin-beautifying effects.

When you actually soak in the bath, the gentle warmth lasts for a long time, and thoroughly relieves fatigue. Women in particular seem to be pleased with the moisturizing effect, saying that their skin becomes "smooth."

Relax and soak to combat cold sensitivity and arteriosclerosis

Furthermore, due to the synergistic effect of the chloride spring and sulfate spring, it is said to be good for cold sensitivity, cuts, burns, etc. In addition to its moisturizing effect, it is also expected to improve blood circulation, so it is recommended for those with arteriosclerosis, chronic skin diseases, and weak constitutions. It is the perfect environment for modern people who spend their days busy to seek relaxation.
For those who want to feel "warmth from the inside out" that they can't get in their bath at home, the waters of Ginzan Onsen are the ideal hot spring.

Must-see spots! Must-see attractions in Ginzan Onsen

The hot spring town itself, which was also used as a filming location for the TV drama "Oshin," is the most popular tourist spot, but there are many other attractive places in Ginzan Onsen, including the surrounding area. Before enjoying your stroll, we recommend checking out the following places as well.

Nobezawa Silver Mine Ruins

It is located about a 15-minute walk from the hot spring town.

・Explore the silver mines : You can tour the tunnels where actual mining took place and experience the atmosphere of those times.

・The source of Ginzan Onsen : Originally prospering as a silver mining town, it later developed into a hot spring town.

As you gaze upon the remains of the mine before your eyes, you can see how Ginzan Onsen began as a "silver mining area" and eventually transformed into a hot spring resort that provides healing for many people. Another great attraction of Ginzan Onsen is that you can not only walk through a retro hot spring town, but also come into direct contact with the "story of its beginnings."

A power spot where history and nature come alive

There are many power spots such as the following scattered around Ginzan Onsen.

・Yama no Kami Shrine (children, safe childbirth, marital harmony)

・Kishimojin (protects children's safety)

・Enmei Jizo (Accident prevention, Healthy longevity)

・Taki no Fudoson (protects against disasters)

・Senshinkyo Gorge and Raion Falls (purification of the soul)

・Choja Pond (financial luck)

If you take a short hike to visit these power spots, you will feel a mysterious sensation of being reset in both body and mind while surrounded by a rich natural environment. One of the joys of traveling is visiting each one one by one with your own wishes in mind.

Immerse yourself in retro style! How to enjoy Ginzan Onsen

One of the interesting things about Ginzan Onsen is that the scenery changes completely between daytime and nighttime. You won't get bored even if you stay there from morning to night, and we also recommend staying at a ryokan to experience its deeper charm. To make the most of your walk around the town, here are some things to try.

Commemorative photo shoot in a retro Taisho era kimono rental

Why not rent a retro kimono and stroll around the town to blend in with the atmosphere? With colorful patterns and antique-style obi, you'll be drawn into the world of Taisho-era romance with every step you take.

If you love photography, you can feel like a movie heroine by taking photos on the bridge along the river or in the evening when the gas lamps are lit. You're sure to take eye-catching photos for social media, so it's a great way to create memories of your trip.

Waraku foot bath and public bath

Ginzan Onsen has several footbaths and public baths that you can stop by during your walk, making it a great place to casually enjoy the hot springs. The Waraku Footbath in particular is a popular spot for relaxation and relaxation while looking out at the charming townscape.

Furthermore, if you relax and sip on the famous after-bath cider and baked goods, the fatigue of your long journey will surely disappear in an instant. The hot spring town is small enough that you can easily walk from one end to the other in a day, but if you stop and take a break along the way, you can enjoy the luxury of slowly enjoying the passage of time.

Easy access to Ginzan Onsen even from overseas

Ginzan Onsen is located in a remote area of Yamagata Prefecture, and at first glance it may seem difficult to access. However, if you know the route in advance, you can get there smoothly even from overseas.

Fastest route: Plane + direct bus

If you're arriving in Tokyo from overseas, the quickest way to get there is to fly out of Haneda Airport.

1. Haneda Airport → Yamagata Airport (Plane: approx. 60 minutes)
2. Yamagata Airport → Ginzan Onsen (Direct bus "Delicious Yamagata Airport Sightseeing Bus": About 1 hour 15 minutes)

The total flight time is about 3 hours and 35 minutes . You only need to transfer once, so you can arrive relatively smoothly. However, there are only two flights per day, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.

・Total travel time : Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
・Estimated travel time : Approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes
・Total one-way fare : from 11,150 yen

Other routes: Shinkansen or express bus

Other ways to travel besides by plane include using the Shinkansen or express bus.

1. Tokyo Station → Oishida Station (Yamagata Shinkansen: approx. 3 hours)
2. Oishida Station → Ginzan Onsen (Local bus: approx. 36 minutes)

The total journey time is about 4 hours and 23 minutes . The advantage of the Shinkansen is that there are many trains and it is easy to adjust your schedule.

・Total ride time : Approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes
・Total one-way fare : 13,450 yen

Express bus + JR + local bus

1. Tokyo → Yamagata Station (Express bus: about 6 hours)
2. Yamagata Station → Oishida Station (JR: approx. 51 minutes)
3. Oishida Station → Ginzan Onsen (Local bus: approx. 36 minutes)

The total journey time is about 10 hours and 30 minutes . This is the most reasonable option, but it does take a long time, so it is recommended for those who don't mind a long journey.

・Total travel time : Approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes
・Total fare for one-way trip : from 5,680 yen

summary

Ginzan Onsen is a special hot spring resort that harmonizes its unique retro townscape with the abundant health benefits of its hot springs and the contrast with beautiful nature. The secret to its charm is that it carefully preserves the buildings that have remained from the Meiji period to the early Showa period, while also creating new tourist resources. It's no wonder that there are many repeat visitors who want to return, as well as first-time visitors.

If you're thinking, "I want to immerse myself in a space that makes me feel like I've traveled back in time to old Japan," or "I want to relax and heal my body in a relaxing hot spring environment," then Ginzan Onsen is the best choice.

Escape from your daily routine and relax in a hot spring, which will surely refresh both your body and mind. Access is becoming more and more convenient for foreign tourists, so be sure to add it to your next travel destination list. Why not enjoy a luxurious moment where you lose track of time, gazing at the night cityscape softly lit by gas lamps with the inns lined up along the river in the background?

A romantic trip to the Taisho era can be realized at Ginzan Onsen. By walking around the retro town and enjoying the skin-beautifying hot springs to your heart's content, your memories of the trip will be even more vividly engraved in your mind, turning into special memories that will surely make you want to come back again.