[2025 Obanazawa ] Travel Guide for Ginzanso Onsen (Updated Jul)

#tokyostroll Escape Tokyo’s bustle and step into a winter wonderland straight out of a Ghibli movie at Ginzan Onsen. While the hot springs and nostalgic wooden ryokans are the main draws, here are hidden gems and little-known tips to make your visit extra special! 🌿 Hidden Gems to Discover 🔹 Shirogane Park & Hidden Waterfall – Just outside the main onsen area, follow a quiet forest trail to Shirogane-yu Waterfall, a lesser-known but stunning spot, especially in winter. 🔹 Fujita Pharmacy Café – A century-old pharmacy turned charming café, where you can sip seasonal herbal tea blends inspired by traditional medicine. 🔹 Underground Tunnel Onsen – Near the famous Fujiya Ryokan, find a small entrance leading to a hidden foot bath inside an old mine tunnel—a secret spot for warming up after a stroll. 🔹 Morning Walk Along the Ginzan River – Wake up early and wander the riverside before the crowds arrive. In early spring and autumn, mist rises from the warm water, creating an ethereal atmosphere. 💡 Insider Tips for a Magical Visit ✅ Best Time to Visit – Come early morning or evening for a quieter, dreamier experience—especially in winter when the gas lamps glow against the snow. ✅ Book an Outdoor Rotenburo Bath – Public baths are great, but for a truly secluded soak, reserve a private rotenburo at a local ryokan. ✅ Cash is King – Most small cafés and shops don’t accept cards, so bring enough yen for snacks and souvenirs. ✅ Try the Hot Spring Tamago – Eggs cooked in onsen water have a unique texture and rich flavor—a must-try snack! ✅ Getting There – Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station, then hop on the 30-minute shuttle bus to Ginzan Onsen. Ginzan Onsen isn’t just about the baths—it’s a place to slow down, explore, and find magic in the little details.

Experience the Magic of Yinzan Onsen, Zao, and Miyagi Fox Village 
1⃣️Day 1: Tokyo - Ouchi-juku - Yinzan Onsen Ancient Street
🌅 Morning: Depart from Tokyo and head to Ouchi-juku in Fukushima.
☀️ Afternoon: Explore Ouchi-juku, a picturesque Edo-era thatched roof village. Immerse yourself in its traditional Japanese charm and savor local cuisine.
🌆 Evening: Arrive at Yinzan Onsen Ancient Street. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, relishing the Taisho-era ambiance. Don't forget to capture the enchanting scenes of snow-covered streets. 
2⃣️Day 2: Zao Ropeway, Snow Monsters, and Miyagi Fox Village
☀️ Morning: Rise early and embark on an adventure to witness the awe-inspiring "Million Snow Monsters" in Zao. Take the cable car for a panoramic view of this mesmerizing natural wonder.
🍱 Noon: Enjoy lunch amid the snow-covered landscapes of Zao.
🚗 Afternoon: Experience the thrill of riding the "Snow Monster Car" as it weaves through the snowy terrain.
🦊 Late Afternoon: Head to Miyagi Fox Village, a sanctuary for adorable foxes. Spend time observing, interacting, and even holding these charming creatures.
🌌 Evening: Bid farewell to the foxes and start your journey back to Tokyo.
Highlights of Your Winter Escape:
❤️ Yinzan Onsen Delights: While accommodations may be fully booked, a leisurely evening stroll through Yinzan Onsen Street offers a taste of the Taisho-era charm. Indulge in foot baths and day-trip hot springs along the street.
❄️ Zao's Snowy Spectacle: Marvel at the "Million Snow Monsters" in the Zao Ice Trees. Capture stunning photos from the cable car and experience the thrill of the "Snow Monster Car."
🦊 Miyagi Fox Village: Encounter and interact with countless adorable foxes in a picturesque forest setting.
🏡 Ouchi-juku's Timeless Beauty: Explore the Edo-period village of Ouchi-juku, which transforms into a snowy fairy tale during winter. 
🏷️Travel Tips:
🧥 Dress Warm: Pack essential winter gear, including warm clothing, scarves, gloves, snow boots, waterproof and slip-resistant shoes.
🌙 Evening Strolls: Keep in mind that evening strolls on Yinzan Onsen Street can get chilly, so dress warmly.
😎 UV Protection: The Zao region experiences strong daytime UV rays, so don't forget to bring sunglasses.
Immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of Yinzan Onsen, Zao, and Miyagi Fox Village on this unforgettable two-day escape from Tokyo. Enjoy the magic of snow-covered landscapes and create lasting memories along the way. ❄️🦊🌟

Address - Hakodate & Ginzan Onsen Ambiance/Facilities - Winter with snowfall! Fairy white experience Highlights - Like a fairytale scenery and snowfall making it so romantic Avg. Price per Person - $4k for the total trip for 17 days Rating - Best and must try! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ginzan Onsen - Japan's famous spa town lined with traditionally styled wooden ryokans, which is also said to have inspired scenes from the famous film 'Spirited Away'. During winter, the ryokans are laid with blankets of white snow. There are public baths (500yen) and foot bath (free of charge) at Ginzan Onsen for the onsen lovers. The place is accessible from Tokyo by riding 3-hour on the Shinkansen, followed by a 40min direct bus ride to the place. Key point to note: remember to make a reservation before you head down to the place!

Start from Sendai Rent a car at the airport and head to the fish market in Shiogama Breakfast at the market 📍Location: Shiogama Fish Market →Walk and eat at Matsushima Beach 📍Location: Matsushima Park 📍Location: Entsuin Drive along the national highway to Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata 📍Location: Fujiya After a relaxing bath in the hot spring, head to the night city The night view here is amazing. Get up early in the morning and take a walk. There are walking courses to suit each person's physical ability, so choose a course and walk through the mountains. Soak up negative ions at a beautiful waterfall →Purchase warabimochi at Koshikakean in Tendo City. Purchase Yamagata fruits at the roadside station and head to Sendai Airport 📍Location: Koshikakean We bought fruit, soba noodles, and warabimochi as souvenirs. The night view of Ginzan Onsen is spectacular. #Japan Travel Guide #Ginzan Onsen #Yamagata Tourism #Matsushima Coast #Shiogama City Fish Market #Entsuin Temple #Koshikakean Temple

#favouriteitinerary Ginza is one of Tokyo's most famous shopping, commercial, and entertainment districts, located in the heart of the city. This area is renowned for its upscale shopping centers, luxury brand stores, fashionable restaurants, and art galleries. In the early 20th century, Ginza became a modern commercial center and gradually developed into one of Tokyo's cultural and fashion landmarks. The streets of Ginza are lined with flagship stores of world-renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermès, attracting a large number of tourists and shopping enthusiasts. Every April and October, Ginza also hosts "Ginza Street Events," where many streets are temporarily closed to traffic and turned into pedestrian zones for locals and tourists to enjoy. In addition to shopping, Ginza is famous for its rich dining culture, offering everything from high-end sushi restaurants to exquisite French and Italian cuisine, catering to various tastes. The nightlife in Ginza is also vibrant, with numerous bars, karaoke spots, and traditional Japanese pubs (known as "izakayas") attracting visitors looking for evening entertainment. Ginza blends tradition with modernity, offering both historical cultural heritage and a cosmopolitan, fashionable atmosphere, making it one of the most iconic commercial districts in Tokyo. #travel #japantrip

My first experience visiting Ginzan Onsen and it was magnificent vilage. There were light snowfall during our visit. It was a small village of wooden hot springs with nostalgic beauty when illuminated at night by the street lamp. Unfortunately we are running out of time to wait until night and didn’t get the chance to experience the illumination. We stayed at Yamagata and ride shinknsen from Yamagata to Oishida then we took a bus to Ginzan Onsen. We had a great experience to visit the famous Ginzan Onsen. Will definitely come again to experience the night illumination. #travel #couplestrip #japan

#tokyostroll 📍 Location: Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture 🚅 Getting There: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Oishida Station (approx. 3 hours), then a 40-min bus or taxi ride to Ginzan Onsen Looking for an escape from Tokyo’s fast-paced energy? Ginzan Onsen (銀山温泉) is a picturesque hot spring town straight out of a Ghibli movie, offering cobblestone streets, wooden ryokans, and steaming onsen baths. In winter, it's even more magical with snow-covered bridges and glowing lanterns. 🌿 How to Make the Most of Your Day in Ginzan Onsen ♨️ Soak in a Traditional Onsen – Visit a public bathhouse like Shirogane-yu (白銀湯) or Kajika-yu (かじか湯) for a relaxing dip. If you prefer privacy, some ryokans offer day-use baths. 🏯 Wander Through the Historic Town – Stroll along the Taisho-era wooden buildings and picturesque bridges, best enjoyed during early morning or sunset. ☕ Enjoy a Riverside Café Break – Stop by Café I’rasgayna for a warm drink with stunning river views. 🍡 Try Local Delicacies – Don’t miss Yamagata beef skewers, fresh dango (rice dumplings), or warm manju buns filled with sweet red bean paste. 🚶 Explore Ginzan Silver Mine – A short hike leads to the remains of a historic silver mine that gave the town its name. The scenic waterfall near the entrance is a must-see! 📸 Capture the Classic Night View – As the sun sets, the town lights up beautifully, creating a dreamlike atmosphere perfect for photography. ⭐ Top Tips for Your Ginzan Onsen Day Trip 🚅 Plan Your Return – The last bus back to Oishida Station leaves around 5 PM, so check the schedule to avoid being stranded! 💰 Cash is King – Some shops and small eateries don’t accept cards, so bring yen. 🛁 Respect Onsen Etiquette – Wash thoroughly before entering the bath, and no swimsuits allowed in most traditional onsen. 👜 Pack Light – The town is best explored on foot, so leave heavy bags in lockers at Oishida Station. Ginzan Onsen is a dreamy escape from Tokyo, offering relaxation, stunning scenery, and a glimpse into Japan’s nostalgic past. Whether you're soaking in an onsen or strolling along the lantern-lit streets, it's a day trip worth taking!

Staying at Ginzanso in Ginzan Onsen felt like stepping into a storybook, with its magical town and stunning traditional architecture. Snow fell gently in the evening, blanketing the streets in white and adding an enchanting charm to the serene atmosphere of this winter retreat. Soaking in the outdoor onsen under the falling snow was pure bliss—a perfect blend of warmth, relaxation, and the beauty of nature all around. #besthotels #travel #japan #japantrip

#japantrip Ginzan Onsen, nestled in the mountains of Japan, is a serene and picturesque hot spring town that feels like stepping into a traditional Japanese postcard. The town’s charming ryokan (inns) are set along a peaceful river, surrounded by lush forests and mist-covered mountains. The historic, early 20th-century buildings, with their warm, glowing lanterns, create a nostalgic atmosphere, especially at night. Visitors can enjoy relaxing in the natural hot springs, savoring exquisite kaiseki meals, and exploring the tranquil surroundings. Ginzan Onsen offers a perfect escape for those seeking peace, nature, and a taste of Japan’s timeless beauty and hospitality.

Looking for a tranquil hot spring town, I took the Shinkansen to Yamagata. Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata is lined with wooden inns, exuding the charm of the Taisho era. It's an irresistible destination for hot spring enthusiasts and Taisho era fans alike. On snowy mornings, the town is almost deserted, making you feel like you have the world to yourself. I highly recommend this serene and charming hot spring town to anyone seeking tranquility! ▶︎Notes ☀︎From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Oishida Station, then transfer to a direct bus. ☀︎It's colder than the Kanto region, so be sure to dress warmly. My usual down jacket wasn't enough, and I had to borrow one from the inn.😂

#Sakura2024 Ginzan Onsen is an attractive place with a nostalgic townscape in Yamagata Prefecture. As it is a hot spring town, you can enjoy hot springs such as day spas and foot baths as well as inns. At night, the gas baths are lit, creating a spectacular view that is different from the daytime. The gas lamps are lit from 4 p.m., and I was just about able to see them in the dim light. I would love to stay there again at night someday. 📍Ginzan Onsen Address: Ginzan Shinhata, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-4333 Admission fee: Free Access: 40 minutes by bus from Oishida Station #Ginzan Onsen #Yamagata Tourism

#familytrips2024 Tucked away in the scenic mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, Ginzan Onsen Street exudes an atmosphere of timeless charm and tranquility. As the family strolled along the cobblestone streets flanked by traditional ryokans and wooden buildings illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, they were transported to a bygone era of old-world elegance and hospitality. The soothing sound of rushing water from the nearby river added to the ambiance, creating a sense of serenity that enveloped them like a warm embrace. Looking ahead, the family dreams of embarking on a cultural immersion journey through the historic towns of Kyoto, Japan. Imagining themselves wandering through the narrow alleyways of Gion, admiring the ancient temples and serene gardens, and savoring the flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine, they anticipate a voyage filled with rich experiences and unforgettable encounters. With each moment spent exploring Kyoto's timeless treasures, they eagerly embrace the opportunity to deepen their appreciation for Japan's rich cultural heritage and forge lasting memories amidst its storied streets and historic landmarks.

If you have never been to this onsen town, you will be totally never imagined how beautiful is the night scenery in this Japan old onsen town. The small whole town is surrounded 3 sides by the snow mountains that it seems that the times wind back to the Edo period when walk into this fairyland. It is even better when the night falls with the snow falling from the sky. All the photos taken like the poster cards. Most of the onsen inns are more than a century ago. You must pre-book the onsen rooms 6-months ahead of the trip if you want to stay within the area. Alternatively, you can stay at Tendo area and take the night tour bus to the town to enjoy the beautiful night views. It is a day-tour operating every night in the winter season. Definitely, it is a must-see night attraction if you are planning to go to Yamagata or Fukushima areas for travel.

U will never forget in your life once you visited Ginzan Onsen during winter season ☃️❄️ #ginzanonsen #historicallandmarks #localguides #mytravelhacks #falltrip #Japan #Winter

[Spirited Away] Ginzan Onsen in the middle of winter❄️⛄♨️ I stayed at Ginzanso, a part of Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture The room had a semi-open-air bath💕 It was the middle of winter, so the snowy scenery was fantastic✨ To my delight, there was no one in the inn's open-air bath, so I had it all to myself! The standing bath with the snow falling was amazing😭👏✨ My face was cold, but my body was warm. It was definitely the best hot spring I've ever had in my life! ! ! ! Each meal was delicious, and the portions were plentiful, so I was very satisfied☺️ Of course, breakfast was delicious too! The next day, I ate a lot at Ginzan Onsen, and it was a wonderful trip👏✨ #HotSpring #GinzanOnsen

#2024wish While Ginzan Onsen's magic transcends singular years, claiming it as the best of 2023.🏮♨️However, its charm is undeniable. Imagine stepping into a snow-blanketed village straight out of Hayao Miyazaki's dreams.⭐️Iluminate traditional wooden ryokan lining a gurgling river, steam plumes dancing merrily against the frosty air. Beyond the winter wonderland. Whether immersing myself in nostalgic charm or exploring seasonal beauty, Ginzan Onsen promises a memorable experience that lingers long after 2023 fades.🕰️ In 2024, I wish to spend the night at Ginzan Onsen