Ginzan Onsen is picturesque hot spring town located in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture in the northern part of Honshu, Japan's main island. The name "Ginzan" literally translates to "Silver Mountain," which is derived from the area's history as a silver mine.
Access from Tokyo
By Train: The most common way to get to Ginzan Onsen from Tokyo is to take the Shinkansen . Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Oishida Station. The journey takes about 3-3.5 hours. From Oishida Station, take a bus to Ginzan Onsen which is approximately a 40-minute ride. *If you have Japan Railway Pass, you can use it during Shinkansen area.
By Car: If you prefer driving, the journey from Tokyo to Ginzan Onsen by car takes roughly 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and exact starting/ending points.
What you can do at Ginzan Onsen
Relax in a Ryokan: Ginzan Onsen is known for its traditional hotels called ryokan, where you can experience authentic Japanese hospitality. Many of these ryokans have their own private onsen (hot spring) baths.
Visit the Ginzan Onsen Notoya Ryokan: This historic ryokan was the inspiration for the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away."
Stroll Along the Ginzan River: The picturesque river with its wooden bridges and surrounding old-fashioned buildings is an atmospheric place to take a walk, especially when the area is illuminated at night.
Approximate Cost
Accommodation: Staying at a ryokan can range from ¥15,000 to over ¥50,000 per person per night, including meals. However, prices can vary based on the ryokan's reputation, facilities, and season.
Transport: A round-trip ticket on the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Oishida will cost roughly ¥20,000 - ¥30,000. The bus from Oishida to Ginzan Onsen can cost around ¥700 one-way.
Must-Try Foods
Yonezawa Beef: Yamagata Prefecture is famous for its delectable wagyu beef.
Fruits: Yamagata is also known for cherries and watermelon, so look for desserts or dishes featuring them.
Trip Idea
Morning:
07:30 am – Depart from your accommodation in Tokyo to Tokyo Station.
08:00 am – Arrive at Tokyo Station. Purchase your tickets (or use your rail pass if you have one) for the Yamagata Shinkansen.
08:50 am – Board the Yamagata Shinkansen bound for Oishida Station. Make sure to grab a ekiben (Japanese lunch box) at the station for early lunch on the train.
Afternoon:
12:00 pm – Arrive at Oishida Station. Once you arrive, exit and look for the bus terminal.
12:30 pm – Take the bus from Oishida Station to Ginzan Onsen. The journey should take around 40 minutes.
01:10 pm – Arrive at Ginzan Onsen. Check into your ryokan and drop off your luggage.
02:00 pm – Walk around Ginzan Onsen to familiarize yourself with the area. Enjoy the picturesque wooden buildings and the scenic Ginzan River.
Evening:
05:00 pm – Return to your ryokan and prepare for your onsen experience. Most ryokans provide yukata (traditional robes) for their guests. Don them and head to the onsen.
06:30 pm – Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan. This multi-course meal is a culinary journey, showcasing local and seasonal ingredients.
08:00 pm – Take an evening walk. The town is beautifully illuminated by gas lamps at night.
09:00 pm – Return to your ryokan for a restful night.
Nearby Attractions
Mount Zao: A beautiful mountain range straddling the Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures. It's famous for winter ski resorts and "snow monsters" – trees encased in snow and ice, creating otherworldly silhouettes. In other seasons, it's popular for hiking.
Okama Crater Lake: Located on Mount Zao, this crater lake has a beautiful emerald green color, earning it the nickname "Goshikinuma" (Five-color Pond). The colors seem to change depending on the weather and viewing angle.
Zao Onsen: Another hot spring town located in the Zao mountains. While similar in purpose to Ginzan Onsen, it offers a different atmosphere and experience. There is only outside onsen.
Yamadera: This is a scenic temple located about an hour's drive from Ginzan Onsen. The temple is built into the mountainside and offers stunning views, especially after the 1,000-step climb to the top.
In conclusion, Ginzan Onsen is more than just a picturesque hot spring town; it's a journey back in time where the nostalgia of old Japan merges seamlessly with the rejuvenating qualities of nature. Its accessibility from Tokyo via the Yamagata Shinkansen makes it an ideal getaway, whether you're looking for a serene escape or a cultural dive. Paired with delectable local foods and surrounding attractions like Mount Zao and Yamadera, you have a destination that encapsulates a holistic Japanese experience. For any traveler keen on immersing themselves in a genuine slice of Japan, Ginzan Onsen is not to be missed.
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