Ginzan Onsen

Traditionally styled ryokan line both sides of the river that flows through the center of the town. The three- or four-story wooden buildings of the ryokans boast a Western-style structure that were built nearly 100 years ago. The small bridges across the river, the cobblestone streets and the gas lamps that illuminate the town with warm light in the evening add to the romance and nostalgia of this beautiful town. Steeped in a quaint atmosphere, it makes you feel as if you have taken a trip back into a small Japanese town in the early 1900s. Ginzan Onsen has different faces for every season. It fascinates visitors with the Hanagasa Odori dance festival held every summer on weekend nights, while in winter, the snow-covered scenery enhances the beauty of the hot spring town.

Stroll through the streets of the hot spring town packed with many attractions such as a footbath and two public baths ideal for a day-trip, souvenir shops where you can find cute kokeshi dolls and restaurants that offer street food to accompany your stroll. Ginzan Onsen is crammed with delicious local specialties among which curry bread made using flour produced in Yamagata as well as tofu with a rich texture are especially recommended. You can also rent and walk in a traditional kimono costume of the styles that gained popularity in the early 1900s, which match perfectly with the retro townscape (kimono rental shop is closed during wintertime).

The beautiful nature near the hot spring town is also worth visiting. There are a few courses for strolling into the surrounding mountains where you can enjoy lush greenery in summer and autumn foliage. Along the course, you can observe the 22-meter-tall Shirogane-no-taki falls that fill the air with negative ions. The caves and the remains of the silver mine as well as the Taki-no-Fudoson temple situated near the waterfalls make you feel as if you have set out on an adventure.