Ginzan Hot Springs

A small hot spring town where the spirit of the Taisho era remains

Ginzan Hot Spring features retro, Western-style wooden buildings lining the pure streams of the Ginzan River. This area can be reached by a 40 minute bus ride from the nearest station. After running through the fields, you’ll climb the mountain path to find dozens of inns in a hot spring town. This area has its origins in the beginning of the Edo period (the beginning of the 17th century), and the current look of the town was completed from the end of the Taisho to beginning of the Showa periods. At a glance you can sense Western accents such as balconies among the Japanese-style architecture that preserves the good old days of Japan.

The beautiful townscape is used in TV dramas

Ginzan Hot Spring is widely known throughout Japan for a particular TV drama. On the air in 1983, Oshin was a drama about the ups and downs in the life of a woman living during the war. The setting for this TV drama was Ginzan Hot Spring. The scenery of powdery snow in winter is particularly beautiful, so much so that it is often used on picture postcards and posters. Winter is the best season to visit Ginzan Hot Spring and let the warm hot spring waters soak into your skin.

Immerse yourself in the romance of Taisho in Japanese inns brimming with character

Ginzan Hot Spring is small enough that you can walk around the entire area in 15 minutes. You can fully enjoy the romantic character of the Taisho era in the dozens of Japanese inns. Among these is the Notoya Ryokan, an inn that has been operating in Ginzan Hot Spring since the old times, and was designated a registered tangible cultural property by the government. You can experience the atmosphere of the Taisho era in each and every aspect of the inn, from the charming exterior, to the lobby and hallways, conversation spaces, and the different feel in each and every room.

Ginzan Hot Spring folk art created by a 90 year old second generation artisan

One place you must visit when coming to Ginzan Hot Spring is the Izu Kokeshi Workshop in the inner part of the town. Still healthy at 90 years old, Mamoru Izu is a second-generation doll-making artisan who still continues to paint, lending a hand to third-generation artisan Toru Izu. The famous birthday kokeshi was conceived by Mamoru Izu. The kokeshi dolls are created at the birth height and weight, and have been presented to the Takamatsu and Mikasa royal families as gifts, and are purchased as gifts by many locals.

For reference

Notoya Ryokan

Address

Ginzan-onsen, Obanazawa-shi, Yamagata-ken
Telephone

0237−28−2327
Price

Differs depending on the plan
Recommended seasons

There is a wonderful atmosphere year-round, however, the snowy landscapes in winter are spectacular.
Website

http://www.notoyaryokan.com

Izu Kokeshi Workshop

Address

Ginzan-onsen, Obanazawa-shi, Yamagata-ken
Telephone

0237−28−2161
Open

8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Recommended seasons

There is a wonderful atmosphere year-round, however, the snowy landscapes in winter are spectacular.
Website

http://www.izu-kokesi.gr.jp

Access

Shonai Airport is a one hour flight from Haneda Airport.

From the Shonai Airport, take the Shonai Bus to Sakata Station (40 min). From Sakata Station, take the JR Rikuu West Line to Shinjo Station (50 min). From there, transfer to the Yamagata Shinkansen and get off at Oishida Station (15 min). At JR Oishida Station take the Ginzan Hot Spring bound bus (40 min). Ginzan Hot Spring is close to the final stop.