Ginzan Onsen Travel Guide - Experience the Timeless Charm of Traditional Japan

Ginzan Onsen developed alongside the mining of the Nobesawa Silver Mine, which flourished during the Edo period.
The name "Ginzan Onsen" comes from the Nobesawa Silver Mine.
Coal miners discovered hot springs bubbling up along the Ginzan River. From the Edo to Meiji periods, the area became a lively hot spring retreat.
Ginzan Onsen was very popular, but in 1913, a river flood devastated the hot spring town.
With support from local business leaders, the area was rebuilt in the early Showa era. Western-style wooden multi-story buildings were constructed along both sides of the Ginzan River, creating the townscape you see today.
However, the area struggled to attract visitors as a tourist and hot spring destination for some time.
In 1999, the extension of the Shinkansen made access to Ginzan Onsen much easier. This brought a new wave of tourists, and Ginzan Onsen regained its popularity as a hot spring getaway.

Ginzan Onsen flourished as a silver mine in the 16th century, and by the Kyoho era (1741) in the late Edo period, it was already a popular hot spring spot.
Its name even appears in the Edo-period “Shokoku Onsen Kouno Kan,” showing how well-known it was across Japan.
Today, the hot spring town is famous for its retro-modern buildings from the late Meiji to Taisho periods.
Shiragane-yu Public Bath is a day-use facility nestled in this charming hot spring town.

Warashi Foot Bath is a public foot bath located at the entrance to Ginzan Onsen, where hot spring inns from the Taisho to early Showa eras line the street.
Completed in 2001, this free foot bath sits along the Ginzan River in the center of town. It uses the same hot spring source as the local inns.

If you follow the walking path a bit further from the hot spring town, you’ll find Shirogane Park, surrounded by nature.
At the entrance to the park is Shirogane Falls, a pair of waterfalls with a 22-meter drop.
You can walk right up to the basin of the falls and see the water up close.
The cool spray and flowing water make this a great spot to cool off in summer.

Located a bit outside the city center and on the way to Ginzan Onsen, the Ginzan Tourist Center Taisho Roman-kan is a great stopover spot.
It features a spacious parking lot that can accommodate large buses, as well as accessible restrooms and a lounge—perfect for a break during your drive.
Inside, you'll find a souvenir shop offering exclusive treats like fried bread filled with zunda or sweet bean paste, the “Ginzan no Otsukisama,” and local favorites such as “Ginzan Manju” and “Karinto Manju.”

Lake Tokura, known as the birthplace of the Hanagasa Dance-one of Tohoku’s four major festivals-is an artificial lake created in the Taisho era.
In 2010, it was selected as one of the “Top 100 Reservoirs” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The Hanagasa Dance is said to have originated from the work songs sung during the lake’s construction.

The “Ginzan Kokeshi” dolls began to be made as toys after a woodworker was sent from the prefecture to Ginzan Onsen in 1915 to share his skills.
These dolls also appeared in the popular morning drama “Oshin” in 1983, earning them the nickname “Oshin Kokeshi.” They’re now a popular Ginzan Onsen souvenir.

Located along the Ginzan River, this wooden ryokan is part of a historic hot spring town. The main building is a registered tangible cultural property.
You can enjoy a variety of baths, including two open-air baths and a cave bath. The hot spring water, with a hint of sulfur, is said to help with neuralgia and skin conditions. Dinner features a luxurious kaiseki meal made with local ingredients.

This historic hot spring inn has been welcoming guests since the 1830s and 1840s, originally as a place for long-term stays and hot spring therapy.
Located in the heart of the hot spring town by the Ginzan River, the inn features a wooden building with a Taisho-era atmosphere.
The top-floor “Roman Guest Room,” renovated in 2016, and other spacious rooms on both the river and mountain sides offer a relaxing stay.

Takimi-kan is a hidden hot spring inn on a hill just outside the center of Ginzan Onsen, known for its Taisho-era charm.
All rooms have a calm, modern Japanese style and offer views of the surrounding mountains. The natural setting is one of its main attractions.
Day-use hot springs are also available. As the name suggests, the open-air bath overlooks the Shirogane Waterfall. You can enjoy beautiful seasonal views, from snowy winters to autumn leaves and fresh greenery in summer.

Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, Fujiya is a stylish hot spring inn that really stands out.
Originally founded in the Edo period, this historic inn was renovated in 2006.
The three-story wooden exterior blends into the townscape, while inside, modern spaces are divided by bamboo and stained glass screens, creating a unique atmosphere.

This hot spring inn is about a 5-minute walk from the center of Ginzan Onsen.
Away from the hustle and bustle, you can relax in a quiet setting, enjoy the hot springs, savor local cuisine, and unwind in peaceful Japanese-style rooms.

Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata is famous for its picturesque scenery, with many bridges and ryokan built along both sides of the river, dating from the Taisho to early Showa periods.
Kozankaku is one of these historic inns, with a wooden building from the early Showa era that exudes charm.
The interior preserves the original atmosphere, with retro furnishings like tables, sofas, and clocks, making you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to the Taisho era.
There are eight guest rooms, some facing the town and others facing the mountains. Some rooms can accommodate up to eight guests.

CLANUOVA is a new auberge-style annex that opened in 2017 next to Kozankaku in Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata.
The exterior matches the atmosphere of the hot spring town, with a traditional Japanese look.
There are six modern Western-style rooms facing the town. The name “CLANUOVA” combines Italian words for “new” and “classic,” and the interior reflects this concept.

Located right at the entrance of Ginzan Onsen, next to "Waraku Foot Bath," this is the original Ginzan tofu shop.
Look for the "Tofuya" sign on a building that looks just like a regular house. The shop used to be next to a barbershop.
When you enter, you’ll find a counter where you place your order.
All the tofu is handmade in small batches, using momen (firm) tofu.

If you want to make the most of your time in the hot spring town, check out Cafe I'rasgayna, a rental costume shop and café at the entrance of Ginzan Onsen.
They offer "Haikara-san style" outfits, which were popular in Japan during the Taisho era.
Dress up and stroll through the town, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
The café has an open deck where you can relax with coffee and other drinks. It’s a great spot to take a break during your walk around town.

Opened in 1952 as a local eatery.
In 2013, it was renovated and reopened in its current location, using a 140-year-old traditional house.
The specialty here is soba noodles, made with a recipe that’s been passed down since the shop first opened.
They use "Mogami Wase" buckwheat flour from Obanazawa, Yamagata, an area famous for soba. Enjoy it with their homemade bonito-based dipping sauce.