Ginzan Onsen is a riverside hot-spring town in Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture, named after the old Nobesawa silver mine ("ginzan" means silver mine). Wooden ryokan from the Taisho era (1912-1926), rebuilt after a 1913 flood, line both banks of the Ginzan River, and at dusk gas lamps light the street and shimmer on the water. It gained fame as a setting linked to the NHK drama Oshin and is especially popular for its snowy winter scenery.
The rows of 3-4 story Taisho-era wooden ryokan along the river β the town itself is the main sight
Gas lamps at dusk reflecting on the river for a nostalgic evening glow
"Kote-e" decorative plaster reliefs on the ryokan facades
Shirogane Falls and a short riverside walking path at the far end of town
Snow-covered onsen streetscape in winter
Good to know
RulesPrivate cars and rental cars are restricted from entering the town. Park at the Taisho Romankan lot about 2 km away and switch to a paid shuttle bus (park-and-ride). Confirm fares and hours at the latest source.
RulesIn winter (roughly late December to early March), evening day-trip visitors (about 5-8 PM) are capped per hour and require advance reservation; after 8 PM entry is limited to overnight guests. Always check the official site for the latest rules before visiting.
SeasonThis is a heavy-snowfall region. If self-driving, studless tires or chains are essential, and the winding mountain roads are demanding β public transport is recommended for those unused to winter driving.
SafetyAvoid Prefectural Route 29 (Seaburi Pass) from the Murayama side β it is an extremely narrow mountain road β and note that National Route 347 from the Furukawa side closes in winter, so verify your route.
RulesDay-trip bathing is not by reservation, and there is no night-time bathing. Check availability and crowding by contacting each bathhouse directly.
MannersThis is a small town where residents and guests share narrow lanes. Follow the pedestrian traffic rules, avoid jostling for photo spots, and keep noise down.
Practical info
Access: From Tokyo take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station, then a Hanagasa bus (about 35-40 min, ~1,000 yen). Buses are infrequent, so check the timetable in advance. Enter the town via the shuttle bus. Confirm fares, hours, and winter reservation rules at the official site before visiting.
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