Ginzan Onsen (銀山温泉), located in Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture. The town is famous for its historic ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), enchanting atmosphere, and charm when illuminated at night. The onsen town’s main street is lined with wooden ryokan built during the early 20th century. Their architectural style reflects the Taisho Romanticism era (1912–1926), combining traditional Japanese elements with influences from Western styles.
Ginzan onsen is a photographer’s paradise. After dark, Gas lamps light up the streets, and the historic ryokan and Onsen buildings come alive to create magical scenes that are as beautiful in person as they are behind the camera lens.
The town’s name, meaning “Silver Mountain Onsen,” originates from a 16th-century silver mine that brought prosperity to the region. You can see the remnants of the the silver mines scattered on the outskirts of the town of Ginzan Onsen.
Ginzan Onsen is most popular in winter, when the snow blankets the town, turning this pictureque mountain town into a winter wonderland. Ryokan in Ginzan Onsen are extremely popular, especially during the winter and peak travel seasons. Reservations often fill up months in advance. From December 23, 2024 to March 31, 2025, entry into Ginzan Onsen will be restricted to hotel guests only between 4:00 pm and 9:00 am to prevent accidents in the snow, and the manage over-crowding.
Past the town, you can find the Shirogane Waterfall, an approximately 22m high waterfall that cascades the mountainside. From the waterfall, you can find a walking trail that leads to the old Silver Mine Cave. The cave is approximately 15-20 minutes past Ginzan Onsen, and takes you below the earths surface into the historic silver mine. While you can’t go too far into the cave due to a collapse several hundred years ago, you can still get a taste for what life was like mining for silver. It should be noted that the walking trail is inaccessible in winter due to slow. Furthermore, there are bear warnings for the walking trail, and it is advised that you don’t attempt the walk approaching or beyond sunset.
Accessing Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen is located in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. The nearest train station is Ōishida Station, a 25 minute drive from Ginzan Onsen. Buses depart roughly every 2 hours for Ginzan Onsen, and cost 1000JPY one way.
Ōishida Station can be reached using the JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Yamagata City, taking approximately 30 minutes, costing 1770 JPY. From Tokyo Station, it will take just over 3 hours to reach Ōishida Station, costing 12,250 JPY. The JR Yamagata Shinkansen is covered by the JR Pass.
Ginzan Onsen also has a number of parking lots if you are coming in a rental car or other private mode of transport. Parking can cost between 500 and 1000JPY for day visitors to Ginzan Onsen, however parking is limited. There is an auxiliary carpark found about a 20 minute walk from the town. During peak tourist seasons, a shuttle runs between the carpark and Ginzan onsen, for 500JPY each person. You can not walk between the auxiliary carpark in winter due to the dangerous road conditions.
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Staying in Ginzan Onsen
Ryokan in Ginzan Onsen require you to book rooms directly off their websites. Here are some of the top rated stays in Ginzan Onsen;
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