Ginzan Onsen

Scenic spot

★ 4.9 (100+ reviews) • 1K+ booked

Ginzan Onsen is a must-visit hot spring town located in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture in Japan! This charming destination was once a former silver mine, but today it’s known for its nostalgic streets, wooden ryokans, and peaceful river views. At Ginzan Onsen town, you can walk along the lantern-lit pathways, take a dip in a steaming onsen bath, and take photos of the beautiful Taisho-era buildings. In winter, the town turns into a snowy wonderland straight out of a storybook. Don’t forget to try local snacks or wear a yukata as you explore the town like a local. Whether you visit for a day or stay overnight in one of the hot spring inns, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Plan your trip to Ginzan Onsen now and experience one of Japan’s most magical winter destination!

Ginzan Onsen, Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan

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4.9 /5

100+ reviews

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Mark **************

28 Jun

The bus tour to Zao Fox Village and Ginzan Onsen was such a fun day. The foxes were super cute, and Ginzan Onsen visit was a bit fast but understandable given the traffic on the way home.

利萍 *

22 Jun

The tour guide is a very serious and responsible person. I don't know English, but he will translate it for me, which makes me feel very considerate. It's just that the fox will shed its hair next summer, so it won't look so beautiful. If I come to Japan again next time, I will still join the Klook tour

CHANG *********

9 Jun

The tour guide was enthusiastic and responsible. Because he was a Chinese-speaking tour guide, the explanations were very clear and there was no communication barrier. The itinerary was arranged at the right time. It was a pity that we could not see the lights of Ginzan Onsen because we returned early.

Klook User

4 Jun

Overall was satisfaction, Azumi was friendly, easy going, knowledgeable with the area. In addition, I love all his suggestioned regarding foods and souvenirs. He really paid attentions to the detail. Thx Azumi, for your hard work 👍

Isaac *******

1 Jun

It was a great tour we went up 800 steps to a beautiful temple that had a great view both guides made it up there which was great. We ate some great food and we went to a famous cherry place in Japan then went to a cool onsen

chu ***

31 May

@The trip was very pleasant ~ The 11 people in this group happened to be all from Hong Kong and Taiwan, and the tour guide spoke Chinese the whole time (a Japanese who speaks very good Chinese!) @The tour guide introduced many historical stories of Sendai throughout the trip, and I learned a lot. @Team members Because everyone gathered quickly and cooperated well, we arrived early and had more time to stay at the attractions. @Sendai Station to Fox Village is about a 40-minute drive, with a stop at a rest stop with a souvenir shop to use the toilet. The Fox Village got a limited edition fox cub in May, so cute! In fact, the taste is not as strong as I imagined (fox smell) ~ @Fox Village is about 20 minutes away from the lunch location. It is really a high-end restaurant and the food is delicious 😋 @The restaurant is about a 2-hour drive from Yinshan Hot Spring, and we stopped at a rest stop in the middle to go to the toilet. @Will stop at Taisho Romantic Hall to change to the shuttle bus, the ride takes about 5 minutes to Ginzan Hot Spring. @The hot spring street is not big. If you are fast, you can walk around it twice in 30 minutes and take a foot bath in 1 hour. The tofu recommended by the tour guide is only sold in Ginzan Hot Spring, and it is delicious! Other souvenirs and curry bread are sold at Taisho Romance House. The ice cream at Taisho Romance House is also delicious~ @The tour guide had booked the shuttle bus for the return trip, so we got a seat on the bus when the gathering time arrived (we squeezed into the shuttle bus with his group, and there were 41 people in the whole bus). @Because we arrived early, there was a small traffic jam on the way back to Sendai due to an accident, but we still arrived at 6:15. @I really recommend this one-day tour. I was worried at first, so I wrote to the HIS company and they responded super quickly! (I asked Klook customer service but they didn’t help me, so I wrote to HIS company myself)

Klook Benutzer

26 May

I was very satisfied with our trip. Our guide was very friendly and always gave us tips and recommendations when we arrived at a new stop. Our driver also did a great job. I felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire trip.

Klook用戶

25 May

Zao Fox Village and Ginzan Onsen Day Trip is truly unforgettable! The cute foxes in the fox village make people happy, while the beautiful scenery and hot spring water of Ginzan Onsen make people relax. It is a perfect combination and worth a visit! The tour guide explained clearly 👍🏻

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Things to Do in Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata, Japan

1. Take a Dip in a Traditional Ginzan Onsen Ryokan

Nothing feels more relaxing than soaking in a hot spring bath after a long chilly day! At Ginzan Onsen, traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) offer both public and private baths decorated with beautiful wooden interiors and peaceful views of nature. Many inns also serve delicious local meals as part of the stay.

2. Walk Along the Historic Streets

You'll feel like you've stepped back in time when you walk along the charming streets of Ginzan Onsen. The town is lined with beautifully preserved wooden buildings, gas street lamps, and old-fashioned bridges. At night, the whole area lights up with a magical glow, making it perfect for a peaceful evening walk.

3. Try Local Treats at Small Shops and Cafés

While exploring Ginzan Onsen, make sure to stop by the local shops and cafés for tasty regional snacks, like warm steamed buns and fresh dango. Many shops are run by friendly locals who love to share their specialties.

4. Visit the Shirogane Waterfall

Just a 4-minute walk from the town center of Ginzan Onsen, the Shirogane Waterfall is a peaceful nature spot you can easily reach. Surrounded by trees and mossy rocks, the falls are especially beautiful in the winter and fall. The path there is an easy walk, so it's perfect for all ages.

5. Wear a Yukata and Take Photos

When visiting Ginzan Onsen, wearing a traditional yukata (a light cotton kimono) provided by their ryokan is part of the onsen town experience! Walking around town in a yukata makes for amazing photos.

Tips Before You Go to Ginzan Onsen Town

1. Book your ryokan early

Ryokans in Ginzan Onsen are very popular and have limited rooms, so it's a good idea to book several months in advance, especially during winter and cherry blossom season. Many of these inns are small and traditional, which makes them quick to fill up.

2. Pack for the seasons

Weather in Ginzan Onsen can change a lot depending on the time of year, so pack clothes that match the season. Winters are snowy and can get really cold, so bring warm layers, gloves, and waterproof shoes. Summers are mild but may still require a light jacket at night. If you're visiting in fall or spring, layers are best for staying comfy all day.

3. Bring cash

Most shops, cafés, and even some ryokans in Ginzan Onsen don't accept credit cards, so it's smart to bring enough Japanese yen. There aren't many ATMs in the area, and the ones you find may not work with foreign cards. Having cash makes everything easier, from buying snacks to paying for a foot bath.

4. Expect limited Wi-Fi and cell signal

Ginzan Onsen is a peaceful, remote getaway, which means you might not get great Wi-Fi or phone signal everywhere. Some ryokans have internet, but it can be slow or limited to common areas. Take it as a chance to unplug and enjoy the quiet, old-timey charm of the town. Download any maps or travel info you'll need ahead of time.

5. Learn onsen etiquette

Always wash and rinse your body before getting in the hot springs at Ginzan Onsen (and any other onsen!), and don't bring towels into the water. Swimming, splashing, and loud talking are a no-go; it's best to keep things calm and quiet. Many ryokans offer helpful guides or signs in English.

Other Japan Onsen Towns You Must Visit

Nozawa Onsen

If you loved the charm of Ginzan Onsen Town, you'll enjoy Nozawa Onsen, a traditional hot spring town with a fun ski resort vibe. It's famous for its free public baths, cozy streets, and winter sports, perfect for combining relaxation with adventure!

Zao Onsen

Less than a 2-hour drive from Ginzan Onsen, Zao Onsen is known for its steamy sulfur baths and "snow monsters," or frost-covered trees in winter that look like something from another world. It's a great pick if you want unique scenery and soothing hot springs all in one spot.

Hakone Onsen

A favorite getaway near Tokyo and one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan, Hakone Onsen offers gorgeous lake views, mountain scenery, and relaxing baths with views of Mt. Fuji. Like Ginzan Onsen, it blends nature, tradition, and culture in the most relaxing way.