Winter's Dream: Strolling Through Ginzan Onsen

Deep in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, lies a magical hot spring town—Ginzan Onsen. When the first snow quietly blankets the rooftops, the entire town seems to transport you back to the Taisho era, enveloping everything in a gentle and serene atmosphere. Here, there are no towering buildings, only wooden inns, iron lanterns, and old street architecture lining both sides of the river. As night falls and the lights illuminate the streets, the crunching sound of snow underfoot will make you understand why this place is hailed as one of Japan's most beautiful hot spring towns. 🏡 Must-See Highlights: • Taisho Romantic Street Views: The nostalgic charm of century-old inns like "Notoya" and "Kosekiya". • Ginzan River Walkway: Stroll along the river, where both daytime and nighttime offer unique scenery. The evening lights evoke a "Spirited Away" vibe. • Shirogane Waterfall: Located at the end of the hot spring street, this waterfall is the origin of Ginzan's name. In winter, it's covered in ice and snow, offering a distinctive view. • Snowy Outdoor Bath Experience: If you stay at one of the inns, don't miss the open-air baths. Soaking in hot springs amidst falling snow is the ultimate indulgence. 🗺️ Tips: • Transportation: From Yamagata Shinkansen "Oishida Station," take a shuttle bus for about 40 minutes. • Best Visiting Season: Winter (December–February) for fairytale-like snow scenes; autumn for stunning red foliage.