[2025 Obanazawa Stay] Travel Guide for Notoya Ryokan (Updated Jun)

#tokyostroll Escape Tokyo’s bustle and step into a winter wonderland straight out of a Ghibli movie at Ginzan Onsen. While the hot springs and nostalgic wooden ryokans are the main draws, here are hidden gems and little-known tips to make your visit extra special! 🌿 Hidden Gems to Discover 🔹 Shirogane Park & Hidden Waterfall – Just outside the main onsen area, follow a quiet forest trail to Shirogane-yu Waterfall, a lesser-known but stunning spot, especially in winter. 🔹 Fujita Pharmacy Café – A century-old pharmacy turned charming café, where you can sip seasonal herbal tea blends inspired by traditional medicine. 🔹 Underground Tunnel Onsen – Near the famous Fujiya Ryokan, find a small entrance leading to a hidden foot bath inside an old mine tunnel—a secret spot for warming up after a stroll. 🔹 Morning Walk Along the Ginzan River – Wake up early and wander the riverside before the crowds arrive. In early spring and autumn, mist rises from the warm water, creating an ethereal atmosphere. 💡 Insider Tips for a Magical Visit ✅ Best Time to Visit – Come early morning or evening for a quieter, dreamier experience—especially in winter when the gas lamps glow against the snow. ✅ Book an Outdoor Rotenburo Bath – Public baths are great, but for a truly secluded soak, reserve a private rotenburo at a local ryokan. ✅ Cash is King – Most small cafés and shops don’t accept cards, so bring enough yen for snacks and souvenirs. ✅ Try the Hot Spring Tamago – Eggs cooked in onsen water have a unique texture and rich flavor—a must-try snack! ✅ Getting There – Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station, then hop on the 30-minute shuttle bus to Ginzan Onsen. Ginzan Onsen isn’t just about the baths—it’s a place to slow down, explore, and find magic in the little details.

Location: Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture Accommodation: Notoya Ryokan Address: 446 Ginzan Shinhata, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture It was an old but comfortable inn with the air of a champion ✨ When I looked down from my room on the third floor, the guide of a group tour was explaining about Notoya. The wild vegetable dishes were simply delicious, and the warmth of the water felt really good 😄 I was moved 💮 #EastJapan #Gourmet #Onsen #PhotogenicSpot #GinzanOnsen #YamagataPrefecture

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.

🌟 Ginzan Onsen Travel Guide 🌟 📍 Location & Transportation • 🚅 From Tokyo: Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station (~3h25m), then transfer to the Ginzan Hanagasa Bus (~40m). • 🚌 From Yamagata Airport: Take the OISHII Sightseeing Bus (~1h15m). • 🚗 Self-drivers must park at designated lots outside town center; many ryokans offer shuttle services. 🏨 Recommended Stays • 🏨 Notoya Ryokan: Established in 1892, this National Important Cultural Property features unique rooms and stunning night views. • 🏨 Kosekiya: Offers day-trip onsen with stained-glass indoor baths exuding retro charm. • 🏨 Fujiya: Enjoy premium service, local cuisine, and romantic nightscapes of the onsen street. 🚶 Must-See Spots • 🌉 Kajika Bridge: A nostalgic red-brick bridge from the Showa era, perfect for photos. • 🌊 Shiragane Falls: 20m-tall waterfall surrounded by snow in winter. • 🏰 Nobesawa Silver Mine Ruins: Free-to-visit Edo-period mine designated as a historic site. • 🎨 Sakan Plaster Art: Admire intricate traditional plaster murals along the streets. ♨️ Onsen Experiences • 🛁 Day-Trip Onsen: Many ryokans offer baths for non-guests. • 🛁 Shirogane-no-Yu: Designed by Kengo Kuma, this affordable public bath overlooks the town. 🍽️ Local Eats • 🍜 Yamagata Soba: Regional specialty noodles. • 🍔 Curry Bread: Try the crispy-spicy version at Hikarasantoori near the town entrance. • 🍵 Toasted Marshmallow Hot Cocoa: Pair with pour-over coffee at Café CRIE. 📸 Photo Ops • 🌇 Nighttime Onsen Street: Stroll in yukata with lanterns reflecting on water. • 🌟 Snow-Covered Street: Winter transforms Ginzan into a Spirited Away scene. 📅 Best Seasons • 🌸 Spring (Mar-May): Cherry blossoms & mild weather. • ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb): Magical snowscapes & peak onsen season. 💡 Tips • 📆 Book ryokans early, especially in peak seasons. • 🌨 Winter visitors: Pack warm gear for icy paths. • 🕰️ Note bus schedules (Oishida Station buses run every 60-90 mins). 🎉 May this guide make your Ginzan Onsen trip unforgettable!

A snow-covered town A snowy mountain lodge Step into the enchanting world of Spirited Away This is one of my bucket list items 📝 I still remember refreshing the webpage every day, waiting for an available room at Notoya Ryokan. When I finally managed to book, I even sent several emails to confirm the reservation. Upon arrival, I couldn’t stop saying, 'Wow, it’s truly beautiful!' This was the phrase I repeated the most during my stay at Ginzan Onsen. Was it worth it? I think it was absolutely worth it—whether in terms of price, experience, or service. 📍 Address: Notoya Ryokan 💰 Price: 22,000 yen per person (includes a delicious Japanese dinner and breakfast) 🚉 Access: Get off at Oishida Station (Transportation to the ryokan can be arranged by communicating with them)

Nestled in the snowy mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, Ginzan Onsen felt like a scene straight out of a storybook. As I walked through the charming hot spring town at night, the soft glow of gas lamps reflected off the snow-covered ryokan, casting a warm and nostalgic ambiance. The gentle snowfall added to the magic, transforming the narrow streets and the flowing river into a serene winter paradise. The historic wooden buildings, illuminated against the dark sky, exuded an old-world charm reminiscent of Japan’s Taisho era. Crossing the little bridges over the river, I could hear the faint sound of hot spring water flowing beneath me, inviting visitors to relax and unwind. I stopped by an open-air foot bath, dipping my chilled feet into the soothing warmth while watching snowflakes melt upon contact with the water. Later, I indulged in a private onsen bath in a traditional ryokan, letting the mineral-rich waters ease my tired muscles. The contrast between the freezing air and the steaming bath was an unforgettable sensation. As I stepped out into the crisp night, the peacefulness of Ginzan Onsen lingered in my heart—a hidden gem where time seemed to stand still. #GinzanOnsen #WinterWonderland #OnsenExperience #Yamagata #travelfreak 📍Address: Ginzan Shinhatachiuchi, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.

Ginzan Onsen became famous after being the model for Spirited Away✨⁡ ⁡ If you are accessing by car⁡ After parking your car in the large free parking lot at "Taisho Romankan",⁡ you can take a paid shuttle bus to Ginzan Onsen😊⁡ ⁡ Please note that from January 2025, an "admission fee" will be required for admission after 4pm, so if you plan to take the shuttle bus after dark, purchase a "bus ticket including admission fee" in advance before going. 💡⁡ ⁡ I took the shuttle bus before 2pm,⁡ ⁡ I looked at souvenirs,⁡ I saw the waterfall,⁡ I saw the mining site,⁡ I had tea at the cafe,⁡ I had a foot bath,⁡ I was able to enjoy Ginzan Onsen to the fullest, so I recommend visiting early👍⁡ ⁡ Finally, I enjoyed the night view, and returned a little later, so I was able to return to the parking lot without waiting for the shuttle bus🅿⁡ ⁡ ⁡ ⁡ Please make sure you take your time⁡ Go and see it🎵⁡ ⁡ ⁡ ⋈ ････Notes･･･ ⋈⁡ ⁡ Entry is only by shuttle bus, so there is a time limit for entry. Please contact the tourist association beforehand. #tripdomestictravel #domestictravel #yamagatatourism #yamagatatourism #photogenicspot #nightview

Went on the last bus to Ginzan Onsen from Oishida Station (do note that there are different bus times for the holidays), choosing to take a taxi (which you’ll need to book separately at the tourist information area in Oishida Station) back to my hotel about 5 mins drive from the station. The atmosphere after most of the tourists have left truly is the best! However, the downside is all the souvenir and snacks stores there would have been closed and only a few restaurants will be open.

#GlobalTravel Ginzan Onsen is located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, and is famous for its beautiful Taisho romantic snow scenery. The most famous Notoya Ryokan is the same as the one in Spirited Away. Walking on the street, it feels like entering the world of Spirited Away! The wooden inns on both sides of the mountains and rivers are full of the style of ancient Japan's Taisho period If you come here in winter, it is so beautiful with the snow all over the sky. In the hotel, watching this beautiful scenery while soaking in the hot spring is definitely a great enjoyment in life From Tokyo, you can take the JR Shinkansen to Oishida Station and then take a bus. The one-way trip takes about 4 hours. Therefore, I recommend that you book a night in a hotel at Ginzan Onsen to save time on commuting. Also, there will be fewer tourists at Ginzan Onsen at night, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery alone.

#Notoya

#AccommodationReview Ginzan Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is located at an altitude of about 500 meters and is in a valley area surrounded by mountains rich in nature. Ginzan Onsen is counted as one of the three major hot springs in Japan, and its history is long, and it is said that it was discovered more than 1,300 years ago. The hot spring town is lined with old wooden houses and inns, creating a charming atmosphere. There are many hot springs that flow directly from the source, and there are several types of spring water, including sulfur springs and simple springs. The hot springs are gentle on the skin, and they can relieve fatigue and refresh the mind and body. In addition, the area around Ginzan Onsen is rich in natural scenery, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season. In particular, the autumn leaves are beautiful, and many tourists visit. Outdoor activities such as stream fishing and trekking are also popular. In addition, Ginzan Onsen also has historical tourist attractions. For example, you can learn about the history and culture of the region at the Ginzan Onsen History Museum and Ginzan Onsen Temple. Ginzan Onsen is a wonderful hot spring resort blessed with the bounty of nature, offering relaxation and enjoyment to tourists, and is well worth a visit for a day trip or overnight stay.

Ginzan Hot Spring Street♨️ is located in the valley of Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture in northeastern Japan. The street scene has a strong sense of nostalgia, as if time has been paused. There are many wooden hot spring hotels on both sides of the river, just like being in the "Spirited Away" anime Same as in scene - Winter nights are when the hot spring streets are at their most beautiful. The snow-covered hot spring towns are illuminated by dim lights. The photos are super beautiful and atmospheric. It gives you a retro romance of time travel~ - There are a total of 12 hotels in Ginshan Hot Spring Street, which are very popular in both off-season and peak season. There are three of my favorites: Notoya Ryokan: The prototype of the hot spring house in "The Hidden Girl" Fujiya Hotel: built by the famous architect Kengo Kuma Gusikiwu Annex: Traditional and Western-style beds in the interior - Food shop recommendations: [Izu no Hana] soba noodles, [Haikarasan Curry Bread]: Crispy on the outside with the thickness of bread, full of spicy curry on the inside [CRIE Cafe] The second floor offers a view of Notoya and the hot spring town area. - transportation: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen-Oishida Station from Tokyo Station, which takes about three and a half hours, and then transfer to the bus from Oishida Station to Ginzan Onsen (about 40 minutes) -

Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata~❤︎ Ginzan Onsen was great! The atmosphere was especially great after the lights were on☺️The silver mine forest was also so natural♪ It was really hard to get there deep in the mountains😱 If you're going, I really recommend staying until the gas lights come on after sunset!!! Take Higashiyamagata Shinkansen/Yamagata → 40 minutes on the Ou Main Line Express → 15 minutes on the Oishida bus → 40 minutes transfer at Obanazawa → Ginzan Onsen♨️ It's a little difficult to get to, so it's best to give yourself plenty of time! The townscape really feels like you've traveled back in time to the Taisho era♡I recommend it(^^) #besttrip2023