Ginzan Onsen

Background

Ginzan Onsen lies in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. It grew out of the mining town of the Nobesawa silver mine, and the hot springs were discovered during mining, hence the name "silver mine hot spring". Accounts of when mining began differ: the Government of Japan says the 15th century, while the Japan Tourism Agency database says the mining town arose around 1600. Most of the present inns were built between about 1910 and the 1930s as three- and four-storey wooden buildings with balconies, white plaster walls and plaster relief decoration. A 1986 local ordinance protects the townscape; power lines are buried, and general traffic is banned from the narrow lanes. Upstream, Shirogane Falls drops about 22 metres according to the Japan Tourism Agency database, and nearby Shirogane Park has a walking loop and a former silver mine tunnel.

Local customs

• Stroll the car-free streets and enjoy the gaslit inns at night
• try the day-use public baths or the riverside foot bath
• walk around in a yukata
• follow the Shirogane Park trail and visit the old mine tunnel
• and see Shirogane Falls.

Travel tips

• The hot-spring street can only be explored on foot
• parking and entry for day visitors and overnight guests follow on-site and association notices. Entry management may apply in winter, so check official notices before you go. The stone paving ices over in winter, so non-slip shoes are essential.
• Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Ōishida Station, then change to a bus
• check official and station notices for specific services. The town is explored on foot. Every season works: winter snow scenery and the gaslit night views are the signature sight, with January and February especially busy with overseas visitors, while autumn leaves offer a different face.