Exploring prettiest onsen town in Japan- Ginzan onsen

During my 3 day trip to the Yamagata area I went to Ginzan onsen town on day 2. It was one of my bucket list onsen towns I wanted to visit badly in Japan. Ginzan onsen is a popular onsen town in Obanazawa, Yamagata. The town itself is so dreamy during winter as this mountain village is filled with beautiful traditional ryokans and the Ginzan river flowing through the town.

How to reach there from Yamagata station

I took a Yamagata train line from Yamagata station to Oishida station which cost 680 yen one way covered by JR east welcome pass. Then took a bus to Ginzan onsen town and it cost 730 yen one way ride. Make sure to check the bus and train schedule before boarding as it runs limited time. Also make sure to plan your return time as transportation in these areas is very limited and costs alot. I have attached a bus and train schedule for future reference. The whole trip takes about less than 2 hours.

What to do in Ginzan town

Scenic onsen( Hot Spring) bath

Once I arrived in Ginzan town I went to the Information center to check some details about available onsen for day trippers. The staff gave me a site map and available onsen for day trippers. Luckily there were two ryokans offering onsen baths for day trippers. I went to Takimikan ryokan for an onsen bath because of the beautiful outdoor onsen. They charged 1000 yen and 300yen for a bath towel. With the winter weather the bath feels so refreshing and relaxing.

Eat soba noodle with scenic view

I had a soba noodle after the onsen bath at the Takimite restaurant managed by Takimikan ryokan. Soba dishes are quite popular around the area and this restaurant serves both hot and cold soba. The restaurant has a nice view at the corner and would recommend grabbing a seat in that area for better experience.

Coffee and Cake for evening

After roaming around the small town I had a coffee and a cake at the sake sabo kurie. This shop offers lunch and coffee for visitors and upstairs is ideal for long staying and to see the town. They also provide warm blankets during the winter season to keep their customers warm.

Take photos day and night

Well take tons of photos of Ginzan onsen town. The most fun activity and pain if you don't wear warm clothes during winter season. The sunset and night scenes are the best of Ginzan onsen town.

In my opinion it's ideal if you can stay one night to have a full experience but if you are a budget person like me one day trip is more than enough for Ginzan onsen town.