Beginning of a Journey to Immerse Yourself in the Charms of Ginzan Onsen
Located deep in Yamagata Prefecture, Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring resort town with a touch of Taisho-romance, as if stepping back in time. I first visited the town in autumn a few years ago. Surrounded by mountains with changing colors of autumn leaves, the wooden inns along the river were lit up and the view was breathtaking. This hot spring has a long history dating back to the Edo period and is a popular spot for foreign tourists; according to its location on Google Maps, Ginzan Onsen is in Obanazawa City, accessible by bus from Yamagata Station in about an hour. There are nature-rich trekking courses in the surrounding area, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
The main attraction of Ginzan Onsen is its retro atmosphere. At night, gas lamps are lit, creating a fantastic world that looks like a movie set. Here, I enjoyed a relaxing soak in the hot spring and forgot about the hustle and bustle of daily life. The hot spring water is sodium chloride/sulfate spring water and is known for its skin-softening properties. When visiting, make reservations in advance. Check the official website of the popular ryokan, Ginzan Onsen, for more information.
Based on my experience visiting this area, I would like to recommend to foreign travelers how to enjoy each season. The area shows its face in each of the four seasons: autumn leaves in fall, snow viewing baths in winter, cherry blossoms in spring, and a cool summer retreat in summer. On a related note, I should mention “Yamagata Onsen access” and “Ginzan Onsen reservation,” which are frequently searched for on Google Trend, and a route combining train and bus is convenient. I myself used a rental car the first time I went, but the scenery along the way is amazing, and driving is also recommended.
Explore hidden spots around Ginzan Onsen
The charm of Ginzan Onsen is not limited to the hot spring resort area. There are hidden spots dotted around the area that are well known by those in the know. For example, Takimino-yu is located a short walk from the hot spring resort. It is a luxurious place where you can bathe in an open-air bath nestled in the midst of nature while listening to the sound of a waterfall. Here I experienced bathing in the morning mist, which refreshed my body and soul. These spots can only be discovered by asking the locals to tell you about them. Interacting with the locals is one of the best parts of the trip.
I also recommend experiencing the traditional crafts of Yamagata. There is a workshop near Ginzan Onsen where you can try your hand at making shogi (Japanese chess) pieces, and you can check the details at the Yamagata Crafts Museum. There, I tried my hand at shaving pieces under the guidance of a craftsman. I felt I was deeply touched by the local culture through the detailed work with my hands. English-language workshops for foreigners are also increasing.
In addition, seasonal events such as fireworks displays in summer and illumination in winter are popular; if you look at Google Trends for “Yamagata events” and “Ginzan Onsen winter,” hot springs in snowy landscapes are at the top of the list. When I visited in winter, I enjoyed chatting with the locals while sipping on snow sake. This kind of experience is more than just sightseeing; it is an opportunity to gain private wisdom. Local real estate and hot spring-related businesses are also attracting attention as investment opportunities, but first visit and experience their charm firsthand.
The Marriage of Local Gourmet Food and Onsen
Local gourmet food is the perfect complement to a trip to Ginzan Onsen. Yamagata is famous for its cherries and Yonezawa beef, but in the hot spring resort area, dishes using fresh mountain vegetables are superb. I tasted tempura of wild vegetables andlocally produced soba noodles at a ryokan dinner. They are especially great paired with a beer after a hot spring bath. Yamagata gourmet” and “Ginzan Onsen dining” are trending as related words, but when you actually visit, you will be charmed by the original menu of each ryokan.
Recommended are the fresh fruits available at the morning market. In summer, cherry picking can also be experienced, and a visit to a cherry orchard is a good idea. It was there that I discovered the joy of picking and eating cherries directly from the tree. This experience reminds me of the origin of food. The local beer made from hot spring water is also unique. It has a moderate alcohol content and is perfect after a hot spring bath.
What I learned through these gourmet experiences was the beauty of simple flavors made from local ingredients, and from the perspective of Private Wisdom, I came up with the idea of cooking wild vegetables at home as an easy-to-adopt tip for daily use. Sharing specific recipes that visitors can take home with them, for example, the stewed wild vegetables can be easily prepared with soy sauce and mirin.
Peace of mind gained at Ginzan Onsen
One of the highlights of my stay in Ginzan Onsen was the peace of mind I gained. During my stay for a few days, I tried a digital detox and turned off my phone. Then, the sounds of nature and the warmth of the hot spring water sharpened my senses. Based on this experience, I recommend hot spring therapy as a way to relieve stress. From a scientific point of view, it is said that the minerals in hot springs bring about a relaxation effect.
The interaction with the local people is also unforgettable. The old stories I heard from the proprietress of the ryokan made me feel close to the history of Yamagata. These stories can be further explored in depth at the Yamagata History Museum. An English-language guidebook is also available for foreign visitors.
You can also walk the hiking trails around the area. The view from the top is exceptional, and in my experience, the moment the morning mist clears was very moving. In relation to the trend “Yamagata Hiking,” it is safe to choose a route for beginners. Through this trip, I was reminded of the importance of balance in life.
Private Wisdom-like Summary
Ginzan Onsen is not just a tourist attraction, but a private retreat to heal the soul. From my own experience, I found this place to be a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and to reflect on one’s true self. For foreign travelers, it is attractive because of its easy accessibility and abundance of cultural experiences. When visiting, plan your visit with the four seasons in mind. You will surely gain unforgettable wisdom. Please put Ginzan Onsen on your list of places to visit for your next trip.
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