The setting of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away: Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen is said to have inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. The name “Ginzan” means “Silver Mountain.” True to its name, this town flourished as a silver mining area between the 15th and 17th centuries. During that time, Japan produced about one-third of the world’s silver. After the mines declined, hot springs emerged along the Ginzan River, leading to the creation of the current onsen town.
The town was revived as a hot spring destination, and the iconic Notoya Ryokan was built around 1925, during the late Taisho period. This era, known as “Taisho Roman,” saw a blending of Japanese and European styles, from interior decoration to clothing and food.
The charm of Ginzan Onsen lies in its high-quality onsen and the preserved Taisho-era architecture and atmosphere. A local ordinance protects the historic townscape, and cars are not allowed in the Ginzan Onsen area, creating a unique experience of stepping back 100 years in time. Fans of Studio Ghibli will also love the red bridges, wooden balconies, stucco reliefs, and real gas lamps that light up the streets, making the Ginzan Onsen town feel like a scene from the movie.
Ginzan Onsen hot spring water
- Salt-sulfur spring
- Salt spring
- Sulfur-sodium chloride spring
- Sulfur spring
- Salt-hydrogen sulfide spring
The water is milky white due to the abundant yu-no-hana (mineral deposits). These yu-no-hana are beneficial components of the hot spring, including sulfur compounds, sulfate deposits, calcium deposits, and silica deposits, floating naturally in the water.
Staying in Ginzan Onsen
This popular hot spring town has only 13 Onsen-Ryokans (inns). Even if all the Onsen-Ryokans are fully booked, only about 600 people can stay in the town per night. During peak seasons, reservations can be full months in advance, so if you want to visit Ginzan Onsen, book as soon as you finalize your plans. Here are a few inns to consider:
GINZAN SOU
The largest Onsen-Ryokan in Ginzan Onsen, it offers a fantastic open-air bath with stunning forest views. The inn features standard Japanese-style rooms and suites with beds and private open-air baths. Meals focus on local cuisine, including dishes like Yamagata black wagyu beef roast, made with local ingredients. Allergy-friendly options are available.
English website available.
Address: 85 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture,Japan 999-4333
https://www.ginzanso.jp/english/
KOSEKIYA
A charming wooden Onsen-Ryokan that retains the atmosphere of the Taisho era. Highlights include stained glass in the dining area and dark wooden staircases. From the calm Japanese-style rooms facing the river, you can enjoy views of the gas lamps lighting up the hot spring town. Allergy-friendly options are available.
English website available.
Address: 85 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture,Japan 999-4333
https://www.kosekiya.jp/english/
TAKIMIKAN
A traditional Japanese inn famous for dishes made with local Yamagata specialties. Enjoy the amazing open-air bath with a stunning view of the surrounding greenery.
English website available.
Address: 522 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture,Japan 999-4333
https://www.takimikan.jp/lg_en/
Meals in Ginzan Onsen
Meals in Ginzan Onsen mainly feature local specialties like Yamagata Black Wagyu beef and duck-based dishes. Since the town is small, most guests enjoy breakfast and dinner at their Onsen-Ryokans. It may be difficult to accommodate vegetarians and vegans, so it’s best to check with the inn before booking. The Ginzan Onsen area is also famous for its very sweet watermelons and cherries.
Things to Do on Day 2 in Ginzan Onsen
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your Onsen-ryokan, check out and ask the staff to hold your luggage for you. Start your day by visiting a rental *hakama* shop. The ”hakama” is a traditional Japanese outfit that was popular 100 years ago. Wear one and stroll around the charming town. (The shop’s website is only in Japanese, so ask the inn staff for details.)
Browse souvenir shops that sell Yamagata specialties, and enjoy tea at a retro café with a nostalgic Taisho-era atmosphere. Strolling through town is a treat, as every corner offers a picturesque view, perfect for photos.
Be sure to try a foot bath, but take care not to get your ”hakama” wet. A foot bath is a small hot spring where you soak just your bare feet. It warms you up and leaves your feet soft and smooth.
For lunch, visit a soba noodle shop. Ginzan Onsen is in the Obanazawa area, known for producing high-quality buckwheat. Several restaurants serve handmade soba noodles made from locally grown buckwheat flour.
After lunch, head to the Nobesawa Silver Mine (Nobesawa Ginzan Ruins) to explore its history.You can explore a silver mine that was closed in 1689. Admission is free. It’s a 15-minute walk from Ginzan Onsen town and a nationally designated historic site.
After returning your Hakama, head to Shirogane Falls, a 22-meter waterfall at the end of the Ginzan Onsen town.
Before it gets too late, collect your luggage and wrap up your enjoyable hot spring trip. Be sure not to miss the bus, as there are only a few each day!
Important Notes about Ginzan Onsen
- Winter Access Restrictions: Entry and traffic may be limited during winter for non-overnight visitors.
- Payment: Many small shops and inns do not accept credit or debit cards. Bring cash.
- Reservations: Small inns rely on guests showing up as planned. No-shows can cause serious problems for them.
How to Access Ginzan Onsen
- Location: Ginzan Onsen, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture.
- By Plane: 75 minutes by bus from Yamagata Airport.
- By Train: 40 minutes by bus from Oishida Station on the Yamagata Shinkansen line.
- Car Restrictions: Cars are not allowed in the onsen town. Park at nearby parking lots.
Note:
Prices and services mentioned here are based on information available at the time of writing. Please check the latest information before use.
