Experience the magic of the Taisho Period at Ginzan Hot Springs

Revisit the unique scenery of former times at Ginzan Hot Springs ---- Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture

Ginzan Hot Springs is a hot springs area located in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture.

The name comes from Nobesawa Ginzan, a town that prospered as a silver mining area during the early Edo Period. ("Ginzan" means "silver mountain").

As the set of a novel-derived NHK drama series called "Oshin," the area enjoyed a sudden jump in popularity, making "Ginzan" a name known around the country.

Both banks of the Ginzangawa River are dotted with traditional ryokan-style inns dating from the Taisho and early Showa Periods. Many of these buildings were considered extremely modern for the time, featuring three or four-story balconies and relief sculpture decorating the exterior.

A number of bridges spanning the river which--along with gas lamps lining pedestrian pathways--create a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Taisho Period for the entire view stretching from the downstream Ginzangawa River to the hot spring town. This magnificent scenic view is a symbol of this hot springs area and its traditional look and feel.

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