Travel Back in Time at Our 12 Best Historical Ginzan Onsen Ryokans in Yamagata

``Ginzan onsen'' is a place where steam slowly rises on the banks of the Ginzan River, surrounded by mountains. The falling snow and the romantic Taisho era townscape illuminated by gas lamps are impressive. Ginzan onsen in Yamagata has flourished as a hot spring resort since the mid-Edo period. Today, many of the Western-style three- to four-story wooden buildings built around the early Showa period remain, preserving the unique landscape. I want to go there at least once after seeing the beautiful photos! Isn't there a lot of people who are longing for it?

Although it is a small onsen town, there are footbaths, cafes, tofu shops, and souvenir shops. In the summer you can wear a yukata, and in the winter you can wear warm clothes and stroll around. You can enjoy the feeling of having slipped back in time. In addition, you can still stay at the retro ryokan in the onsen town. The view of the city from the window of the room is also wonderful. After a long walk, warm yourself up in a natural onsen with a faint sulfur scent.

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In this article, we will introduce recommended inns in Ginzan onsen from a female perspective. While valuing the "cleanliness" that allows you to spend a comfortable time, I also paid attention to the "Ginzan onsen-ness" such as the nostalgic atmosphere and scenery. Please find ryokan that suits you and enjoy your trip.

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The first thing you should check out is the symbolic presence of Notoya Ryokan, Notoya onsen. Founded in 1892. The beautiful three-story wooden building is designated as a national registered cultural property. At dusk when the lights are on, it looks very fantastic, just like the world of the Ghibli movie "Spirited Away"! You can feel the craftsmanship of the craftsmen everywhere in the building, such as the staircase that has remained as it was from the Taisho period.

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The rooms are located in the main building and the annex. The main building has a more retro design, and the decorations such as railings and shoji lattices are splendid. You can feel the atmosphere of the times. Let's have a heart-warming time.

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You can enjoy natural onsen in a variety of bathtubs at Notoya Ryokan, including a private "cave bath" with a sense of seclusion and a clean "large bathhouse". The "Open-air bath with a view," available only from spring to fall, is located on a hill at the end of a flight of stairs from ryokan. From the open-air bath with a view, you can see the Shirogane Waterfall, which will refresh you.

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For dinner, enjoy a kaiseki dinner using local ingredients such as Obanazawa beef, duck, mushrooms, and wild vegetables at meal. Enjoying local delicacies will make your trip much more satisfying. Breakfast is simple and gentle, so it is easy to eat even on mornings when you don't have much of an appetite.

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The inn "Kosekiya" is designated as a registered tangible cultural property. This is a beautiful inn with a ``Japan Deco'' building that incorporates Art Deco style into a Japanese style. While inheriting history and tradition, the building has been carefully renovated while retaining its original appearance. Inside the museum, there are plenty of things to see, such as craftsmen's memorandums, traditional wooden construction, and old-fashioned glass with a cute, retro texture! You can enjoy the retro atmosphere and feel comfortable.

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There are a total of 14 guest rooms on either the mountain side or the river side. This is a Japanese-Western style room on the mountain side. A retro-modern room with antique-style bedboards and stained glass. The Japanese-style room on the river side is a room that retains the craftsmanship of the time, such as the design of light shoji and kumiko. If you prefer a chic atmosphere, best the Japanese-style room.

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There are two large baths. This is the white tiled “Taisho bath”. It represents the history that the source of Ginzan onsen was once pure white. The other "inkstone bath" was built on the site of the work room of the previous owner of the hotel, who was also a calligrapher, so it is a bath with the image of "black" in calligraphy. Men and women alternate at certain times of the day, so please enjoy both the white and black baths at Ginzan onsen.

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Dinner can be enjoyed at two meal in onsen town: Nogawatei and Shirogane. You can start by having dinner at ``Nogatei,'' and then have an after-party at ``Shirogane.'' At Nogatei, you can enjoy course meals made with ingredients from Yamagata, and at Shirogane, you can enjoy steamed hot onsen steaming and charcoal-grilled dishes on a teppanyaki plate. You can enjoy the food at two different venues, so you'll feel like you've gotten a great deal.

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Breakfast is served at the hotel. In addition to rice and miso soup, there are side dishes that are good for the newly awakened body. All of them look delicious and you may be wondering what to eat first.

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``Kosekiya Annex'' is a historical ryokan that is said to have opened as a hot spring inn during the Tenpo era (around 1831-1845). It has a dignified gate that is typical of Ginzan onsen, and features stylish glass doors with a diamond-shaped design. You'll be in a good mood even before you check in. The hotel has antique furniture such as old clocks, giving you a Taisho romantic atmosphere.

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There are two types of guest rooms: the river-side Japanese-style room facing the Ginzan onsen resort, and the mountain-side Japanese-style room, which is two rooms connected to each other. The "romantic guest room" on the top floor has an elaborate interior, and just being in the room will make you feel happy. The faintly colored shoji screens and walls with designs similar to the glass doors on the 1st floor make the interior feel Taisho Roman. It's a Japanese-Western style room with a Japanese-style bed, so it's also recommended for those who don't like sleeping on futons.

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The hot spring baths have unique names such as “Hokkori no Chikayu” and “Nukkuri no Kintaroyu”. You can enjoy both because men and women are switched. “Hokkori no Chikayu” has a window that looks like stained glass, and you can feel the retro atmosphere even in the bath.

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Both breakfast and dinner will be served at the venue. The seats are a table and chair type, so those who are not good at sitting on their knees can rest assured. You can relax like a restaurant. The Japanese meal for dinner is full of seasonal flavors harvested in Yamagata! It is colorful and will satisfy both your eyes and your stomach. Bespoke dishes include Yamagata beef shabu-shabu and steak. If you want a little extravagance, why not order one?

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The sister inn of Koseokiya, Ginzanso, is surrounded by greenery, about a 5-minute walk from onsen town. onsen It is a little different from the town's inns, but it has modern facilities such as an elevator, making it a comfortable place to stay. You can spend your time relaxing on the terrace with a great view or shopping at the souvenir shop inside the inn. It is also a great place to stay with friends or family.

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All guest rooms are on the river side, and you can enjoy the scenery like a painting from the large windows. There is also a slightly luxurious room with a "semi-open-air sleeping bath". If you open the window, you can hear the murmuring of the river and feel like you are surrounded by natural healing music. You will be able to forget your daily life and be refreshed.

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The open-air bath is spacious and has a sense of openness. You can relax and enjoy the natural onsen while gazing at the scenery of each season, such as fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowscapes. There is also a bedrock bath facility, so you can enjoy a full range of hot spring tours. Why don't you divide your time and enjoy onsen several times?

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Dinner is a Japanese set that incorporates plenty of Yamagata ingredients and local cuisine. The accompaniment of the meal is decided by local sake in Yamagata, and there is no doubt that your heart and stomach will be very satisfied with the delicious food and ♪ sake unique to that area.

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``Takimikan'' is a modern inn that stands quietly on a hill in the Ginzan onsen town. It is about an 8 minute walk to the onsen town. The scenic spot ``Shirogane Falls'' in Ginzan onsen is also nearby, so you can spend a pleasant time surrounded by nature.

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From your room, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains surrounding Ginzan onsen. The chair by the window is a special seat with a superb view. Let's open the shoji and be intoxicated with the scenery in front of you like a painting.

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The view from the open-air bath is also superb! You can feel the nature of Ginzan onsen up close and feel like you are bathing in the forest. In winter, you can enjoy a snowy landscape that looks like an ink painting. The beautiful scenery and warm onsen will blow away your fatigue and stress.

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The specialty of the inn, which was originally a soba restaurant, is, of course, hand-made soba. We use buckwheat flour from Obanazawa. It's made before dinner, so you can enjoy its freshly ground, freshly beaten, and freshly boiled texture and rich flavor! It looks like it will become a memory of your trip.

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Kozankaku, which faces the main street of the onsen town, is ryokan with colorful paintings on its outer walls. These are called kote-e, and are said to be decorations drawn by old plasterers. Treasure ships and seasonal events are drawn in a fun way, and you can feel the essence of Japan.

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"Kozankaku" has two buildings, the main building and the new building, and each has a completely different taste. The main building has a trowel painting on the exterior. Classical furniture such as old clocks and telephones are placed in the lobby to evoke nostalgic feelings. The rooms also have a retro atmosphere, and you'll feel like you've slipped back in time. Although it is old, it is comfortable with a washlet toilet and washbasin.

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Next to the main building is the new building "Kuranova". While valuing the warmth of wood, it is a stylish space. The room is a comfortable Western-style room. It has a separate washbasin and washlet toilet. It is best for those who like a modern atmosphere, or for those who are unfamiliar with Japanese-style rooms and futons and feel uneasy.

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The baths are located in the retro main building, and you can enjoy onsen in two types of private baths: a wooden women's bath, a stone men's bath. The photo shows one of the private baths, and the hot spring water is gentle on the skin. Surrounded by the slight scent of sulfur, you will feel truly relaxed.

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For dinner, depending on your plan, you can choose between a dish made with local seasonal ingredients served in the main building, or an Italian meal served in the new building restaurant. It's refreshing to be able to enjoy Italian food at Ginzan onsen! Dishes made with Yamagata ingredients go well with wine. Toast with wine while looking at the onsen town illuminated by gas lamps♪ Looks like you'll enjoy a romantic moment.

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Kuranova in the new building has a modern atmosphere that combines newness and classical elements. Enjoy a novel experience, such as looking out at the retro onsen town from a modern and stylish guest room, or tasting wine while wearing a yukata.

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Hatago Itoya is a small inn that accommodates only 4 groups per day. Run by a family of five, you'll feel at home in a homely atmosphere. The russet checkered curtains, simple and clean rooms, and accessories that soothe the soul all give the impression of hospitality from a female perspective. A little consideration will warm your feelings.

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The room has a bright and natural atmosphere. The water areas such as shower toilets and washrooms are also clean, so you can spend your time with peace of mind. In addition to Japanese-style rooms, there are also Japanese-Western rooms with low beds. In winter, a kotatsu is installed, so you can stay warm even in the cold Yamagata winter.

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There is an indoor bath on the first floor and an open-air bath on the second floor. Both baths are fed directly from the source, so you can enjoy the gentle onsen of Ginzan Onsen. The fact that each bath can be used as a private bath is unique to a small inn. It's also recommended for girls' trips, couples, and solo travelers, as you can enjoy onsen slowly without worrying about what others might think.

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Each dish is handmade. Tofu made from pesticide-free soybeans made by a farming couple, wild vegetables and mushrooms picked by Jijitobaba, freshly caught char and sweetfish delivered by neighbors, and a farmer who raises his own cows. Local ingredients such as meat from butchers and people's thoughts are tightly packed. The table coordination and presentation are also cute, and you can't help but smile.

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"ryokan Fujiya" is a modern ryokan that was renovated from a long-established ryokan. The designer was Kengo Kuma, a world-renowned architect. While inheriting the atmosphere of traditional wooden architecture, the space has a stylish and luxurious feel. You can enjoy a slightly different atmosphere from other long-established ryokan.

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All rooms offer a relaxing view of the charming cityscape of Ginzan onsen. The simple and sophisticated room is like a Japanese-style room and also like a designer's room. You will feel refreshed and have a relaxing time.

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There are five onsen baths in the hotel, each with a different style, such as those made of stone or bamboo. All baths can be reserved for private use 24 hours a day. You can enjoy the natural onsen slowly. The cypress bath has a simple yet mysterious atmosphere. I feel like I can empty my head and be in a daze.

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Dinner is a Japanese kaiseki meal using the bounty of the mountains and seas of the Tohoku region. You can enjoy it slowly in your room. The dishes are gorgeous with the concept of "extraordinary", and the arrangement that you have never seen before will arouse your curiosity.

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“ryokan Nagasawa Heihachi” is an inn where you can feel the atmosphere of a good old ryokan. A warm reception that welcomes you as if you were at home, the warmth of well-used wood, furniture that makes you feel the passage of time, and an old-fashioned narrow staircase. The moment you pass through the front door, you will feel nostalgic, as if you have returned to Japan a long time ago.

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The Japanese-style modern rooms unique to "ryokan Nagasawa Heihachi" have a chic and unique atmosphere. You can see the cityscape of Ginzan onsen from the riverside rooms. Let's enjoy the extraordinary feeling while watching the snow falling, the people in yukata walking, and the faint light of the gas lights. It's nice to have a cup of tea and read a book.

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There are two baths, one for women, one for men, and one for private use. The private bath has a pleasant texture of wood, and it warms your heart. The private bath on the 3rd floor does not require a reservation and can be used at any time as long as it is available. Take a relaxing bath with your friends and family to wash away your daily fatigue.

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For dinner, you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients. The menu features seasonal specialties such as grilled Obanazawa beef, salt-grilled rock fish, and fresh local vegetables. Since they prepare seasonal ingredients, the dishes and tableware may change, but you will be impressed by the seasonal hospitality.

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``Aji to Magokoro no Yado Showakan'' is ryokan with a Taisho Romantic atmosphere, and its landmark is a raccoon ornament. The entire building was renovated in 2004 and an elevator has been installed. It maintains the atmosphere of a long-established restaurant, while providing a comfortable atmosphere.

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The inside of the building is decorated with antiques and objects made with the proprietress's heart, creating a homely atmosphere. Just looking at it makes me happy. Handmade folk crafts are sold in the lobby. Cute Japanese accessories are perfect as a memory of your trip.

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All rooms are equipped with a toilet and washbasin. There are mountain side and river side rooms, and you can relax like at home in a pure Japanese style room. Japanese accessories and wild grasses picked by the proprietress are displayed, and you can feel the warmth of the casual thoughtfulness.

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This ``Tenku Open-air Bath'' is located on the top floor of ryokan. Enjoy the natural onsen that are said to make your skin smooth while overlooking the city. I'm also happy that the water is flowing straight from the source♪

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Dinner is served at the meal Shinzan and small banquet hall. The menu is creative dishes using fresh river fish that can only be enjoyed in a onsen area deep in the mountains, famous Yamagata beef, and seasonal vegetables. You can also enjoy local dishes such as "sweet potato soup" made by stewing beef and taro. All the dishes are heartwarming, and even if you are not from Yamagata, you will feel nostalgic.

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“Oyado Yanadaya” is a cozy ryokan that is limited to 4 groups per day. When you arrive at the lobby, you will feel nostalgic as if you were back at home. Relax and heal your body and soul by enjoying dishes made with plenty of local ingredients and onsen.

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The old-fashioned simple Japanese-style room is comfortable and makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. The riverside rooms have a great view, and you can relax while looking at the scenery of the Ginzan onsen town. Empty your head and let your brain and mind rest.

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It's a small inn with only 4 rooms, so you can relax and soak in onsen without worrying about the crowds. The hot water is free-flowing from the source, and it will gradually relieve your tired body.

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For dinner, please enjoy the simple and warm cuisine. Enjoy Obanazawa Beef, a local brand of beef, in shabu-shabu or steak where you can fully enjoy the flavor of the meat. Yamagata's rice ``Tsuyahime'' is also so delicious that you will want to order another serving. You can't help but smile at the hearty feast that only a small ryokan can offer.

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“ryokan Matsumoto” is quiet yet has a homely warmth. An inn where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients and free-flowing onsen. There is an elevator in the building, so even if you stay in a room on the 4th or 5th floor, you can easily move around.

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In addition to the guest rooms for two people, there are also two large rooms that can accommodate several people. Let's feel the flow of quiet time in a room with a calm feeling. Yukata, toothbrushes, towels, and other necessary amenities are also provided, so you can carry less luggage.

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The menu includes seasonal local dishes such as soba, sashimi, and wild vegetables. Depending on the plan, you can also get a hearty menu that includes grilled Yamagata beef on a ceramic platter or kamameshi. For 2 people, you can have in-room dining, and for 3 or more people, you can have it in a private room, so you can thoroughly enjoy delicious food in a private space.

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There is also an extensive alcohol menu, so it is also recommended to enjoy it with food. In addition to beer, wine, and shochu, ryokan original local sake is also available. Please experience the taste only here.

source:Posted by Kyosuke @ Aomori

Each of ryokan in Ginzan onsen, which has a Taisho era romance, has its own charm and character. You can enjoy a luxurious time, or feel at home in a casual atmosphere. Choose an inn where you can spend your time in your own way, and enjoy your trip to Ginzan onsen.