Nestled deep in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, Ginzan Onsen offers an almost cinematic journey into Japan's past. The town is a perfectly preserved slice of the Taisho period (1912-1926), its pedestrian-only street flanked by magnificent wooden inns. At dusk, gas lamps flicker to life, casting a warm glow on the Ginzan River and the snow that piles metres-deep in winter. This evocative atmosphere has led to frequent—though officially unconfirmed—comparisons to the setting of Studio Ghibli's *Spirited Away*. The main attraction is undoubtedly The Taisho-era wooden bathhouses lining both sides of the Ginzan River, which create a scene that feels unchanged for a century. Booking a stay here requires planning, as the best rooms are reserved months, sometimes a year, in advance. This guide cuts through the options to help you find the perfect base for your Tohoku adventure.

Why Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture, Tohoku (3 hours from Tokyo via Yamagata Shinkansen + 40-minute bus from Oishida) for ryokans
Ginzan Onsen's name, meaning "Silver Mountain Hot Spring," points to its origins as a silver mining town. After the mine's decline, the town reinvented itself as a therapeutic spa destination. A major flood in 1913 destroyed most of the original inns, leading to a town-wide reconstruction effort in the 1920s. This resulted in the unified architectural style we see today, a masterclass in Taisho Roman design blending Japanese tradition with Western-influenced details. The Taisho-era wooden bathhouses lining both sides of the Ginzan River are not just picturesque; they are the heart of a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
The town's deliberate preservation extends to its car-free policy. All arriving guests park at a lot 500 metres below the town and are ferried up by their ryokan's shuttle, an experience that reinforces the feeling of entering another world. While Studio Ghibli has never confirmed the link, director Hayao Miyazaki has been photographed visiting, and the resemblance between the town's bathhouses and the 'Yu-ya' in *Spirited Away* is undeniable for many visitors.
1. Notoya Ryokan
If there is one image that defines Ginzan Onsen, it is Notoya Ryokan. Established in 1921, this four-storey wooden structure is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property and the town's most photographed landmark. Its intricate facade, complete with a small red bridge arching over the Ginzan River, is the centerpiece of the historic streetscape. Staying here feels like stepping directly into a Taisho-era painting. The interior preserves this historic ambiance with dark wood beams, traditional tatami rooms, and the gentle sound of the river audible from your window. The baths, including a famous cave bath, draw water directly from the source. From its premier location, Notoya directly overlooks The Taisho-era wooden bathhouses lining both sides of the Ginzan River. Given its iconic status, rooms are extremely sought-after, especially those with a river view during the winter snow season. If you can only book one ryokan in Ginzan to capture the town's quintessential spirit, Notoya is the definitive choice.
Price tier: Mid to Luxury (¥40,000–¥70,000 per person)

2. Fujiya Ginzan
Directly opposite the traditional Notoya stands its modern counterpart, Fujiya Ginzan. Though the inn itself was founded in 1397, it was completely re-imagined in 2006 by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. The result is a striking building that respects its historic context while being unapologetically modern. The facade is defined by vertical bamboo louvers and delicate screens of recycled glass, creating a semi-transparent effect that glows from within at night. The interior is a minimalist sanctuary, contrasting with the ornate exteriors of its neighbors. Fujiya Ginzan is renowned for its five distinct private onsen baths, each with a unique design theme (bamboo, stone, wood) that can be reserved by guests for a secluded soak. It offers a different kind of luxury—one of design, privacy, and quiet contemplation. Choose Fujiya Ginzan if you appreciate bold architectural interventions and seek a design-led, contemporary ryokan experience.
Price tier: Luxury (¥50,000–¥90,000 per person)
3. Ginzanso
While most visitors want to stay on the historic main street, Ginzanso offers a compelling reason to look uphill. Located a 5-minute walk from the town center, this larger, modern ryokan is perched on a hillside, granting it a significant advantage: panoramic views. Its signature feature is the sprawling open-air rotenburo, where guests can soak while looking down upon the entire gas-lit, snow-covered town—a truly spectacular sight, especially at dusk. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, blending Japanese and Western elements. While it lacks the deep history of Notoya or the high-design of Fujiya, it provides reliable comfort, excellent facilities, and that unbeatable perspective. A regular shuttle bus connects guests to the main street in minutes. For travelers who prioritize a breathtaking view and expansive bathing facilities over being directly on the historic street, Ginzanso offers an unparalleled vantage point.
Price tier: Mid-range (¥28,000–¥55,000 per person)
4. Kosekiya Bekkan
With roots tracing back to 1741, Kosekiya Bekkan is one of Ginzan Onsen's most venerable establishments. This ryokan offers a deeply traditional and refined experience, appealing to travelers who prioritize authenticity and culinary excellence. While its sister inn, Ginzan Honkan Kosekiya, is also on the main street, the Bekkan (annex) is particularly noted for its exquisite kaiseki multi-course dinners. The chefs make masterful use of local Yamagata produce, from mountain vegetables to premium wagyu beef, presenting each dish as a work of art. The atmosphere is intimate and service is famously attentive. The rooms are classic in their tatami-and-shoji-screen simplicity, and the baths provide a serene retreat after a day of exploring. Food-focused travelers and history purists should prioritize Kosekiya Bekkan for its exceptional dining, deep heritage, and impeccable service.
Price tier: Mid to Luxury (¥35,000–¥65,000 per person)
5. Kozankaku
For the ultimate private and luxurious escape in Ginzan Onsen, Kozankaku is the premier choice. This boutique property, located on the main street, houses just 13 rooms, and its defining feature is that every single room comes with its own private open-air bath (rotenburo). This is a rare luxury that guarantees a serene and personal onsen experience, allowing you to soak at any time of day or night while listening to the sounds of the town and river. The rooms themselves are spacious and elegantly appointed, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts. The in-room dining and personalized service further elevate the experience. This level of exclusivity and privacy comes at a premium and requires booking far in advance, particularly for the winter season. For an indulgent, romantic, or celebratory trip where an in-room onsen is non-negotiable, Kozankaku is unmatched.
Price tier: Luxury to Ultra-luxury (¥60,000–¥120,000 per person)
Tip
With only 13 rooms, all featuring private onsen, Kozankaku often books out 6-12 months in advance, especially for the peak winter season from December to March.
Practical Info
Access: The most common route is from Tokyo Station to Oishida Station via the Yamagata Shinkansen (approx. 3 hours). From Oishida Station, a local bus takes you to Ginzan Onsen in about 40 minutes.
Best Season: Winter (December through March) is peak season, when deep snow creates the iconic landscape. However, the town is beautiful year-round: lush and green in summer, and vibrant with color in autumn.
Budget: Prices vary significantly by season and ryokan. Expect to pay in one of these tiers, per person, per night, including dinner and breakfast: Mid-range (¥25,000–¥50,000), Luxury (¥50,000–¥100,000), or Ultra-luxury (¥100,000+).
Tip
All cars must park at a designated lot 500m from the town center. Your ryokan will arrange a shuttle, so confirm your arrival time with them in advance.
Whether you seek historical immersion at Notoya or modern design at Fujiya, a stay in Ginzan Onsen is a journey into a preserved corner of Japan. The sight of The Taisho-era wooden bathhouses lining both sides of the Ginzan River, glowing under gaslight and a blanket of snow, is a memory that lasts a lifetime. This is not just a place to stay; it is an experience to be savored. Explore our curated selections and book your authentic ryokan experience in this unforgettable onsen town today.
坐落於山形縣深山中的銀山溫泉,帶領我們踏上一場如電影般穿越至日本過往的旅程。這座小鎮完美地保存了大正時代(1912-1926)的風貌,宏偉的木造旅館佇立於僅供步行的街道兩旁。黃昏時分,煤氣燈一盞盞亮起,為銀山川與冬季深達數公尺的積雪染上溫暖光暈。這般動人氛圍,使其經常被拿來與吉卜力工作室《神隱少女》中的場景相提并論——儘管官方從未證實。這裡最吸引人的景觀,無疑是沿著銀山川兩岸林立的大正時代木造溫泉旅館,營造出百年未變的風情。欲下榻此地需提早規劃,最好的客房通常在幾個月前、甚至一年前就被預訂一空。本指南將為您梳理眾多選擇,助您找到東北冒險之旅的完美據點。

為何選擇東北山形縣的銀山溫泉旅館(從東京搭乘山形新幹線至大石田站約3小時,再轉乘40分鐘巴士)
銀山溫泉之名意指「銀礦山中的溫泉」,道出了其作為銀礦小鎮的起源。礦業沒落後,小鎮轉型為療癒身心的溫泉勝地。1913年的一場大洪水摧毀了大部分原始旅館,促使小鎮在1920年代進行了全面重建。這也造就了我們今日所見的統一建築風格,是融合了日本傳統與西洋細節的「大正浪漫」設計典範。沿著銀山川兩岸林立的大正時代木造溫泉旅館不僅風景如畫,更是國家級「重要傳統的建造物群保存地區」的核心。
小鎮對保存歷史的堅持,也體現在其無車政策上。所有訪客皆需將車輛停放在小鎮下方500公尺處的停車場,再由下榻旅館的接駁車接送,這種體驗更強化了彷彿進入另一個世界的感受。儘管吉卜力工作室從未證實兩者的關聯,但導演宮崎駿曾被拍到造訪此地,且對許多遊客來說,鎮上溫泉旅館與《神隱少女》中的「油屋」的相似之處是無可否認的。
1. 能登屋旅館
若要用一幅畫面來定義銀山溫泉,那必定是能登屋旅館。這座建於1921年的四層樓木造建築,不僅是日本的「登錄有形文化財」,更是小鎮裡最上鏡的地標。其精緻的立面,搭配橫跨銀山川的小巧紅橋,構成了歷史街景的中心。下榻於此,感覺就像直接步入一幅大正時代的畫作。旅館內部也保留了歷史氛圍,深色的木樑、傳統的榻榻米客房,以及從窗邊傳來的潺潺溪水聲。包含著名的洞窟溫泉在內,館內的溫泉皆是引自源頭的活水。從其絕佳的地理位置,能登屋旅館可直接俯瞰沿著銀山川兩岸林立的大正時代木造溫泉旅館。由於其指標性的地位,客房極為搶手,尤其是在冬季雪季期間,能欣賞河景的客房更是供不應求。若想在銀山溫泉只選一間旅館來體驗小鎮的精髓,那麼能登屋旅館無疑是唯一的選擇。
價格區間:中高價位至奢華(每人 ¥40,000–¥70,000)

2. 藤屋
在傳統的能登屋旅館正對面,矗立著其現代風格的對照——藤屋。儘管旅館本身創立於1397年,但在2006年由世界知名建築師隈研吾徹底重新設計。成果是一座既尊重歷史脈絡,又充滿鮮明現代感的醒目建築。其外牆由垂直的竹製百葉窗和精緻的再生玻璃屏風構成,營造出半透明的效果,在夜晚由內而外散發光芒。內部空間則是極簡主義的聖殿,與鄰近旅館華麗的外觀形成強烈對比。藤屋以其五個風格迥異的私人溫泉聞名,每個溫泉都有獨特的設計主題(竹、石、木),可供住客預約,享受不被打擾的泡湯時光。它提供的是另一種奢華——一種融合設計、隱私和靜謐思索的奢華。若您欣賞大膽的建築風格,並尋求一趟以設計為主導的當代旅館體驗,那麼藤屋便是您的首選。
價格區間:奢華(每人 ¥50,000–¥90,000)
3. 銀山莊
雖然大多數遊客都想住在歷史悠久的主街上,但銀山莊提供了一個令人信服的理由,讓您將目光投向山坡上。這家規模較大、更為現代的旅館距離小鎮中心約5分鐘步行路程,坐落於山坡之上,賦予了它一個顯著的優勢:全景視野。其招牌特色是寬敞的露天溫泉(rotenburo),住客可以一邊泡湯,一邊俯瞰整座被煤氣燈點亮、白雪覆蓋的小鎮——這是一幅壯麗的景象,尤其在黃昏時分。客房寬敞舒適,融合了日式與西式元素。雖然它不像能登屋那樣歷史悠久,也不及藤屋那般充滿設計感,但它提供了可靠的舒適度、卓越的設施以及那無可匹敵的景觀。定期的接駁巴士可在幾分鐘內將住客送達主街。對於那些將壯麗景觀和寬敞溫泉設施置於入住歷史老街之上的旅客而言,銀山莊提供了無與倫比的視角。
價格區間:中價位(每人 ¥28,000–¥55,000)
4. 古勢起屋別館
古勢起屋別館的歷史可追溯至1741年,是銀山溫泉最受尊敬的老舖之一。這家旅館提供深刻的傳統與精緻體驗,吸引著那些將道地性與卓越料理放在首位的旅客。雖然其姊妹館——銀山本館古勢起屋也位於主街上,但別館(Bekkan)以其精美的懷石料理而聞名。主廚巧妙地運用山形縣當地的食材,從山菜到頂級和牛,將每道菜都呈現為一件藝術品。旅館氛圍親密,服務更是以體貼入微著稱。客房是經典的榻榻米與日式紙門的簡約風格,而溫泉則為結束一天探索後的您提供一處寧靜的休憩之所。專注於美食的旅人與講究歷史傳統的純粹主義者,應優先考慮古勢起屋別館,享受其卓越的餐飲、深厚的文化遺產與無可挑剔的服務。
價格區間:中高價位至奢華(每人 ¥35,000–¥65,000)
5. 旅館 古山閣
若想在銀山溫泉享受極致私密與奢華的假期,旅館古山閣是首屈一指的選擇。這家精品旅館位於主街上,僅有13間客房,其最大特色是每一間客房都附有私人的露天溫泉浴池(rotenburo)。這是一項罕見的奢華,確保了寧靜且個人化的溫泉體驗,讓您可以在一天中的任何時刻,邊聆聽小鎮與溪流的聲音,邊享受泡湯之樂。客房本身寬敞且佈置優雅,將傳統日式美學與現代舒適感融為一體。在客房內用餐的服務以及個人化的款待,更將住宿體驗提升至新的層次。這種尊榮的專屬感與隱私性價格不菲,且需要提早預訂,尤其是在冬季。若想來一趟奢華、浪漫或值得慶祝的旅行,且客房內附溫泉是必要條件,那麼古山閣是無可匹敵的選擇。
價格區間:奢華至頂級奢華(每人 ¥60,000–¥120,000)
Tip
古山閣僅有13間客房,且全部附設私人溫泉,因此通常需要提前6至12個月預訂,尤其是在12月至3月的冬季旺季。
實用資訊
交通方式:最常見的路線是從東京車站搭乘山形新幹線至大石田車站(約3小時)。再從大石田車站轉乘當地巴士,約40分鐘即可抵達銀山溫泉。
最佳季節:冬季(12月至3月)是旺季,厚厚的積雪創造出標誌性的景觀。然而,小鎮一年四季皆美:夏季鬱鬱蔥蔥,秋季色彩斑斕。
預算:價格因季節和旅館而有很大差異。含晚餐與早餐,每人每晚的費用預計如下:中價位(¥25,000–¥50,000)、奢華(¥50,000–¥100,000)或頂級奢華(¥100,000以上)。
Tip
所有車輛必須停放在距離小鎮中心500公尺的指定停車場。您下榻的旅館會安排接駁車,請務必提前與旅館確認您的抵達時間。
無論您是想在能登屋尋求歷史的沉浸感,還是在藤屋欣賞現代設計,下榻銀山溫泉本身就是一趟深入日本保存完好角落的旅程。沿著銀山川兩岸林立的大正時代木造溫泉旅館在煤氣燈下與皚皚白雪中發光的景象,將成為一生難忘的回憶。這裡不僅是住宿之所,更是一種值得細細品味的體驗。立即探索我們精心挑選的旅館,在這座令人難忘的溫泉小鎮預訂您的道地旅館體驗吧。
準備好預訂了嗎?
從這些精選旅館中預訂
比較三個預訂平台的即時可用性和價格。

Notoya Ryokan
能登屋旅館
Ginzan·$$$

Fujiya Inn
藤屋
Ginzan·$$$
透過預訂連結可能產生佣金,但不會增加您的費用。
