Ginzan Onsen and Obanazawa Stroll Course

Centered on Ginzan Onsen, where gas lamps and wooden inns line the river, this route wanders leisurely through the Obanazawa countryside. You can savor the mood of a hot spring town that changes its face between day and night.

Course Route

10:00 Start in Obanazawa town Begin in central Obanazawa, touching on the local watermelon culture and the flower hat traditions to set the mood for the trip.

11:00 Arrive at Ginzan Onsen Take the bus to Ginzan Onsen. It is about 40 minutes by bus from JR Oishida Station to the hot spring town. Step into a streetscape of wooden Taisho era inns rising along both banks of the river.

11:30 Stroll the hot spring town Cross the bridges over the Ginzan River as you wander past retro inns and cafes. You can also try the local soba dumplings.

13:00 Shirogane Falls and the mine trail Head beyond the townscape to Shirogane Falls and the walking trail that follows the former silver mine, working up a light sweat. The falls can be viewed from Ginzan Shirogane Park.

15:00 Foot baths and day bathing Warm up slowly at a foot bath along the trail or a public bath, and enjoy the gentle heat of the hot spring town. Public bath hours can change, so check the notices on the day.

18:00 Gas lamps at night As dusk falls the gas lamps flicker on and the town takes on a dreamlike glow. Staying overnight to see this scene is recommended.

Highlights

Ginzan Onsen traces its origins to an Edo period silver mine, and its rare rows of multistory wooden inns from the Taisho and early Showa eras are still in use today. The magical view created by the gas lamps at night is its greatest charm.

Access and Tips

It is about forty minutes by bus from JR Oishida Station. Cars are restricted in the town, so exploring on foot from the designated parking is the norm. Staying overnight is ideal to enjoy the night scenery.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: the town itself is compact, so a stroll and a foot bath fill about half a day, and adding Shirogane Falls and the trail makes for a relaxed full day.
• Transport: public access is mainly the bus from Oishida Station, about 40 minutes. Train and bus timings connect only at limited intervals, so checking the schedule in advance is wise.
• Driving note: private cars park at lots such as the Taisho Roman-kan just outside the town, and visitors continue on foot or by bus. The narrow streets in the center restrict cars.
• Budget guide: strolling and foot baths are easy on the wallet, but day bathing, meals, and treats like soba dumplings call for a little extra budget.
• To see the night view: the gas lamps light after sunset, and the dreamlike night scene is a privilege for overnight guests. Day visitors should mind the last bus.
• Winter gear: this is deep snow country, so warm clothing and non slip shoes are essential in winter. Cobblestones and slopes are common, so watch your footing.

A Quick Tip

There are many cobblestones and slopes, so wear comfortable shoes. In winter the snow and gas lamps make a special pair, but be sure to dress warmly and watch your footing.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Taisho Roman-kan car park (base for day trips): About 100 spaces. Free of charge for private cars and motorcycles, and available from 8:30 to 17:30. Visitors are asked to refrain from driving into the hot spring town, so you change here to the paid shuttle bus
• Shuttle bus: 500 yen for unlimited rides for one day. Departures from Taisho Roman-kan run from 9:00 to 17:00 (the last one), and the last departure from Ginzan is at 18:00
• Shirogane-yu (public bathhouse): Reception 9:00-15:00, closed on Wednesdays, 500 yen. Reservations for day-trip bathing are not accepted, and there is no bathing at night
• Visiting the Gin-kodo silver mine tunnel: It can be visited from May to November (closed in winter), with visiting hours from 8:00 to 17:00. Allow about 1 hour for the round trip from the hot spring town
• Footbath: The "Waraashi-yu" footbath in the centre of the hot spring town can be used free of charge
• Times the gas lamps are lit: In a typical year they are lit from around 16:30 in the winter period (November to May) and from around 17:00 in the summer period (May to October)
• Enquiries: 0237-28-3933 (Ginzan Tourist Information Office) / 0237-23-4567 (Obanazawa City Tourism and Products Association, 9:00-17:00, closed on New Year's Day)
• Official information: Obanazawa City Tourism and Products Association official website "Ginzan Onsen tourist information" / Ginzan Onsen official website

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local authority. Hours and fees may change, so please check official information before you set out.