Ginzan Onsen Tourist Information Center — Attraction in Obanazawa

Went to Ginzan Onsen on 22 December 2023.

In short, suggest to take / book a taxi to and from Ginzan Onsen to save time and better experience.

I arrived at Oishida station by shinkansen around 315pm and just grab a taxi outside to go direct to Ginzan Onsen, reach there around 345pm. There are a few taxi waiting nearby the station, should be able to grab one.

Once reach Ginzan Onsen, if the taxi drop you at the bus stop, then you will have to walk down the slope to reach main entrance. 5 to 10 mins depend on weather and walking condition. The road is slippery.

At the main entrance, there will be a tourism information center , it is quite small. At this time, it is better to book a return taxi back to Oishida station with the help of the counter staff. They have English , Chinese , etc languages pamplet to help with communication. Pick a return time , give your name, number of pax and the staff will help you book. The staff will give you a paper with a number written on it , which you will give it to the taxi driver to confirm that you are the one booking the taxi. Payment will be later. Card accepted.

Please pick a better time as the sunset is around 430pm and the weather become very cold and there only a small warm waiting room near the tourist information center. Most places only for Ryokan guest.

The taxi will arrive directly Infront of the tourist center, you do not need to walk up the slope to the bus stop. The taxi usually arrive 5 to 15 mins earlier, hence please be ready.

The return taxi will stop infront of the tourist information center when near your pick up time, the driver will come out and shout your name in Japanese translation (please give an easy to pronounce name, lol), you then pass the number paper to driver to confirm and ride back.

My taxi journey cost 6000 to 7000 yen per trip Oishida-GinzanOnsen 20-30mins. If you take the bus, it will be around 1000 per pax. Hence, car pool also an option, you will find a lot of English, Chinese, Cantonese speaking tourist there and can ask them if they want to car pool. There will be long queue at the bus stop for the last bus and you gotta waiting under the cold. The tourist information center already closed when I went to wait for my taxi around 5pm, hence it is better to book a return taxi when you arrived

I feel that I made a good decision by taking the taxi. You can consider it too.

The 3rd picture is a guide board I took from Oishida station. Not from Ginzan Onsen.

Don't be surprised, it is normal to heard people falling down due to slippery...

We finally visited Ginzan Onsen on December 27, 2023.

Arriving at Oishida Station, we opted for the 9 am initial shuttle bus. Exiting the JR station, turn left to find a small waiting area for Ginzan Onsen-bound guests. A tourist staff member assists in organizing the queue for the shuttle, and the bus fare is 1000 yen in cash.

Regrettably, due to the peak season, we weren't selected among the set passengers for the 48-person shuttle. The staff suggested waiting for the 10:15 bus from Yamagata airport as chance passengers or taking a taxi for 7000 yen to Ginzan Onsen. Alternatively, the next scheduled shuttle is at 12 noon.

It's advisable to check the attached shuttle bus timetable and gather relevant information for a smooth visit to Ginzan Onsen.

While planning to witness the gas light-up, note that the crowded influx of tour groups may lead to disappointment. There is no waiting area, and the walking space is limited.

For a return on the 4:30 pm shuttle from Ginzan Onsen to Oishida Station, join the 3 pm line due to overwhelming passenger numbers. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to avoid congested tourist activity in the limited area. If considering a ryokan stay, booking around May to June, it is a popular thing among locals, is advisable.

Mid January to February would be the best time to visit here if you want to see it on a fully covered snow vibes.

Enjoy your memorable Ginzan...

Ginzan Onsen in early December is like stepping into a winter wonderland straight out of a postcard. The snow-dusted rooftops, warm glow from traditional ryokan windows, and gentle sound of the river running through the village create an atmosphere that is nothing short of magical.

Be prepared for heavy snowfall and occasional strong winds during this time of year. The abundant snow adds to the charm, blanketing the wooden buildings and gas-lit streets, but dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear as it can get slippery. The wind can make it feel extra cold, but once you step into the hot springs, all the winter chill melts away.

The parking area is located outside the village since cars aren’t allowed to enter. The nearby lot is well-organized, and a short shuttle service or a scenic snowy walk will take you to the heart of the town.

Despite the weather, the cozy ryokan, hot springs, and delicious local food, like soba noodles and freshly baked manju, make it all worthwhile. If you’re looking for a magical winter escape, Ginzan Onsen is the...