Ginzan Onsen

Overview

Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring area in Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture; its name means "silver mine hot spring." It is known for its townscape of hot spring inns lined along the central river, and it became known nationwide as one of the settings of the NHK morning drama Oshin.

Highlights

• ●A townscape of inns lined along the central river
• ●A hot spring area whose name derives from a silver mine
• ●A townscape retaining wooden buildings from the Taishō era (1912–1926)
• ●One of the settings of the NHK morning drama Oshin

History

The area grew through the mining and production of silver and eventually shifted toward tourism as hot spring inns opened along the river. The townscape retains wooden buildings constructed during the Taishō era (1912–1926). It came into the spotlight and became known throughout Japan after serving as one of the settings of the NHK morning drama Oshin.

Map

38.5697, 140.5311 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Walk through the hot spring town along the central river
2. 2Take in the townscape lined with wooden Taishō-era buildings
3. 3Learn about the history of the hot spring area named after a silver mine
4. 4Stroll while enjoying the riverside scenery

Did you know?

💡 The name Ginzan Onsen derives from a silver mine.

Nearby spots