What this area is like
Wooden inns from the Taisho era face each other across a narrow river. The street is especially atmospheric after dark and in snow.
Plan your visit
Day visits are busy and access by car is restricted at times; staying overnight is the calmer option. Buses run from Oishida Station.
Choose your next step
Places to see in this area
Ginzan Onsen
A narrow river lined with three- and four-storey wooden inns from the Taisho era, magical under gas lamps and snow.
- Access
- From JR Oishida Station (Yamagata Shinkansen), bus to Ginzan Onsen, then about 5 minutes on foot.
- Hours
- Open at all times.
- Fee
- Free to walk.
- Address
- Ginzan Shinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata
Buses run only about five times a day, and day visitors face traffic controls in winter evenings. Staying the night is far better.
How to plan your time here
- Book inns months ahead for winter. Many offer pick-up from Oishida Station.
- Combine with Yamadera or Zao for a two-night Yamagata trip.
Information checked 26 October 2026. Plans are JapaLens editorial suggestions, not on-site reviews. Hours and fees can change; check the official page before you go.