Yamagata's Ginzan Onsen exudes a Taisho-era romantic atmosphere. Want to witness the most beautiful sunset illuminated by gas lamps, but are you giving up because "there are no accommodations nearby" or "there are no hot spring inns that can comfortably accommodate a large group"? Then we recommend a 2-day, 1-night trip to Miyagi's Onikobe Onsen, about 70 minutes away by car in the evening. At the luxurious private villa "Hotel WAMARE Onikobe," you can enjoy a spacious environment with family and friends! Why not embark on a premium trip that will create lifelong memories?
[Day 1, Afternoon] Get excited by the Taisho Romantic townscape! The charm and highlights of
Ginzan Onsen, a hot spring resort in Yamagata Prefecture that boasts a world-class atmosphere, is captivating with its nostalgic world reminiscent of the Taisho era. We'll introduce you to everything you need to enjoy, from the must-see wooden architecture and streetscapes to the most spectacular viewpoints at the far end of the resort, so you can fully experience it even on a day trip.
It's like stepping back in time! A retro world with rows of wooden balcony buildings.
Ginzan Onsen, which originated at the Nobesawa Silver Mine in the Edo period, was rebuilt into a multi-story wooden building in the early Showa period when the hot spring source was discovered. Even today, retro inns from that era line both banks of the Ginzan River, and as dusk falls, gas lamps light up, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Taisho Romantic era. Surrounded by the rich nature of Yamagata Prefecture, the area is dotted with vibrant seasonal scenery and sparkling white waterfalls, offering a nostalgic and natural healing experience to those who stroll around. In the Ginzan Onsen town, you'll find souvenir shops selling local specialties, as well as cafes serving Ginzan Onsen's famous "fried eggplant and grated radish soba," and other charming establishments. Enjoy strolling around, shopping, and immersing yourself in a simple yet rich world of nostalgia.
Make your stroll even more enjoyable! Classic street food
For a food tour of Ginzan Onsen, you can't miss the famous "Haikara-san's Curry Bread," a crispy bun filled with spicy curry; "Tachigui Tofu (Nogawa Tofu)," a tofu shop where you can enjoy tofu on the go; and "Irodori Kushi," where you can enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets, desserts, and fruits. Strolling through the charming Taisho-era romantic streets while enjoying retro gourmet food is a classic day trip activity.
The magnificent
At the entrance to Shirogane Park, located at the very back of the Ginzan Onsen hot spring resort area, you'll be greeted by the magnificent Shirogane Waterfall, with its impressive 22-meter drop. From the observation deck on the opposite bank, you can admire the powerful spray of water up close and feel the refreshing negative ions on your skin. The walking route that leads to the nearby Senshinkyo Gorge is also a great spot for enjoying the fresh greenery of early summer and the autumn foliage.
[Day 1 Evening] Witness the highlight! From sightseeing around the gas lamps at sunset to the return trip to the accommodation.
Ginzan Onsen shines brightest at the romantic moment when the gas lamps all light up at dusk. After witnessing the illuminations, we'll guide you on a comfortable driving route that allows you to easily travel by car to a superb private inn in Onikobe Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture.
As the gas lamps are lit all at once around sunset, Ginzan Onsen is enveloped in a nostalgic golden light. The greatest luxury of this trip is deliberately delaying your travels and staying in the hot spring town to witness this moment, when the contrast between the wooden buildings reflected on the river surface and the soft light is at its most beautiful. Your heart will be soothed by the magnificent scenery of Taisho-era romance that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Access and travel time from Ginzan Onsen to Hotel WAMARE Onikobe
The drive from Ginzan Onsen to Hotel WAMARE Onikobe in Onikobe Onsen, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is approximately 50km, mainly via National Routes 47 and 108 through the mountains. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car, so you can enjoy the beautiful twilight scenery illuminated by gas lamps before you depart and still have plenty of time for your evening get-together. As the road is winding through the mountains, be sure to turn on your headlights early and drive safely.
[Day 1 Evening] A special evening spent in the private space of
Adding a special touch to your trip is a private rental accommodation that opened in 2025. Surrounded by traditional crafts such as Naruko kokeshi dolls and Sendai chests of drawers, this high-quality Japanese modern space offers a special night where you can spend time with friends and family without any worries.
Accommodates up to 14 people! A luxurious private villa where traditional craftsmanship thrives.
Relax in a cypress wood bath! Choose from two types of baths to suit your mood.
The inn features two types of baths: a functional and highly convenient unit bathroom, and a luxurious cypress wood bath where the elegant scent of wood gently fills the air. Because it's a private rental, you can enjoy a bath in your own space without worrying about other people's eyes, tailored to your mood. You can enjoy a special, relaxing time that will soothe your travel fatigue while feeling the rich nature of Onikobe.
Enjoy BBQ and local flavors in a kitchen surrounded by nature and on a balcony with a spectacular view.
The hotel features a fully equipped kitchen with a large refrigerator and dishwasher, tables and cupboards made from locally sourced Kurikoma cedar, and a balcony on the second floor with BBQ facilities offering stunning views. Enjoying your favorite local ingredients and other foods while overlooking the rich natural beauty of Onikobe, part of Kurikoma Quasi-National Park, with friends is a truly special experience. The spacious setting allows you to enjoy a free and special dinner time to your heart's content without worrying about disturbing others.
[Day 2] Recommended sightseeing spots near Naruko Onsen to visit after leaving your accommodation!
After refreshing yourself in a comfortable private villa, the next day you can take a drive to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Naruko area. We'll introduce you to some classic spots that will make your second day memorable, such as a grand canyon with stunning scenery and a mystical lake that shines with emerald green light.
Naruko Gorge boasts an overwhelming scale and breathtaking scenery.
Naruko Gorge, just a short drive from Hotel WAMARE Onikobe, is a magnificent canyon stretching approximately 100 meters deep. During the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, the breathtaking scenery of the Ohfukazawa Bridge and the vibrant natural landscape can be enjoyed from the observation deck. It's a popular spot where you can take a leisurely stroll amidst the stunning scenery while admiring the beautiful canyon.
The mysterious caldera lake
Lake Katanuma, whose surface color changes beautifully depending on the weather and time of day, is a mystical hot spring lake boasting one of the world's highest acidity levels. Its unique emerald green scenery is stunning, creating a magnificent contrast with the rich surrounding nature. Boating on the lake is also a popular activity, making it a recommended spot to fully experience this extraordinary scenery.
Experience painting traditional Naruko kokeshi dolls.
At Sakurai Kokeshi, a kokeshi doll maker in Naruko that has been preserving tradition since the late Edo period, you can enjoy an authentic painting experience using the same tools as the craftsmen. The appeal lies in being able to freely paint expressions onto the unpainted wood with your own hands while experiencing the precious process of drawing the traditional "lathe lines." You can create a one-of-a-kind original Naruko kokeshi doll as a souvenir.
After enjoying the spectacular views of Ginzan Onsen, relax at
After enjoying the stunning scenery and delicious food of Ginzan Onsen, a 1-night, 2-day trip to Hotel WAMARE Onikobe, where you can relax in a luxurious cypress bath and enjoy a peaceful time in the living room, is the perfect itinerary. A special time awaits you, with the traditional beauty of the entire building and the opportunity to enjoy a BBQ on the balcony with its spectacular views. Because it's a private rental and the number of rooms is limited, it's first-come, first-served during weekends and peak seasons. Check availability now and book a special trip to create lifelong memories with your loved ones!
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