Rating: 4.3/5

Ginzan-So

  • Breakfast & dinner
  • Forest views
  • Japanese garden views
  • Mountain views
  • Onsen
  • Onsen for couples
  • Onsen for families
  • Open-air bath
  • Private onsen
  • Private onsen in the room
  • River views
  • Tattoos allowed

Overview

Ginzanso sits beside the gently flowing Ginzan River, surrounded by the lush mountains of Yamagata. This traditional ryokan blends nostalgic architecture with seasonal beauty, giving you a chance to slow down and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re soaking in the warm baths or gazing at the snow-covered landscape, every moment at Ginzanso invites deep relaxation.

You’ll experience the charm of all four seasons—from spring greenery to vibrant autumn leaves and soft winter snow. The quiet hum of the river and the rustle of leaves create a peaceful soundtrack as you unwind in the warm waters of this historic hot spring town.

Accommodation

Ginzanso offers a range of rooms, each with its own character and comfort. Whether you prefer Japanese-style interiors or modern touches, you’ll find the right space for your stay.

Newly Opened Suite with Ceramic Bath: This large room features two queen-size bedrooms, a living area with flooring and tatami, and a semi-outdoor ceramic bath overlooking the scenery. The glass-enclosed balcony lets you soak while enjoying the view, even in winter snow.

Semi-Open-Air Ceramic Bath Room: This Japanese-Western style room has a relaxing open-air ceramic bath designed with snowflake tiles and views of the surrounding mountains. The interior incorporates local ceramics and culture, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.

Semi-Open-Air Lying Bath Room: Perfect for two, this unique room includes a lying bath made from Aomori cypress. From the comfort of the water, you can gaze up at the changing sky and the seasonal colors of Ginzan’s natural landscape.

Standard Japanese Room: These traditional rooms feature tatami mats and overlook the Ginzan River. At night, soft lighting illuminates the riverbank, and the peaceful sound of flowing water enhances your stay.

All rooms include modern toilets, baths, humidifiers, and stylish interiors that bring together the warmth of wood and the calm of the mountains.

Dining

Dinner at Ginzanso showcases the rich flavors of Yamagata. Enjoy seasonal dishes made from local ingredients, such as melt-in-your-mouth roasted black Wagyu beef and fresh mountain vegetables. Staff serves each course one at a time, so you can enjoy the pace and presentation of each dish.

Meals are served either in a large tatami dining hall with table seating or in a more traditional style with floor cushions. Let the staff know your preference. Add a glass of Yamagata sake and share stories over a thoughtfully prepared meal.

Additional Dishes

You can pre-order additional dishes when you book your stay:

  • Extra portions of Yamagata black Wagyu roast beef
  • Wagyu shabu-shabu, a popular choice for its tender, rich flavor
  • Fresh fruit platters, perfect for children or group meals

Onsen and Wellness

Ginzanso features both indoor and outdoor baths, letting you relax while surrounded by nature. The open-air bath brings in seasonal views—green hills in spring, red leaves in autumn, and snowfall in winter. You can hear birdsong and the flowing river as you soak.

Indoor Bath – Housen-no-Yu: This warm and spacious bath connects directly to the outdoor area. The water gently warms you to the core, providing a unique kind of healing only found in hot springs.

Open-Air Sleeping Bath: Tucked slightly below the main bath, this area uses natural wood and offers a deeply calming experience. Recline under the stars and let the warm water ease you into total relaxation.

Spring Quality

Type: Sulfur, sodium, chloride, and sulfate hot spring

Benefits: Believed to help with digestion, neuralgia, skin issues, gynecological conditions, and rheumatism

Source Temperature: 60°C

Water temperature is adjusted only when necessary.

Ganban’yoku (Stone Spa)

Try the ryokan’s dry-style stone spa, “Tarschanal.” With three types of natural stones—jade, bakuhanseki, and tourmaline—you can warm up gently. Unlike a sauna, the stone beds release soft heat to relax your body without overwhelming humidity. This facility is open to overnight guests and, under normal conditions, to day visitors as well.

Guests with Tattoos: Currently, day-use services are paused. When available, please inquire about tattoo policy and possible covering options.

Facilities

Dining Halls: The main banquet hall, Futen, can host up to 160 people. Private dining rooms in the “Hourai” area offer a more intimate experience for groups of 4 to 12.

Restaurant “Utsurii”: Facing the river, this dining spot is open for lunch and offers local soba, udon, and light meals. (Currently closed for the time being.)

Shop “Kurumi”: Stop by for local treats, crafts, and souvenirs. You’ll find items like “Ichiryu no Omoi” grape sweets and the healthy, rice-based “Oshin Meshi” for easy gifting.

Lobby Lounge: Relax in front of wide windows overlooking the river and nearby mountains. Complimentary coffee is available from morning to evening.

Activities

Explore the local area and enjoy seasonal events like cherry blossom viewing, summer parfaits, or autumn leaf festivals. Nearby, you can try crafts, sample local sweets, or join a cherry-picking tour. Ginzan Onsen also hosts cultural festivals and traditional light displays throughout the year.

Additional Features

  • All rooms are non-smoking
  • Free coffee service in the lounge
  • Seasonal gift shop and local goods available
  • Custom celebration plans, such as cakes and decorations, available with advance notice

Ginzan-So – Address

📍 85 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata, Japan, 999-4333

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