Ginzan Onsen: Journey into Spirited Away

Ginzan Onsen: Journey into Spirited Away

Ginzan Onsen is situated in the mountainous region of Yamagata Prefecture. This hot spring village is reminiscent of a fairy tale and it will leave you with one question at the end of your visit: to be spirited away or not to be spirited away? The cobblestone streets, historic Japanese ryokan, and the steam rising from outdoor baths give it a dreamy mystical vibe. Ginzan Onsen is often described as a real life version of the bathhouse from Spirited Away, the animated masterpiece by Miyazaki Hayao. This is a must visit for fans of Studio Ghibli.

Ginzan Onsen is most famous for its beautiful ryokan lining the narrow streets. These have lanterns that light up the streets at night, giving the village a soft, golden hue. Walking down these cobblestone pathways, it’s not that hard to feel like you’ve entered the film Spirited Away. The village and its serenity culminate into a feeling of nostalgia and magic, somewhat similar to Chihiro’s journey through the mystical bathhouse in the movie.

Besides the scenery, Ginzan Onsen has a number of unique experiences to offer. You can stay overnight in a traditional inn called Ryokan where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine and soak in a mineral filled hot spring. Many ryokan offer multi-course meals called kaiseki, that include local specialties such as fresh fish, vegetables, and tofu. Among the foods not to be missed is their specialty of the region called soba, thin buckwheat noodles. Those are one of the staple foods in Japanese cuisine. 

If you are just there for a day trip, you can still enjoy the onsen experience! Ginzan Onsen’s famous public baths are scattered throughout the village, and each of them allows both day trippers and those staying there to soak themselves in these mineral filled therapeutic waters. The public baths have their own beauty, and it is possible to sit in the hot water while taking in the beauty of nature outside. It is truly a rejuvenating experience. 

Getting to Ginzan Onsen is an adventure in itself. This is a village located about an hour from Yamagata Airport if you are coming via plane. There are buses departing for Ginzan Onsen three times a day, so be sure to check the timetable. Perhaps for day trippers, it is easier to take the train from Yamagata station to Oshida station, outside Oshida station, there are buses running straight to Ginzan. The ride on board is scenic through the mountains. Ginzan Onsen is a place you need to experience if you seek an authentic and serene Japanese atmosphere. But to all the Spirited Away fans, this place is like no other, the comparison with the movie cannot go unnoticed. 

Written and Photos Taken by Lucy from Australia