Ginzan Onsen, nestled in a gorge in Obanazawa, Yamagata, is a beautiful hot springs area. Tourists from all over the world come to enjoy the retro atmosphere that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time to old Japan.
However, because of its location with the Tohoku region, getting there often prompts questions like “Can I go by train?” and “How long does it take?”
To answer these questions, we’ll explain how to get to Ginzan Onsen from Tokyo Station, a convenient starting point for your trip, and Sendai Station, the gateway to sightseeing in Tohoku, via bus, train, and taxi.
What kind of place is Ginzan Onsen?
Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku region.
Its wooden ryokan inns were built from the end of the Taisho era (1912-1926) to the beginning of the Showa era (1926-1989), creating a unique beauty that will turn your thoughts to a different era.
The hot spring town has other points of interest besides the hot springs, including restaurants, souvenir shops, and scenic spots, and welcomes international tourists throughout the year.
Where to Stay & What to Do in Ginzan Onsen: Japan’s Fabled Hot Spring Village
How to Get From Tokyo to Ginzan Onsen
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Here’s how to get to Oishida Station, closest to Ginzan Onsen, from Tokyo, Sendai, and Osaka, which are easy starting points for your trip.
From Tokyo, you can get to Oishida Station by train, plane, and highway bus; from Sendai, you can take a train or highway bus; from Osaka, a flight is recommended.
Shinkansen From Tokyo to Ginzan Onsen
・Use the JR Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa” to arrive at JR Oishida Station in about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
・From JR Oishida Station, take the municipal bus to Ginzan Onsen (around 40 minutes; 720 yen)
・Total time: Around 4 hours 10 minutes
Tokyo to Ginzan Onsen by Plane
・It’s about 1 hour from Haneda Airport to Yamagata Airport.
・From Yamagata Airport, there is a direct bus to Ginzan Onsen departing three times a day. The ride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs 1,500 yen for adults (750 yen for children).
・Be sure to check times in advance on the Yamagata Airport website.
・Total time: Around 2 hours 30 minutes
Highway Bus From Tokyo to Ginzan Onsen
・There is no direct bus from Tokyo to Ginzan Onsen.
・From the Yaesu Exit of Tokyo Station, take an express bus to Sendai Station. The trip takes about 5 to 6 hours.
・From Sendai Station, take the Yamako Bus “Limited Express 48 Liner” bound for Shinjo, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
・Get off at Obanazawa Machiaijo and transfer to th…
