Northern Snow《Winter》 { Ginzan - 銀山溫泉} ～～

At the rim of Miyagi prefecture and Yamagata prefecture, sits the beautiful Ginzan Onsen along the Ginzangawa river. Ginzan means the mountain of silver, this place is named after the discovery of silver mine 500 years ago. 

You could smell the onsen upon arrival with a parallel rows of wooden houses. This scenery seems familiar to you? Of course! This is the place where the setting of the animation “Spirited Away” is inspired.

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Get on the previously reserved hotel shuttle bus at 
Ooishida (大石田) station.

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Arrived at Ginzan Onsen after an hour’s ride.

はいからさん通り(Haikarasan-dori)
The tip of Ginzan Onsen Street, with the infamous White Silver Waterfall.

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古勢起屋別館

Kosekiya bekkan

The living room

Western bedroom

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Sunset is the best time for photo-shooting

There are many bridges along the river, almost one for every 2 houses.

Next to the shuttle-bus drop-off station, is a foot bath where the temperature is just right. 

I really love this light right outside the hotel.

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Hotle at night

Back to the waterfall at the end of the street.
Where you see the thick white snow, was the pathway to Ginzan park that is only opened during summer time.

 Whereas the waterfall is strangely lit up in green...

Ginzan Onsen is famous for its river and its bridges, especially night time. It's not difficult to see dozens of cameramen standing-by over the night.

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Walking back  to the main hotel only takes 10mins. It's located further away from the main street, 200m away from the street entrance. The interior design is relatively more westernized with big lobby.

This beautiful snowscape is the reason why you must head back to the main hotel for the hot spring!!

Bought these 2 drinks from the hotel's souvenir shop.
The watermelon cider to the left is awesome, but the pineapple one on the right...
 Hm... Not that appealing.

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It would be a great waste if you leave the town early in the morning!!
As you are going to miss the great sunshine over these gorgeous buildings. The sunshine reaches the town at 9am in winter times.
 

Snow shimmers under sunshine, looks soft and tasty(??!) 

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Suggested Time
It is a must to arrive before sunset and stay around in the morning. It is better to wait until 9am for the sunshine to hit the street.

Transportation

Yamagata station (shinkansen / normal train) > Ooishida(大石田) > retro kankou bus (復古觀光巴士) / hotel shuttle bus (reservation in advance) > final stop at Ginzan Onsen (銀山溫泉)

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