Enjoyable to visit any time of the year, both in winter when a very nostalgic feel prevails there and during warmer months when excellent hiking routes are available in the vicinity, Ginzan Onsen is located in a peaceful and tranquil mountain village of Ginzan with a namesake river cutting through it.
First founded in the 15th century, now Ginzan Onsen comprises three public onsens: Shiroganeyu, Kajikayu, and Omokageyu. Traditional hot-water baths can be visited for a small fee (300-500 yen), while simpler foot baths dotting the town are totally free of charge.
Besides onsens, the area around Ginzan offers great hiking opportunities. There are quite picturesque Shirogane Falls, 22 metre high, as well as several mountain shrines and river teeming with koi fish. The old silver mine which was developed at the same time when the onsen was first founded, can be visited, too.
The distance from Tokyo to Ginzan Onsen is about 440 km. To get there, take a train to Yamagata (two and a half hours) followed by a half an hour bus ride to Ginzan Onsen. It is also possible to fly from Tokyo's Haneda airport to Yamagata airport (one hour) and then hop onto a shuttle bus to Ginzan Onsen (90 minutes).
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Some of the best onsens in Japan are found in Yamagata Prefecture and Ginzan Onsen is arguably the most popular one among them all. The most appealing thing about these hot springs is that they are within an easy reach from Tokyo via a bullet train ride.