The best destinations are never easy to get to, and the magical onsens of Ginzan are a living example of that!
Located around the mountainous hot springs of Fukushima prefecture, Ginzan is a small village town known for its relaxing onsen baths and natural beauty. With no nearby train station, you will need to drive a car or catch a bus to reach this picturesque location.
The Ginzan River
Upon arrival at the Ginzan hot springs, you’ll be met with the classic black and white buildings that run across the Ginzan River. A series of bridges connect the two sides of the town, making for a great photo spot!
In addition to the various ryokans and holiday inns, there are a few restaurants and cafes to indulge in at Ginzan onsens. The most iconic food outlet is the famous Izu no Hana restaurant which offers delicious eggplant soba noodle soup!
Public foot baths
The awesome thing about Ginzan is their wide availability of foot baths that are free to use for the public. This allows you to enjoy the warmth of the hot springs while soaking in the outdoor beauty of the town.
While you will have to deal with the smell of sulfur which can resemble that of “rotten eggs,” you will eventually get used to it. You will also be pleased to know that this chemical is great for the body and provides health benefits such as oxygen flow and blood circulation.
Natural beauty
I’ve always been a man who appreciates the simple things in life such as natural beauty and fresh air. One of the best parts of my trip to Ginzan onsen was breathing in the crisp morning air and taking a pleasant stroll in my comfortable yukata robes.
Once the body has been relaxed and detoxed from the hot springs, a casual stroll around town hits different. I was fortunate to visit during the autumn season when the trees glowed bright yellow and red and the outdoor temperature was just right!
The night lights
While I am a huge advocate for the fresh morning vibe, even I cannot deny how utterly stunning the Ginzan nightlife was. Everything lights up from the buildings to the lamp posts and even the Ginzan River!
An abundance of bright lights and color transitions turns the town into a dreamland of pure beauty and awe. The town folks emerge from their ryokans dressed up in yukatas to wander the area and take memorable photos with brilliant backdrops!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!