Surrounded by the steaming hot springs of Japan’s Yamagata prefecture, Matsumoto Ryokan offers a luxurious onsen stay at Ginzan.
Literally meaning “hot spring,” onsens are a must-visit for those seeking authentic Japanese experiences. One of the best ways to do this is to book a ryokan stay at Ginzan, a quiet and secluded town known for its natural mineral-rich hot springs and peaceful atmosphere miles away from civilization.
Spacious Traditional Tatami Room
For the equivalent of 100 USD (14,000 JPY), I booked a stay at Matsumoto Ryokan in the heart of Ginzan.
Sharing a room with a friend, our 1-night package included unlimited access to the surrounding hot spring baths, a set dinner course, and a set breakfast course the following morning.
We were also given a rather spacious tatami-matted room with a table, television, refrigerator, and some light snacks and hot tea.
Also included was our own private bathroom with a toilet and shower, though we wound up cleaning ourselves at the onsen showers instead.
You may notice there are no beds in the photo, as that is because the staff pack up the table and roll out the mattresses after dinner, a fairly efficient way of saving room space that’s for sure.
Delicious Set Dinner Course
After a night of onsen bathing and strolling around Ginzan’s magnificent village, we were notified that dinner would be prepared soon.
A staff member entered our room with countless trays, plates, and bowls serving up delicious traditional Japanese foods and delicacies.
You could consider this ryokan dinner set to be the perfect balance of nutrition, comprising some well-rounded proteins such as beef, fish, and tofu, as well as a fair share of pickled vegetables, soups, noodles, and steamed rice.
Breakfast Set Made Fresh!
You can’t ask for a better sleep when you’ve bathed in sulfuric hot springs and eaten a full-course traditional Japanese dinner.
Waking up feeling fresh and rejuvenated, we headed downstairs for the last piece of our accommodation package; the set breakfast course!
Like the dinner course the previous night, we were met with a huge variety of individual dishes comprising proteins such as fish and tofu, vegetables, soups, and rice.
Naturally, it wouldn’t be a complete breakfast without some brekky staples, such as boiled egg, miso soup, and a cup of fresh milk.
After our appetizing breakfast, we had a couple of hours before checkout time and decided to do one last stroll around Ginzan village.
Perfect Location!
In addition to its affordable price and warm accommodation, Matsumoto Ryokan provides an exceptional location.
Perfectly centered at the heart of Ginzan village, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to the bus stop at the village’s entrance and equally as close to the opposite end of the village.
Strolling along Ginzan River, you can easily see the iconic red bridge that rests near the endpoint of the village walk from Matsumoto Ryokan’s ideal position.
Furthermore, you will find plenty of nearby cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops just outside the building.
I can’t say objectively that Matsumoto Ryokan is the best option in the area (since I haven’t tried the other ryokans), but I can say it gave me the perfect experience I was looking for on my trip to Ginzan onsen!
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!