By Alex
Nestled in the town of Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Ginzan Onsen exudes a strong traditional Japanese charm. About 400 years ago, it was discovered as a silver mining site, which led to the area being named Ginzan (Silver Mountain). Later, it gained widespread fame through the TV drama "Oshin" and the animated film "Spirited Away." Though not the most easily accessible destination, it continues to attract both domestic and international visitors eager to experience its Taisho-era romance.
▲ The bathhouses on Ginzan Onsen Street generally date back around 100 years and are said to have inspired parts of the animated film "Spirited Away." (Photo by ikarh02 @twitter)
Ginzan Onsen Street is actually quite short, with the Ginzan River flowing through its center. Along the riverbanks are three- and four-story wooden hot spring inns, most built during the Taisho period (1912–1926) and a few from the early Showa period (1926–1989), totaling 12 establishments. The street still features gas lamps that emit a warm, yellow glow at night, and when paired with the thick snow on the rooftops in winter, it creates a truly fairytale-like scene.
▲ A thick blanket of snow makes the hot spring street feel even more like a world from a fairy tale. (Photo by kotankotankotan182 @IG)
▲ (Photo by kotankotankotan182 @IG)
In the movie "Spirited Away," the bathhouse where Chihiro works, known as the Aburaya, is said to have drawn inspiration from one of the establishments on the street—Noboribasu. This four-story hot spring inn, which opened in 1912, has a striking presence. Most notably, its front is graced by a small river (the Ginzan River) and a red bridge, mirroring the iconic look of the Aburaya in the animation. However, if you wish to stay here for a night to enjoy the hot springs and take in the snowy scenery, be sure to book well in advance. The area is extremely popular from December to March, the snowy season, and rooms often sell out quickly.
▲ Noboribasu is considered one of the prototypes for the bathhouse where Chihiro worked in the film. (Photo by kotankotankotan182 @IG)
▲ (Photo by kotankotankotan182 @IG)
▲ (Photo by kotankotankotan182 @IG)
▲ (Photo by kotankotankotan182 @IG)
▲ (Photo by nao_ya @IG)
▲ (Photo by takeshimitamura@twitter)
▲ The red bridge and small river in front of Noboribasu closely resemble the setting of the bathhouse in the animation. (Photo by ak._.s2 @IG)
▲ (Photo by moonlightice @IG)
Source: LetsGoJp