The classic snowy scene of heavy snow falling around the red wooden bridge always comes to mind, but as a traveler who doesn't like crowds, I decided to take a side trip to Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata while visiting Sendai in the summer.
The journey itself was a fascinating adventure. First, I had to travel from Yamagata to Oishida Station, then transfer to one of the infrequent buses going up the mountain. This is probably one of the most appealing parts of independent travel. When I finally stepped into this dreamlike mountain town, I instantly fell deeply in love with it.
Ginzan Onsen in summer was free of noise and bustle, with only a few visitors and the soothing sound of the flowing stream. I chose a traditional soba restaurant, quietly admiring the quaint streets outside the window while sampling local food. In the afternoon, I walked farther into town to the waterfall and took in the fresh forest air, then leisurely enjoyed a cup of coffee on the way back. Best of all, I was able to photograph the “Spirited Away red bridge” in front of Notoya with no passersby at all and enjoy the ultimate tranquility.
Although it didn't have the romance of a snow-covered landscape, its quiet beauty, unique to summer, left a deep impression on my heart and became one of my most treasured scenes from the journey.
