Notoya Ryokan | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

Walking through Ginzan Onsen on a summer afternoon, the rustic wooden buildings and colorful flowers decorating the bridges created a charming scene. I was wondering why there was a steaming pool beside the bridge, and when I got closer, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was the free Warashi-yu Foot Bath.

Sitting on a wooden seat by the bridge, soaking my feet in the warm hot spring water, looking up at the entire streetscape filled with Taisho Romantic charm, and listening to the gentle sound of the flowing stream was such a dreamy and captivating experience that completely relaxed both body and mind. It was the most heartwarming unexpected discovery of my summer trip to Yamagata. Travelers who come here definitely shouldn’t miss this ultimate pleasure.

The summer weather at Ginzan Onsen is cool and pleasant. From the end of the hot spring town, it takes about ten minutes along a gentle walking trail to reach the secluded Shirogane-no-taki Waterfall.

Not only can you admire the magnificent sight of the rushing waterfall up close, but you can also feel the cool mist while surrounded by nature. Most interestingly, there are many small stone piles carefully arranged by travelers as prayers around the waterfall, adding a cute and heartwarming touch to the majestic mountain forest. Listening to the gentle sound of the waterfall in the summer afternoon breeze and quietly taking in the purity and beauty of nature makes for a very soothing and relaxing afternoon. Like me, you can find a large rock and quietly enjoy this extraordinary view.

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.