The Model for Spirited Away? Ginzan Onsen Video Introduction This video, titled "Ginzan Onsen at Night｜Ginzan Onsen｜Japan 4K Spirited Away Anime Hot Spring Town｜Nostalgic Hot Spring Town｜Taisho Roman｜Yamagata Sightseeing" (銀山温泉 夜景 Ginzan Onsen | Japan 4K Spirited Away Anime Hot Spring Town | ノスタルジックな温泉街 大正浪漫 山形観光), was uploaded by "Japan Videography." The video introduces Ginzan Onsen at night, a fantastic place lit up by beautiful streetlights. Ginzan Onsen, located in Hanazawa, Yamagata, in Japan's Tohoku region, is known as a popular hot spring resort in Japan. On both sides of the Ginzan River, there are rows of unique, three- to four-story tall, wooden, Western-style inns built from Japan's Taisho Period (1912-1926 AD) to the Showa Period, creating a nostalgic landscape. Although there is no actual specific model, Ginzan Onsen has a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the setting of the Ghibli movie Spirited Away. This article will introduce tourist information and information about ryokan at Ginzan Onsen. Be sure to check out the video and enjoy the Taisho-roman atmosphere of the hot spring resort at night. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter... The 4 Seasons at Ginzan Onsen Photo：Ginzan Onsen in Summer Despite being easily accessible, Ginzan Onsen is considered a bit of a hidden gem in Yamagata Prefecture. It's easily reached by the Yamagata Shinkansen bullet train, as well as by air from Haneda, Itami, or Nagoya to Yamagata Airport. If visiting by car, you can park at the parking lot in front of Ginzan Onsen and take a bus to the hot spring resort. Ginzan Onsen is full of charm throughout Japan's four seasons. In the spring, guests can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms and delicious vegetables grown in the mountains. In the summer, the weather is pleasant, and we recommend walking along the walking course to Shirogane Falls while enjoying the chirping of birds and the sound of water from the mountain stream. In autumn, you visitors can enjoy beautiful autumn leaves, as well as dishes using mushrooms and other autumn delicacies. The most popular time to visit Ginzan Onsen is during winter. The deep snow and the warm glow of the street lights create a fantastic atmosphere. The hot springs feel especially inviting amidst the cold weather. The Shirogane-yu public bathhouse and the Warashi-yu footbath make Ginzan Onsen a casual place to enjoy Japan's hot spring culture. Getting a Reservation at Ginzan Onsen + An Introduction to Popular Ryokan Photo：A popular ryokan at Ginzan Onsen There are 13 ryokan in Ginzan Onsen. The most popular season to visit is winter, especially on weekends, so we recommend making reservations as early as possible. Most ryokan support online reservations, and reservations can be made 3 to 7 months in advance. If there's a ryokan you are interested in, be sure to check its official website as soon as possible. Here are some popular ryokan in Ginzan Onsen, including the ryokan featured in the video. [Notoya Ryokan] Built in 1921, this unique three-story building with a lounge on the fourth floor is designated as a Cultural Property of Japan. In addition to a large public bath, there is also an open-air bath and a cave bath, and guests can spend a relaxing time in the tranquil rooms. The Exterior of Notoya Ryokan, With Its Taisho-Roman Atmosphere [Video] 1:41 - Notoya Ryokan [Fujiya Inn] This modern three-story wooden ryokan was designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates. The rooms and baths are designed with an abundance of wood to create a relaxing atmosphere. The Modern Exterior of Fujiya Inn [Video] 2:23 - Fujiya [Kosekiya] This ryokan also features a Taisho-roman atmosphere. It has two indoor baths, and the baths of its sister inn, Ginzanso, are also available for use. The website also has a live camera of Ginzan Onsen. [Ginzanso] Ginzanso, a relatively new building, has a clean outdoor and indoor bath, as well as a bedrock bath facility, where you can slowly warm your body. [Kozankaku] With its hot spring baths, and cuisine that makes the most of seasonal ingredients, this wooden ryokan welcomes guests with two indoor baths as well as private open-air baths. Sightseeing and Food Tourism Around Ginzan Onsen Photo：Shirogane Falls, Shirogane Park, Yamagata Prefecture Inside Shirogane Park, just behind Ginzan Onsen, there is a walking as well. Visitors can stroll along the different paths, choosing the one that best suits their stamina and time, to see magnificent waterfalls such as Shirogane Falls, and tourist attractions such as Senshin Gorge and Nobesawa Ginzan (Nobesawa Silver Mine) Ruins. The hot spring resort area is also lined places offering delicious food, as well as souvenir shops. At the long-established Nogawa Tofu (野川とうふや), visitors can enjoy standing tofu. In addition, there are soba noodle shops where you can enjoy freshly made soba noodles, and curry bread is also a popular food in Ginzan Onsen. Lake Tokura, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and other seasonal views, is recommended for sightseeing in the surrounding area. If you go a bit further, you can visit the Yamagata Museum of Art, Yamagata Prefectural Museum, Bunshokan, and other tourist attractions. Summary of Ginzan Onsen Ginzan Onsen is a fantastic place with scenery that will leave you speechless. The retro scenery is great for taking photos and posting on Instagram as well! Travel agencies offer tours for Ginzan Onsen that can be taken from Tokyo or Osaka, so consider booking a stay at a ryokan of your choice to enjoy the hot springs and delicious cuisine. Enjoy a relaxing time in a nostalgic hot spring resort town and experience Japan the way it was meant to be enjoyed! 【TripAdvisor】Ginzan Onsen https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023680-d13226348-Reviews-Ginzan_Onsen-Obanazawa_Yamagata_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is always holding photo contests. This time, we have selected photos that convey the beauty of Japan's Tohoku region from among those submitted to our past photo contests. From popular tourist attractions to picturesque shots of natural phenomena, we've got an amazing list of photos lined up for you to enjoy! COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a social, video curation site that introduces the charms of Japan to people around the world who are interested in Japan. Our photo contests allow you to participate and even win with photos taken via your smartphone! Stick around to learn more! ■Table of Contents - Tohoku in Past Photo Contests  Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)  Risshakuji Temple (Yamagata Prefecture)  Fudosawa Bridge (Fukushima Prefecture)  Goshikinuma Ponds (Fukushima Prefecture)  Zao Fox Village (Miyagi Prefecture)  Okama Crater (Miyagi Prefecture)  An igloo (Yokote, Akita Prefecture)  Ashino Park (Goshogawara, Aomori Prefecture)  Tsutanuma Pond (Towada, Aomori Prefecture)  A white rainbow at Hachimantai (Hachimantai, Iwate Prefecture) - Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests - Current Photo Contest - Summary of Tohoku in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests Tohoku in Past Photo Contests We have picked out some amazing photos of Japan's Tohoku region from among the many wonderful entries that convey the charms of Japan. We'll also introduce some popular photo spots as well! Enjoy! COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: もつ Location: Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture) Highlights of Ginzan Onsen, a Popular Tourist Attraction Lined with wooden, multi-story Western-style inns, Ginzan Onsen has a retro-modern townscape reminiscent of Japan's Taisho period (1912-1926). The best time to visit Ginzan Onsen, which attracts photographers from all over the world, is during the snowy winter season (January to February). The landscape illuminated by the orange glow of gas lamps, essential for a nostalgic atmosphere, makes for a tasteful and chic photo. Onsen ryokan (hot spring inns) with open-air baths where visitors can bathe while viewing the snowy scenery are very popular. Enjoy the fantastic Ginzan Onsen covered with snow. A Video Article About Snowscapes in Japan Video article 7:26 Japan's Most Beautiful Snow-Covered Scenery and Popular Tourist Spots That'll Look Great on Your Instagram! The Country, Dyed in a Beautiful White, Shows a Different Face Than Most Are Used To YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Yuta Aihara Location: Risshakuji Temple (Yamagata Prefecture) Highlights of Risshakuji Temple, a Popular Tourist Attraction Hoshuzan Risshakuji Temple is the setting for the famous haiku poem Such stillness Sinking into the rocks The shrill of the cicadas by the master haiku poet Matsuo Basho in his travelogue The Narrow Road to the Deep North. The temple is also known as a 'yamadera' (mountain temple) and belongs to the Tendai Sect of Buddhism in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture. Climb the narrow stairs to reach the top of the temple. The platform, which juts out from the cliff, offers a breathtakingly beautiful view and is a popular photo spot for visitors. A Video Article About Risshakuji Temple in Yamagata Prefecture Video article 3:32 1,015 Steps to the Top of Risshaku-ji Temple in Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture. A National Site of Scenic Beauty, With a View That Moved Even the Famous Poet Matsuo Basho! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 山川 さおり Location: Fudosawa Bridge (Fukushima Prefecture) Highlights of Tsubakuro Valley, a Popular Tourist Attraction Fudosawa Bridge spans the scenic Tsubakuro Valley along the Bandai-Azuma Skyline. In autumn, it's a spectacular spot to photograph the autumn leaves, and if the sky over Fukushima City is overcast, there is a good chance to see a sea of clouds. If the live camera on Route 115 shows clear views of Fudosawa and Jododaira, consider driving to the top of the clouds. We guarantee you'll take photos that will make you think you're in heaven. A Video Article About the Aizu-Tadami Koyo-go Steam Locomotive Video article 2:06 Aizu-Tadami Koyo-go - A Steam Locomotive Running Through Beautiful Autumn Foliage! Selected As One of the "Top Ten Railway Lines With Beautiful Autumn Foliage," This Train Still Runs As a Classic Steam Locomotive! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: めんま Location: Goshikinuma Ponds (Fukushima Prefecture) Highlights of Goshikinuma Pond, a Popular Tourist Attraction Goshikinuma is a group of lakes and swamps created by the eruption of Mount Bandai in Aizu. The water of the lakes come in a variety of colors, such as emerald green and cobalt blue, fascinating visitors and leading to the nickname the 'Lakes of Mystery." From mid-October to early November, the best season for viewing the autumn foliage, visitors are mesmerized by the colorful autumn leaves and the beautiful ponds. Aonuma, which has a more mysterious atmosphere than the other lakes, is especially recommended. The contrast with the autumn leaves is exceptional. A Video Article About Goshikinuma Video article 4:05 This Place Screams Instagram! The Cobalt Blue Waters of Fukushima's "Goshikinuma" Are Out of This World! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: だいだい@名前のつかない写真展 Location: Zao Fox Village (Miyagi Prefecture) Highlights of Zao Fox Village, a Popular Tourist Attraction Located in Shiroishi, Miyagi, Zao Fox Village is Japan's only zoo for foxes. The zoo has more than 100 foxes of various species that are raised free range, and visitors can see them from up close. The best time to visit is from spring to early summer, as holding a newborn fox cub is a popular activity. Visitors can capture the cute foxes in their natural habitat during a 2-3 hour stay. A Video Article About Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture Video article 4:58 Play With Adorable Foxes at Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture. This Facility, Where Approximately 100 Foxes Run Free, Is Sure to Make for a Memorable Experience! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Syohei photography Location: Okama Crater (Miyagi Prefecture) Highlights of Zao's Okama Crater, a Popular Tourist Attraction One of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains in Japan, Mt. Zao is located on the border between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures. Okama Crater, a popular tourist attraction there, is a crater lake surrounded by three mountains and is a symbol of Zao, along with the famous ice monsters (ice-covered trees). Visitors can enjoy Okama Crater from late April to early November. Be sure to bring a jacket, as temperatures are low even during the summer months. According to locals, the recommended time to visit is in the morning, even on clear days. You may be able to see the stunning emerald green surface of the water. Please note that the dedicated road to the crater is closed during the winter. A Video Article About Zao in Yamagata Prefecture Video article 2:13 Zao - Where Fantastic Ice Trees Stretch as Far as the Eye Can See. Referred to as "Ice Monsters" This Destination in Yamagata Prefecture Is Very Popular Among Foreign Tourists YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 小西直昭 Location: An igloo (Yokote, Akita Prefecture) Highlights of the Yokote Snow Festival, a Popular Tourist Attraction The Yokote Snow Festival is said to have a history of approximately 450 years as a festival where people can enjoy igloos at a small New Year's event, and the Brahma dedicated to Asahi Okayama Shrine. Held annually on February 15 and 16, children serve amazake (sweet sake) and mochi (rice cakes) inside the approximately 80 igloos built in the city, while welcoming guests into the igloos. The candles lit in the igloos create a spectacular atmosphere. A Video Article About the Yokote Snow Festival of Akita Prefecture Video article 5:52 Enjoy the Pure White Snowy Landscape at the Traditional "Yokote Snow Festival" in Yokote, Akita Prefecture! Experience Warm Rice Cakes in a Giant Igloo and a Fantastical Silver World! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Lily0321 Location: Ashino Park (Goshogawara, Aomori Prefecture) Highlights of Ashino Park, a Popular Tourist Attraction in Aomori Prefecture Ashino Park is said to be one of the best places on the Tsugaru Peninsula to enjoy the cherry blossoms. The best time to view the cherry blossoms is usually from late April to early May, when more than 1,500 cherry trees of all sorts of varieties can be seen in full bloom. The cherry blossoms blooming along the lakeside are so beautiful that they overwhelm onlookers. The scenery of Tsugaru Railway's an old-fashioned train 'Run Melos-go, named after a popular children's story, passing through the tunnel of cherry blossoms in full bloom creates a popular photo spot for those looking take pictures of the cherry blossoms. A Video Article About Popular Tourist Attractions in Aomori Prefecture Video article 2:59 After a Harsh Winter, the Beauty of Aomori's Spring, From the Mountains All the Way to the Sea, Shows Its Colors! Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms and Fresh Greenery of Aomori's Popular Sightseeing Destinations! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: こーさ | Kousa Kobayashi Location: Tsutanuma Pond (Towada, Aomori Prefecture) Highlights of Tsutanuma, a Popular Tourist Attraction Tsutanuma is a popular tourist attraction in Towada, Aomori, with its fiery red autumn leaves. On a day when the wind is calm, the reflection of the trees on the surface of the lake is truly breathtaking. To reduce traffic and protect the environment, advance reservations and a "cooperation fee" of 4,000 yen per car (including one driver) plus 2,000 yen per passenger are required to visit Tsutanuma when the autumn leaves are in season (October 20 - October 31, 2022, from 5 AM to 7:30 AM). A Video Article About Autumn Leaves at Tsutanuma in Hakkoda, Aomori Video article 3:13 Autumn Leaves in Hakkoda, Aomori - The Reflection of This Beautiful Red Foliage Is Poetic YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 山川 さおり Location: A white rainbow at Hachimantai (Hachimantai, Iwate Prefecture)） A White Rainbow A rainbow is a phenomenon that appears when sunlight is reflected and refracted by moisture in the air. The conditions for the appearance of a white rainbow are clear skies and fog, but they are rarely caught on camera. If you come across one of these rare white rainbows, be sure to take a photo. A Video Article About Towada Hachimantai National Park in Japan's Tohoku Region Video article 2:46 Superb Seasonal Views and Hot Springs! With Red Autumn Leaves in the Fall and Pure White Snow in the Winter, the Many Different Faces of Akita Prefecture's Towada Hachimantai National Park Make It One of Japan's Most Scenic Places to Visit! YouTube Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a social, video curation site that shares the charms of Japan with people all over the world who are interested in Japan. Click here for more information about COOLJAPANVIDEOS 「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS photo contests are open to everyone! Even a photo taken by chance with your smartphone could win a prize! Here are some of the features of our contests. ・Photos taken not only with SLR cameras and digital cameras, but also with smartphones and other devices can be submitted. ・You can submit as many photos as you like during the contest period. ・Image editing, such as cropping and color changes, is also allowed! Here you can find all of the past photo contest winners in one place. You can also see the prizes for each contest, as well as the locations where the photos were taken and the judges' critiques. Click here to see past photo contest winners Text only Photo Contest Results - COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Winning Photos - Discover the Charms of Japan! Current Photo Contest The following is information about the current photo contest. [Ongoing From March 2023] The 16th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest Theme: Tourist Attractions in Japan to Visit in Spring Submission period: March. 1, 2023 0:00 AM – April. 30 2023 11:59 PM(JST) Prizes: ■Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card (1 Winner) ■Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card (5 Winners) Tourist Attractions in Japan to Visit in Spring Summary of Tohoku in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests We hope you were able to experience the charm of Japan's Tohoku region through these past entries to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS photo contests. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS photo contests are not just about capturing the spectacular scenery of tourist attractions and rare natural phenomena, but also about capturing scenes from everyday life, meaning anyone can win a prize. With the spread of smartphones, the world of photography has become more accessible than ever. We invite you to share your photos of Japan with the people of the world by submitting them to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS. Related Articles Text only Photo Contest Landscape Photography - Introducing 10 Beautiful Japanese Landscapes Text only Children of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Heartwarming Photos That Will Put a Smile on Your Face! Text only Autumn in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Beautiful Photos of Autumn in Japan Text only Mt. Fuji in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Photos Showcasing the Different Views of Mt. 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The Beautiful Snowscapes of Japan This video, titled "4K Beautiful snow scene in Japan 日本の雪景色 TOP14名所 winter scenery snowscapes snow light tourism trip," was produced by Discover Nippon. Japan is a country where you can enjoy the nature of all four seasons. The Japanese archipelago has a unique vertical topography, which means that in winter, the temperature in Hokkaido, located in the north of the country, can drop below 10 degrees Celsius, while in the subtropical region of Okinawa, it's possible to wear a t-shirt year round. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the most beautiful snowscapes of winter in Japan alongside a beautiful 4K video! Sightseeing in Tokyo on a Snowy Day When people think of snow in Japan, they generally think of the snowy landscapes of Tohoku and Hokkaido; however, several times a year, snow falls in the capital city of Tokyo as well. The snow brings the city to a halt, making the Imperial Palace and Sensoji Temple, with its low traffic (both human and vehicle), a tasteful, hidden tourist destination. Tokyo's snowy scenery, which can only be seen once or twice a year, is a rare sight. However, transportation is tremendously impeded, so please be cautious when collecting information on traffic and weather forecasts. Places to See Japan's Representative Snowscapes If you're looking for beautiful snowscapes in Japan, then we've got just the list for you: ・Akita Prefecture：Igloos ・Gifu Prefecture：Shirakawa, The Northern Alps ・Hokkaido：Otaru Canal, Sapporo Snow Festival ・Yamagata Prefecture：Ginzan Onsen, The Ice Trees of Zao ・Ishikawa Prefecture：Kenroku-en covered in snow Even if you're not in the Tohoku region, you can still enjoy the spectacular snowscapes of the mountains, and even in the Tohoku region, there's not so much snow on the Pacific side. We recommend the hot springs in the mountains and onsen areas on the Sea of Japan side. Active Snowfall Scenery and Sights to Enjoy There are also plenty of places to enjoy winter sports in Japan. Japan is a popular destination for winter sports, having hosted two Winter Olympics to date. Many of the ski resorts where you can snowboard are located near hot spring resorts, so you can relax after a long day of skiing/snowboarding with delicious food and hot springs. If You're Traveling the Snowscapes of Japan, Hot Spring Tourism Is the Way to Go! Here's a list of hot spring resorts with snowy landscapes and winter sports: ・Nagano Prefecture has a great view of the Northern Alps and popular hot springs and ski resorts such as Hakuba. ・Niigata Prefecture is famous for its snow, hot springs and delicious seafood. ・Hokkaido is a paradise of hot springs, where many foreign tourists come to enjoy the large scale resort hotels with ski slopes. After skiing and snowboarding, you can replenish your stamina with Ghengis Khan (Jingisukan), a Japanese lamb dish. ・After skiing, you can enjoy playing in the snow in an igloo and relaxing in hot springs in Akita Prefecture. Kiritanpo hot pot is the specialty in this area! All of these are great places to visit, so find which one suits you best! Hokkaido and Nagano Prefecture are the host cities of the Winter Olympics, so it's safe to say that they're the Meccas of winter sports in Japan. Sightseeing at Temples and Shrines Where You Can Enjoy the Majestic Snowy Scenery Here are some temples and shrines we recommend checking out: ・Yamadera (Yamagata Prefecture)： Yamadera, also known in children's songs, is a famous temple located in Yamagata Prefecture. ・Chuson-ji Temple (Iwate Prefecture): Chuson-ji is a World Heritage Site! The beauty of Konjikido with a snowy landscape is unbeatable. ・Iwakiyama Shrine (Aomori Prefecture): Iwakiyama Shrine, located on Mt. Iwaki, which is often mentioned in songs, is an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is the setting for Sansho the Bailiff. ・Towada Shrine (Aomori, Japan): A historical shrine with a lake with a beautiful emerald green surface. The contrast between the snowy winter landscape and the lake is like a beautiful painting. Summary of the Snowscapes of Japan Winters in snowy countries can be hard in terms of climate, but the beautiful, ink-painting-like world created by the snow that covers Japan's beautiful natural landscape is well worth seeing. Enjoy Japan's snowy landscape in the beautiful 4K video.