Tohoku, Japan · Town / small city, Mountain
A hot-spring village of wooden inns lit by gas lamps, especially atmospheric at night or in the snow.
Train + bus — Train to Oishida and a bus to the village, no car needed
Gas lamps lit at dusk over the wooden inns.
A free hot-spring foot bath right in the centre of the village.
A modern public bath beside the river, open to any daytime visitor: the only way to soak in the hot spring water without staying at one of the village's ryokan.
The centre of the village is closed to traffic (cars park 5-10 minutes away and the ryokan carry the luggage): a real disconnection from noise and modern traffic, not just the one the hot spring bath itself provides.
The village has won international fame from a rumour, never confirmed by the studio, that it inspired scenes in 'Spirited Away'; what is documented is that it was a real location for the legendary NHK series 'Oshin' (1983), with a short walk around the corners that appeared in it.
Facade of one of the town's oldest ryokan, renovated by architect Kengo Kuma, blending traditional wood with contemporary design.
Easily accessible entrance to the historic silver mine that gave rise to the town more than 500 years ago, with an illuminated tunnel section.
Tasting Obanazawa wagyu beef and local soba in the village's restaurants, plus the regional sweets (zunda daifuku, kujira-mochi) as a souvenir or afternoon snack.
A gorge near the town, prized for its lush greenery in spring and its colours in autumn.
A waterfall visible from the village's central bridge, especially beautiful with snow.
Rent Taisho-style outfits to stroll through the town's streets in a period atmosphere.
A short climb above the village for a view of the ryokan cluster from above.
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