Yamagata Ginzan Onsen & Craft Tour

Ginzsn onsen is said to be the origin that triggers the idea of the famouse anime film Spirited Away. Since then and despite its hidden location, Ginzan onsen has been a dreamed place (especially in Winter) for international travelers. Join us on this overnight trip to Ginzan onsen and experience it by yourself. Included in this trip is the exclusive Atelier Straw craft tour that allows you to go deeper into northern Japan culture.

Day 1

We will pick you up in the Ginzan onsen area or the closest JR station such as Obanazawa station. Most tourists come to Ginzan onsen by taking high-speed train to Obanazawa station. We can provide you detailed information for traveling to by train/bus and pickup.

Straw Craft Experience

We will visit an artisan specialized in straw craft, which is commonly used for shimekazari, a type of New Year decoration that wards off evil spirits using braided straw rope. Straw work was a traditional handicraft for the people. Combining wisdom and functionality for daily life, it has recently been attracting attention overseas as a traditional Japanese package. The artisan's work has inherited this long-standing technique and is creating new tools that fit modern society. You can also make modern items such as bookmarks and animal ornaments.

After learning about the workshop straw's efforts and the meaning of Shimekazari, participants will experience making your own "Shimekazari to ward off evil spirits''.

Ginzan Onsen Ryokan

After the straw craft workshop, we will check you in an authentic onsen ryokan located right inside Ginzan Onsen. This traditional ryokan inn includes private open-air baths in some guest rooms. You have the option to top up for a private-onsen room. Because of hot demands in the area, we strong recommend you book this tour as early as possible in order to secure the room.

(Photo source: contracted hotel)

After checkin, stroll down the onsen village and immerse yourself in the fairytale architectures, cafe, restaurants. The evening lights gear up the scenery to a dramatic level that you will never forget.

Enjoy the exquisite dinner at the hotel followed by relaxing onsen bath. Look beyond the steam and enjoy fresh greenery in spring, autumn folie in fall, and the snowy landscape in winter.

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, we will check you out and drive to another straw artisan's workshop. The artisan, also a local villager, will offer you warm welcome. At her workshop, you can experience traditional life and food culture through vine work.

Craft & Food Experience Using Wild Grape Vine

We will attend the artisan's workshop of vine craft project: using wild grape vine to make crafts such as chopstick rests, chopstick clasps, etc. The vine work, which is made from akebia vine and wild grape bark, has been passed down as one of the town's representative folk crafts. The artisan collects the materials herself and creates baskets and accessory cases made from wood vines, straps made from wild grape vines, and other items, which she sells as boat-shaped souvenirs.

These crafts are elegant and can be used in your daily ife. Make your own crafts and bring home.

Home-style Food From The Tradition

You will enjoy a meal made from local ingredients: Natto Soup (Winter), Dashi Stock (Summer) and mushroom Funagata.

Natto soup is made by grinding natto (fermented soybeans), which is then thickened by dissolving it in miso soup. A speciality of Yamagata, it is a fantastic representation of Japan's culture of preserved food and the power of fermentation.

Dashi stock is seasoned with chopped summer vegetables with high water content like cucumbers and aubergines, and aromatic vegetables such as aojiso and myoga. It has long been popular as a quick meal during the busy farming season. Dashi recipes are so varied and interesting that it is said there 100 households would produce 100 different flavors.

The village is located near Mogami, an area that produces many mushrooms. During your visit, you can also buy mushrooms and soup ingredients sourced directly from farms.

We call it the end of the tour and drive you back to your next destination or train station in the area.

Included

• Experience and entrance fees of all visits

• 1-night hotel accommodation and meals

• Local transportation and guide

Excluded

• Transporation to Yamagata from other areas

• Travel or accidental insurance

• Extra food and drinks

• Any commercial item purchased by the guest during this visit