Ginzan Onsen in Summer

A tour of Ginzan Onsen and its namesake silver mine

Hannah Warren Sep 13, 2013 - 1분 읽은 시간

Tiny snowflake tiles remind visitors that snow season is never far away from Ginzan,

Huge cedar trees fill the forests that surround Ginzan.

And, of course, shrines pop up everywhere.

The paths around the tiny town make for a lovely stroll.

At one end of the town, a waterfall cascades into a small, clear lake.

This art was done in a style typical to the region.

Day visitors to the town can use the public baths for ¥300.

Having Nao as a guide was great, because she pointed out details we would otherwise have missed.

Heading away from the town, following the river.

In winter this path is too dangerous, but in summer it's cool and lovely.

These airholes, made by the miners, were the first signs of the silver mine.

Comparing the scenery now with that of winter.

The mines themselves are dark, eery and cold. Nao says she thinks there is still silver in the mines, but if we tried to dig for it, the whole complex might collapse.

A different path back gives a different view of the waterfall.

Finishing the tour with a box of fresh tofu and a footbath. Bliss.

An evening stroll presents a whole other side of the town. Dark, peaceful and silent.

Ginzan Onsen is most popular in the winter, when snow blankets the whole town and the hot baths offer respite from the biting cold.

However, a trip there in summer opens up a whole different side to the small town.

With the help of the amazing Naoko from the information center, we explored Ginzan Onsen and its surrounding areas, including forests, waterfalls and the namesake silver mines, which are inaccessible during winter.

There's a lot to see in Ginzan in summer, and you can still enjoy an onsen at the end of the day, so definitely add Ginzan to your next holiday, regardless of the season.

Hannah Warren @hannah.warren

Hannah lives in Sydney and spends most of her time dreaming of being somewhere else. She loves karaoke, hates making plans in advance, and will probably never be able to read a map.