Fujiya Ginzan Onsen is a luxury ryokan in Ginzan Onsen, the historic hot-spring village in Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture, reachable by bus in about 40 minutes from JR Oishida Station. The building was extensively renovated by architect Kengo Kuma, who reworked the century-old ryokan's interior using bamboo lattice screens and traditional materials while preserving its original wooden exterior along Ginzan's gas-lamp-lit river street, giving it a distinctive blend of historic streetscape and contemporary design among the village's inns. Guest rooms are exclusively Japanese-style, including rooms with an open-air bath and a suite category, and are designed with the same restrained, natural-material aesthetic as the public spaces. Dining is built around a kaiseki multi-course dinner featuring Yamagata ingredients such as Yonezawa beef and seasonal mountain vegetables, generally included with the stay. The ryokan's indoor onsen bath and private in-room baths draw on Ginzan's natural hot springs, and a lounge area gives guests a quiet space to relax between soaks; there is no separate pool or fitness center, in keeping with the onsen-ryokan format. Service is attentive and design-conscious, reflecting the property's positioning as one of Ginzan Onsen's most sought-after and architecturally distinctive stays, suited to travelers seeking both a traditional onsen experience and notable contemporary design.
Room types
- Japanese-style room
- Japanese-style room with open-air bath
- Suite
Amenities
- indoor onsen bath
- private bath rooms
- kaiseki dinner
- Kengo Kuma architecture
- wifi
- lounge
Location
443 Ginzan Shinhata, Obanazawa-shi, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan
38.5700, 140.5314 View on map
Highlights
- Interior renovated by architect Kengo Kuma with bamboo lattice detailing
- Rooms with private open-air baths and a suite category
- Kaiseki dinner featuring Yonezawa beef and seasonal Yamagata ingredients
- Located directly on Ginzan Onsen's historic gas-lamp river street
- Quiet lounge space alongside the ryokan's onsen baths
Tips for visiting
- Book far in advance, as this is one of Ginzan Onsen's most in-demand ryokan
- Arrive before dusk to see the village's gas lamps light up along the river
- Rooms with an open-air bath command a premium and sell out first
- Reach the village by bus from JR Oishida Station, about 40 minutes
- Dinner timing is generally set by the ryokan; confirm at check-in
Accessibility
The ryokan occupies a renovated historic multi-story wooden building with tatami-floor rooms and stairs; step-free access is limited, and guests with mobility needs should contact the property directly before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Who designed the ryokan's interior renovation?
Architect Kengo Kuma renovated the interior, incorporating bamboo lattice screens and natural materials while keeping the historic wooden exterior.
Are there rooms with a private open-air bath?
Yes, select rooms include a private open-air bath in addition to the ryokan's shared indoor onsen bath.
Is dinner included in the room rate?
Most bookings include a kaiseki multi-course dinner and breakfast, in line with traditional ryokan half-board plans.
How far in advance should guests book?
Given its popularity and Ginzan Onsen's limited room inventory, booking several months ahead is recommended, especially for peak seasons.