Ginzan Onsen, Japan | Image credit:
Koichi Hayakawa/Flickr
Ginzan Onsen, a popular hot spring town in Japan’s Yamagata region, is implementing visitor restrictions to address the growing number of visitors during the winter season. Starting December 23, 2024, and continuing until the end of March, the town will limit the number of day trippers entering during peak hours.
This move by the Ginzan Hot Spring Association aims to alleviate overcrowding, reduce traffic congestion, enhance safety, and preserve the tranquil atmosphere and snowy beauty that have made Ginzan Onsen a beloved destination. Similar visitor limits have been imposed on several famed destinations across Japan, like Mount Fuji, Kyoto and parts of Tokyo.
Here’s our story on planning a winter getaway in Japan.
Visitors restrictions in Ginzan Onsen: Key details
Ginzan Onsen, Japan | Image credit: さかおり, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
From December 23, 2024, onwards, between 9 am and 4 pm, there will be no limit on the number of permissible day-trippers. However, from 5 pm to 8 pm, only 100 day-trippers will be allowed in the town, provided they have a confirmed ticket/reservation for entering Ginzan Onsen. Tourists without tickets after 5 pm will be asked to leave the town. You can book tickets in advance on their website.
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Additionally, only those staying at local hotels, employees of the town, and vehicles for official/business purposes will be allowed to enter the town after 8 pm. Further, until the end of February, day trippers must park at the Taisho Romankan Tourism Centre, which is 2 km away from the hot spring area. A paid shuttle bus will be available to transport travellers back and forth, costing JPY 1,150 (INR 624) per person per ride.
Japan, one of the most popular destinations in Asia, is home to myriad attractions, from Kyoto, the country’s cultural capital, to Mount Fuji and Hiroshima. People from all walks of life are sure to find something or another to engage them in Japan, from adventure activities to wellness experiences such as excursions to theme parks to fully immersive cultural experiences.
(Feature image credit: Koichi Hayakawa/Flickr)
Related: Land Of The Rising Crowds? How Japan Is Tackling Overtourism Woes
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
All conversions were done at the time of filing.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read Morewith TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon. Read Less
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