I Survived Japan's Snowiest Town ⛩️ Winter Road Trip

@Abroad in Japan

Abroad in Japanyoutubethe post

Join the creator on a snowy road trip through Yamagata, visiting the picturesque Ginzan Onsen, staying in a unique renovated townhouse, and revisiting his first apartment in Japan.

1 plan · 8 places · 1 experience

Plan · 2 places · Yamagata, Japan

Ginzan Onsen Winter Day Trip

“We spent the day battling through the cold and snow in Ginzan Onsen, escaping into a warm cafe for desserts, and then braving the elements again to experience the foot bath.”

1
Ginzan Onsen
Obanazawa
Creator's voice
Literally 'Silver Mountain,' this village has a 500-year-old history as a silver mine. Most of its striking streets are from the Taisho era (early 20th century), built from timber, giving it a relaxing, traditional atmosphere illuminated by old-school gas lamps. Travelers typically park a few miles outside town and ride a bus in due to the narrow access road. It's free to wander and is extremely picturesque, looking like something out of a Hayao Miyazaki movie, possibly inspiring scenes in Spirited Away.
Ginzan Onsen, Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan
Experience here
Soak your feet in Ginzan's foot bath
Ginzan is famous for the smell of sulfur and gushing hot springs, so you absolutely have to try the public foot bath. It's a simple task that can descend into chaos if you're chained to someone, but it feels really good and warms you up, especially your extremities, after being out in the snow. It burns only initially, but through that pain comes pleasure. Just be prepared to take off your Wellies in the snow!
2
Cafe Slavs
Cafe · Obanazawa
4.1 (44)
Creator's voice
A local cafe in Ginzan Onsen, offering a warm escape from the cold. They don't serve full meals, but have a selection of desserts like cheesecake, chocolate cakes, scones, and pound cake. The staff are very kind, even patting down guests to remove excess snow from their clothes.
Felicia, 425 Ginzanshinhata, 市大字 Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan
- Slavic Ice Cream (Viennese Coffee) — This is a Viennese coffee with chocolate syrup and a mini ice cream. It's a sweet treat that's almost like you can taste it just by looking.
- Scones with jam — A platter of scones, a British delicacy. The local custom is to tear them with your hands rather than using a knife, then spread the jam. They're quite good, especially with orange jam.

Also in this video

3
Shinjo Station
Train station · Shinjo City
3.8 (504)
Creator's voice
A station in northern Yamagata, known for its excessive amounts of snow. It's a meeting point for travelers heading further into the region.
Shinjō Station, Tamonmachi, Shinjo City, Yamagata 996-0024, Japan
4
Cassad Yoshi
Serviced accommodation · Yamagata
4.9
Creator's voice
A renovated townhouse in Yamagata City, offering unique and quirky accommodation. It features a mix of old-fashioned decor, like a grandma's sitting room from 1976, and modern comforts like heating already on upon arrival. The star attraction is a roaring fire. It's a charming and unique place to stay, though the sleeping arrangements are quite unusual.
Japan, 〒990-0031 Yamagata, Tokamachi, 2 Chome−3−3 CASA DE YOSHi 一棟貸 -大正浪漫館カサデヨシ
- Indoor tent bedroom — The main bedroom is an actual tent set up inside the townhouse. It's a jarring and unexpected arrangement, but it's much warmer than being outside in the snow. It's a very unique and memorable sleeping experience, though it might bring back PTSD for those who've had bad camping experiences.
5
Natsuki Salon
Hair salon · Yamagata
4.3 (40)Open · until 7 PM
5 Chome Nanukamachi
Noble, 5 Chome-13-18 Nanukamachi, Yamagata, 990-0042, Japan
6
Sakata
Sakata
Creator's voice
A city on the Sea of Japan coastline, the creator's former hometown where he lived for his first three years in Japan and started his YouTube channel. It's a place that feels like returning home after a long journey.
Sakata, Yamagata, Japan
7
Creator's First Apartment
Yamagata
Creator's voice
The tiny apartment where the creator lived for his first three years in Japan and started his YouTube channel. It's a place of significant personal history, where he filmed his obligatory 'tiny apartment room tour.' The current English teacher, John, now lives there and kindly allowed a revisit. It's surprisingly affordable, with rent at ¥6,000 (around $40) a month.
Yamagata, Japan
- Panasonic TV — An old Panasonic TV that has remained in the apartment since the creator lived there. It's still in fantastic condition and looks almost brand new, despite its age. It was frighteningly small but felt big given the room size.
- Real bed on tatami mat — Unlike the creator who used a futon, the current resident, John, has a real bed set up on the tatami mat. This is a significant upgrade, offering a much more comfortable sleeping experience.
8
Yuki's Place
Kaiseki restaurant · Sagae
4.0 (162)Closed · opens 5:30 PM
2 Chome Minamimachi
Yuki, 2 Chome-3-5 Minamimachi, Sagae, Yamagata 991-0032, Japan
- KFC Fried Chicken Feast · ¥50000 — A massive feast of KFC fried chicken, generously acquired by Yuki for the whole crew. It's a tradition for the creator, who had his first KFC Christmas chicken at his old apartment and now enjoys it again with friends. The amount of chicken is ridiculous, costing around ¥50,000 (about $400).

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