Soaking in History at Ginzan Hot Springs

Snow blankets ryokan along the Ginzan River. (© Obanazawa Chamber of Commerce)

Passers-by dip their feet in footbaths. (© Shoe Press)

Exterior: A column outside the ryokan bears the name of Kido Sazaemon, discoverer of the silver mine, in kote-e relief. (© Shoe Press)

Interior: A Japanese-style room at the Notoya Ryokan. (© Shoe Press)

Steam rises off the ryokan’s bath. (© Shoe Press)

Shirogane-yu sits on a narrow strip of land. (© Shoe Press)

Dishes of tōfu (front) and fried tōfu (© Shoe Press)