Plan your visit in three steps
For a day trip by car, park at Taisho Roman-kan (大正ろまん館), then take the shuttle bus you have reserved to Ginzan Onsen.
Go to Taisho Roman-kan
Private cars and other vehicles subject to the restrictions must go to Taisho Roman-kan instead of entering the hot spring town directly.
Park and transfer
After parking, board your shuttle at the reserved departure time. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Take the shuttle to Ginzan Onsen
Travel to the hot spring town on the designated shuttle route. Your assigned return service also gives you priority boarding.
Why are private vehicles restricted?
The main purpose is to keep the road clear for ambulances, fire engines and other emergency vehicles.
There is only one access road to Ginzan Onsen. A vehicle stuck in the snow can quickly cause a traffic jam and prevent emergency services from reaching the town. Access is restricted to designated vehicles so that help can reach people after a fall, sudden illness or accident.
The restrictions help prevent this chain of events.
Why is admission limited?
Snow can fall from rooftops in winter, so the building-side half of the street cannot be used as a pedestrian area.
The diamond-shaped tiles or plates mark the centre of the street. Keep to the river side of these markers, away from the buildings.
Admission is managed by time slot because falling roof snow reduces the space available for pedestrians.
Do not walk from Taisho Roman-kan
“It is only about 2 km” is a dangerous reason to walk here in winter.
The sidewalk cannot be kept clear of snow in winter, so anyone walking would have to use the roadway. Snow and snowbanks can encroach by around 1–1.5 metres at the sides of some sections. On this winding road, drivers may be unable to stop or avoid a pedestrian in time, even after spotting them.
Blizzards and wind-blown snow can cause a whiteout, making it impossible to see even a few metres ahead. Fatal blizzard incidents have occurred in Hokkaido. Conditions can change suddenly: even a short walk can become life-threatening when visibility disappears.
Actual winter road conditions: pedestrians would be walking in the roadway, exposed to blizzards, poor visibility and vehicle collisions.
Even if you have to wait for a bus, do not walk this route.
2026–2027 Priority Pass
Very few same-day places are expected to be available. We strongly recommend booking in advance. Do not count on being able to buy a pass on arrival.
| Outbound departure time | Provisional fare | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00–10:40 | JPY 1,300 | Every 20 minutes |
| 11:00–13:40 | JPY 1,000 | Every 20 minutes |
| 14:00–18:00 | JPY 1,500 | Every 20 minutes |
Fares and times are provisionally based on last season. Final arrangements for 2026–2027 are yet to be confirmed. All times on this page are Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9), in 24-hour format. Outbound means Taisho Roman-kan → Ginzan Onsen; return means Ginzan Onsen → Taisho Roman-kan.
New for 2026–2027: assigned return services
To spread out return journeys and reduce queuing, your return service is normally assigned for 1 hour 20 minutes after your outbound departure. The lunchtime exception below applies to outbound services from 11:00 through 14:00, inclusive.
Want to return earlier? You may board an earlier service only if seats are available, in the normal queue order. Priority for your assigned service does not carry over to an earlier service.
Missed your assigned return service? You lose your priority boarding entitlement and must wait in the normal queue for a service with available seats.
🍜 Lunchtime exception: outbound services 11:00–14:00
If your outbound service departs between 11:00 and 14:00, inclusive, you may choose any return service departing up to and including 15:20 to allow time for lunch. You are not assigned a single return service under this exception. This does not extend the flexible-return period beyond 15:20; follow staff instructions when boarding.
Public buses, tour operators and groups
Scheduled public buses
Under the planned arrangements, passengers without an advance admission reservation must get off at Taisho Roman-kan and transfer to a shuttle, even if their public bus is marked “Ginzan Onsen”. A bus destination sign does not guarantee direct entry. Final transfer arrangements will be confirmed with the bus operator.
Tour operators and charter buses
Do not assume that entry is permitted at night or when no traffic marshal is present. The same safety requirements apply at all times.
Response to attempts to bypass restrictions
If deliberate attempts to evade traffic restrictions or suspected unauthorised paid transport are identified, the organisers will promptly share information with the relevant authorities and police. Serious cases will, as a rule, be reported or otherwise acted on the same day they are confirmed.
Avoid unauthorised paid rides
Before paying for a taxi or transfer, check that the provider is legally authorised to carry passengers for payment. Ask for the operator’s name and confirmation of the applicable licence, registration or authorisation. Some services using white number plates operate legally, so plate colour alone does not establish whether a service is lawful. Do not use a service whose authorisation you cannot verify, and do not accept claims that a paid ride can bypass the access restrictions.
“Shiro-taku” refers to unauthorised paid transport, not every vehicle with a white number plate. If in doubt, ask the operator or on-site staff before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit without a reservation?
Very few same-day places are expected to be available, and availability is not guaranteed. Book ahead rather than relying on a pass being available when you arrive.
Can I walk from Taisho Roman-kan?
No. Do not walk this route in winter. The sidewalk is unusable, forcing pedestrians onto the roadway, with risks from blizzards, whiteouts, ice, vehicle collisions and becoming lost or stranded. Wait for transport and follow staff instructions.
Can I take a return bus earlier than my assigned service?
Yes, but only if seats are available, in the normal queue order. Outside the lunchtime exception, priority boarding applies only to your assigned return service.
What if I miss my assigned return service?
You lose priority boarding and must join the normal queue, waiting for a service with available seats.
What if I want to have lunch?
Under the planned lunchtime exception, passengers on outbound services from 11:00 through 14:00, inclusive, may choose any return service departing up to and including 15:20. No single return service is assigned for this period. Follow staff instructions when boarding.
Before you visit Ginzan Onsen this winter
Check reservations, access rules and the weather before setting out. Thank you for helping everyone visit safely.
Priority Pass reservation informationDirections to Taisho Roman-kan