Hijiori Onsen may be located deep in the mountains, but getting there is much more easy and straight forward than you might think. Other than being easily accessible via car, Hijiori Onsen has a daily bus service between Shinjo Station that makes it simple to get to for people traveling via train as well.

Shinjo Station is also serviced by the Yamagata Shinkansen that offers a direct connection to Tokyo Station.

By Private Car: Hijiori Onsen is accessible by car year around, as roads are well-maintained throughout the winter season. Driving from Shinjo Station takes about 40 minutes, and parking is available at the ryokan.

By Bus: While there is no rail line to the village, access to Hijiori Onsen is easy via Shinjo City, the nearest major city. Shinjo in turn can be reached from all over the country via JR Shinkansen or by bus. Travel from Shinjo by bus takes 55 minutes and costs only 600 yen.

See below for the bus timetable. 

*Note that from April to November, during the Hijiori Onsen farmers’ market, the 6:40 bus departs from across the river.

By Taxi: Ginzan-Hijiori Liner (a flat-fare taxi plan from Ginzan Onsen to Hijiori Onsen Village)

Service Provider: Obanazawa taxi Phone 0237-23-2525 (Japanese only)

Service Area: Ginzan Onsen to Okura Village Area (Hijiori Onsen Village and Shikamura Terraced Rice Fields)

Plans: One-way standard taxi (up to 4 passengers) - 13,500yen

One-way jumbo taxi (up to 9 passengers) - 20,500yen

➤ Please note that due to heavy snow conditions, in January and February the flat-rate fare increases to a winter fare of 16,200yen for a standard taxi and 24,600yen for a jumbo taxi

Time required for transit: 1 hour and 15 minutes (52.9 km)

Reservation: Please make reservations with Obanazawa Taxi by phone (if assistance is needed, please ask at Ginzan Onsen Tourist Information Center or your hotel front desk)

➤ Please note that reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance