Takimikan sits in Ginzan Onsen near the waterfall at the head of the gorge, and its name points to its two specialties: house-made soba and the waterfall view that gives the town's upper end its character. Alongside the noodles, the inn serves Obanazawa beef, a specialty of the nearby town known for its own beef-cattle tradition distinct from Yonezawa's. The dining space is ryokan-style, looking out toward the falls rather than over the town's main lamplit street.
Takimikan, whose name translates roughly to "Inn of Waterfalls and Soba Noodles," is a ryokan in Ginzan Onsen, Obanazawa City, known for pairing homemade soba with original Japanese cuisine built around local ingredients such as Obanazawa beef. Unlike many onsen-town inns that focus purely on formal kaiseki, Takimikan's soba service gives day visitors a lighter, more accessible way to sample the property's cooking without booking a full overnight kaiseki dinner. The dining room reflects the inn's traditional wooden construction, with tatami seating and views toward the Ginzan Onsen streetscape, and the atmosphere is calm and unhurried. Beverage offerings include local Yamagata sake selected to pair with the Obanazawa beef course. Reservations are recommended for both the soba lunch service and the evening kaiseki dinner, since Ginzan Onsen's limited dining capacity fills quickly during weekends and the winter snow-lantern season.
| Price | ¥1,500-9,000 ($10-60) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Lunch and dinner by reservation; soba service typically 11:00AM-2:00PM |
| Reservations | Recommended |
| Address | Ginzan Onsen, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan |
Signature dishes
- Homemade soba
- Obanazawa beef course
- Seasonal kaiseki dinner
Good to know
- Known for
- Ryokan known for homemade soba alongside original Japanese cuisine using local ingredients such as Obanazawa beef
Location
Ginzan Onsen, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan
38.5716, 140.5399 View on map
Highlights
- Homemade soba alongside a full Obanazawa beef kaiseki dinner
- Located within the scenic Ginzan Onsen streetscape
- Lighter lunch soba option distinct from formal ryokan dinners
- Traditional tatami dining room with views of the onsen town
Tips for visiting
- The soba lunch is a lighter, cheaper way to sample the inn's cooking than the full kaiseki dinner
- Reserve ahead, especially during the winter snow-lantern festival season when Ginzan Onsen is at its busiest
- Obanazawa beef courses cost more than the soba-only option, so decide in advance which experience is wanted
- Pair the beef course with a local Yamagata sake for a fuller tasting
Accessibility
As a traditional wooden ryokan, the building has some stairs and tatami floor seating with limited step-free access; guests with mobility needs should inquire about accessible seating when reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just have soba without the full dinner course?
Yes, Takimikan offers a standalone soba service, typically around 11:00AM-2:00PM, separate from the evening kaiseki dinner.
Is Obanazawa beef featured on the menu?
Yes, a beef course using local Obanazawa beef is one of the highlights of the dinner offering.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended for both lunch soba and dinner, particularly during peak Ginzan Onsen season.
Is the inn within walking distance of the main Ginzan Onsen street?
Yes, it is located within the Ginzan Onsen area, close to the main hot-spring streetscape.