Ikaho Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Gunma Prefecture.
It is loved by many tourists for its unique stone steps, rich spring water, and local cuisine.

This time, we will introduce in detail the attractions of Ikaho Onsen, including its features, recommended spots, and how to access it.

What is Ikaho Onsen?

What prefecture is it in?

Ikaho Onsen is located in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture. It is located in an area of Gunma Prefecture that is particularly rich in nature, and you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. It is relatively easy to access from Tokyo, and is a popular hot spring resort that attracts many tourists.

History and Culture

Ikaho Onsen has a long history, and is said to have been discovered during the reign of Emperor Suinin, the 11th emperor of Japan. The stone steps street, which was formed around 1576, has been popular with many cultural figures and travelers since the Edo period.

The hot spring town still retains its traditional streetscape that evokes history, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of Japan. Local festivals and traditional crafts are also worth seeing.

Reasons why Ikaho Onsen is recommended!

A wide variety of spring qualities and their effects

Ikaho Onsen is a hot spring resort with its own unique and attractive spring quality. Its main features are as follows:

・Type of spring quality: A mixture of sulfate springs, chloride springs, and bicarbonate springs. ・Main springs: "Golden Hot Spring" (brownish color) and "Silver Hot Spring" (colorless and transparent).

The benefits of hot springs

① Relief of neuralgia ② Improvement of muscle pain ③ Reduction of joint pain ④ Skin beautifying effect ⑤ Relaxation effect

In particular, the "Shirogane no Yu" hot spring is popular among beauty-seeking tourists as it promotes skin metabolism. The mild spring water makes it suitable for a wide range of age groups.

Relaxing environment

Ikaho Onsen is attractive for its quiet environment surrounded by nature.

The hot spring town is surrounded by mountains, and has a calming atmosphere that will help you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. You can refresh both your body and mind by taking in the beautiful scenery while soaking in the hot springs.

There are also many cafes and restaurants in the hot spring town, where you can spend your time relaxing.

A major tourist spot in Ikaho Onsen!

Stone Steps Street

The stone steps of Ikaho Onsen are an area that can be said to be the symbol of the hot spring town.

As you walk up and down the stone steps, you can enjoy the traditional inns, souvenir shops, and restaurants. At night, the area is lit up and enveloped in a fantastical atmosphere, offering a completely different charm from the daytime.

Additionally, there are two hot springs in Ishidan-gai called "Golden Hot Springs" and "Silver Hot Springs," and you can enjoy the different qualities of each spring.

Ikaho Shrine

Ikaho Shrine is a historic shrine located at the top of the stone steps near Ikaho Onsen in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture. Its name comes from the place name "Ikaho," which appears in the "Manyoshu," and originally worshipped Mt. Mizusawa.

During the Heian period, it was listed as a Myojin Taisha shrine, and was later relocated to serve as the guardian deity of the hot springs. The current deities enshrined here are Okuninushi-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, and are worshipped as gods of medicine, business prosperity, and fertility.

The grounds are beautiful with the changing seasons, especially the autumn leaves. There are many historical buildings and art pieces, and there are many cultural attractions. By visiting Ikaho Shrine, you can refresh your mind and body while experiencing the rich history and culture of the hot spring resort.

Ikaho open-air bath

Ikaho Open Air Bath is an attractive spot surrounded by nature. You can spend a relaxing time feeling the beautiful nature of the four seasons.

The hot spring water used, "Golden Hot Spring," is brown in color and rich in iron, and is said to be effective for chronic gynecological diseases and fertility. As there is no washing area, you can enjoy the hot spring in a relaxing atmosphere and spend a pleasant time.

How to enjoy Ikaho Onsen!!

Stroll through the hot spring town

The hot spring town of Ikaho Onsen is full of areas that are enjoyable even just to stroll around. Many shops, cafes, and traditional inns are lined up around the stone steps street.

Mornings and evenings are especially cool and pleasant times to stroll around, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the hot spring town. There are also many historical buildings and art museums scattered throughout the town, so there is plenty to see.

Local gourmet food and recommended souvenirs

At Ikaho Onsen, you can enjoy local gourmet specialties. We especially recommend the "Yunohana Manju," a classic souvenir from Ikaho Onsen. In addition, "Tama Konnyaku," a specialty of Gunma Prefecture, is also popular, and you can enjoy eating it while walking along the stone steps of the hot spring town.

In addition, "Mizusawa Udon" is famous near Ikaho Onsen and is considered one of the three great udon noodles in Japan. Retro Japanese accessories are also popular as souvenirs, and you can purchase "rabbit oil blotting paper", "clasp purse bags", and "bamboo crafts".

How do I get to Ikaho Onsen?

How to get there from within Japan

If you are coming from Tokyo, the most common route to Ikaho Onsen is as follows.

1. Take the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station (approx. 50 minutes)
②From Takasaki Station, take the JR Agatsuma Line to Shibukawa Station (approx. 30 minutes)
3. Take the Kan'etsu Kotsu bus from Shibukawa Station to Ikaho Onsen (approx. 30 minutes)

The total travel time is about 2.5 hours. If you are driving, it is about 10 km from Shibukawa Ikaho IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway, and the travel time is about 20 minutes.

Convenient access from international airports

Visiting Ikaho Onsen from overseas

1. From Narita Airport or Haneda Airport

・Narita Airport: Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station (approximately 1 hour)
・Haneda Airport: Take the Tokyo Monorail or Limousine Bus to Tokyo Station (approx. 30 minutes)
・Then, use the domestic route mentioned above

②Direct bus from Haneda Airport

・The Ikaho Shima Onsen line (Haneda line) operates one round trip per day. ・Journey time: Approximately 4 hours ・Fare: Approximately 3,500 to 5,000 yen (varies depending on the season)

When traveling from Kansai International Airport, it is common to take the Shinkansen via Nagoya and Tokyo to Takasaki rather than going via Tokyo.

We recommend that you choose these routes taking into account the number of transfers, travel time, and fare.

summary

Ikaho Onsen is a popular hot spring resort known for its unique stone steps, hot springs, and local cuisine.

You can enjoy local specialties such as Yunohana manju, tama konnyaku, and Mizusawa udon, and choose retro Japanese accessories as souvenirs. There are also plenty of accommodation options, including distinctive Western-style inns.

You can also enjoy beautiful seasonal scenery and traditional festivals. When you visit Ikaho Onsen, be sure to enjoy these local attractions to the fullest.