If you were to go sightseeing in Tokyo, you may want to go to a hot spring resort somewhere close to the metropolis... if you are thinking like this and don't know where to go, we would like to recommend a hidden gem called "Ikaho Onsen" in Gunma Prefecture, which can be reached in about 2 hours from Tokyo's city center.
In this article, we have packed information on "the best hot spring trip in Ikaho Onsen" into one article, from how to enjoy the Ishidangai "Stone Steps" street, the symbol of Ikaho Onsen, to the two famous hot springs water, gourmet food, model courses for 1 day or 2 days and 1 night, and recommended popular inns (ryokan)!
Where's Ikaho Onsen? The Charm of Recommended Hot Spring Resorts That's Accessible From Tokyo
Ikaho Onsen is one of the most famous hot springs in the Kanto region, located in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, and is an ideal hot spring destination that can be accessed from central Tokyo in just about 2 hours. It dates back to about 1900 years ago and has a long history that is even mentioned in Japan's oldest collection of Japanese poems, "Manyoshu", and has been loved by many people for a long time.
As a hot spring town, it is characterized by two types of spring quality: "Kogane no Yu" (黄金の湯 - 'Golden Hot Spring') and "Shirogane no Yu" (白銀の湯 - 'Silver Hot Spring'). In addition, the area around the hot spring town is dotted with attractive tourist spots, most notably the 365-step "Stone Steps" (石段 / Ishidan), which has a history of 440 years and is said to be one of the "Three Famous Steps" of Japan. It is also known as the setting for the popular anime "Initial D" and the movie "Spirited Away", attracting attention from international tourists.
From here, we will introduce in detail how to enjoy more at Ikaho Onsen.
【Hot Springs】Two Famous Therapeutic Hot Springs "Kogane no Yu" and "Shirogane no Yu"
There are two types of hot spring water in Ikaho Onsen. "Kogane no Yu" (literally means golden hot spring) is brown and rich in iron, warming the body from the core and is effective in recovering from fatigue. Because it stimulates blood circulation with its soft source, it has long been popular as a "hot spring for being blessed with many offsprings". "Shirogane no Yu" is a colorless and transparent hot spring that has been newly discovered in recent years. It is said to be good for recovery after illness, fatigue recovery, and health promotion.
There Are Many Sightseeing Spots Around Ikaho Onsen!
The first place you want to visit is the Stone Steps street (石段街 / Ishidangai), which is the very symbol of Ikaho Onsen. If you go to the back of the alley that spreads from both sides of the Stone Steps street and from the side, there are hot spring inns, souvenir shops, restaurants, playgrounds such as shooting gallery, and free foot baths. In addition to the Stone Steps street, the area around Ikaho Onsen is dotted with various tourist spots, such as spots where you can enjoy the scenery of nature, artistic spots such as memorials to writers and painters, art museums, and temples and shrines where you can feel Japan culture. In particular, it is recommended to enjoy the scenery of nature in all four seasons, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green leaves in summer, autumn foliage in autumn, and snow in winter.
Recommended sightseeing spots:
- Ikaho Shrine: Situated at the end of the Stone Steps, it is a shrine that is said to be beneficial for matchmaking and bearing offsprings.
- Kajikabashi Bridge: The vermilion-painted arched bridge is a beautiful photogenic spot. The illumination is a must-see, especially during the autumn foliage season.
- Ikaho Ropeway: You can enjoy a 4-minute ride in the air to the observation deck at an altitude of about 955 meters.
- Uenoyama Park: The view from the observation deck "Tokimeki Deck" at the top of the mountain is outstanding. The "Kibou no Kane" (輝望の鐘) bell is also popular as a matchmaking bell.
- Takehisa Yumeji Ikaho Memorial: This is a memorial hall for Yumeji Takehisa, a painter representing 'Taisho Romance' (Taisho era).
【Gourmet】From Ikaho Onsen's Specialty Gourmet Food To Stylish Cafes
Ikaho has over 50 types of dining options, offering a wide range of gourmet foods, from traditional Japan food to stylish sweets. Along the Ishidangai Stone Steps street there are a variety of options, from eating gourmet street food such as hot spring buns (onsen manju) and tama konjac, to calm old house cafes and authentic Japanese restaurants.
For example, the café "USABURO KOKESHI IKAHO CAFE & GELLERY" operated by "Usaburo Kokeshi", a long-established store of kokeshi that is a traditional craft of Ikaho, offers a unique atmosphere that combines beautiful kokeshi displays with a modern space. It is gaining popularity as a special space where you can enjoy coffee and snacks while enjoying traditional culture and a modern café experience at the same time.
Official website: https://usaburokokeshi.com/pages/usacafe
In particular, it is said to be the birthplace of hot spring buns, and if you go to Ikaho Onsen, you can't miss the original "Yunohana Manju" (湯の花まんじゅう)! Around the Ishidangai Stone Steps street, the brown-skinned buns with elegant koshian (fine bean paste) from "Shougetsudo" (勝月堂) are exquisite.
The area around Ikaho, along with Inaniwa in Akita and Sanuki in Kagawa, is a famous production area for "Mizusawa Udon" (水沢うどん), one of the three major udon noodles in Japan. You can enjoy authentic Mizusawa udon noodles with beautiful transparent noodles and two types of dipping sauce (tsuyu): sesame and soy sauce. It is characterized by a strong and smooth texture, and the traditional taste with a history of more than 400 years continues to be loved by many tourists. In addition, there are 13 famous restaurants on the "Mizusawa Udon Kaido" (水沢うどん街道) around Mizusawa Kannon, which is about a 10-minute drive from Ikaho Onsen. Please go when you have time.
It's A Famous Production Area For Daruma and Kokeshi, So If You Want To Buy Souvenirs, Buy These!
For souvenirs, we recommend "Daruma" in Gunma Prefecture, which has the largest production volume in Japan, and "Usaburo Kokeshi", which boasts a 70% share of the whole of Japan. Here are some of the specialty stores that have opened at IKAHO HOUSE 166.
Daruma from "Daruma no Furusato Daimonya"
"Daruma no Furusato Daimonya" (だるまのふるさと大門屋) is a specialty store for Daruma. Gunma Prefecture is the largest producer of Daruma in Japan, and the auspicious "Takasaki Daruma" with its eyebrows in the shape of a crane and a beard in the shape of a turtle is particularly popular. The traditional red daruma is popular as a talisman for good luck and prosperous business. There are occasional production demonstrations by craftsmen, and you can see the unique Japan custom of putting one eye in a wish and the other when a wish comes true.
Kokeshi from "USABURO KOKESHI Ishidan Store"
"USABURO KOKESHI Ishidan Store" is a store specializing in kokeshi. The kokeshi are handmade one by one using traditional techniques and feature a simple and sophisticated design. You can also enjoy painting experience in the store, and it is appreciated by foreign tourists as a gem that allows you to feel Japan's craftsmanship.
IKAHO HOUSE 166 official website: https://sekiraku-ikaho.co.jp/
【Play】Retro Games Such As Shooting Gallery
In the Ishidangai Stone Steps street, there is a retro playground with a Showa era atmosphere. You can also enjoy "shooting gallery" where you aim for prizes with a cork gun, "smart balls" where you bounce iron balls into holes, "ring tossing", and "yo-yo fishing", which are especially popular with families. It is a traditional Japan playground that you can experience without feeling the language barrier. Experience Japan's unique play culture during a relaxing time in the hot spring town.
A Place That Serves As Setting For Popular Manga and Anime "Initial D"
Shibukawa City, where Ikaho Onsen is located, is known as the setting for the popular manga "Initial D". There are 7 manhole covers with character designs in the city. It is also installed around Ishidangai Stone Steps street so if you are a fan, please look for it. It is a unique attraction that adds one more fun to the walk and is not found in other hot spring towns.
【Accommodation】2 Popular Inns That You Would Love To Stay At And Day-Trip Hot Spring Facilities
If you want to make your stay at Ikaho Onsen even more special, choosing an accommodation is the most important point. We will introduce two carefully selected hot spring inns where you can feel the history and atmosphere.
YOKOTEKAN
The four-story wooden main building built in 1920 is a long-established ryokan (Japanese inn) that creates an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time. It is also designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in national level. The beautiful cypress building exudes the atmosphere of Taisho romance, and is known as a prestigious inn in Ikaho Onsen. This is a valuable inn where you can enjoy Ikaho's famous hot spring water, "Kogane no Yu", in a space steeped in history.
YOKOTEKAN
- Address: 11 Ikaho, Ikaho-cho, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
- Source of hot spring used: Kogane no Yu
- Day-trip hot springs: Not available
- Accommodation fee: Approximately 11,000~25,500 yen (excluding tax for 2 meals per night) *Please check the official website for details.
- Official website: https://www.yokotekan.com/
Accommodation reservation site "JAPANiCAN.com"
- English：https://www.japanican.com/
Oyado Tamaki
Nestled at the entrance of the Ishidangai Stone Steps street, this is a pure Japanese-style inn with tatami corridors throughout the building. There are two large public baths with different tastes in the hotel, and the biggest attraction is that you can enjoy both the "Kogane no Yu" and the "Shirogane no Yu" hot spring water. There are also plenty of rooms with open-air baths, so you can take a luxurious bath in a private space. You can also take a day-trip bath, so you can easily enjoy the famous hot springs without staying overnight. You can experience heartfelt healing with Japan-like hospitality and beautiful multi-course meals that make use of seasonal ingredients from Joshu.
Oyado Tamaki
- Address: 87-2 Ikaho, Ikaho-cho, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
- Source of hot spring used: Kogane no Yu & Shirogane no Yu
- Day trip hot springs: Available (11:30~14:30 1,500 yen)
- Accommodation fee: Approximately 17,000~36,000 yen (1 night, 2 meals excluding tax) *Please check the official website for details.
- Official website: https://www.oyado-tamaki.com/
Accommodation reservation site "JAPANiCAN.com"
- English：https://www.japanican.com/
Recommended Model Course Of Ikaho Onsen
Day Trip Model Course
- 12:00: Arrive at Ikaho Onsen and have lunch at the Stone Steps street
- 13:00: Visit Ikaho Shrine
- 14:00: Take a photo at Kajikabashi Bridge
- 15:00: Free foot bath "Kishigon Tatsunoyu" experience
- 15:30: Stroll through Ishidangai 'Stone Steps' street
- 17:30: Departure from Ikaho Onsen
This is a plan that allows you to efficiently enjoy the Ikaho Onsen's representative tourist attractions, such as Ikaho Shrine, Kajikabashi Bridge, and foot bath experience, in one day.
2 Days and 1 Night Model Course
[Day 1]
- 14:00: Arrive at Ikaho Onsen and check in at the inn
- 15:00: Stroll around Ishidangai 'Stone Steps' street
- 16:30: Experience the free foot bath "Kishigon Tatsunoyu" or take a break at a stylish café
- 18:00: Dinner at the inn
- 20:00: Evening hot spring time
[Day 2]
- 07:00: Morning hot spring & breakfast
- 09:00: Take the Ikaho Ropeway and enjoy the spectacular view at the observation deck
- 10:30: Stroll around Kajikabashi Bridge
- 12:00: Lunch at Ishidangai 'Stone Steps' street
- 14:00: Visit Takehisa Yumeji Ikaho Memorial Museum
- 16:00: Last stroll at Ishidangai 'Stone Steps' street
- 17:30: Departure from Ikaho Onsen
On the first day, walk around the Ishidangai 'Stone Steps' street, experienced retro, and enjoyed multi-course meals and hot springs at the inn. On the second day, you can enjoy the spectacular view on the ropeway, walk around Kajikabashi Bridge, and choose a souvenir at the end.
Just One Bus Ride from Tokyo to Ikaho Onsen ~ Easy access!
One of the attractions of Ikaho Onsen is that it is easily accessible from Tokyo. It is a two-hour train ride or a single bus ride away. We especially recommend using the express (highway) bus. The highway bus is the easiest way to get to Ikaho Onsen by simply sitting on the bus from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station without the hassle of changing trains. Check the official website in advance and make a reservation online before leaving~.
If you go by express bus
| Departure Point | Bus routes | Pick-up location | Drop-off location | Time required | Fare (adult one-way) |
| Shinjuku | Joshu Yumeguri/Tokyo Yumeguri | Busta Shinjuku | Ikaho Ishidangai street | Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes | 2,800 yen~3,200 yen |
| Tokyo Station | Joshu Yumeguri/Tokyo Yumeguri | Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit | Ikaho Ishidangai street | Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes | 2,800 yen~3,200 yen |
| Haneda Airport | Ikaho Shima Onsen Haneda Line* | Haneda Airport Garden Bus Terminal | Ikaho Ishidangaiguchi (Stone Steps street entrance) | Approx. 4 hours | 4,500 JPY |
*The Ikaho Shima Onsen Haneda Line is currently suspended and is scheduled to resume operation from November 1, 2025. Please check the official website for details.
- Joshu Yumeguri/Tokyo Yumeguri HP: http://time.jrbuskanto.co.jp/bk03010.html
- Ikaho Shima Onsen Haneda Line HP: https://kan-etsu.net/pages/137/
If you go by car + bus
- From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen or Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki Station for about 50 minutes
- From Takasaki Station, take the bus "Ikaho Onsen Liner" to "Ishidangaiguchi" for about 1 hour (adult one-way 2,000 yen)
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