Ikaho’s Iconic Stone Steps
The most recognizable feature of Ikaho Onsen is its historic Stone Steps Street, which rises through the center of the hot spring town as though leading toward the sky.
The stone stairway has a history of more than 400 years. It extends for approximately 300 meters and consists of 365 steps. Along both sides are traditional ryokan inns, souvenir shops, manju sweet shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues such as shooting galleries.
Walking through the streets in a yukata while hearing the sound of wooden geta sandals creates an atmosphere that captures the charm of a traditional Japanese hot spring town.
The Meaning Behind the 365 Steps
The current stone staircase was renovated in 2010 using beautiful granite. The number of steps—365—carries a symbolic wish that the hot spring town will remain lively and prosperous on every day of the year.
Along the way, visitors will find small plazas and attractions such as Yudaki, where hot spring water flows through the town. The staircase is not simply a route between attractions; it is a place to stroll slowly while enjoying the atmosphere of Ikaho.
Searching for the Twelve Zodiac Symbols
As you climb the Stone Steps, look for the twelve zodiac symbols carved into the pavement. They mark the former locations of 12 hot spring inns that once played an important role in managing Ikaho’s hot springs.
These inns were associated with the traditional ōya system, in which individual establishments managed rights related to land and hot spring use. Each inn used one of the twelve zodiac animals as a symbol similar to a family crest.
Today, finding your own zodiac animal while walking up the stairs has become a fun little activity for visitors.
Hot Spring Experiences Along Stone Steps Street
There are several places along the Stone Steps where visitors can experience Ikaho’s hot spring culture.
Foot Baths and Ishidan-no-Yu
A foot bath offers an easy way to relax after climbing the stairs. For a full bathing experience, Ishidan-no-Yu is a public bath where visitors can soak in natural hot spring water and unwind after sightseeing.
Komaguchi Hot Spring Distribution Point
The Stone Steps area is also home to a hot spring distribution point known as Komaguchi. Here, visitors can see hot spring water flowing from the source before being distributed to the inns.
This traditional system provides a glimpse into the long history of Ikaho and the way the town has carefully managed its precious hot spring resources.
Ikaho’s Famous Specialty: Onsen Manju
One of the foods visitors should try in Ikaho is onsen manju, a traditional Japanese steamed bun filled with sweet bean paste.
Although brown-colored onsen manju can now be found at hot spring resorts throughout Japan, Ikaho is widely regarded as the birthplace of this popular souvenir sweet. In 1910, the first-generation owner of Shōgetsudō is said to have created and sold a sweet called Yunohana Manju.
Its distinctive brown wrapper was inspired by the iron content of Ikaho’s hot spring water. After the sweets were presented to members of the Imperial Family, they became widely known throughout Japan.
Several shops in the hot spring town sell their own versions, each with subtle differences in flavor and texture. Sampling different varieties while strolling through the town is one of the pleasures of visiting Ikaho.
Two Distinct Hot Springs: Kogane-no-Yu and Shirogane-no-Yu
Ikaho Onsen is especially interesting because it has two principal sources of hot spring water: Kogane-no-Yu, meaning “Golden Hot Spring,” and Shirogane-no-Yu, meaning “Silver Hot Spring.”
Kogane-no-Yu – The Golden Hot Spring
Kogane-no-Yu is a sulfate spring. The water is naturally colorless and transparent when it emerges from the source, but its relatively high iron content causes it to turn a distinctive reddish-brown color when exposed to air.
This characteristic color gave the spring its name, “Golden Hot Spring.” The water is traditionally associated with warming the body and has long been used by bathers seeking relief from coldness, muscle and joint discomfort, and fatigue.
During the Edo period, Kogane-no-Yu was also regarded as a hot spring particularly beneficial for women’s health and became known as the “hot spring for fertility”. These descriptions reflect historical beliefs surrounding the spring rather than modern medical advice.
Shirogane-no-Yu – The Silver Hot Spring
Shirogane-no-Yu is clear and colorless, with a comparatively gentle mineral composition. Because it is considered less stimulating than Kogane-no-Yu, it has traditionally been appreciated by a wide range of bathers, including older visitors and those seeking a gentle bathing experience.
Some accommodations offer both types of hot spring, allowing guests to experience their different characteristics. Comparing the two baths can be a memorable part of a stay in Ikaho.
A Hot Spring Town Loved by Writers and Artists
Ikaho Onsen has long attracted writers, artists, and other cultural figures. From the Meiji period onward, numerous literary figures visited the resort, including Takehisa Yumeji, Tokutomi Roka, Natsume Sōseki, Hagiwara Sakutarō, and Noguchi Ujō.
Tokutomi Roka’s novel “Hototogisu” is particularly associated with Ikaho, as the story is set partly in the hot spring town.
The Stone Steps also feature a poem by the famous poet Yosano Akiko. Walking through Ikaho therefore offers not only traditional hot spring scenery but also an opportunity to follow traces of Japan’s literary and cultural history.
A Hot Spring Town with a Long History
Ikaho Onsen has an exceptionally long history. Its name appears in ancient Japanese writings, including the Man’yōshū, one of Japan’s oldest surviving collections of poetry.
During the Sengoku period, the Stone Steps area was developed, and the hot springs are said to have been used as a place of recuperation for warriors wounded in battle.
During the Edo period, a distinctive system for managing the hot springs was established. Certain inns were granted rights related to the land and use of the hot spring water, creating an organized community that helped shape the town’s unique structure.
With the development of transportation during the Meiji period, Ikaho became increasingly accessible to travelers and developed into one of Japan’s best-known hot spring destinations.
Nature and Sightseeing Around Ikaho
Ikaho offers much more than hot springs. The surrounding area is rich in mountains, forests, viewpoints, temples, and walking trails.
The Ikaho Ropeway connects the hot spring town with the summit of Mount Monomiyama. From the upper station, visitors can enjoy panoramic views across the Kanto Plain and the surrounding mountains.
Nearby attractions include Mount Haruna and Mizusawa Kannon, making it easy to combine hot spring bathing with hiking, sightseeing, and local food experiences.
With seasonal landscapes and a rich bathing culture, Ikaho is a destination where visitors can discover something new each time they return.
Top Attractions in Ikaho Onsen
Ikaho Shrine
Ikaho Shrine stands at the top of the Stone Steps and is closely associated with the hot spring town. The shrine enshrines Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, deities associated with hot springs and healing.
It is also known as a place for prayers for health and good relationships. Reaching the shrine after climbing all 365 steps gives visitors a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Kajika Bridge
Kajika Bridge is a beautiful vermilion bridge located farther into the hot spring area. It is particularly popular during the autumn foliage season, when the surrounding trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Illuminations are also held in the evening during the autumn season, creating a beautiful and atmospheric scene.
Ikaho Ropeway
The Ikaho Ropeway connects the hot spring town with the summit of Mount Monomiyama. The approximately four-minute aerial ride offers views of the surrounding landscape, while the observation area at the top provides panoramic views across the Kanto Plain and nearby mountains.
Uenoyama Park
Uenoyama Park, located near the ropeway’s upper station, is a popular place to enjoy nature and panoramic scenery.
From the Tokimeki Deck, visitors can admire expansive views, while the Kibō-no-Kane (“Bell of Hope”) is a popular spot for ringing a bell while making a wish.
Ikaho Open-Air Bath
The Ikaho Open-Air Bath is a public bath located near the hot spring source. Here, visitors can enjoy a flowing supply of Kogane-no-Yu in an open-air setting surrounded by nature.
With seasonal scenery changing around the bath, it is a relaxing place to experience Ikaho’s famous golden-colored hot spring water.
Local Food Around Ikaho
Mizusawa Udon
One of the most famous foods to try around Ikaho is Mizusawa Udon. Together with Sanuki Udon from Kagawa and Inaniwa Udon from Akita, it is often counted among Japan’s three great regional udon traditions.
Mizusawa Udon is known for its smooth, white appearance and firm, chewy texture. It is commonly served with a refreshing dipping sauce.
Many udon restaurants line the approach to Mizusawa Kannon, making the area a popular dining destination for visitors exploring the region.
Gunma’s Local Specialties
The area around Ikaho is also an excellent place to sample other specialties from Gunma Prefecture, including konjac dishes, Joshu beef, and dishes prepared with fresh locally grown vegetables.
Depending on the season, visitors can also enjoy fruit-picking experiences such as strawberry and apple picking, providing an opportunity to taste fresh fruit directly from local farms.
Why Visit Ikaho Onsen?
Ikaho Onsen brings together more than 400 years of history, a distinctive 365-step stone street, two contrasting hot spring sources, literary heritage, traditional Japanese culture, and beautiful mountain scenery.
Walking slowly up the Stone Steps, sampling local sweets, discovering the twelve zodiac symbols, visiting Ikaho Shrine, and relaxing in a natural hot spring are all part of the Ikaho experience.
For travelers looking to experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese hot spring town while also enjoying nature, history, food, and culture, Ikaho offers a rich and memorable destination.
Information
Ikaho Onsen
Japanese name: 伊香保温泉（いかほ おんせん）
English name: Ikaho Onsen
Address: Ikaho, Ikaho Town, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Telephone: 0279-72-3151
Access
From Shibukawa Station on the Jōetsu Line, take a Kanetsu Kotsu bus for approximately 30 minutes.
From Takasaki Station, the journey by Gunma Bus takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
By car, Ikaho Onsen is approximately 9 km from the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.
Area
Shibukawa & Ikaho, Gunma Prefecture
Category
Hot Spring Resort
Nearby Attractions and Travel Ideas
Nature, Mountains, and Scenic Spots
Mount Haruna, Lake Haruna, Haruna Shrine, Haruna Ropeway, Akagi Nature Park, Funao Falls, and the scenic landscapes around the foothills of Mount Haruna offer opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the changing seasons.
History, Culture, and Art
Visitors interested in local history and culture can explore Tokutomi Roka Memorial Literature Museum, Takehisa Yumeji Ikaho Memorial Museum, Mizusawa Kannon, Shibukawa City Akagi History Museum, Kitatachibana History Museum, and Hara Museum ARC.
Family-Friendly Attractions
For families and hands-on experiences, Ikaho Green Farm, Shibukawa Skyland Park, Gunma Maitake Center, Ussaburo Kokeshi, and Chikyūya offer a variety of activities and experiences.
Local Food and Specialties
Regional specialties include Mizusawa Udon, Yunohana Manju, fresh konjac, seasonal pears from the Mount Haruna foothills, and Monzen Soba made with Haruna spring water.
Traditional Hot Spring Experiences
In addition to Ikaho Onsen’s historic Stone Steps Street, travelers can explore long-established ryokan inns, open-air baths, foot baths, and other hot spring destinations in the surrounding area.