Ikaho Onsen

Historically a famous therapeutic hot spring resort, Ikaho Onsen attracts a large number of spa visitors. Located on the east side of Mt. Haruna, the hot spring resort is spread out over an elevation range of 650 to 800 meters above sea level. Because it is spread out on a mountain slope, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Joetsu Border Mountains and Mount Akagi.

The symbol of the area is the stone staircase that stretches endlessly toward the sky. The main street, the center of the hot spring resort, is known for its 400-year-old stone staircase, which is 300 meters long with 365 steps in a row.

Souvenir stores, old and new inns, bun shops, and playgrounds are located on both sides of the stone steps, and the sight of people in yukata strolling down them with the sound of their geta (wooden clogs) echoing in the air gives the town of hot spring a unique atmosphere.

There is also an open-air bath known as “hot water for children” at the end of the hot spring resort.

The origins of Ikaho Onsen date back more than 400 years, but the current stone steps were renovated in 2010 and now consist of 365 beautiful granite steps.

A plaza and a “yutaki” (hot spring waterfall) were also added to make the area a more familiar landmark.

The stone staircase is filled with a wish for prosperity: “We want the hot spring resort to be bustling with people 365 days a year.

There used to be 12 hot spring inns along the stone stairway, and at the location of each inn, the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac are engraved on the stone steps. It will be fun to find your zodiac sign as you leisurely stroll along.

Onsen Manju (steamed buns) are a specialty of Ikaho Onsen, and this is known as the birthplace of Onsen Manju. They are brown, glossy, and delicious looking, and are now almost always found in hot spring resorts.

After climbing the stone steps, visitors can easily enjoy a footbath. There is also a “Ishidan-no-Yu” (hot spring on stone steps) using the old stone steps, which is recommended for those who are not satisfied with footbaths alone.

There are four komanguchi in the Ishidan area, where you can see the hot spring water flowing from the hot spring source branching out.

Furthermore, the Ishidan-gai also has a playground where visitors can play target shooting and other games. The whole family can enjoy themselves when visiting Ikaho.

The stone steps are inscribed with poems by the poet Akiko Yosano, and it is fun to look for them. It is tasteful and adds to the feeling of traveling.

The stone steps of Ikaho Onsen are full of history and elegance, making it an attractive spot for tourists.

This hot-spring cure started 400 years ago and has been loved by people throughout its long history. The onsen town is also well suited for souvenir shops and people in yukata strolling around, a scene that is truly unique to onsen resorts.

There are two types of hot springs in Ikaho Onsen: “golden hot water,” which is brownish-brown with iron content, and “silver hot water,” which is clear and colorless. Depending on the inn, you may enjoy one or the other, or both. Why not try the challenge of climbing the stone steps while soaking in the historic and famous hot spring water?

History

During the Warring States Period, a stone step street was formed and became a resort for wounded soldiers. It is said that Katsuyori Takeda ordered Masayuki Sanada to build the stone step street. Since the Meiji era (1868-1912), many literary figures have visited the area, including Takehisa Yumeji, Tokutomi Roka, Natsume Soseki, Hagiwara Sakutaro, and Noguchi Ujo. There is also a long-established ryokan in Ikaho Onsen called Senmei Jinsentei, which is known as Tokutomi Roka’s favorite inn.

In 1910, a streetcar line was opened from Shibukawa, which later became the Tobu Ikaho Track Line, but was discontinued in 1956. 1920 saw a major incident when a fire broke out and the hot spring resort was destroyed by fire. After the war, the area flourished as a hot spring entertainment district, and a geiko union still exists today.

In 1955, Japan’s first cable television was installed in the area, and a monument to this event can be seen in the “Bungaku no Koen” (Literature Trail Park).

Onsen Manju

The brown onsen manju, now commonly seen in hot spring resorts throughout Japan, is said to have originated in Ikaho Onsen, and was first sold as “yunohana manju” in 1910 by the first owner of Katsugetsudo, where it is still sold today.

It is said that the name “Ikaho no yunohana manju” spread when it was presented to the Emperor as “Ikaho no yunohana manju. There are several other stores around Ikaho Onsen that produce and sell yunohana manju.