Ikaho Onsen

Ikaho Onsen, one of the famous onsen representing Gunma, is a historic onsen town that was founded as a recovery location for wounded soldiers when the civil war broke out during the late 15th to 16th century. Here, you can enjoy two types of spring water, one that is of a brownish color and is called the "Golden Water" and a colorless transparent spring called the "Silver Water." The Golden Water has a strong effect of warming the body from within by improving blood circulation and has therefore been praised by women to be the "water of childbirth," while the Silver Water is said to be good for recovery after illness and to promote good health.

(Source: kazukiatuko / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

Popular Public Rotenburo

Ikaho Onsen Rotenburo (open-air bath) is a public open-air bath located at the spring of Ikaho Onsen's waters. The bath is separated into two sections, one with hot water and the other with warm water. There is a spring in front of the entrance where you can see the onsen water streaming out across a dome-shaped glass protection.

(Source: ぶどう畑に囲まれて)

Have a Break at a Casual Foot Bath: Ishidan no Yu

The 365 steps can be said to be the symbol of Ikaho Onsen. Near the entrance of this stone-steps district, there is a free foot bath, Ishidan no Yu, which has become a popular spot. You could enjoy some foot-bath hopping in Ikaho Onsen, as there are many other foot bath spots apart from this one.

(Source: 旅の雑記帳)

Ikaho's Scenic Spot: Ikaho Ropeway

On the Ikaho Ropeway, which connects the onsen district of Ikaho and Mt. Monokiki, you can enjoy marvelous views from 932 meters elevation. As you step into the gondola and enjoy the journey through the air with the onsen town underneath, you will see a great panorama unfold, with the famous mountains of Gunma such as Mt. Akagi and Mt. Tanikawa.

(Source: 伊香保温泉、観光情報)

Appreciate Some Art at Takehisa Yumeji Ikaho Museum

Takehisa Yumeji represents the early 20th century as an artist who created many bijinga (paintings of beautiful women). At Takehisa Yumeji Ikaho Museum, there are many famous pieces on exhibit including his signature bijinga Kurofune, as well as designs, watercolor paintings and sketches.

(Source: 竹久夢二伊香保記念館)

Symbol of Ikaho Onsen: the 365 Steps

The 365 stone steps were made with a wish for prosperity, that the onsen town would welcome many visitors 365 days a year. Souvenir shops and manju (steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste) stores are lined up along the steps and are always lively with tourists. Over 200 years ago, there used to be 12 onsen accommodations in this steps district, and today there are twelve zodiac animals of their family crest engraved in their former locations.

(Source: 伊香保温泉、観光情報)

Specialty Gourmet of Ikaho Onsen

Onsen manju exist in almost all onsen towns in all of Japan, but Ikaho Onsen is believed to be the origin of this onsen manju. Especially the Ikaho Yunohana Manju, which has become a specialty of Ikaho Onsen, is so prestigious that it has even been offered to the emperor family.