HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Hot Springs in Ikaho
Onsen, history, relaxation, townscapes, and people... Everything here will warm your heart
Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
Ikaho is a hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture famous for two types of onsen water. One is called Kogane no Yu, a brown-tinted water containing iron that is good for nerve pain, sore muscles, and aching joints. The other type is called Shirogane no Yu, clear onsen water good for after-illness recoveries, fatigue, and overall health enhancement.
Ikaho Onsen is said to have been discovered during the reign of Emperor Suinin about 1,900 years ago due to volcanic activity from Mt. Haruna and Mt. Futatsudake. The town of Ikaho dates back to 1576, when seven clans, including the Kigure clan under the Takeda clan, utilized the sloping terrain to create a bustling settlement around the springs.
Over time, they relocated the hot spring source to its current location, then implemented Japan's first hot spring resort city plan, featuring stone steps and a system for drawing and distributing the hot springs to designated residences. This rich history has continued to the present day.
Ikaho is also famous for its 365 stone steps, each representing one day of the year. On both sides of the stairs are hot spring hotels and souvenir shops, as well as stalls offering archery and other games.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Takasaki Line to Takasaki Station (2 hours), and then take the JR Joetsu Line or Azuma Line to Shibukawa Station (25 minutes). From Shibukawa Station, take the Kan-Etsu bus to Ikaho Onsen (20 minutes).
592-1 Ikaho, Ikaho-cho, Shibukawa-shi, Gunma-ken
