Ikaho Onsen is one of the leading hot spring resorts of Gunma Prefecture. Why not take a walk around this quaint retro hot spring town dressed in a yukata after soaking in its mineral-rich hot springs? Ikaho’s Kogane-no-yu, or golden hot spring, is well-known for its fantastic restorative properties for illnesses and injuries and is said to help with fertility.
The Shirogane-no-yu or silver hot spring is aptly named for its transparency and clarity and is known to be good for recovery from sickness and fatigue. Don’t leave Ikaho Onsen without benefitting from both hot springs!
Ikaho Onsen is also renowned as the birthplace of the Onsen Manju, a delicious treat well-loved throughout the country.
The 365 stone steps leading up to Ikaho Shrine are famous as an Instagram spot, so be sure to take many photos!
Located at the foot of Mt. Haruna foothills, the nearby Kajikabashi Bridge is a prime Instagram spot, especially in autumn when the vermillion Taiko bridge is visually stunning against a backdrop of golden-brown foliage leaves.
The Ikaho area is also famous for Mizusawa Udon, often known as one of Japan's top three varieties of udon. You can try this delicacy at any of the time-honoured restaurants such as Osawaya, located near Mizusawa Temple (Mizusawa Kanzeon) close to the hot spring town.
Ikaho Onsen
Access :Ikaho, Ikaho-machi, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
Operating hours :
How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen or Hokuriku Shinkansen for about 50 minutes, and get off at JR Takasaki Station. Then, transfer to the JR Joetsu Line and get off at JR Shibukawa Station after about 25 minutes. From JR Shibukawa Station, take a 30-minute bus ride to Ikaho Bus Terminal.
Website :https://www.ikaho-kankou.com/en/
Osawaya
Access :125-1 Ikaho-machi, Mizusawa, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
Operating hours :10am to 4pm. Please check the website for when store is closed.
How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen or Hokuriku Shinkansen for about 50 minutes, and get off at JR Takasaki Station. Then, transfer to the JR Joetsu Line and get off at JR Shibukawa Station after about 25 minutes. From JR Shibukawa Station, take a 20-minute bus ride to Mizusawa Bus Stop.
Website :http://www.osawaya.co.jp/index2.html
