How to Travel to Ikaho Onsen from Tokyo in Just 2 Hours
18 July 2025
If you're visiting Japan, experiencing the hot spring culture is a must do. Ikaho Onsen, conveniently situated just two hours from Tokyo, offers breathtaking mountain views as well as the charms of a traditional hot spring town. This article explains how to get to Ikaho Onsen from Tokyo.
Routes to Ikaho Onsen from Tokyo
We recommend two routes from Tokyo to Ikaho Onsen, especially for tourists. Here, we explain the different types of tickets available for each route and how to purchase them.
Route 1: Shinkansen, Local Train, and Bus (via Shibukawa Station)
On this route, you take the JR Shinkansen and a local JR train to get to Shibukawa Station and then a bus to Ikaho Onsen. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, this route is the most cost-effective since you can take the train for free.
Travelling from Tokyo to Takasaki Station by Shinkansen
Begin your journey on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Takasaki Station. You can take the train at either Tokyo Station or Ueno Station. For details on how to travel by Shinkansen, please refer to the article below.
Routes: Joetsu Shinkansen or Hokuriku Shinkansen
Departure Stations: Tokyo Station or Ueno Station
Cost: From £30 (Or free with a Japan Rail Pass)
Travel Time: 50 minutes
Reservation: Recommended, available on the day
Ticket Purchase: At station ticket offices or JR-East Train Reservation
Transfer from Takasaki to Shibukawa Station
Upon arrival at Takasaki, switch to a local JR train heading to Shibukawa Station.
Route: JR Joetsu Line
Cost: £3 (Or free with a Japan Rail Pass)
Travel Time: 25 minutes
Reservation: Not required
Ticket Purchase: At station ticket machines, IC Cards are also accepted
Boarding the Bus at Shibukawa Station
At Shibukawa Station, proceed to the bus terminal and take the bus to Ikaho Onsen.
Bus Operator: Kan-etsu Transportation Co., Ltd.
Route: Shibukawa Ikaho Onsen Line
Boarding Area: Bus terminal 3 in front of Shibukawa Station
Travel Time: 30 minutes
Reservation: Not required
Ticket Purchase: On the bus, IC Cards accepted
Route 2: Direct Bus from Tokyo
Alternatively, take a direct bus from Tokyo, departing from locations such as Shinjuku or Tokyo Station, straight to Ikaho Onsen. This route is straightforward and ideal for those with luggage or preferring a direct journey.
Bus Operator: JR Bus Kanto
Route: Tokyo/Shinjuku - Kusatsu Onsen/Ikaho Onsen
Departure Points: Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
Travel Time: About 2 hours
Reservation: Recommended
Ticket Purchase: Japan Express Bus Net