The best places to visit in Ikaho Onsen
29 August 2024
Ikaho Onsen is a traditional hot spring town, just a 2-hour journey from Tokyo. Many people automatically think of Kusatsu Onsen (the most famous Onsen resort in Japan) when they think about the hot springs. However, Ikaho Onsen is actually closer and easier to get to from Tokyo. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views as well as the charm of a traditional hot spring town. In addition, there is a public hot spring that welcomes people with tattoos.
Here, we will look at the best tourist attractions in Ikaho Onsen which the ideal place for international tourists to enjoy the Japanese hot spring culture.
The best places to visit in Ikaho Onsen
Here are some places you must visit in Ikaho Onsen.
Ikaho Stone Steps
Your tour of Ikaho Onsen starts at these famous stone steps. There are 365 stone steps leading up to the Ikaho Shrine (explained later). On both sides of these steps, you can find many souvenir shops and stores selling traditional Japanese sweets and goods.
Under the steps, you can see the hot spring water that flows to Onsen Ryokans (Japanese traditional hotels). In the Edo period, which was around the 1700s, there were 12 famous ryokans in this area, and the places where those once stood now have plates with the zodiac signs embedded in the steps. Finding these plates while you stroll up the steps is a fun experience.
Ikaho Checkpoint
You will find the Ikaho Checkpoint as you start climbing the stone steps. It is a reconstruction of a checkpoint used in the Edo period (1700s). Checkpoints were set up on major roads to manage traffic and goods, maintain security and collect taxes. Travellers and merchants had to show their travel permits and explain their travel plans at these checkpoints. This helped maintain security and prevent unauthorised travel. Inside, you can see replicas of tools used for inspections and travel permits.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Closed: The 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month
Admission: Free
Time needed: 10 minutes
Ikaho Stone Steps Hot Spring
As you climb further, you'll see the Ikaho Stone Steps Hot Spring. We recommend it for international tourists. Furthermore, people with tattoos are welcome here and towels are available at a low price. The bathing fee is very reasonable, so if you're interested in hot springs, you should try it. Note that only cash is accepted.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM (last entry at 7:30 PM)
Closed: The 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. If a bank holiday falls on one of these two Tuesdays, then the Hot Spring will be open (and closed the next day instead).
Entry Fee: 800 yen per adult
Ikaho Shrine
At the top of the stone steps, you'll find the Ikaho Shrine. This is dedicated to the guardian deity of hot springs and is believed to bring good fortune in business and health. In autumn, the shrine is surrounded by beautiful foliage. At the entrance of the Ikaho Shrine, you can find a plate which shows it is 365 steps from the street.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Closed: N/A
Entry Fee: Free
Kajika Bridge
Near the Ikaho Shrine, you should visit the Kajika Bridge. It is also a popular spot for photography due to its beautiful scenery. You can enjoy the fresh greenery in spring and the autumn leaves in autumn. It is the best place for taking photos that look great on SNS.
The photo below was taken in Winter, but you can see even more stunning views at other times of the year.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Closed: N/A
Entry Fee: Free
Ikaho Onsen Drinking Fountain
Next to the Kajika Bridge, you also find the Ikaho Onsen Drinking Fountain. Here, you can drink the hot spring water. This is one of the Japanese hot springs where the water is good for drinking. Some of these springs even use the water for traditional remedies. Local people love them for their health benefits for the stomach and intestines. The water is totally free of charge for drinking.
Location: GoogleMaps
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Entry Fee: Admission Free
Ikaho Cable Cars
The Ikaho Cable Cars are a convenient way to travel from the hot spring town to the top of the mountain. It takes 4 minutes to reach Miharashi Station, located at an altitude of 955m. There is an observation deck near the station, where you can see the beautiful iews of Gunma Prefecture. When descending, you can either take a cable car back down or enjoy walking down the well-maintained mountain path.
Location: GoogleMaps
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, every day
Fare:
Adult: JPY830 for round-trip and JPY 500 for one-way
Child: JPY 410 for round-trip and JPY 250 for one-way
How to Travel to Ikaho Onsen from Tokyo in Just 2 Hours
Learn the fastest and most convenient ways to travel from Tokyo to Ikaho Onsen in just 2 hours. This guide covers routes using the Shinkansen, local trains, and direct buses, ensuring a smooth journey to this traditional hot spring town.