Ikaho Onsen Complete Travel Guide

Ikaho Onsen is a historic hot spring town in the mountains of Gunma, built around 365 stone steps lined with shops and inns, with roots going back to the 8th century and a shrine at the top of the stairs.

Quick Facts

PriceThe stone steps and the free footbath are free. At city-run Ishidan no Yu, standard adult admission is 800 yen; Shibukawa residents pay 500 yen.

Time neededAllow two to three hours for the stone steps, footbath, Ikaho Shrine, and Kajika Bridge; stay longer for a bath or ryokan night.

Best timeYear-round for the onsen town; Kajika Bridge is especially photogenic with autumn maples. Check current illumination dates before a seasonal trip.

Good forHot spring lovers, couples, first-time onsen visitors, and an easy overnight or day trip from Tokyo.

Best Things to Do

Climb the 365 stone steps slowly, stopping at the small shops, cafes, and rest areas along the route.
Use the free footbath at step 212, then continue to Ikaho Shrine at the top of the steps.
From the shrine, take the relatively flat five-minute walk to the vermilion Kajika Bridge; continue toward the open-air bath only if that extra walk suits your plan.
Choose a bath deliberately: Ishidan no Yu sits on the steps and uses Kogane no Yu, while ryokan day-use rules and prices vary by property.

Tickets and Fees

Checked in August 2026: the stone steps and footbath are free. City-run Ishidan no Yu is open 10:00–20:00, with final entry at 19:30. Standard adult admission is 800 yen (500 yen for Shibukawa residents); children, eligible seniors, and visitors with disabilities have separate rates. It normally closes on the second and fourth Tuesday, shifting to the next weekday after a public holiday; maintenance and seasonal exceptions can apply, so check the city page before visiting.

How to Get There

For the clearest rail-to-bus arrival, travel to Shibukawa Station and take a Kan-etsu Transportation bus bound for Ikaho Onsen from Stop No. 3 outside the station. The ride takes about 25 minutes; pay as you leave with cash or a transportation IC card. Get off at Ishidangaiguchi, directly in front of the bottom of the stone steps, where lockers and visitor information are available. Direct highway-bus options from Tokyo also exist; confirm the current operator timetable before booking.

Nearby Attractions

Ikaho pairs naturally with Kusatsu Onsen for a two-hot-spring Gunma trip, or with the UNESCO-listed Tomioka Silk Mill for a history-focused day.

Book Before You Go

Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.

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Official Sources Checked

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