Onsen · Tokyo & Around

Ikaho Onsen

Shibukawa, Gunma♨ Kogane no Yu (sulfate spring) and Shirogane no Yu (clear, colorless water containing metasilicic acid)

Overview

A hot spring area in Gunma known for its stone steps. It has two types of water: the Kogane no Yu (golden water), which contains iron and turns reddish brown, and the clear, colorless Shirogane no Yu (silver water). Partway up the stone steps is a city-run bathhouse open to day visitors.

The stone steps, said to have been built about 440 years ago, are the symbol of the hot spring town and are counted among the Three Great Stone Stairways of Japan. Nearby are Ikaho Shrine and the vermilion Kajika Bridge, near the source of the Kogane no Yu. Two day-use facilities, Ishidan no Yu and Ikaho Rotenburo, make it easy to enjoy a hot spring hopping tour.

Location: Shibukawa, Gunma
Best time to visit: In autumn, the autumn leaves and illumination at Kajika Bridge
Official website: https://www.ikaho-kankou.com/

Nearby area

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Day-Use Baths

Baths you can visit without staying

Public baths, day-use spas and foot baths open to non-staying visitors.

Public bath

Ikaho Onsen Ishidan no Yu

Price: Adults ¥800, children ¥400 (as of October 2026)
Hours: 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30)
Closed: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month (the following day if a public holiday); also closed for inspections
Note: A city-run bathhouse on the stone steps. Credit cards and e-money accepted
Official site: https://www.city.shibukawa.lg.jp/kankou/000357/000361/p003077.html

Day-use spa

Ikaho Rotenburo

Price: Adults ¥600, children ¥300 (as of October 2026)
Hours: April–September 9:00–18:00, October–March 10:00–18:00 (entry until 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month (open on public holidays)
Note: Infants under 1 year old may not bathe
Official site: https://www.city.shibukawa.lg.jp/kankou/onsen/tachiyorionsen/p000219.html

Foot bath

Kishigon Ryokan Tatsu no Yu (footbath)

Price: Free (as of October 2026)
Note: Towels can be bought at nearby souvenir shops
Official site: https://www.ikaho-kankou.com/sightseeing/ikaho/

Prices and hours are as of the date shown and may change, with occasional closures. Check each facility’s official website before you go.

🖋 If you have tattoos

Varies by facility, so please check with each one. Some facilities allow bathing if tattoos are covered with cover stickers

Spring

Spring type and features

♨ Kogane no Yu (sulfate spring) and Shirogane no Yu (clear, colorless water containing metasilicic acid)

According to the tourism association, the Kogane no Yu is listed for a wide range of indications such as poor circulation, chronic joint and muscle pain and recovery from fatigue, and the Shirogane no Yu for recovery after illness, recovery from fatigue and health promotion

Etiquette

Bathing etiquette

✓Rinse yourself with hot water (kakeyu) and wash your body before getting into the bath
✓Do not put your towel in the bath water
✓Tie up long hair so it does not touch the water
✓Do not take photos in the bathing area

Sights

Nearby sights

Stone Steps (Ishidan-gai)

The symbol of the hot spring town, said to have been built about 440 years ago. One of the Three Great Stone Stairways of Japan

Kajika Bridge

A vermilion arched bridge near the source of the Kogane no Yu. Autumn leaves and illumination in autumn

Ikaho Shrine

The third-ranked shrine of Kozuke Province, enshrining the deities of hot springs and medicine

Tips

Good to know

!Check the bus timetable from Shibukawa Station to Ikaho in advance, as service is limited
!Ishidan no Yu is closed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, and Ikaho Rotenburo on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays

Access

Nearest station / bus stop: Shibukawa Station (JR Joetsu Line and Agatsuma Line)Bus or taxi to Ikaho
From major cities and airports: Ueno: JR Limited Express Kusatsu-Shima to Shibukawa Station (About 1 hour 35 minutes)
Tokyo: Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, then the Joetsu Line to Shibukawa Station (About 50 minutes + about 25 minutes)

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Travel Passes

Travel passes for getting there

🚄 JR

Japan Rail Pass

Nationwide ・ Three types: 7, 14 or 21 days. The period of use cannot be extended or changed

From ¥50,000

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Ikaho OnsenPR

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Prices, hours, tattoo policies and spring types are based on official facility, municipal and tourism association information. They can change, so check the official websites before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-08

Ikaho Onsen

Overview