Ikaho Onsen’s most distinctive feature is its main street — a flight of 365 stone steps, one for each day of the year, lined with ryokan, shops and shrines climbing up the hillside, said to represent life’s journey. The town’s hot spring water, tinged a striking rust-orange from its high iron content and known as ‘golden water’ (kogane no yu), contrasts with the clear ‘silver water’ (shirogane no yu) also found here, and each September the town celebrates its heritage with a lively Stone Steps Festival featuring traditional performances along the steps.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Ikaho, Gunma |
| Hours | Steps always accessible; shop and bath hours vary |
| Admission | Free to walk the steps; day bath around ¥700–1,200 |
| Time needed | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; September for the Stone Steps Festival |
What to See
- The iconic 365 stone steps lined with shops and ryokan.
- Distinctive rust-orange ‘golden water’ (kogane no yu).
- Shrines and small landmarks along the ascending street.
- The lively Stone Steps Festival each September.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Lake Haruna sightseeing nearby.
- Pair with Mizusawa Udon tasting.
- Read our Gunma overview .
Getting There
- By train + bus: JR Shibukawa Station, then a 25-min bus to Ikaho.
- By car: roughly 2 hours from central Tokyo.
Tips
The 365 steps make a natural, unhurried walking route — take your time browsing shops rather than rushing to the top. The Stone Steps Festival in September is a lively time to visit but draws crowds, so plan transport and accommodation accordingly if visiting then.
