11 Recommended Attractions Not to be Missed in Ikaho Onsen

September 27, 2023 / Travel, Kanto

Ikaho is popular with tourists from home and abroad for its rich natural beauty and the hot springs at the foot of Mount Haruna. Another attractive feature is the convenient access to the city center, which is only 90 minutes away. Ikaho is famous for its stone-stepped hot spring town, but there are also many famous historical sites and attractions related to famous people. This time, we will handpick the must-see tourist attractions when traveling to Ikaho.

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4 Recommended Classic Attractions In the Ikaho Area

1. Ikaho Green Bokujo（伊香保グリーン牧場）

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Ikaho Green Bokujo is located near the Ikaho Hot Springs. Based on the concept of interacting with people, nature and culture, you can interact with animals such as sheep, goats, cows, horses and rabbits. A popular event is the sheepdog show, where sheepdogs lead about 100 sheep. You can also enjoy milking cows and walking with the animals. If you come here, you'll want to try the soft ice cream, which is rich and creamy and even better. There is also a barbecue and experience making jam and butter, so you can enjoy nature all day long.

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Ikaho Green Bokujo is the number one cherry blossom viewing spot in Gunma Prefecture, with a variety of cherry blossoms including Yoshino cherry blossoms in mid-April and Yaezakura cherry blossoms during Golden Week. From the farm's Higashi-Okariyama Mountain, the cherry blossoms spread out like an ocean, and the Yoshino cherry blossoms look like a sea of clouds. With a total of 1,500 cherry trees, this is the area with the largest number of cherry blossom viewing spots. Admiring animals under the blooming cherry blossoms is the best beauty of Green Farm in spring. Why not visit from mid-April through Golden Week?

  • Ikaho Green Bokujo（伊香保グリーン牧場）
  • Address: 2844-1 Kanai, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
  • Admission: Adults (junior high school students and older) 1,300yen, children 650yen, seniors (65+) 800yen
  • Official website: http://www.greenbokujo.co.jp/

2. Ikaho Onsen Stone Steps（伊香保石段街）

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The landmark of Ikaho Onsen is the Ikaho Onsen Stone Steps, where steep stone steps lead up to the sky. Nostalgic amusement parks, souvenir stores and restaurants line both sides of the 365 stone steps built to pray for prosperity 365 days a year.

It is said that Ikaho is the birthplace of onsen manju. The sweet aroma of onsen buns also permeates the stone streets. Why don't you take a walk while eating freshly steamed buns?

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The present stone street was restored at the end of the Showa period, but its original appearance was formed in the Warring States period. At that time, Ikaho was the domain of the Takeda clan, and Ikaho Onsen was built specifically for the healing of samurai during the Battle of Nagashino. The man responsible for the construction was Masayuki Sanada, a vassal of the Takeda family, who was known as Yukimura's father.

A device was built under the stone steps to provide hot water to each hot spring. Building a hot spring town in such a planned manner was an idea ahead of its time during the Warring States period in Japan. It has been 400 years since it was built for hot spring visitors.

3. Ikaho Shrine（伊香保神社）

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After climbing 365 stone steps, you will find yourself in a quiet space. Ikaho Shrine is a famous shrine dedicated to the gods of hot springs and medicine, and is said to bless fertility and marriage. It is a historic shrine built in 825. The breathtaking view of the onsen town is sure to delight you. There is also a legend that if you climb these stone steps, you will gain fortune.

Ikaho Shrine was originally built in a different location from the current one, but after moving to the current site of Ikaho Onsen, it was welcomed by the public and renamed "Onsen Shrine". It is not clear when it was moved to Ikaho, but it was renamed Ikaho Shrine at the beginning of the Meiji period, as it had taken root as a shrine that had been the guardian of Ikaho for 1,000 years.

On the other hand, Ikaho Shrine has gone through difficult times such as the decline of donations since the Heian Period and its destruction by fire in 1878. The shrine has a history of more than 1,000 years, which is why Ikaho Shrine is so popular today.

4. Ikaho Onsen Drinking Fountain（伊香保温泉飲泉所）

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The Ikaho Onsen Drinking Fountain where you can drink Ikaho Hot Spring water, is located at the gazebo on the way to the stone steps to the Ikaho open-air bath. Anyone can easily drink the hot spring water.

The spring is slightly acidic and hypotonic, and is said to be effective for gout, chronic allergic diseases, and obesity. Because it contains a lot of iron, it is best to drink it after meals, and it is best not to drink tea or coffee immediately after drinking the hot spring water.

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Near the Ikaho Onsen Drinking Fountain is the prototype of the red bridge that appeared in the Ghibli movie, "Spirited Away," and the red bridge is called Kawaguchi Bridge. If you've seen the movie, you might associate it with this bridge. This bridge is a treasure trove of spectacular scenery, and when the leaves turn red, you can see a harmonious scene of red. At night the River Deer Bridge is beautifully lit by the red leaves. Because the opportunity to view them is short-lived, it is recommended to take pictures in the fall.

3 Recommended Sightseeing Spots Around the Hot Spring Town

1. Ikaho Ropeway（伊香保ロープウェイ）

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The Ikaho Ropeway connects Hototogisu（ホトトギス）Station in the hot spring town with Miharu Station at the top of a 932-meter-high mountain in just 4 minutes. You can enjoy a scenic aerial tour overlooking the mountain in four seasons. When you get off at the top of the mountain at Miharu Station, you will find Kamiyama Park, which has the Miharu Observatory and Manbo Plaza, and on a good day you can see Mt. Akagi and Mt. Tanigawadake a little farther away from the observatory. The Heartbeat Deck located at the observation deck is a popular spot for couples on dates. It is recommended to come here at night because you can see a beautiful night view.

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In addition to attractions such as Uenoyama Park and the Heartbeat Deck, the area around Miharu Station is also home to natural attractions such as Ikaho Forest Park. Diverse ecosystems exist here, and plants such as astragalus azalea and astragalus rhododendron can be seen. The peak season is from May to October. In the park, there are attractions such as Azalea Peak and Onmaya Valley Wind Cave, and there are five hiking trails including the Azalea Peak Trail. If you want to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Haruna after boarding the ropeway, we recommend visiting Ikaho Forest Park.

2. Uenoyama Park（上ノ山公園）

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If you take the ropeway near the stone steps, you can reach Uenoyama Park at the top of the mountain. Here you can see Mt. Iwaki, which is 932m above sea level. You can see azaleas in spring and red leaves in fall, and you can see the hot spring town and the downtown area from the observation deck. There is also a parking lot, so you can drive there.

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There is a "Happiness Bell" on the observatory, and visitors can make a wish while ringing the bell. Of course, you can enjoy a wonderful view during the day, but the night view is breathtaking. If you come at night, you will see a romantic view.

3. Kajika Bridge（河鹿橋）

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"Kajika Bridge" is synonymous with Ikaho Onsen along with the stone steps. Visitors, including those from overseas, come here for this purpose. Not only people taking souvenir photos but also amateur photographers can often be seen on the vermillion-colored bridge spanning the vicinity of Ikaho Onsen.

The greenery around the bridge is beautiful with fresh green in spring and summer and bright red in fall. I hope you will find the trip worthwhile. It's also lit up in the fall, so it's a must-see attraction at night.

4 Recommended Sightseeing Spots around Lake Haruna

1. Haruna-jinja Shrine（榛名神社）

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The 1300-year-old Haruna-jinja Shrine is located in the southwestern part of Lake Haruna and continues to guard the land of Haruna. The main shrine is a stately building that has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property of Japan. Next to the shrine building, boulders are piled up to create the majestic sight of a mysterious rocky mountain. This mysterious space is also known as an energy point and attracts many visitors. One of the highlights is the various festivals held throughout the year.

Founded 1500 years ago, Haruna-jinja Shrine has a long history that has been recorded in ancient documents for 1000 years. Haruna-jinja Shrine enshrines many deities such as the powerful Dragon Sword, the God of Fire, and the God of Seven Fortunes. As a result, Haruna Shrine is known as a place of many talents.

  • Haruna-jinja Shrine（榛名神社）
  • Address: 849 Harayama-cho, Takasaki-shi, Gunma
  • Official website: http://www.haruna.or.jp/

2. Mount Haruna（榛名山）

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Mt. Haruna gently overlooks the tranquil Lake Haruna. It is a mountain with many trees and a warm and gentle atmosphere. Both the flowers and the red leaves are very beautiful, and the altitude is less than 1,500 meters above sea level, so you can easily enjoy hiking with children.

There are 3 hiking routes on Mt. Haruna. If you take the shortest route, you can reach the summit in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. There is nothing dangerous here, so you can often see people with children. If you are tired, the ropeway ride on the way back is also a big attraction.

3. Suzuriiwa（硯岩）

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Suzuriiwa is a lesser-known spot than the aforementioned Mount Haruna. It is also located overlooking Lake Haruna and can be climbed in about 30 minutes from the lake. Even if you don't intend to climb the mountain, you can easily stop here, so it is also recommended for those who want to save time for other sightseeing.

Although it is easy to climb, it is surrounded by nature, which has a healing effect. The area is full of unspoiled nature and some people have even encountered antelopes along the way. From the top, you can see a spectacular combination of Lake Haruna and Mt. Haruna. Be careful to wear sneakers rather than high heels.

  • Suzuriiwa（硯岩）
  • Address: Kawato, Higashi Agatsuma-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma

4. Lake Haruna and Haruna Fuji（榛名湖・榛名富士）

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Lake Haruna is a crater lake located at the summit of Mt. Haruna at an altitude of 1,391 meters. The beautiful cone of the volcano "Haruna Fuji" stands on the edge of the lake. As far as the eye can see, it is surrounded by magnificent nature and the area is full of various activities and forest trails. You can also take a sightseeing boat ride on the lake, go boating, bass fishing, and snapper fishing.

We recommend renting a bike or taking the Tote train to explore the Lake Road. The area also hosts fireworks displays and light events that can be enjoyed year-round. Take the ropeway to the top of Mount Haruna Fuji, which offers spectacular views of Lake Haruna and the Kanto Plain.

Mt. Haruna began to erupt 500,000 years ago. It is said that 250,000 years ago it reached a maximum height of 2,800 meters, comparable to that of the Japanese Alps, and 220,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption blew the top off the mountain. Thereafter, volcanic activity ceased until 50,000 years ago. After a long rest period of 150,000 years, the original form of Lake Haruna was formed. The most recent eruption occurred in the late Kofun era around the sixth century. As a result of this eruption, a village around Mount Haruna, known at that time as the Kinnetsuro Ruins, was buried in volcanic ash.

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