Ikaho Onsen in Gunma

 

 

Located with a direcr bus line from Takasaki station via Ikajo liner (3 stops) or local bus, Ikaho onsen is very accessible. Famous for its steps, ascending that visitors can enjoy small shops selling souvenirs, food, and snacks.

I enjoyed eating at Sara’s Terrace Arraiya. Located in one of shops by the steps, the food and service is lovely.

A recommended public bath is outdoor (Rotenburo) about 10 mins walk from the shrine.

The public bath is gender-separated. There is no facility, other than locker to store bags and valuables. One is supposed to use the bucket to warm ourselves with onsen water before soaking. Only cold water is offered by the tap. There are 2 pools, warm and hot. As the female and male baths are located next to each other separated by the bamboo-strips wall, some bather can be heard confirming with their spouse (or companion) to finish up the bath.

The water is wonderful. One feel really energised after 25-mins bath. People come and go, so the bath doesn’t feel too full.

There is onsen water for drinking, halfway while walking up to he public bath. There is a corroded metal cup, that testify to the minerals contained of the sulfic-iron water. The water, although clear and transparent, has a strong metallic taste.

There are 2 types of water in Ikaho onsen: 1) Kogane-no-yu, and 2) Shirogane-no-yu.

Kogane-no-yu water is sulfate fountain. Originally colorless and transparent, as the water comes contact with air, it turns brown due to its iron content. The fountain near the shrine, has strong metallic taste due to that.

I did not try the bath of Shirogane-no-yu. It is said to be meta silicic acid fountain, said to be gentler and more beneficial for illness recovery and recuparation.