We visited Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture to enjoy the autumn leaves and hot springs.
Ikaho is a nostalgic Japanese onsen town famous for its 365 stone steps. In addition to hot springs, visitors can enjoy traditional streets, mountain scenery, local sweets and regional food while exploring at a relaxed pace.
In this guide, we share our experience walking through the Stone Step Street, riding the Ikaho Ropeway and trying the famous Mizusawa Udon, along with practical tips we learned during our visit.
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Walking Ikaho Onsen’s Famous 365 Stone Steps
The Stone Step Street is the symbol of Ikaho Onsen.
Even before reaching the main staircase, we could see steam rising nearby, immediately giving the area the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese hot spring town.
The staircase has 365 steps, and numbers along the way show how far you have climbed.
This photo was taken around step 124.
Cafes, pudding shops and souvenir stores line both sides of the staircase, so there are plenty of reasons to stop along the way.
Looking back from the steps, we could see the surrounding mountains. The scenery was especially beautiful during autumn.
Along the way, we found an unusual spot filled with tiny yellow ducks.
It was a fun and unexpected photo spot during our walk.
Buying Pudding and Almond Jelly on Stone Step Street
After climbing the steps, something sweet felt like the perfect reward.
We stopped at Yunohana Pan and bought pudding and almond jelly. The shop also sold bread and drinkable yogurt during our visit.
We took our sweets back to the hotel instead of eating them immediately.
The almond jelly was lightly sweetened and came in a small portion, making it an easy treat after walking around the town.
Popular Onsen Manju Can Sell Out Early
Ikaho is also famous for onsen manju, steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste.
One of the best-known shops is Shogetsudo.
When we arrived shortly after noon, the manju had already sold out. Another shop we checked had also sold out by around 1:50 p.m.
If trying a famous onsen manju is important to you, visiting in the morning may be a good idea.
Ikaho Shrine at the Top of the 365 Steps
At the top of all 365 steps, you will reach Ikaho Shrine.
The small shrine is surrounded by trees and feels surprisingly peaceful compared with the busy streets below.
We stopped to pray for safe travels and good health.
The staircase can feel challenging if you have difficulty walking, so taking your time is important.
During our autumn visit, fallen leaves also made some areas slippery, so comfortable shoes were helpful.
Ikaho Ropeway: Mountain Views and What to Expect
We also visited the Ikaho Ropeway, which is within walking distance of the Stone Step Street.
It is an easy way to enjoy mountain views without a long hike.
From the upper station, Miharashi Station, you can look out over Ikaho and the surrounding mountains.
The scenery changes with the seasons, from fresh greenery in spring to autumn colors and winter landscapes.
We also saw a sign warning about Asian black bears in the area.
It made us slightly nervous, although we did not encounter any bears during our visit.
One thing to know about the ropeway is that cars can become quite crowded.
During our ride, most passengers stood and it felt a little like a crowded commuter train.
The ride itself only took around four minutes, so it was over quickly.
If you dislike crowded spaces, waiting for a quieter departure may make the experience more comfortable.
Our cabin was packed, while the next departure looked much quieter.
During our visit, the ropeway was operating at approximately 15-minute intervals. Operating schedules can change, so check the latest information before visiting.
The air at the top was fresh and refreshing.
Art Displays Near the Ikaho Ropeway
During our visit, artwork created by Japanese celebrities for the television program Pre-Battle!! was displayed in a facility near the ropeway.
It was interesting to see artwork that we had previously seen on television up close.
Because exhibitions can change, this display may not always be available.
Trying Mizusawa Udon at Manyotei
One local specialty worth trying around Ikaho is Mizusawa Udon.
It is often described as one of Japan’s great udon traditions and is known for its smooth, slightly translucent noodles and firm texture.
We visited Manyotei, which is located away from the Stone Step Street, so we traveled there by car.
The restaurant had a large parking area, and service was smooth during our visit.
We were first served an onsen manju.
Since we had missed out on the famous ones in the Stone Step Street, this made us especially happy.
We ordered dishes including mushroom udon with large mushrooms and tempura udon with crispy maitake mushroom tempura.
The noodles had a satisfying firmness while still feeling smooth and light to eat.
The tempura batter was also light rather than heavy.
We have tried many different kinds of udon around Japan, and we really enjoyed Mizusawa Udon.
Manyotei also had a souvenir shop with snacks and other gifts.
There were several gift sets available during our visit.
Local sake was available too.
There are several Mizusawa Udon restaurants along the nearby Mizusawa Udon area, so comparing different restaurants can also be part of the experience.
Is Ikaho Onsen Comfortable for Travelers Over 60?
Ikaho is a charming destination for travelers who enjoy hot springs, traditional streets and local food, but the famous stone staircase does require some effort.
For us, the best approach was to take our time, stop at shops and cafes, and treat the walk itself as part of the sightseeing.
You do not need to rush to the top.
If stairs are difficult, you can still enjoy other parts of Ikaho by car, use the ropeway for mountain scenery and spend more time relaxing at an onsen hotel.
Autumn was especially beautiful during our visit, although fallen leaves can make some paths slippery.
Where to Stay in Ikaho Onsen
If you want to explore the Stone Step Street slowly, staying within walking distance can be very convenient.
▶ Find hotels near the Ikaho Stone Steps on Rakuten Travel
Combine Ikaho Onsen with Ashikaga Flower Park
After visiting Ikaho Onsen, we also traveled to Tochigi to enjoy the winter illumination at Ashikaga Flower Park.
