This Ikaho Onsen day out includes power spots, a secret hot spring, art, and feasting on noodles

With its long flight of stone steps, Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture has all the charm of a typical hot spring town. However, its photogenic Western style architecture and numerous outdoor sculptures makes it something of a secret art spot as well. After your long drive, spend a few hours soaking in an outdoor rotenburo.

NAVITIME

Update 2023.08.07

DAY1

2021-06-11
- Mizusawa Kanzeon
  
  11:00
- Osawaya
  
  12:30
- Hara Museum ARC
  
  14:00
- Ikaho Onsen’s Stone Steps
  
  15:30
- Ikaho Rotenburo
  
  17:00

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DAY1

- Mizusawa Kanzeon
  
  11:00
  
  60min
  
  If you want to improve your financial prospects, then strike the bell at Shorodo, the belfry at the Mizusawa Kanzeon temple. Alternatively, turn the plinth at the six sided Rokkakudo three times and your wishes will come true. These are just two of a number of ways to boost your luck at this well known power spot. Receive a special red stamp, choose a lucky omikuji and then spend some time strolling through the temple grounds.
  
  Address
  - Mizusawa Kanzeon
- Car
  
  30min
- Osawaya
  
  12:30
  
  60min
  
  Soba / Udon
  
  A row of restaurants specialising in Mizusawa udon noodles can be found on the approach to Mizusawa Kanzeon. Among them is Osawaya, which has gained a reputation for its particularly thick noodles. Be sure to dip the udon in the tsuyu sauce, which is made from slowly boiled bonito. If you're luck holds, you'll get to try the exquisite sesame tsuyu, which is not always available.
  
  Address
  
  Gunma Pref. Shibukawashi Ikahomachimizusawa 125-1
  - Osawaya
- Car
  
  30min
- Hara Museum ARC
  
  14:00
  
  60min
  
  Next, head to the Gunma annex of the popular Tokyo museum Hara Museum of Art. Here, large three dimensional works of contemporary art, such as those of Andy Warhol, dot the green spaces around the museum and have become part of the landscape. Along with its café and shop, the museum is well worth a visit.
  
  Address
  - HARA MUSEUM ARC
    
    ¥1,500
  - Hara Museum ARC
- Car
  
  30min
- Ikaho Onsen’s Stone Steps
  
  15:30
  
  30min
  
  Street
  
  The symbol of Ikaho is its set of stone steps, some 365 in all. The number of steps is said to signify the wish of the townsfolk that the spa town stays busy 365 days a year. Ikaho has everything that a traditional onsen town has to offer, including an old style shooting gallery and onsen manju, a type of bun stuffed with bean paste.
  
  Address
  
  Gunma Pref. Shibukawashi Ikahomachikaho
  - Ikaho Onsen’s Stone Steps
- Car
  
  60min
- Ikaho Rotenburo
  
  17:00
  
  120min
  
  Street
  
  If you're in Ikaho, then you're there for the hot springs. The best way to unwind after a busy day is in the outdoor bath, or rotenburo, at Ikaho Shrine. Although known as the Golden Spa, the hot spring water that gushes out of the ground is dark brown in color. Expect your body to stay warm and tingling for quite a while after leaving the bath.
  
  Address
  
  Gunma Pref. Shibukawashi Ikahomachikaho
  - Ikaho Rotenburo
  - Ikaho Rotenburo
- FINISH
  
  19:00