basic information

Ikaho is one of Gunma Prefecture's most renowned onsen. While not as famous as nearby Kusatsu, Ikaho's baths are nevertheless a unique experience due to their unusually high iron content. This iron gives the water a very brown colour and metallic taste. Bathing in the water, and even drinking a cupful, is said to be effective in treating certain disorders.

The source of the hot spring is found about 500 meters past the top of the stone steps. It can be viewed through a clear casing near the public outdoor bath (Ikaho Rotemburo). The rotemburo itself is a pleasant outdoor experience with two baths offering different water temperatures.

The iron coloured onsen river

Ikaho's onsen source

Ishidan no yu is another public bath option for day tourists. This indoor bath is conveniently located on the stone steps. Day tourists can also enter the many ryokan baths for a fee of about 500 to 1500 yen (prices and hours vary depending on location).

	Ishidan no Yu Lower portion of the stone steps Hours: Apr-Oct 9:00-21:00, Nov-Mar 9:00-20:30 Admission: 400 yen This public onsen is located in an attractive building on the right side of the steps as one ascends. The stones lining the entrance way provide an example of the original stonework that was replaced on the steps.
	Ikaho Rotemburo Top of stone steps, five minutes' walk past Kajika bridge Hours: Apr-Sep, 9:00 to 19:00, Oct-Mar 10:00 to 18:00 Admission: 450 yen The public rotemburo is just a few steps from the hot spring source. The rotemburo is divided into hot and warm baths, though neither are especially hot.

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