15 Best Gunma Ryokan for Couples to Indulge in the Finest Local Flavors of Ikaho Onsen

Ikaho onsen is a onsen town located in Gunma. Along with Kusatsu onsen, it is one of Gunma 's most representative onsen, and has been popular with people from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. The symbol of this onsen resort is the 365-step stone staircase, and on both sides of the stone steps there are coffee shops, nostalgic shooting ranges, hotels, and ryokan. There are also four branching points of the hot spring source called ``Komaguchi'' on the stone steps, and you can see how the hot spring water is distributed to each ryokan on both sides. On your next day off, let's go on a date at Ikaho onsen where you can relax your body and soul♪

If you climb the stone steps, you will find Ikaho Shrine, which is famous for the god of marriage. This shrine is also famous as a power spot along with Haruna Shrine, Mizusawa Kannon, and Kajika Bridge in the Ikaho area. Enjoy a trip to Ikaho where you can relax in onsen while praying for good luck.

For those who find it difficult to climb 365 steps, there is also a bus that goes around Ikaho's tourist attractions. You can use your time effectively by researching tourist attractions in the Ikaho area in advance.

Then, we will introduce recommended inns that boast gourmet food that will make your date in Ikaho onsen even more wonderful ♪

“Ikaho onsen Fukuichi” is a long-established ryokan with a history of over 400 years. Currently, ryokan consists of 3 buildings according to the taste of the room, and there is also a guest room in the building close to the stone steps. Here, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine made with plenty of seasonal ingredients, carefully selected by the head chef. There is an upgraded course for cooking, and it is also recommended for those who want to enjoy food.

meal are available at private dining room ``Manyo Sosakuwa Kaiseki,'' and the Japanese dining restaurant ``Joshu Taste Kaiseki.'' Kaiseki cuisine incorporates seasonal local ingredients, such as wild vegetables in spring and matsutake mushrooms in fall. For special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, we recommend special orders such as domestic beef sirloin grilled with rock salt or matsutake mushrooms steamed in a clay pot (seasonal).

This is the "Japanese Modern Room". We also recommend rooms with garden open-air baths, as well as twin rooms for those who prefer beds. The hotel also has a large public bath where you can soothe the fatigue of your travels, and a private bath with natural hot spring water that can be reserved by reservation, so be sure to enjoy these as well.

"Ikaho onsen Kokuya" is a long-established ryokan that has been in business for over 100 years. This inn is proud of its Kaiseki cuisine, which incorporates local mountain produce unique to Gunma, and you can also enjoy onsen flowing directly through it. There are also accommodation plans with rooms with open-air baths that are perfect for couples traveling.

For dinner, you can choose from sukiyaki and sashimi using Japanese pork mochibuta, the basic Japanese pork mochibuta kaiseki, and Tsubaki kaiseki, which is upgraded to Joshu beef. For those who use a room with an open-air bath, a luxurious banquet called "Yuyama Kaiseki" will be prepared by the chef. You can fully enjoy Gunma gourmet such as Joshu beef, seasonal vegetable tempura, and freshly cooked pot rice.

A guest room with an open-air bath recommended for couples. The open-air bath allows you to enjoy the hot onsen slowly without worrying about your surroundings or the time, with the ``Golden Hot Spring'' flowing directly over you. Forget your daily routine for a moment and enjoy your time together.

``Ikaho onsen Washin Yado Omori'' is a long-established ryokan founded in 1919. This inn boasts seasonal meal made with locally produced ingredients such as rainbow trout from Gunma and Joshu beef, as well as a large communal bath with two onsen. It is located close to tourist spots in Ikaho onsen, such as the stone steps and ropeway, so you can also enjoy sightseeing in Ikaho town.

For dinner, there are kaiseki dishes that feature Joshu beef as the main dish, and kaiseki dishes prepared by the chef, all of which look delicious using local ingredients. We also have original sake and shochu, so you'll want to enjoy them with Gunma's gourmet food.

On the rooftop of the inn, there is a spacious open-air bath that can be used by both men and women, as well as a private open-air bath. For couples traveling who would like to cherish more private time, we recommend rooms with a bathtub with a view of the mountains. If you are using an open-air bath or a private open-air bath, you can order the ``Open-air Drink Set'' at the reception counter, which allows you to drink alcohol in onsen, so enjoy a drink with your lover while fully soaking in onsen ♡

"Ikaho onsen Hotel Matsumotoro" is a beautiful hotel that was renewed in the spring of 2018. At this inn, you can enjoy dishes using mainly local ingredients in a kaiseki meal at night and in a buffet style in the morning. The view open-air bath on the 8th floor where you can see the scenery of Ikaho onsen and Mt. Haruna is also wonderful.

meal The menu is left to you on the day of your visit at in-room dining, private dining, the restaurant, or the dining room. Seasonal kaiseki meals are prepared with an awareness of local production for local consumption, using a good balance of meat, river fish, and vegetables, and are highly satisfying. If you want to eat plenty of Gunma's Jyoshu beef for your main dish, we recommend you choose the "Upgrade Kaiseki". For breakfast, enjoy a healthy morning with a Japanese buffet full of fresh vegetables from local farmers.

All of the rooms are spacious, and some offer views of the majestic mountains. If you're traveling as a couple, enjoy your time together in a Japanese-style room with a sense of freedom. Luxury suites are also recommended for travelers who value privacy.

``Ikaho onsen Matsumotoro Yofu Ryokan Pinon'' is an inn where you can enjoy the marriage of cuisine prepared by a chef who is an expert in Chinese and French cuisine. The inn is designed with a British atmosphere, and the interior has a wonderful atmosphere that makes you feel like you've visited a classic inn overseas. Although it is a Western-style ryokan that feels like a villa, it is also a unique inn where you can enjoy two types of onsen.

What is different from other inns at Ikaho onsen is the ``French-style kaiseki'' where you can enjoy French cuisine with chopsticks. You can enjoy it in style without being pretentious. We have a wide selection of alcoholic beverages that go well with the food, including wines selected by the sommelier, so enjoy pairing them with meal.

The classically decorated guest rooms are perfect for couples who want to spend some time together. For anniversaries, we recommend using the ``Anniversary Plan,'' which includes a special Pinon cake, flower basket, and mini champagne.

"Ikaho onsen ryokan Sakurai" is located in a quiet mountain area a little away from the stone steps of Ikaho onsen. The inn also boasts a dinner where you can enjoy Gunma's local cuisine, four private open-air baths, and guest rooms with open-air baths. In addition to the town bus, you can also be picked up and dropped off at Ikaho's sightseeing spot Ishidangai, so it is recommended for couples who want to spend a relaxing time on their trip. (Shuttle service is available from 15:00 to 18:00)

Dinner featuring seasonal ingredients can be enjoyed in the comfort of your room. The menu features seasonal dishes featuring Joshu beef, Joshu mochi pork, and Akagi chicken. If you're celebrating an anniversary or birthday, we recommend adding sparkling wine as an option. For breakfast, you can enjoy a Japanese meal in the hall.

There are a variety of guest rooms, including rooms with bathrooms, rooms with open-air baths without showers, and rooms with observation baths where you can enjoy onsen. There is also a private open-air bath within the inn, so one of the appeals of this inn is that you can choose a room that suits your budget and preferences. Eat delicious food and relax in the hot onsen.

``Ikaho onsen Hotel Tenbo'' is the largest hotel in Ikaho onsen with a city and resort concept. There are four meal within the hotel, where you can enjoy dinner tailored to your tastes, including a buffet with freshly grilled steak and freshly fried tempura, as well as kaiseki cuisine in a private restaurant room.

If you want to enjoy a leisurely meal for two, we recommend the ``Authentic Kaiseki'' at the private restaurant ``Yunohana-tei.'' You can enjoy seasonal Kaiseki cuisine incorporating seasonal delicacies from Joshu. The many beautiful dishes will satisfy both your heart and stomach.

You can enjoy two types of onsen in the large communal bath within the hotel. The elaborately designed bathtub is irresistible for onsen lovers. For couples traveling, we recommend the private open-air bath where two people can enjoy onsen of Shirogane-no-Yu, or the rooms with an open-air bath.

`` Hibikino'' is an inn that boasts rooms with private baths and open-air baths, perfect for couples' trips. There is also a large public bath where you can enjoy two types of onsen, ``Kogane-no-Yu'' and ``Shirogane-no-Yu,'' flowing directly from the source. There is also a bar, and there are plenty of facilities that will make your couple's trip even more fun!

Dinner is ``Hibikino Shunsai Kaiseki,'' which uses vegetables grown for ryokan, eggs harvested that morning, and local beef and river fish. The menu changes monthly, so you can enjoy plenty of Gunma 's seasonal produce. We also have a wide selection of local sake, so try it with your food.

For couples who want to enjoy some private time, we recommend an annex with an open-air bath made in the Sukiya style. If you stay in a regular guest room or twin room, you can enjoy some time alone in the private open-air bath. Let's take a relaxing onsen together and refresh ourselves.

Hotel Kimura boasts dishes made with plenty of seasonal ingredients and the largest tatami bath in the northern Kanto region. You can enjoy dishes using fresh seafood and mountains, such as Joshu beef raised in rich nature, live abalone dance grilled.

For dinner, you can choose from several different plans, including the Kaze Matsuri Kaiseki, which features carefully selected ingredients from Gunma, the main beef dish, and the Mega Shabu Kaiseki, which comes with 300g of meat. There is also a in-room dining plan that is perfect for couples traveling, so it's great for the two of you to enjoy your stay without worrying about your surroundings.

Guest rooms include spacious Japanese-style rooms with views of Mt. Tanigawa, and rooms with open-air baths are also recommended for couples traveling. You can also enjoy the view of the garden by opening the large windows. It's nice to be able to take a relaxing bath in a hot onsen regardless of the cold season or weather.

``Ikaho onsen Cable Inn Kanouya'' is a 120-year-old ryokan that you can visit by cable car. There is a main building, a south building with an open-air bath and a view bath, and a villa called ``Sora no Niwa'' with an open-air bath.Those who stay in the villa can enjoy the inn's special kaiseki meal. You can walk to Ishidangai in about 5 minutes from the walking path on the premises, so it is also recommended for couples traveling to enjoy the onsen town of Ikaho.

This inn also offers Kaiseki cuisine that uses plenty of seasonal ingredients, and for those who like meat dishes, you can enjoy Kaiseki cuisine made with beef. At ``Sora Kaiseki,'' which is available for guests staying in rooms with an open-air bath, you can enjoy dishes made with high-quality ingredients carefully selected from all over Japan, such as Joshu beef, abalone, and spiny lobster. How about a special trip as a couple?

The open-air baths in the villa have different variations depending on the room. The different views of each open-air bath may also be a factor when choosing a room. There is also a relaxation space in one corner of the room, so it's perfect for couples who love hot springs and want to enjoy onsen onsen over and over again. Also, be sure to take advantage of the large public bath, which has a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

After arriving at the hotel, check-in in your room. Enjoy a welcome drink of champagne and wasanbon, and immerse yourself in an extraordinary experience. All 8 rooms are equipped with open-air baths, so you can enjoy onsen all to yourself. Guests can also use the public bath in the main building "Fukuichi".

You can relax in a spacious structure such as the "Japanese Suite" with a semi-open-air bath that draws Ikaho's famous "Shirogane no Yu" and a special room with a garden and an open-air bath. We are particular about the bedding so that you can relax more, we have six types of pillows prepared by a good sleep therapist, and we have high-quality amenities such as a comfortable Enshu cotton yukata.

You can meal in a private room in the "tea dormitory" specially set up. The creative Japanese kaiseki "Four Seasons", which examines ingredients from all over the country, serves at the perfect timing, so you can enjoy warm food warmly. Breakfast is a Japanese set using kettle-cooked rice and fresh vegetables, and you will be satisfied.

A rustic ryokan with a warm atmosphere where you can enjoy Joshu beef shabu-shabu. There are Japanese-style rooms of 12 tatami mats and 20 tatami mats, so you can relax in the spacious rooms. The large public bath draws water from Ikaho onsen 's ``Shirogane no Yu,'' which can be enjoyed in an indoor bath or a semi-open-air bath.

For dinner, you can enjoy shabu-shabu of Gunma brand beef "Joshu Beef" in your room. The meat is sliced according to the time of dinner, and two types of sauce, sesame sauce and ponzu sauce, bring out the flavor of the marbled meat. There are also vegetables and udon noodles for the end of the meal, and the volume is perfect. It's perfect for couples who want to eat a lot of meat at a reasonable price.

onsen can rent out the indoor and semi-open-air hot spring baths. You can charter one group for one hour, so let's enjoy it leisurely aiming for free time.

A long-established ryokan located on the stone steps in the center of Ikaho onsen. The inn has a long history, where the great literary figure of the Meiji era, Roka Tokutomi, stayed, and there are plenty of baths, including a large public bath, an open-air bath, and four private baths, so you can rent them out as you please. It is valuable that you can enjoy Ikaho's onsen "Kogane no Yu" directly from the source without adding water or circulating.

We have a wide variety of baths, including ``Jinoyu'' with a 1m deep bathtub, ``Takiyu'' that flows like a waterfall, and 4 private baths. It is rare that Ikaho onsen has so many private baths. Perfect for couples who want to enjoy both meal and onsen!

meal Kaiseki cuisine featuring Akagi beef or Joshu beef sukiyaki in your room or at a private restaurant. Dishes that take into account the colors of the four seasons are both visually appealing and filling.

ryokan located under the stone steps of Ikaho. In a location where you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the downtown area, you can enjoy the taste of a Japanese ryokan in the corridors with tatami mats throughout. From the room with an open-air bath, you can see the nature of Ikaho, perfect for forgetting the daily busyness.

There are a variety of guest rooms, including a 10-tatami main room, a 6-tatami-sized next room, a 5-tatami room with a wide veranda, a special room on the top floor, and a room with an open-air bath. If you are a couple, why not choose a room with an onsen spring bath so you can have onsen to yourself privately? Heal your daily fatigue and relax.

meal have a seasonal multi-course meal in the dining room. You can enjoy the taste of the season by using meat, fish, vegetables, etc. in a well-balanced manner. Breakfast is a healthy Japanese set centered on cane porridge to make your stomach eat too much.

This is an inn that boasts a view of the mountains of Joshu, such as Mt. Akagi, Mt. Tanigawa, and the Mikuni Mountains. In addition to the spacious standard guest rooms, there are also "rooms boasting a view" where you can spend a soothing time with the mountain scenery. “Mori no Uta”, which was renewed in 2017 and has become beautiful, is also a two-room room where you can relax.

There are three baths: the large public bath "Kamitsuke no Yu", "Ebira no Yu", and an open-air bath. The open-air bath with rocks is so elegant that you will want to stay in it forever.

For dinner, enjoy seasonal kaiseki cuisine at the meal. It is a luxurious content with Gunma's brand beef "Joshu beef" included. For the "Sukiyaki Gozen" plan, you can enjoy exquisite sukiyaki skillfully prepared by the proprietress who trained at the sukiyaki restaurant. Joshu beef with just the right amount of marbling makes you want to eat as many bowls of rice as you want!

Even in Ikaho onsen, if you stay at an inn with delicious food, you'll feel even happier. Enjoy your time together in a onsen town that is a bit different from your usual date, eat the inn's specialty food, refresh yourself in onsen, and make lots of fun memories♡