Japan’s 400-Year-Old Onsen Resort Town: Exploring Ikaho

Step into the healing heart of Gunma! In this new episode, The Onsen Guy explores Ikaho Onsen (伊香保温泉) — one of Japan’s oldest and most iconic hot spring resort towns with over 400 years of history. Known as Japan’s first planned onsen town, Ikaho is home to the legendary 365-step stone staircase, symbolic shrines, and two distinct types of hot springs: the golden Kogane-no-Yu (黄金の湯) and the clear Shirogane-no-Yu (白銀の湯). Walk with us up the famous stone steps, learn fascinating local lore, chat with friendly locals, and soak in the soothing golden waters that have drawn bathers for centuries. Stay tuned for Ikaho Episode 2 & 3 Coming Soon! —— 📍Ikaho Shrine https://maps.app.goo.gl/o8a4hvmHw5396... 📍Kajika Bridge https://maps.app.goo.gl/h2feraKiCabBB... 📍Ikaho Onsen Drinking Fountain https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPvPjfkN3Z4o8... 📍Ikaho Onsen Source Spout https://maps.app.goo.gl/ JCUXAzgregcS8jwt7?g_st=ic 📍Moriaki Ryokan https://maps.app.goo.gl/PdLqBht3soZji... —— Kyle Card is a certified Onsen Sommelier & Hot Spring Bathing Consultant (温泉入浴指導員) with 15+ years of firsthand experience in Japan. He specializes in Japanese onsen etiquette, proper bathing practices, and cultural know-how, so you can enjoy hot springs with confidence and respect. 🔔 Subscribe to The Onsen Guy for clear, expert onsen guidance. 📲 Follow me on Instagram & TikTok for exclusive onsen content! Instagram: @theonsenguy https://www.instagram.com/theonsenguy... Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Getting to Ikaho 01:15 Meeting My Ikaho Guide 01:50 Learning About Ikaho's Springs 02:48 Ikaho's Iconic Stone Steps 04:05 Family Crests Of The Original 12 Ryokans 04:45 Ashi-Yu! Foot Bath & New Friends! 06:40 The Top Of The Stairs! Ikaho Shrine! 07:15 Farewell & A New Adventure! 08:07 Time For A Drink. Tasting Ikaho Onsen! 08:57 To The Source Of Ikaho Onsen! Wow! 09:57 Moriaki Ryokan & Room Tour 11:08 It's Onsen Time! 12:17 Bathing Tips From An Onsen Sommelier! 16:04 Dinner Time! Ryokan Style! 18:27 Outro. See You Next Time!