Ikaho Onsen Yokotekan
11, Ikaho, Ikaho-machi, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
Soaking in "Koganenoyu" Flowing from the Source. If you find your favorite photo spot, you will feel like a Taisho roman!
"Koganenoyu", the traditional hot water of Ikaho Onsen, is poured into a large bathtub by Flowing from the Source. (Yokotekan is one of nine ryokan that can draw "Koganenoyu" directly from the source.)
Yokotekan was established in the early 1700s. The main building, built in 1920, is a four-story structure made of cypress. In the twilight, when the lights go on, it has full of the atmosphere of the "Taisho Romanesque".
Ikaho Onsen has some souvenir shops and shooting shops etc. around the Stone Steps Street. It's fun to walk around while eating specialty gourmet foods, or look for a coffee shop in a small alley.
- Sulfate spring
- Hydrogen carbonate spring
- Chlo-ride spring
- Neutral
- Flowing from the Source
- Non-powered spouting after drilling
- Light green-grayish ocher
- Click to the description page
They provides a relaxation service. (require reservation)
Location
Area / Railway
Kanto Region
Gunma Pref.
JR Joetsu / Agatsuma Line
Click on a station/bus stop to see detailed information.
Bus timetable etc.
- Kan-etsu Kotsu Bus Shibukawa >> Ikaho route bus [PDF]
- Kan-etsu Kotsu Bus Ikaho >> Shibukawa route bus [PDF]
- Kan-etsu Kotsu Bus Ikaho Line Unlimited ride ticket [html]
- Gunma Bus Shibukawa - Ikaho route bus [PDF]
- Gunma Bus Takasaki - Ikaho route bus [PDF]
- Gunma Bus One way discount ticket [html]
- Ikaho Shima Onsen-go Haneda Line [html]
- Takasaki Ikaho Shima Onsen-go Hachioji Line [html]
- JR Bus Kanto Expressway bus Yumeguri-go [html]
- Gunma Bus etc.Yokohama / Roppongi >> Ikaho [PDF]
- Ikaho Town Bus etc.route map[PDF]
- Ikaho Town Bus etc.timetables[html→PDF]
- To / From Ikaho bus timetables[PDF]
- Shibukawa Ikaho area 2-days Unlimited ride bus ticket [jpg]
- Shibukawa-ekimae Plaza Free bicycle rental info [html]
Route from Tokyo (Ueno)
- Ueno Sta.JR: 2 hrs 20 min Takasaki Line etc. - Joetsu Line ¥ 2,310
- Shibukawa Sta.Walk: 2 hrs 25 min 9.3 km (5.8 mi) Difference in elevation: 592 m (1942 ft)
- Yokotekan
Route from Tokyo (Ueno)
- Ueno Sta. JR express: 1 hr 45 min Kusatsu Non-reserved seat ※¥ 3,670
- Shibukawa Sta. ※Kan-etsu Kotsu bus: 21 min ¥ 580
- Ikaho Onsen Bus StopWalk: 3 min 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
- Yokotekan
Route from Tokyo (Ueno)
- Ueno Sta. JR Shinkansen: 50 min Toki etc. Non-reserved seat ※¥ 4,610
- (Transfer at Takasaki Sta.) JR: 30 min Joetsu Line etc. ¥ -
- Shibukawa Sta. ※Gunma Bus: 29 min ¥ 620
- Ikaho Bus TerminalWalk: 4 min 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
- Yokotekan
Route from Tokyo (Ueno)
- Ueno Sta. JR Shinkansen: 50 min Toki etc. Non-reserved seat ※¥ 4,280
- Takasaki Sta. (West exit) ※Gunma Bus: 1 hr 10 min ¥ 1,170
- Ishidangaiguchi Bus StopWalk: 14 min 0.4 km (0.2 mi)
- Yokotekan
Route from Tokyo (Ikebukuro)
- Ikebukuro Sta. Tobu: 1 hr 35 min Tojo Line ¥ 910
- Yorii Sta.JR: 45 min Hachiko Line ¥ 990
- (Transfer at Takasaki Sta.) JR: 30 min Joetsu Line etc. ¥ -
- Shibukawa Sta.Walk: 0 min
- Shibukawa-ekimae Plaza
※Bicycle rental: 1 hr 05 min
¥ free of charge
9.3 km (5.8 mi) Difference in elevation: 593 m (1946 ft) - Yokotekan
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
- Shinjuku Sta. (New South Gate) Walk: 2 min
- Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
(4th floor) ※JR Expressway bus: 2 hrs 37 min Joshu Yumeguri-go ¥ 2,270 - ¥ 2,850 - Ishidangaiguchi Bus StopWalk: 14 min 0.4 km (0.2 mi)
- Yokotekan
Routes from Tokyo
- Ueno
- JR
- Shibukawa
- Walk
4 hrs 45 min ¥ 2,310
- Ueno
- JR express
- Shibukawa
- Bus
2 hrs 09 min ¥ 4,250
- Ueno
- Shinkansen
- Takasaki
- JR
- Shibukawa
- Bus
1 hr 53 min ¥ 5,230
- Ueno
- Shinkansen
- Takasaki
- Bus
2 hrs 14 min ¥ 5,450
- Ikebukuro
- Tobu
- Yorii
- JR
- Shibukawa
- Bicycle rental
3 hrs 55 min ¥ 1,900
- Shinjuku
- Expressway bus
2 hrs 53 min ¥ 2,270 - ¥ 2,850
- The price of JR Express and normal Shinkansen is "Basic fare" plus "(Super) Express charge". (These are determined according to the distance.) "(Super) Express charge" has two types: Reserved seat and Non-reserved seat. Reserved seat charge adds ¥930 (during the busiest season), ¥730 (during the busy season), ¥530 (during the normal season) or ¥330 (during the off season) to Non-reserved seat charge. (For details, please refer to JR East_Ticketing and Busiest / Busy / Normal / Off season calendar.)
- Kan-etsu Kotsu route bus "Ikaho Line Unlimited ride ticket" allows you to get on and off the bus between Shibukawa and Ikaho any number of times. In addition, you can get a discount on Ishidannoyu, Ikaho Rotenburo and so on.
- In case of you go to Ikaho by Gunma Bus, route buses depart from Shibukawa Station and Takasaki Station. Both are via Mizusawa, so they are convenient if you stop by Mizusawa Udon Town. And Gunma Bus also operates a bus from Ikaho to Lake Haruna. Further, "Ikaho / Mizusawa / Haruna One-way discount ticket" may be good for sightseeing in Ikaho Onsen plus Mizusawa / Lake Haruna.
- For foreign tourists visiting Japan, "Shibukawa Ikaho Area Pass" is for sale. It is an unlimited ride ticket for Shibukawa Ikaho area route bus etc. for two days. (Passport required)
- "Shibukawa-ekimae Plaza" is in front of JR Shibukawa Station. They provides electric assisted bicycle rental for free of charge. (9:00-19:00, photo ID required, reservations can be made, Tel.0279-24-0022)
- The expressway buses from Tokyo area to Ikaho Onsen are as follows.
- The above fares are based on cash. When using an IC card, the fares may differ slightly.
- The above times and distances are approximate. Does not include transfering or waiting times.
How to get to Yokotekan
(Directions from Ikaho Onsen Bus Stop)
- Go up the uphill toward the Stone Steps Street
- Enter the side path behind Kindayu
: bus stop
Click the map to open Google Map
Informations about Hot spring travel
- JR East (Japan Railway)Web Site
- JAPAN RAIL PASS info(JR GROUP)
- Route Search (Japan Transit Planner)
- Japan Route Finder & Calculater (NAVITIME)
- Train Timetable Search(EKITAN)
- Kan-etsu Kotsu Shibukawa Ikaho route bus
- Gunma Bus to / from Ikaho route bus
- Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
- Expressway bus Search (Bus Hikaku-Navi)
- Taxi Tel numberShibukawa City(Mapion)
- Rent-a-carReservation(TABIRAI)
- Ikaho Onsen Tourism Association
- Hotel / Ryokan Ikaho Onsen(Rakuten Travel)
- Hotel / Ryokan Gunma Pref.(Jalan)
- Hotel / Ryokan Ikaho Onsen(Yuko Yuko)
- Weather forecast Shibukawaoverview
- Weather forecast Shibukawahourly
Travel journal of day trip bathing to hot spring
Characters
- Nishi-san
- He is an orthodox hot springs lover and particular about quality of springs. He loves the hot springs flowing from the source, the hot water with a presence, and the rustic atmosphere.
- Kita-san
- He doesn't care much about quality of hot springs. He loves the open-air bath, and prefers hot springs that have visible features such as good views.
It's Autumn. The Autumn Leaves Front is moving south smoothly. When the Kanto Region is about to reach its peak, Nishi-san and Kita-san have been visiting to Ikaho Onsen. The last time they came to Ikaho Onsen was in summer, so this time they're planning to enjoy hot springs plus autumn leaves. They head to Kajika Bridge as soon as arriving at Ikaho Onsen.
Oh, yeah, I remenber now. Ikaho Onsen was such a place.
How many years ago? It was hot before, but today's cool. Autumn leaves also look like just the right time.
This road is leading to Ikaho Open-air Bath. Kajika Bridge is on this road?
Hey, you remember well. Probably, it's about to be seen.
Autumn leaves around Kajika Bridge
Oh, that's it! How beautiful!
Great! That's famous place of autumn leaves!
Nishi-san and Kita-san, who enjoyed the autumn leaves around Kajika Bridge, went to Ikaho Open-air Bath. According to Nishi-san, "If you're in Ikaho Onsen, Ikaho Open-air Bath is a must." They spended a relaxing time in Ikaho Open-air Bath after a long absence. (For the travel Journal of Ikaho Open-air Bath, go to the Ikaho Open-air Bath.)
♨ The area around Kajika Bridge is famous for autumn leaves. It's beautiful the combination of vermilion handrail and autumn leaves.
Stone Steps Street
After that, the two behaved like tourists for a while, hanging out on the Stone Steps Street and eating the famous "Ishidan Tama-Konjac". The time was about 3 o'clock.
It's almost 3 o'clock. Why don't you go to Yokotekan?
OK. To go to it, I'm sure, turn round this road and ...
Yeah, here it is ... Oh, the lights are coming on. It's getting more and more tasteful.
Exterior (Entrance)
This building is wooden, isn't it. Four-story? Anyway, it looks like Instagenic. Especially this entrance!
You can say it again. It's Taisho era architecture. In short, a building that has long history will be interesting.
After the reception, go into the hall. The bathing room is located on the east wing of the main building (left side when viewed from the front of the building).
♨ "Ishidan Tama-Konjac" is the signature food of "Yorozuya". (It's opposite "Ishidannoyu".)
♨ Yokotekan day trip bathing starts at 3:00 pm.
The inside is pretty new .... Oh! this staircase! That's nice!
Stair hall light
Wow! It's photogenic!
It has been renewed neatly, but it still has a retro feel. This corridor looks new, but its basic structure has not changed, maybe.
Corridor
It's like that. This break room is absolutely Japanese-style.
If it was in the Taisho era, it would have been 100 years already. It must be a mansion at the time, wasn't it?
I think so. It's so valuable because still there.
The bath is at the back of the corridor. It is a quaint bath named "Gekkonoyu" (means "Hot water of moonlight").
♨ The east wing of the main building of the Yokotekan was renewed in 2010.
"Gekkonoyu" Bathtub
Oh, what a nice atmosphere! bathtub is bigger than I thought.
It's retro-like and quite the character. The hot water is old-fashioned Ikaho Onsen water.
It's the same as Ikaho Open-air Bath we just went. Is it ocher or a bit green?
In short, when water has iron, and fresh, it would be greenish. So this water is quite fresh, I think. It has run from distance, and been stirred, so feels soft.
For sure, It smells like iron.
No staying guest have come yet now. So It's like a private bath, isn't it?. The advantage of day trip bathing is that you can enjoy new water.
I got it. Day trip bathing is so good value, you know.
Exterior in the twilight
Nishi-san and Kita-san enjoyed "Koganenoyu" typical of Ikaho Onsen and the Taisho Retro Yokotekan. The next time they headed for the ryokan "Kokuya" to enjoy a day-trip hot spring near the evening. (→ Continue to Ikaho Onsen Kokuya)
(November 2019)
♨ Ikaho Onsen's Koganenoyu is centrally managed, and only nine ryokan can be drawn directly from its source.
Impression & rating
The hot water is stirred while being transported over a long distance, so it feels that calmed down. The building has a wonderful atmosphere.
3.5 pt
Impression & rating
It's a shame that there is no open-air bath and it lacks a sense of openness. But the retro feel of the whole building is good.
2.0 pt
The Onsen facility
- Address
- 11, Ikaho, Ikaho-machi, Shibukawa City, Gunma Pref.
- Phone
-
domestic: 0279-72-3244
international: +81-279-72-3244 - Website
- Yokotekan
- Day trip bathing hours
- 15:00 - 19:00
- Close days
- Irregular (Inquiry required)
- Charge
-
Adults: ¥ 1,150 / 5 years old - Elementary school students: ¥ 770 / under 5 years old: free of charge
Private bath: the above plus ¥ 2,200 / 50 min - Baths
- Gender-separated indoor bath, Mixed bathing private bath
- Facilities
- No lockers at the undressing room (Leave your valuables at the reception desk)
The hot spring data
(According to hot spring analysis report etc.)
(Field examination date: May 9, 2017)
- Spring quality
- Calcium / Sodium - Sulfate / Hydrogen carbonate / Chloride spring (Hypotonic Neutral Hot spring)
- Source
- Comprehensive hot water
- Gushing place
- 585, Ikaho, Ikaho-machi, Shibukawa City, Gunma Pref.
- Temperature
-
41.2 ℃ (106.2 ℉)
[air temperature 15 ℃ (59 ℉)] - Water volume
- 4,627 L / min
- pH value
- 6.4
- Total ingredients
- 1.36 g / kg
- Perception
-
Colorless and transparent, slightly brown floating
(24 hours after collection)
Colorless and transparent, brownish precipitate
Today's Ekiben
Chicken Bento
(Purchased at Takasaki Station)
One of the typical Ekiben by "Takaben" (Ekiben maker in Takasaki) would be "Chicken Bento". Its sales have started in 1934. It's definitely a longtime best seller. A lot of chicken cooked in various ways are packed in this Bento. There is not much weirdness, so it feels standard but no failure.
« contents »
Tea rice, Flavored ground chicken, Teriyaki chicken, Maitake mushrooms chicken dumpling,
Grilled chicken, Simmered konjac, Japanese plum pickles, Wasabi flavored pickles,
Sweet chestnut, Seaweed
(¥ 1,000) ( Takaben)
- The descriptions on this page contain personal opinions and are not necessarily objective facts.
- The information may have changed at present. In particular, the charge and price etc. has often not updated from the time of travel, so check the latest information on the official website.