News

Friday 18 through Sunday 20 September 2026. See Ikaho Festival, 18–20 September. For Saturday traffic, see Ikaho Festival traffic on 19 September.

On Saturday 19 September 2026, from about 12:00 to 14:00, Prefectural Route 33 in front of the Stone Steps will be one-way while mikoshi and festival floats pass. Please allow extra time. See Ikaho Festival traffic on 19 September.

Sunday 27 September 2026, from 13:30, with fireworks from 19:00, at Atagoyama Furusato Park in Kitatachibana. See Tachibana Furusato Festival and lake fireworks. That Sunday is also the Haruna Lake Marathon and the Hara Museum ARC Evening Architecture Light-up.

Friday 25 and Sunday 27 September 2026, 17:00–20:00, admission ¥1,000. See Hara Museum ARC Evening Architecture Light-up.

Around this time each year, yusuge (daylilies) around the lake begin to open in the evening and last until the next morning. See Yusuge around Lake Haruna. The lake is about 25 minutes by car; see Lake Haruna.

Sunday 26 July 2026, at Lake Haruna and the surrounding roads in Takasaki. See 14th Haruna Lake Resort Triathlon on 26 July. The Haruna Lake Marathon in September is a separate event.

Sunday 9 August 2026, 10:30–about 11:10, free, at the Shibukawa City Museum / Kuwahara Hiromori Sculpture Museum. See Museum concert at the Shibukawa City Museum.

Through 31 August 2026, at Lockheart Castle in Takayama Village, about 40 minutes by car from Ikaho Onsen. See Lavender Festival at Lockheart Castle.

Yes. Student designs are shown as nobori flags from 17 July through 27 September 2026. See Ikaho Tenugui Art Exhibition 2026. A web vote chooses the top three for sale from December.

Yes, every day at 17:00 for about five minutes, through 13 September 2026, at three spots on the Stone Steps. It may be cancelled in bad weather. See Soap bubbles on the Stone Steps at 17:00.

Yes. Ikaho Onsen and Wpc. are lending 800 parasols at 38 places, including the Stone Steps. You may return one at a different spot, except lodgings — return those to the inn you borrowed from. See Free parasol loan this summer.

Yes. Tabiiro featured the inn in its January issue, then February, March, May, June, July, August, and September.

In 2026, Setsubun is 3 February, the day before Risshun. See Today is Setsubun. The lucky direction for ehomaki that year is south-southeast.

Rōbai-no-Sato Komochi, in the Komochi district of Shibukawa, on a hillside owned by Sōrin-ji. They usually begin in mid-January, and the peak lasts through mid-February. About 30 minutes by car from Ikaho Onsen. See Rōbai at Rōbai-no-Sato Komochi are at their peak. Bloom updates are on the Shibukawa City page.

Yes. The Ikaho Liner runs between Takasaki Station East Exit and the Ikaho Information Center. See The Ikaho Liner is running from Takasaki Station. Reservations are on the Ikaho Liner page.

Yes. A mobile Ikaho Line Free Ticket lets you get on and off the Kan-etsu Kotsu Shibukawa–Ikaho Onsen line as you like. Show the screen of your smartphone. There is a one-day ticket and a two-day ticket. See Tour the Ikaho area with the Ikaho Line Free Ticket. Details are on the Kan-etsu ticket page.

Ippuku-kan, a rest stop with public toilets just off the 190th step, reopened on 1 December. Inside are sightseeing pamphlets, original kokeshi, and the Ikahotto MAP. See What is at the 190th step of the Stone Steps?.

Farms around Shibukawa, in the Akagi and Komochi areas, are open from January through May. Call before you go. See Strawberry picking around Shibukawa.

The first note introduces Ikaho Shrine, Mizusawa-ji, and Tenso-ji. See Over New Year in Ikaho Onsen (1). The second introduces Bukko-san Hosui-ji and Shibukawa Hachimangu. See Over New Year in Ikaho Onsen (2).

A collection of seven gardens and a farm area in Nakanojo Town, not far from Ikaho Onsen. See Nakanojo Gardens Near Ikaho Onsen. In late July and August the gardens also held a Summer Family Garden Fair.

Yes, from 17 July through 19 October 2026, at all 33 roadside stations in Gunma, with the G-Walk+ app. See Gunma Michi-no-eki stamp rally.

The wind caves at Prefectural Ikaho Forest Park, about 15 minutes by car from the inn. See Cool air at Ikaho Forest Park. Late July is Taisho — Greater Heat; take a hat or sunshade, and drink water.

Yes. See Four power spots near Ikaho Onsen: Ikaho Shrine, Mizusawa Kannon, Haruna Shrine, and Akagi Shrine. The Sightseeing page has the Stone Steps, Mizusawa-ji, and Lake Haruna.

Yes, unless there is thunder. Some guests skip the rooftop; others stay. See Open-air bathing in the rain.

Please read the latest notice, Day-use bathing available for a limited period. Hours, fees, and closed days are listed there. The Day-use page also points to the current period.

Yes. See Private open-air bath now bookable online, or ask the front desk.

No. Parking is for overnight guests. See Parking for Overnight Guests. Parking service is not available for day-use guests. Use the paid municipal parking lot beside Ikaho Ropeway.

From 13:00 on the day of arrival; luggage from 11:00. After checkout, until 11:00. See Parking Before Check-in and After Check-out.

Shops and inns hang hozuki (lantern fruit) from their eaves until about early August. The welcome begins in mid-June; a later note covers the 25th year. See Hozuki, a summer tradition in Ikaho Onsen and Hozuki welcome in Ikaho Onsen.

Ochiai Yana in Kitatachibana, Shibukawa, is open Thursday 18 June through Sunday 27 September 2026. See Ayu season at Ochiai Yana.

Sunday 5 July 2026 is the last day. Hula is at the main venue, the shopping mall, and the Stone Steps. See Ikaho Hawaiian Festival — last day 5 July.

Saturday 4 July 2026, 10:00–19:00, and Sunday 5 July, 10:00–18:00, free, at Michi-no-eki Maebashi Akagi. See Taiwan Fair 2026 at Michi-no-eki Maebashi Akagi.

26 June, from a Japanese wordplay on 6.26. It was established in 1987 in Yubara, Okayama, said to be the birthplace of open-air baths. See 26 June was Open-air Bath Day. The rooftop baths are Roman and Honoka. Honoka’s plantings are on Honoka, fragrant with greenery and wind.

Around this time each year, on the shaded stone wall behind the main hall, usually through early July. See Yukinoshita at Mizusawa Kannon. The temple is on the Sightseeing page as Mizusawa-ji.

A waterside plant with cool white mottling, and a seasonal day about eleven days after Geshi (the summer solstice). In 2026 that day is 2 July. See Hangesho — the plant begins to flower.

Tuesday 30 June. Shibukawa Hachimangu at 10:00 (reception from 9:00); Ikaho Shrine at 15:00 (reception from 14:00). See Nagoshi no Oharae on Tuesday 30 June.

Mid-June through late July at Hakoshima Hotaru no Sato in Higashiagatsuma Town. They glow from about 8:00 p.m., with a peak around 8:15–8:45 p.m. See Firefly viewing at Hakoshima.

Saturday 13 June through Sunday 5 July 2026, at Onoike Ajisai Park in Shibukawa. See Hydrangea Festival at Onoike Ajisai Park.

Peak is about early June through early July. Part 1 covers Onoike Ajisai Park and Shibukawa City Comprehensive Park. Part 2 covers Annabelle at Skyland Park and Shinkō-ji. The park festival is on Hydrangea Festival at Onoike Ajisai Park.

He is said to have come as a young man. Ikaho Mame Techo tells of a student romance settled here. See Natsume Sōseki and Ikaho Onsen. Another literary visitor is Yosano Akiko.

The autumn menu began in September. See Autumn menus begin in September. Summer is from 1 June — Summer menus begin on 1 June. A later note on the dishes is The summer kaiseki. Winter is from 1 December — Winter menus begin on 1 December.

Yes. A first note is Japanese-Modern Twin Refurbished in February 2026. An Instagram note on 16 February covers the Towada-stone bath, a counter between the beds and sofa, a 50-inch smart television, and that the room is adults-only: We renovated the Japanese-Modern Twin. A later note on the indoor bath and the room is Japanese-Modern Twin Room Refreshed. Room details are on the rooms page.

Yes. A feeder is set out at the rooftop open-air bath, and at this time of year birds come for food. After snow you may see their tracks. See All kinds of wild birds come to the rooftop open-air bath. The baths are Roman and Honoka.

Yes. One of nine Man’yō poem stones in Ikaho stands in the precincts, at the top of the Stone Steps. See Ikaho Shrine and a Man’yō poem stone. The shrine is also among the four power spots near Ikaho.

On a tread about midway along the street, just beside the pocket park. 29 May 2026 is the 84th anniversary of her death. See Yosano Akiko and Ikaho Onsen.

When Nagamine Park, on the way from Ikaho, is past peak, the yama-tsutsuji (mountain azaleas) around the lake come into peak. Renge-tsutsuji follows, then yusuge along the shore. See Yama-tsutsuji around Lake Haruna coming into peak. The lake is about 25 minutes by car; the July note is Yusuge around Lake Haruna.

Beside Hakoshima Fudoson in Higashiagatsuma Town, Agatsuma District. It is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters, called Fudō no reisui. Nearby Azuma Fish Farm has a fishing pond and raises Ginko and Silk Salmon for the inn. About 40 minutes from Ikaho by car and on foot. See Hakoshima spring and Azuma Fish Farm. Firefly viewing is a separate June note: Firefly viewing at Hakoshima.

The Shibukawa Ikaho Onsen Tourism Association lends electric-assist IKALIN bikes. Hours are 10:00–17:00. Fees include insurance and tax. High-school age and older; height 140 cm or more. Rental may stop in rain, snow, or icy roads. See IKALIN e-bike rental in Ikaho Onsen.

Saturday 23 May through Sunday 21 June, with a Bulgaria Friendship Fair at the same time. About 400 varieties and 1,000 roses. Morning openings on six days; reservation required, regular fee plus ¥500. See Spring Rose Garden Fair at Nakanojo Gardens. An earlier spring note is the Hanamomo-no-Oka Festival. The gardens themselves are on Nakanojo Gardens Near Ikaho Onsen.

Saturday 9 May through Sunday 31 May at the Kadokura Techno Rose Garden in Maebashi. Light-up is from sunset until 9:00 p.m. See Spring Rose Garden Festival at Shikishima Park.

The Ikaho Onsen Ryokan Association said they have reached peak. The park is 7–8 minutes by car from the Ikaho streets and looks out over the town. See Yama-tsutsuji at Nagamine Park have reached peak. When Nagamine is later past peak, the lake area comes into its own: Yama-tsutsuji around Lake Haruna coming into peak.

On 9 May the association said it would take a little more time. Parking is limited. See Bloom status of yama-tsutsuji at Nagamine Park. Peak was reported on 13 May: Yama-tsutsuji at Nagamine Park have reached peak.

Yes. English and Japanese flyers are now posted, so overnight guests from overseas can use the long-running program too. See A drink in the open-air bath, now for overseas guests. How to order is on Sake in the Open-air Bath. Rain bathing is a separate note: Open-air bathing in the rain.

From Tuesday 12 May through Sunday 14 June, 18:00–22:00. The bridge is newly renewed. Parking at the bridge is limited; use the municipal Mono-kiki parking lot or the Tokutomi Roka Memorial Literature Museum parking lot. Hours may change with the weather. See Kajika Bridge fresh-green light-up begins. An earlier notice is Fresh-greenery light-up at Kajika Bridge.

Yes, even over the long holiday at the end of April. Kanzan at Ikaho Green Ranch should last into early May. Shirai-juku still has pink and white blooms after its 19 April festival. See Yaezakura still blooming in Shibukawa. An earlier March note is the Spring Fair at Ikaho Green Ranch. Earlier Somei-yoshino spots are in the cherry-blossom notes.

The Haruna Tourism Association said they are a little earlier than usual this year. Photographs are from Haruna Lakeside Inn Memorial Park; peak viewing from around the weekend of 25 April. About 25 minutes by car from Ikaho. See Bloom status of daffodils around Lake Haruna. Later lake notes are yama-tsutsuji and yusuge.

On 22 April, for Tuesday 12 May through Sunday 14 June 2026, 6:00–10:00 p.m. Nights are cold; wear one extra layer. See Fresh-greenery light-up at Kajika Bridge. A later note is Kajika Bridge fresh-green light-up begins. The bridge is also an autumn-foliage spot in the FAQ.

The 39th festival at Misato Bairin in Takasaki runs Sunday 1 March through late March 2026. About 30 minutes by car from Ikaho. See The 39th Misato Ume Festival. A neighboring grove is the 35th Haruna Ume Festival. A later Misato note is the Misato Shibazakura Festival.

Bloom at Haruna Bairin is early March through late March. The 35th festival is Sunday 15 March from 9:30 at Haruna Bunka Kaikan Ecole (1072-1 Kamisatomi-cho, Takasaki). After the opening ceremony there are ume-themed events, local-product sales, Joshu Haruna taiko, and an ume-seed throwing contest. See The 35th Haruna Ume Festival. A neighboring grove is The 39th Misato Ume Festival.

Thursday 9 April through Tuesday 5 May, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (admission until 3:30 p.m.). Adults 310 yen, elementary-school children 100 yen, younger children free. A Shibazakura Market is held every day. See Misato Shibazakura Festival. Weekend events — taiko on 18 April, a Fox Wedding Procession on 19 April, and hula on 25 April, each at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. — are in Events at the Misato Shibazakura Festival.

Four notes so far. Part 1 covers Konzō-ji and Saku Power Station. Part 2 covers Shinkō-ji in Shibukawa and the cherry avenue at the JSDF Somagahara training ground. Part 3 covers Iwai Shinsui Park in Higashiagatsuma and the Funao Falls entrance. Part 4 covers Mizusawa Kannon and Shibukawa City Comprehensive Park. The park also holds the Shibukawa Cherry Blossom Festival and a night light-up.

Saturday 18 April 2026, at Jiyu Hiroba in Shibukawa City Comprehensive Park; cancelled if the weather is bad. Night light-up is Saturday 4 April through Wednesday 6 May, 6:00–9:00 p.m. (planned). See Shibukawa Cherry Blossom Festival and night light-up.

About 70 trees on the slope from Michi-no-eki Komochi to Beisia Komochi in Shirai were in full bloom on 22 March. Admission is free; park at the rest stop. About 15 minutes from Shibukawa-Ikaho IC. See Kawazu-zakura in Shirai are in full bloom. An earlier 17 March visit recorded nine-tenths bloom. Later Somei-yoshino notes start in the cherry-blossom spots. Later yaezakura at Shirai-juku are in Yaezakura still blooming in Shibukawa.

Yes. On 17 March the inn recorded nine-tenths bloom — almost full — on the slope from Michi-no-eki Komochi to Beisia Komochi. Free admission; park at the rest stop. See Kawazu-zakura in Shirai are nearly in full bloom. A later visit on 22 March found them in full bloom.

Saturday 28 March through Sunday 19 April. Pink hanamomo, yellow forsythia, and white yukiyanagi. The hill opens only at peak bloom — even during the festival it closes when the peach is not out. Admission ¥800–¥1,600 planned. A bread and konamon market runs on weekends and holidays from 4 through 29 April; night cherry light-up is 9–11 April. See Hanamomo-no-Oka Festival at Nakanojo Gardens. Later roses are in the Spring Rose Garden Fair.

From Friday 20 March. About 80 lambs are expected, with public viewing of ten parent-and-child sheep from 20 March. A lamb feeding experience runs through 6 May (weekends and holidays 12:00 and 14:00; weekdays 12:00; ¥1,000 per person; eight groups per session). Easter Week is 20 March through 5 April. Cherry blossoms — 1,500 trees in 19 varieties — are typically at their best from mid-April through Golden Week. See Spring Fair at Ikaho Green Ranch. A later ranch note is Yaezakura still blooming in Shibukawa.

Yes. The inn lists nearby places for breakfast-only and room-only stays, and for a walk after dinner — including Ukigumo, Yuzawatei Itabashi, and Sumiyaki Sakaba Bunkichi. See Nearby restaurants, handy for a walk. The full walking-distance list is on Local dining.

A March 2026 note recorded overall 4.6, dinner 4.6, and breakfast 4.7. An earlier January note recorded overall 4.6, dinner 4.7, and breakfast 4.7. Gunma Prefecture certifies the inn as an Excellent Shop among its local-production-for-local-consumption promotion shops. See Our Well-regarded Breakfast and A Closer Look at Breakfast at Ryokan Omori. The meal itself is on Breakfast.

Yes. Sea bream ara-daki is offered through the end of June 2026. Ten servings a day. ¥1,300 per person, tax included. Reservation only; order by 15:00 the day before your stay, by phone. See Limited-time sea bream ara-daki. The standing list is in Limited-time special-order dishes.

Thursday 5 March 2026 is Keichitsu, one of the twenty-four solar terms — the season when insects begin to peek out from the soil. Plum blossoms, fukinotō, and fukujusō mark early spring around Ikaho Onsen. See Today is Keichitsu. Setsubun is a separate February note: Today is Setsubun.

Calligraphy by Mitsuo Aida, “Okagesan,” hangs at the entrance. In 2026 the inn enters its 107th year. From March it prepares spring menus and welcomes guests while cherishing that feeling. See Cherishing the feeling of Okagesan. Seasonal meals are on Cuisine.