Ikaho Onsen

Ikaho Onsen is a historic hot spring resort town on the slopes of Mount Haruna in Gunma Prefecture, with a history dating back over 400 years. The town's feature is its 365-step stone staircase, flanked by souvenir shops, shooting galleries, and traditional inns, climbing up the mountainside with hot spring water flowing beneath the steps. Ikaho offers two types of thermal water: the iron-rich Kogane-no-Yu (golden water) that turns brown upon contact with air, believed to be beneficial for poor circulation and women's health, and the clear Shirogane-no-Yu (silver water). The public bathhouse at the top of the stone steps offers an affordable way to experience the waters. Mount Haruna and Lake Haruna nearby provide additional sightseeing with a ropeway offering panoramic views. The town is also famous for Mizusawa udon, one of Japan's three great udon varieties.