Shibukawa/Ikaho | Popular hotels and Ryokan (Japanese inn) based on reviews!

If you are looking for an inn in Ikaho Onsen that offers English service, I recommend this one. There are many foreign tourists in Ikaho Onsen, so you don't have to worry about anything. If you come across a foreigner in need of help, they will gladly speak to you, so everyone is happy.

I highly recommend Hotel Kogure for families. It’s packed with facilities for everyone to enjoy. They even have a cool retro game corner. Plus, the gift shop on the first floor sells merchandise for 'Gunma-chan' (Gunma Prefecture's popular mascot), which my kids were delighted to see. But the absolute highlight is the onsen (hot spring bath). It's said to be one of the largest in the entire area. There are so many different types of baths that it honestly felt like a hot spring theme park! My kids were ecstatic, shouting, "It's huge!" Our whole family left completely satisfied.

We’ve stayed at Ikaho Grand Hotel as a three-generation family. Inside the hotel, there’s a game corner that adults will find quite nostalgic. It isn't filled with the very latest high-tech games, but honestly, that added to the classic "onsen trip" atmosphere, which we really liked. Our grandchildren were totally absorbed in the crane games and simple video games. Besides the game corner, they also have karaoke rooms and a manga corner, so there’s plenty to keep you entertained right in the hotel. It’s reassuring to know there's something for everyone—from grandparents down to the kids.

Moriaki Ryokan (Japanese inn) has a game corner with several game machines, but it doesn't seem to be very popular as not many customers use it. However, the hot spring town's Ishidan-gai is a 3-minute walk away, and there are quite a few shops with shooting galleries and analog games, so if you're visiting Ikaho Onsen, it would be more fun to play with your children at Ishidan-gai. The reason we recommend Moriaki Ryokan (Japanese inn) is that they offer a family plan where elementary school children can stay for 20% of the adult price, so if you're looking for a place to stay with your children, it's a great deal, so we recommend you check it out.

I really think Hotel Kindayu in Ikaho Onsen is a place the whole family can enjoy. Of course, they have a game corner that the kids will love. Beyond that, they also offer free karaoke rooms and ping-pong. The hotel's amenities are truly impressive. Our kids played games and ping-pong, while the grandparents hit the karaoke room. Everyone got to do their own thing and was happy. It was so nice that nobody in the family got bored, even during those short waiting times after the onsen.

Depending on the season and the plan you choose, you can use the private baths once for free, and you can enjoy your meals in a private room without any worries. It is conveniently located near the stone steps, which are the main sightseeing spot in Ikaho. The wooden building has a tasteful exterior. The interior of the building has a Taisho-era romantic atmosphere, and you can relax and unwind. Another recommended spot is the Ikaho Toy, Doll and Automobile Museum.

"Wagokoro no Yado Omori" is an inn that offers English service. It is a long-established inn that was founded over 100 years ago, and you can enjoy a Japanese atmosphere in a lovely Japanese-style room or Japanese and Western room. There is an open-air bath on the rooftop with a Breathtaking view, and you can enjoy a drink while soaking in the tub. There is also a private open-air bath, so you can enjoy a private bath. Dinner is kaiseki（a traditional Japanese multiple course meal ）, and you can also drink delicious local sake.

"Mimatsukan" is a popular hot spring inn that is often used by foreigners. It is in a great location, just a 3-minute walk from the "Stone Steps Street," a tourist symbol of Ikaho Onsen, and has an open-air observation bath with a panoramic view of the foothills of Joshu, so I think you will be satisfied and this inn is a good choice.

To be precise, I think you will be impressed just by looking at the exterior. In the counter lobby, there is a photo of Takahashi Korekiyo, the proprietress' grandfather and former Prime Minister, hanging, which gives off a sense of dignity and elegance. Every room is sure to be relaxing and calming. The Noh performances on the Noh stage in the courtyard in the evenings are also wonderful. I'm sure your children will be fascinated by them with shining eyes. The hospitality during your stay is also first class. I went with family to celebrate my parents' golden wedding anniversary, and the four of us were looked after, and not only my parents but even my younger brother were impressed.

There is a direct bus from Shinjuku to Ikaho Onsen, which makes it convenient to access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. We recommend Japanese and Western room with a large dining table, which has a warm atmosphere and uses a lot of wood. It is spacious, so it is also recommended for large families. The room has a private open-air bath that the whole family can enjoy. The open-air bath has two types of hot spring water, the Golden Bath and the Silver Bath, and you can enjoy each in a separate bathtub. There is also a private bath. For meals, you can enjoy local gourmet food such as Gunma's Haruna pork and Joshu beef. There are also tourist spots in the surrounding area, such as Lake Haruna, a ranch, and Mizusawa Kannon, where you can enjoy Mizusawa udon, so please be sure to visit these as well.