🗺️ Ikaho Onsen

Ikaho Onsen has appeared in the "Manyoshu" and has been well-known since ancient times. It is said to be favored by literary figures such as Takehisa Yumeji and Tokutomi Roka. The landmark of Ikaho Onsen is the 365 stone steps, flanked by numerous craft shops and local product stores. The number of steps symbolizes the wish for "the hot spring street to be lively every day of the year." Part of the stone steps is inscribed with a poem titled "The Street of Ikaho" written by Yosano Akiko. Ikaho Onsen has two types of spring sources: "Kogane-yu" (Golden Spring) and "Shirogane-yu" (Silver Spring). The unique tea-colored Kogane-yu is known for its therapeutic effects on illnesses and injuries, and is widely recognized under the name of Kizaki-yu. On the other hand, Shirogane-yu is named for its clear and colorless appearance, and is said to be effective in relieving fatigue and promoting health, receiving high praise. Visitors can enjoy Kogane-yu at the public bath "Ikaho Rotenburo" surrounded by bamboo, while the inns around the hot spring street offer Shirogane-yu. The area around the stone steps is lined with many long-established inns, making it a convenient spot for strolling.

A hot spring town deeply loved by literary figures such as Takehisa Yumeji, Tokutomi Roka, and Yosano Akiko. The number of stone steps embodies the wish for the prosperous development of the hot spring town, serving as a landmark of Ikaho Onsen. Both types of hot springs that emerge in Ikaho Onsen have healing effects for wounds.