Stroll Through Retro Ikaho Onsen Town ♪ Enjoy a Handmade Couple Ring Experience ♡

2025.10.17

Hello! (^▽^)/

I recently visited Ikaho Onsen’s famous stone steps, one of Gunma’s most popular hot spring towns alongside Kusatsu, and I’d love to share a little bit about it with you♪

At LA CHOU CHOU, many couples stop by for our handmade silver pair ring experience on their way to or from Ikaho Onsen.
Since I hadn’t been back since I was a child, I decided it was finally time to explore Ikaho again!

From Takasaki Station, I took a train and then a bus, arriving in about an hour.
The weather was cloudy in the morning, and the top of the hill wasn’t visible at all… but I was ready to take on the famous 365 steps!

伊香保温泉

Since I arrived around noon, I stopped for lunch at Osawaya Stone Steps Shop, known for Mizusawa Udon – one of Japan’s three great udon varieties.
Even on a weekday in August, the shop was packed, and I waited about 20 minutes for a seat.

伊香保　大澤屋

Ordering was done by QR code (very modern!). I chose simple zaru udon to save room for more street food later.
The noodles were glossy, chewy, and absolutely delicious – exactly what Ikaho is famous for!

水沢うどん　大澤屋

Afterward, I headed toward Kajika Bridge, often said to look like something out of a Studio Ghibli film.
Along the way, I spotted some friendly cats🐈👀, retro-style shops, and scenery that reminded me of Spirited Away.

After about 10 minutes of walking, I reached Kajika Bridge, where the red bridge stood out beautifully against the lush green background✨

河鹿橋

Nearby was a hot spring drinking fountain.

It reminded me that the group SixTONES had filmed a YouTube episode here🌟 You can try the unique mineral taste for yourself if you visit👀

伊香保　飲泉所

At a café called Chao-Sen, I had pudding and mulberry tea served in a cute daruma-shaped dish. After climbing all those stairs in the summer heat, it was the perfect place to cool down♡

茶桜千

By afternoon, the skies had cleared, and I strolled past both traditional and modern shops lining the stone steps🌞

Before leaving, I tried the free foot bath halfway up the steps. It was crowded but a wonderful way to ease tired feet – just remember to bring a towel♪

On the way back to Shibukawa Station, I noticed a special Initial D-themed manhole cover, since Ikaho is one of the settings for the manga and anime. Many shops sold related goods, too!

渋川　マンホールカード　頭文字D