Ikaho Grand Hotel
7/10 Very good - Based on 280 reviews
Ikaho Grand Hotel sits at the entrance to a well‑known onsen neighborhood in Ikaho, blending modern Japanese hotel amenities with traditional ryokan touches. The property offers a broad mix of guest rooms, including compact western-style and tatami suites as well as a number of rooms fitted with private open‑air baths, and it features public spaces designed for relaxation such as a shared lounge and banquet halls suited to family stays or group events. Guests will find practical conveniences on site—free parking, lift access and 24‑hour reception—while the hotel’s position within the Ikaho district places the stone‑step shopping street and the Ikaho Ropeway within easy reach for daytime sightseeing.
The bathing facilities form a central part of the hotel’s appeal: the hotel draws from Ikaho’s famous tea‑coloured “golden” spring water and operates a large indoor bath and an adjoining day‑use complex with outdoor soaking options that are open in both the evening and early morning, alongside separate bathing areas that accommodate mixed schedules and regular maintenance closures. Several room types include semi‑open or fully open air bathtubs for private use, so the property functions both as a communal hot‑spring destination and as a ryokan with onsen in the Kanto region for travelers seeking a local thermal experience.
Dining is delivered primarily through a generous buffet offering a wide selection of Japanese and western dishes with drink options available during evening service, while additional facilities include karaoke, banquet rooms and on‑site services for events. The hotel’s layout and room variety make it suitable for couples, families and small groups; public transport links and local buses connect the property to the nearest stations and to nearby attractions, making this a convenient ryokan with onsen Gumma visitors can use as a base for exploring the surrounding mountains.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ikaho Grand Hotel
Positive Reviews
Good dining and buffet
Many guests praised the breakfast and dinner buffet, noting a wide variety of food and generally tasty meals.
Onsen facilities available
Reviewers appreciated the on-site indoor onsen and a pleasant outdoor onsen in the neighboring building (accessible for guests), considered a highlight.
Spacious, comfortable rooms
Rooms were frequently described as large and comfortable — suitable for families and groups, with some recently renovated rooms receiving positive remarks.
Family-friendly amenities and value
The hotel offers family-oriented activities (arcade, karaoke), in-room snacks/hot water, free drinks during meals for some plans, and overall good cost performance according to guests.
Convenient location and helpful staff actions
Guests noted the hotel's convenient location (close to the bus stop) and occasional helpful front-desk assistance such as changing a reservation when needed.
Negative Reviews
Front desk service and attitude issues
Several guests reported unfriendly or unhelpful staff interactions, including difficulties with communication for foreign guests and impolite check‑in/check‑out experiences.
Accessibility and stairs before elevators
Multiple reviews mentioned a flight of stairs before reaching lifts and limited elevator access (including stair-only connections between basement and first floor), making it difficult with large luggage.
Aging facilities and need for upgrades
Some areas, including certain onsens and older rooms, were described as dated and in need of renovation despite improvements in parts of the building.
Cleanliness and maintenance concerns
Guests reported issues such as dirty windows, unpleasant toilet floor odors, tatami or bedding showing wear (squeaks, fraying) and general cleanliness problems in some rooms.
Food quality/value problems and buffet management
A few guests found extra paid dishes poor value or low quality, noted repetitive buffet menus across multiple nights, and mentioned confusion when buffet entrance staff were absent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms suit couples and families; typical room types include twin beds and rooms with tatami areas that can accommodate up to four futons. The hotel accepts guests of all ages but does not provide rollaway beds or baby cots.
Yes — the hotel offers on-site hot spring baths including a main public bath and access to the adjoining day‑use 'Golden Bath' facility; the main bathing hours are roughly 15:00–24:00 and 05:00–10:00. Guests can use indoor and outdoor hot spring areas depending on availability.
Some room types have semi‑open‑air (in‑room) baths, while the large communal and outdoor baths are shared; fully reservable public private‑bath options are not routinely advertised. If you require a private arrangement, contact the hotel in advance to confirm availability.
The hotel does not list a dedicated airport shuttle; the usual route is train to Shibukawa Station followed by a local bus to Ikaho (about 20–25 minutes). The property offers large complimentary on‑site parking for guests who drive.
Major Tokyo area airports (Haneda or Narita) are the most practical; from Tokyo you take a train or highway bus to Shibukawa and then a short local bus to Ikaho. Journey times vary but typically range from about two to three hours total.
English support is limited; staff handle basic English but many materials and announcements are in Japanese. Travellers often bring a translation app or brief written requests for complex needs.
The hotel provides tatami rooms and futon sleeping options, communal onsen bathing, and Japanese/Western buffet meals with regional dishes; dinner service often includes a complimentary drink service during evening dining. The property emphasizes a classic onsen‑ryokan stay rather than luxury boutique experiences.
The Ikaho stone steps (Ishidan‑gai) and Ikaho Ropeway are within walking distance, and landmarks such as Kajika Bridge and local museums are close by. Many town attractions sit along the main steps area and are easy to reach from the hotel.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 11:00. If you need an earlier arrival or later departure, request this with the hotel in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the hotel, and parties or private events are generally not allowed on the premises. Convenience stores and small shops are available in the Ikaho town area near the stone steps for basic supplies.