Kishigon Ryokan
--- The property is not yet rated
Kishigon Ryokan is a long-established inn in Ikaho Onsen that blends centuries-old tradition with modern comforts. Perched on the town’s stone steps with views of Mount Akagi and Mount Haruna, the property offers Japanese-style rooms, suites and Japanese‑Western rooms, several with private baths. The ryokan emphasizes seasonal cuisine and hospitality framed by the hot spring source Kogane no Yu; this ryokan with onsen in Ikaho balances heritage and practical amenities.
Bathing at Kishigon ranges from a cypress open‑air bath inspired by ukiyo‑e to larger communal baths and a scenic open‑air complex overlooking the mountains. Notable baths include Ougon no Yu, a cypress open‑air tub inspired by Nishiki‑e, and Matazaemon no Yu, a historic large bath prized for its concentrated waters. Reservable private scenic baths (Ukigumo and Hototogisu) and a small private open‑air option are available subject to check‑in availability, making it a ryokan with private onsen in Gunma Prefecture for couples or solitary soaks. A public footbath on the stone steps extends the onsen experience into town.
Rooms pair traditional design with modern amenities such as complimentary Wi‑Fi, air purification and yukata; some room types include en‑suite hot spring baths. Dinner is a multi‑course menu focused on local ingredients—Akagi and Uesu beef, river fish and seasonal vegetables—while breakfast showcases regional specialties. Yukata and bath tabi socks are provided; a small shop and lounge support stays, and the ryokan can assist arrivals from the nearby bus stop, offering a quiet base for exploring Ikaho’s stone‑step streets and nearby trails.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kishigon Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Excellent variety of onsens and cleanliness
Multiple bathing options (public, private and open‑air baths) with clean facilities; guests appreciated being able to reserve private baths and found the onsen water comfortable and well maintained.
Scenic, convenient location
The ryokan sits at the base of the mountain next to the famous Ikaho stone steps with attractive mountain and town views; easy walking access to shops, restaurants and local attractions.
Attentive, friendly staff and good service
Staff are described as polite, helpful and attentive (omotenashi). Several reviews note an English‑speaking staff member who improved communication and guest comfort.
Delicious traditional meals (kaiseki) and good breakfast options
Many guests praised the evening kaiseki dinners and breakfast offerings as tasty and satisfying, often served with care and a pleasant dining room view.
Authentic, comfortable tatami rooms
Guests enjoyed spacious, cozy Japanese‑style (tatami) rooms with mountain views; rooms were generally described as clean and true to a traditional ryokan experience.
Negative Reviews
Room bathroom and plumbing problems
Several guests reported issues in room bathrooms: lack of bathroom heating, sewer or sulphur‑like odours, very slow hot water or malfunctioning showers/flushes—some advised using the onsen instead.
Food temperature and variety inconsistencies
While meals were often praised for quality, some guests found buffet items or set menus served cold, repetitive breakfasts, or ryokan dinner portions insufficient or expensive.
Aging facilities and spotty cleanliness
A number of reviews mention dated infrastructure, dusty or musty areas (basement/tennis room), worn cushions, and overall parts of the property showing age and in need of maintenance.
Some facilities closed or unavailable (saunas, seasonal venues)
Guests experienced saunas or other hotel attractions being out of service or closed seasonally, which reduced available amenities during certain stays.
Parking, access and occasional service/noise issues
Parking is limited and the driveway/entrance can be narrow/tricky by car; a few guests reported noisy rooms, inconsistent service (e.g., minimal interaction at checkout, no luggage assistance), and limited foreign‑language support beyond the dedicated English speaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type: singles and twins for 1–2 guests, Japanese-style and larger suites that can accommodate 2–5 guests; check the specific room description when booking.
The ryokan offers multiple public baths including a large indoor bath, several open-air/scenic baths, a famous footbath on the Stone Steps, and bookable private scenic baths.
Yes — private scenic baths are available by reservation; please request one in advance or ask at check‑in for same‑day availability.
Staff will pick you up from the nearby Ikaho Stone Steps bus stop; please call the ryokan when you arrive at the stop to arrange pickup.
Typical routes are Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki then a transit bus to Ikaho, or the Joshu Yumeguri highway bus to Ikaho Stone Steps; travel from Haneda is about three hours and from Narita about three and a half hours by public transport.
The ryokan has English information on its site and staff can assist in English to a practical degree; if you need detailed language support please notify them before arrival.
Dinner is served as seasonal Japanese set meals highlighting local Gunma ingredients, while breakfast is a Japanese–Western buffet featuring regional specialties.
The ryokan sits directly by the Ikaho Stone Steps and is within a short walk of the Ikaho Ropeway and the shops, shrines, and museums along the stone‑step street.
Standard check‑in is in the afternoon (around 15:00) and check‑out is in the morning (around 10:00); some room types (for example the suite) may have different check‑in/out times — confirm at booking.
Pets are generally not accommodated at traditional ryokans; please contact the ryokan directly to confirm their pet policy. Full privatization of the property is uncommon but may be arranged by contacting the ryokan in advance to discuss availability and options.