Ikaho Syusuien
8/10 Excellent - Based on 299 reviews
Ikaho Syusuien is a traditional inn tucked into the hillside of Ikaho Onsen, a short walk from the town’s iconic stone steps and the Ikaho Ropeway. The property blends nostalgic, retro details—mosaic accents and stained glass—with refreshed guest rooms that open onto mountain views; interiors are enlivened by a collection of tanuki figures and colourful textiles. Rooms range from classic tatami layouts to more modernised designs, many offering clear sightlines to the surrounding peaks and valleys that define this onsen neighbourhood.
The bathing facilities centre on natural Ikaho spring water known locally as “shirogane no yu” (silver water): indoor and outdoor public baths draw that source, and the property’s wellness area includes a sauna and a hydromassage tub. Day-trip bathing is offered for non-residents, and public bathing spaces are complemented by private, en‑suite bathrooms in the guest rooms that serve as modern conveniences rather than private onsen suites. This combination of communal hot springs and contemporary room comforts positions the property as a ryokan with onsen in Ikaho, Gumma for travellers seeking both tradition and convenience.
Dining highlights local Joshu ingredients presented in set meals with options for private dining and sake tasting; a lounge with mountain views and coffee from a local roastery supports quieter moments after bathing. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, on‑site parking and shuttle connections to local transit, while staff can assist with yukata dressing and short local transfers on the inn’s own rickshaw. The inn functions well as a base for exploring Ikaho’s walkable hot‑spring townscape and nearby trails, and it reads as a considered ryokan with onsen in Gunma for regional visitors.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ikaho Syusuien
Positive Reviews
Spectacular mountain views
Many guests highlight breathtaking mountain vistas visible from rooms, the lounge and the outdoor onsen, which significantly enhance the stay and create a peaceful atmosphere.
Spacious, traditional rooms
Rooms are repeatedly described as large, comfortable and authentically Japanese (showa/ryokan style), with extras like additional futons and pillows available on request.
Lovely onsen experience
The hot spring baths—especially the open-air onsen—are praised for being beautiful and relaxing; some guests appreciated the rotating male/female schedule and 24-hour access noted by others.
Friendly, helpful staff and good food
Staff are frequently reported as warm, attentive and willing to help (including efforts to communicate in English). Meals (dinner and breakfast) are described as delicious and plentiful.
Convenient, peaceful location with parking
Guests value the hotel’s location for access to Ikaho Onsen area, easy parking and a quiet setting ideal for relaxation and mountain walks.
Negative Reviews
Noise for some room locations
A few guests staying in smoking rooms or rooms facing the carpark reported noise from nearby AC units or the parking area, which affected quietness for those rooms.
Futon firmness/discomfort
Several reviews mention futon mattresses feeling thin or hard; while extra futons were offered by some guests, mattress firmness was a recurring minor complaint.
Facilities and onsen can feel dated or small
Multiple guests noted the property and some public baths show their age and could benefit from refurbishment; a few commented the public bath was smaller than expected.
Perceived price/value concerns
A number of reviewers felt the rate was a bit high compared with other ryokans, with some stating they would have expected more for the price.
Location uphill / wayfinding and distance to attractions
Though location is appreciated for views and quiet, some guests found the hotel a bit far from certain attractions, uphill to reach from some bus stops, or initially hard to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single to multi-futon Japanese rooms; some standard Japanese rooms can sleep up to six people on futons.
Yes — the property offers multiple public hot-spring baths including an outdoor rotenburo and indoor baths fed by Ikaho’s Shirogane (silver) spring.
Private rental baths are not offered; the facility operates public baths with timed gender rotation so guests can enjoy different bath areas.
There is no regular airport shuttle; guests usually arrive by train to Shibukawa/Ubashima then take a local bus or short taxi to the Ikaho Bus Terminal, a few minutes’ walk from the ryokan.
Major Tokyo airports (Haneda/Narita) are the common gateways; expect roughly 2–2.5 hours from central Tokyo by express bus or a combination of train and bus.
Some staff can assist in English and the property provides basic multilingual support, but Japanese remains the primary language on site.
You can expect tatami rooms with futon bedding, yukata, communal onsen bathing, and a nostalgic décor featuring local tanuki motifs that reflect classic ryokan style.
Ikaho’s famous Stone Steps (Ishidan-gai) and the Ikaho Ropeway are within easy walking distance, and Hara Museum ARC and Mt. Haruna are short bus or car rides away.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the property accepts advance notice for late arrivals and offers luggage storage before check-in or after check-out.
Pets are generally not accepted; please contact the property directly for any exceptions. The Stone Steps area has convenience stores and many souvenir and food shops within a short walk, while larger supermarkets require a short drive.