Hibikino
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 92 reviews
Hibikino sits at the foot of Mount Haruna in Ikaho, set within landscaped gardens and winding paths. The property combines traditional Japanese-style rooms and modern twin or double rooms, plus several detached annex suites with private open-air baths for families and couples seeking seclusion. With polished wood interiors, tatami seating and locally sourced textiles, accommodations favor a calm, measured pace. As a ryokan with private onsen in Ikaho, the property offers both public large baths and room-attached rotemburo options, letting guests choose privacy and timing.
Thermal facilities draw from Ikaho’s two historic springs, locally called the Golden and Silver waters; the property highlights the Golden spring in its flowing-source baths and maintains separate indoor and outdoor bathing areas plus a sauna. Day-use bathing is offered on selected plans. Amenities include a communal lounge, on-site parking and an adjoining outdoor leisure complex with camping, sauna and a dog-friendly run. Dining focuses on seasonal Gunma produce — local vegetables, Akagi and Jōshū beef and river fish — presented in multi-course kaiseki and set menus for in-house guests.
Rooms range from multi-futon family layouts to compact modern doubles and larger suites with verandas overlooking the garden; several annex accommodations have private outdoor tubs for exclusive use. The ryokan’s location is convenient for Ikaho’s stone steps, ropeway and nearby shrine trails while remaining quieter than the town center; services include luggage handling and a 24-hour front desk. For travelers focused on bathing variety and regional cuisine, this ryokan with private onsen in Gunma Prefecture balances traditional ritual with contemporary comforts.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hibikino
Positive Reviews
Clean and well maintained
Multiple guests praised the high level of cleanliness throughout the property, including rooms, large baths and changing areas, making the stay comfortable even for guests sensitive to hygiene.
Kind, attentive and helpful staff
Reviews repeatedly mention friendly, polite staff who were attentive and helpful — from polite service and smiling reception to assisting with local information and even making copies when needed. International staff were also noted as professional and hardworking.
Excellent onsen (hot springs)
The onsen facilities, especially the open-air baths, were highlighted as a major strength: relaxing, well-maintained, with pleasant temperature and atmosphere that guests enjoyed.
Comfortable rooms and relaxing atmosphere
Many described the ryokan as resort-like with comfortable rooms and mattresses, pleasant views and an overall relaxing atmosphere suitable for families, couples and groups.
Good dining for families and portion sizes
Several guests were satisfied with the meals — described as well-prepared, appropriately portioned and especially appreciated for children (child meals were popular), contributing to a pleasant family stay.
Negative Reviews
High restaurant and meal prices
Multiple guests felt on-site meals were expensive; one reported an unexpected charge (6,600¥ cover charge) and others said breakfast/dinner prices pushed them to eat elsewhere.
Inconsistent food quality for some menu items
A few reviewers were disappointed by specific meal elements (e.g., poor-tasting beef, instant-style miso soup, canned/preserved fruit) and one felt breakfast was sparse given its cost.
Some areas and rooms appear dated
Several comments noted parts of the building or some rooms felt old or in need of refresh, suggesting renovation is partial and some areas retain an older look.
Location and accessibility drawbacks
The hotel’s location can be challenging for guests without a car — steep paths from the bus stop, a nearby construction example, and limited dining options in the immediate area, making on-site dining advisable.
Minor facility and amenity issues
Guests reported small but notable problems: uncomfortable slippers, missing towel in a room toilet, broken toys in the entrance, limited variety in the gift shop, and early dining cutoff times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms vary from twin/double options for 2 up to traditional family rooms; suites and annex Japanese-style houses sleep up to 6, and there is a family room that accommodates up to 7 guests.
Yes — the property has public hot-spring baths including indoor and outdoor onsen facilities, plus a sauna; the water is drawn from the Ikaho onsen area known locally for its mineral springs.
Some room types include private open-air baths attached to the accommodation; dedicated private rental of public baths is not listed on the public information and should be confirmed at booking.
A shuttle bus service is listed for the property and transfers can often be arranged; many guests also reach Ikaho by local bus from Shibukawa Station.
The booking information lists Shinshu-Matsumoto as a nearby airport (about 143 km); from Shibukawa Station take a local bus toward Ikaho (roughly 20–25 minutes) to reach the Ikaho area where the ryokan is located.
Staff support in English is available to a practical extent, according to the property information and local tourism listings.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese multi-course dinners and breakfast using local ingredients; dietary requests (e.g., vegetarian) are typically accommodated if advised in advance.
The ryokan is close to Ikaho’s famous stone steps (Ishidan-gai) and the Ikaho Ropeway (around 1–1.5 km), with other nearby sights such as Hara Museum ARC and scenic mountain areas like Mt. Haruna.
Typical ryokan hours apply: check-in commonly begins around 3:00 PM and check-out is usually by 10:00 AM; exact times will be shown on your booking confirmation.
Pet facilities are not listed for the property, so pets are generally not accepted unless specifically arranged; the area around Ikaho has local shops and small supermarkets for basic supplies, and the ryokan provides free on-site parking for guests with cars.