Hotel Ikaho Ginsui
6,4/10 Good - Based on 81 reviews
Hotel Ikaho Ginsui sits in the Ikaho Onsen district in a compact multi‑storey building that blends traditional ryokan touches with practical, modern rooms. Accommodation ranges from Japanese‑style rooms with tatami and futon layouts to westernized options with mountain views; rooms typically include air conditioning, a desk and private wash facilities. The property’s position places it within a short walk of the stone steps and the Ikaho Ropeway, making it convenient for exploring the immediate town and nearby walking routes without relying on a car.
The property operates hot spring bathing facilities that include indoor and open‑air baths supplied by the area’s natural springs; bathing areas are presented as communal onsen rather than exclusively private suites. Dining is offered on site in a restaurant and banquet spaces where meals emphasize local rice and regional seafood and mountain produce prepared in set‑meal formats and seasonal menus. Public areas include a lounge and a small bar area, and staff can assist with local sightseeing tips and meal arrangements suited to different dietary needs.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Ikaho Ginsui
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff and homely atmosphere
Multiple guests praised the friendly, helpful reception and cleaning staff; interactions felt personal and welcoming, helping compensate for the property's age.
Good onsen experience and water quality
Guests reported enjoying the public baths and family bath; several noted the onsen water left skin feeling soft and that the bathing areas were pleasant when properly heated.
Pet‑friendly with a charming resident cat
The ryokan allows pets and many reviewers appreciated that, mentioning a friendly house cat at the check‑in counter which added to the experience.
Generous, tasty meals and flexible room service
Several reviews highlighted large, delicious dinners and satisfying breakfasts (sometimes served in‑room), with portions that some guests could not finish.
Good value and some renovated elements
Many guests considered the stay affordable for the price; some rooms showed recent updates (fresh tatami, new ceiling AC units) despite the overall older building.
Negative Reviews
Aging facility and maintenance issues
Numerous comments pointed to a dated property: old corridors/doors, worn fixtures, narrow toilets, trip‑hazard carpets and other signs of wear that affect comfort.
Poor parking and layout
Parking is small and poorly marked; spaces require shuffling cars, are tight in snow, and some guests requested painted lines to improve organization.
Inconsistent bath availability and temperature
Problems reported include the rotenburo being unavailable at times (gender/timetable or not heated), showers or large bath water being lukewarm, and temperature control issues.
Room amenity and utility problems
Guests experienced malfunctioning air conditioning/window units, intermittent Wi‑Fi, limited hairdryers, missing bathroom soap or light bulbs and weak shower hot water in some rooms.
Reservation and cleanliness incidents
A few reviews described booking errors (reservation not recorded), clogged drains/flooded washrooms, and an isolated report of pest remains; these incidents harmed some stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel offers family and Japanese-style (futon) rooms; typical rooms accommodate between 2 and 4 guests—check the specific room description for exact capacity.
Yes; the property operates hot-spring baths including public indoor and outdoor onsen facilities.
Private or reserved bathing options may be available on request; contact the hotel directly to confirm availability and book.
The hotel advertises a free shuttle service; you should arrange pickup in advance by contacting the property.
From Tokyo (Haneda/Narita) most guests travel by train to Takasaki or by highway bus from Shinjuku, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Ikaho; longer routes exist from nearer regional airports.
Staff are generally rated as helpful on booking sites, but English proficiency can be limited; contact the hotel ahead if you require English assistance.
Expect tatami-style rooms with futons, communal onsen bathing, and hotel-provided yukata; meals follow ryokan-style service in the on-site restaurant.
Ikaho’s famous Stone Steps (Ishidan-gai) and the Ikaho Ropeway are within a short walk (roughly several hundred metres), with temples, shops and mountain views nearby.
You can reach Ikaho by train to Shibukawa followed by a local bus or highway-bus services; the property offers free on-site parking and can assist with car rental.
Pets are accepted on request (fees may apply) and the ryokan has one restaurant on site; the Stone Steps shopping street nearby offers many eateries and souvenir shops.