Kindayu
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Kindayu is a traditional inn set within the Ikaho Onsen area of Shibukawa, offering straightforward, tatami-based accommodation and communal spaces designed for relaxed, informal stays. Rooms are presented in a Japanese style with futon bedding and family-sized layouts, and public areas include a shared lounge and dining space organised for buffet service; the property also provides complimentary parking and hotel-standard reception services. Its location places guests within short walking distance of the town’s main ropeway and the stone-step promenade that define the Ikaho district.
The ryokan’s thermal facilities are a prominent feature: guests can use a range of hot-spring options including an outdoor bath and multiple private baths, with several small reservable/“kashikiri” baths noted as available for guest use and an additional view-facing private open-air option. Onsite amenities complement the bathing experience with massage services, a karaoke room, table tennis and free Wi‑Fi, while meal plans are typically arranged around communal buffet-style service in the dining hall. These facilities position the property as a practical choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen Ikaho.
Practical details suit groups and families: standard check-in practices start in the mid-afternoon with departures by late morning, and the property advertises accessibility for larger parties and visitors arriving by car. The atmosphere and service model are straightforward rather than luxury-focused, so expectations should be aligned with a functional, guest-oriented ryokan experience rather than an upscale resort; for visitors prioritising private bathing options in the region, Kindayu represents a locally integrated ryokan with private onsen Gumma.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kindayu
Positive Reviews
Excellent location near attractions
Many guests praised the ryokan’s convenient location — close to the famous stone steps and offering nice mountain views, making it easy to explore the area.
Relaxing onsen and hot baths
Visitors frequently highlighted the onsen and public baths as a major benefit — described as very nice and relaxing, with good views from the baths.
Generous buffet and free drinks
The all-you-can-eat dinner and breakfast buffet, often including free alcoholic drinks, was repeatedly mentioned as a highlight and good value by many guests.
Good value and enjoyable facilities
Reviewers felt the stay offered good value for the price, and enjoyed on-site leisure options (karaoke, ping-pong, family baths) that were sometimes free to use.
Friendly and helpful staff
Multiple reviews noted helpful and kind staff service, contributing to an overall pleasant stay.
Negative Reviews
Property and rooms are dated
Numerous guests reported that the building, carpets, bathrooms and other facilities feel old and in need of renovation or fresh paint; several mentioned a general sense of aging infrastructure.
Smoking smell and room odor issues
Some non-smoking rooms smelled of cigarette smoke and guests were unable to get a confirmed non-smoking room, causing discomfort for those sensitive to smoke.
Noise and thin walls
Several reviews noted that room-to-room noise can carry through (voices from adjacent rooms), and corridor smells/air fresheners were sometimes intrusive.
Accessibility and stairs problems
The ryokan’s hilly location and many staircases were inconvenient for guests with mobility issues; one guest reported a wheelchair ramp blocked by a parked car that made access difficult.
Buffet crowding and inconsistent food availability/quality
While many liked the buffet, others reported overcrowding at meal times, repetitive menu items, diminished choice toward the end of service, or that some dishes were not as tasty as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from small Japanese-style rooms with futons to family rooms; many rooms sleep up to five people and a family room can accommodate six guests.
Yes — Kindayu uses Ikaho’s golden hot spring with large public baths and an open-air bath; typical bathing hours are mid-afternoon to late evening and early morning.
Private (kashikiri) baths are available, including several complimentary private baths and a paid view bath; contact reception to reserve a slot.
There is no regular airport shuttle, but the hotel operates scheduled round-trip buses from Ikebukuro/Kawagoe for guests (advance reservation required); for airports, most guests travel via Tokyo (Haneda/Narita) by train then onward to Shibukawa.
Japanese is the primary language; staff can handle basic English at reception but guests may find English limited in some cases.
Expect a traditional Japanese ryokan atmosphere with tatami rooms and futons, renovated high-floor rooms with beds, and at least one room with a private outdoor bath; breakfast is served buffet-style.
Kindayu is in Ikaho Onsen, a short walk from the Ishidan-gai stone steps and about 300 metres from the Ikaho Ropeway, with shops and sights along the slope.
Take a train to Shibukawa station and then a local bus (roughly 25 minutes) up to Ikaho; many visitors transfer from Tokyo or Takasaki by train then the local bus.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 (guests are generally asked to arrive by early evening) and check-out is by 11:00; the reception desk operates around the clock.
Pets are not permitted on the property; there are convenience stores, eateries and souvenir shops along the Ishidan-gai steps and the ryokan offers on-site dining options for guests.