Omori
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 42 reviews
Omori is a century-old ryokan in Ikaho Onsen that blends traditional hospitality with practical modern comforts. The property presents a barefoot-friendly tatami interior, seasonal flower displays and a compact, personal atmosphere overseen by the proprietress. Guest accommodation ranges from modest tatami rooms to larger suites that feature en-suite hot-spring baths; several room types are described as onsen-equipped, enabling private in-room bathing. Public areas include a lobby lounge with mountain views and a small shop offering local crafts and original fragrant goods selected by the staff.
Bathing is a central focus: the rooftop garden open-air bath called "Roman" sits on the top floor and provides sweeping views across the Ikaho basin and surrounding peaks, including Mount Akagi and the Tanigawa range. The ryokan draws the clear Shirogane (white-silver) waters of Ikaho Onsen, noted locally for restorative and skin-conditioning properties. With a large public bath plus rooms fitted with hot-spring water supply, Omori operates as a convenient ryokan with onsen in Kanto and also provides options for private soaking, with select accommodations configured as a ryokan with private onsen in Gunma.
Meals emphasise seasonal, locally sourced ingredients: kaiseki-style dinner menus often feature Gunma vegetables and regional beef, with private dining available in certain plans. Practical amenities include free parking, elevator access, a rooftop observation area and flexible check-in arrangements for guests arriving by evening. Located within easy walking distance of Ikaho’s stone steps and the ropeway, the property serves as a manageable base for sightseeing or day trips from the Kanto plain; attentive service, a choice of yukata and simple modern conveniences aim to keep stays comfortable for couples and families.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Omori
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff (excellent service)
Guests repeatedly praised the warm, attentive service and traditional omotenashi — from tea on arrival to helpful, multilingual staff, luggage handling and friendly interactions that made stays comfortable.
High-quality meals (kaiseki dinners and good breakfasts)
Many reviews highlight excellent, well-presented meals (including kaiseki) with good variety and generous portions; food was frequently described as a major highlight.
Beautiful onsen facilities and views
The rooftop and outdoor onsen receive strong praise for pleasant water, wonderful mountain views and a relaxing atmosphere; private open-air onsen options were also enjoyed by guests.
Comfortable traditional rooms and tatami flooring
Rooms were described as spacious, clean and comfortable with continuous tatami floors, tasteful decor (flowers, artwork), available yukata choices, effective air conditioning and convenient power outlets.
Convenient location and useful amenities
The ryokan’s location near the bus stop/stone-step area and ropeway is convenient for exploring; guests appreciated small conveniences like a hotel postbox/stamp sales, parking assistance and on-site services.
Negative Reviews
Map pin / address on booking sites is inaccurate
At least one guest noted the map pin leads to the rear of the hotel rather than the main entrance, which can cause confusion on arrival.
Older building with visible repair work
Some guests noticed signs of an older property and piecemeal refurbishments (walls, fittings), which gave the impression of visible repairs rather than full renovation.
Wi‑Fi and temperature issues
A few reviewers mentioned weak Wi‑Fi and concerns about indoor temperature (felt cold in parts of the building); slippers or warmer indoor measures were missed by some guests.
Bedding and pillow comfort
Several guests found pillows too firm or the duvet unusually heavy; bedding comfort was a minor issue for some visitors.
Onsen layout and limited private-bath amenities
Some practical drawbacks were reported: public baths located on different floors require changing between visits, private/reserved baths sometimes lacked basic toiletries, and occasional drainage issues were noted in hinoki baths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Omori offers Japanese-style rooms, twin rooms and larger traditional suites; capacities range from two-person twin rooms to larger Japanese rooms suitable for groups — check the specific room description for exact occupancy limits.
The property’s general policy restricts children on some plans; please confirm the specific room policy when booking.
Yes — the ryokan uses Ikaho’s Shirogane hot spring and provides indoor large baths plus rooftop open-air baths that rotate by gender; the facilities emphasize a traditional Japanese bathing experience.
A private open-air bath can be reserved for exclusive use; reservations are required and the private bath carries an extra charge.
Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from public bathing areas, in line with local onsen rules.
There is no regular airport shuttle, but the ryokan offers pick-up from local bus stops on request (for example when arriving by express bus); contact the property ahead to arrange pickup.
You can take an express bus from Shinjuku directly to Ikaho (about 2.5 hours) or travel by train to Takasaki/Shibukawa then take the local bus to Ikaho Onsen; the property is a short walk from the Ikaho bus stop.
The property provides English information on its website and staff can assist with basic English requests and local arrangements; for complex needs, notify the ryokan in advance.
Omori sits near Ikaho’s Ishidan-gai steps where you’ll find shops and restaurants within a short walk, and basic convenience stores are available in the town area.
Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM; the ryokan serves local seasonal meals with dinner service times that require early arrival for guests who wish to dine on-site.