Ikaho Onsen

An ancient resort town built up a single stone staircase of 365 steps — each step flanked by traditional wooden inns, souvenir shops, and bathhouses. The brown iron-rich water (chakki-yu) has been praised since the Manyoshu (8th century) and stains baths and tiles a distinct dark orange. The town was a favourite retreat of writers and artists throughout the Meiji era.

Location

Why Visit

• 1

  365 stone steps — each one flanked by wooden inns and souvenir shops in an Edo townscape

• 2

  The iron-rich brown water stains everything it touches — unlike any other hot spring in Japan

• 3

  Praised in the Man'yoshu anthology (8th century) — one of Japan's oldest recorded onsen

Local Tips

The 365-step stone staircase (Ikaho Stone Steps) lined with ryokan and souvenir shops is the town's defining feature — one step for each day of the year. The brown (iron-rich) spring and clear spring give very different baths; try both if time allows. Ikaho is an easy day trip from Tokyo (2 hours by Shinkansen + bus or limited express).