A Bustling Onsen Town With a Quaint 365-Step Stone Staircase
Tucked into the foothills of Mount Haruna in Shibukawa city, the Ikaho Stone Steps — known in Japanese as the ishidan — are the beating heart of one of Japan’s most historic onsen towns. Stretching roughly 300 meters up through the center of Ikaho Onsen, the 365-step stairway is flanked on both sides by ryokan, souvenir shops, traditional game arcades and cafes serving local specialties, creating a retro atmosphere that feels wonderfully frozen in another era.
The number 365 is no accident. The steps were renovated and extended to that count in 2010, reflecting a local wish for the town to be “bustling 365 days a year.” Running beneath the stairway, you can spot the distinctive amber-brown water of Ikaho’s famous Kogane no Yu (“golden water”) hot spring, the high iron content giving it its striking color. The town also draws from a second source, the Shirogane no Yu (“silver water”), which flows clear and is known for its revitalizing properties.
At the top of the steps sits Ikaho-jinja Shrine, a 9th-century structure dedicated to the gods of hot springs and medicine. It is said that climbing all 365 steps brings good fortune — something many visitors test for themselves. Along the way, it’s worth stopping for onsen manju, the soft steamed buns with red bean filling that are said to have originated right here in Ikaho, and resting weary feet in the free public ashiyu footbath located about two-thirds of the way up.
Best Times To Visit Ikaho Stone Steps
The Ikaho Stone Steps are worth visiting year-round, but each season brings something distinct. Spring (March–May) sees around 1,500 cherry trees bloom at nearby Ikaho Green Farm, and azaleas brighten the foothills of Mount Haruna through late May. Summer (June–August) is lively, with the surrounding mountains offering a cool escape from the city heat and Lake Haruna providing hiking and boating options close by.
Autumn is widely considered the most picturesque time to visit. From mid-October through mid-November, the maple trees surrounding the steps and the vermilion Kajika Bridge — a short walk from the top of the stairs — turn fiery shades of red and gold. Evening illuminations during this period make for a particularly memorable visit. Winter is quieter, but hopping between the warm onsen baths while snacking on freshly steamed manju has its own charm.