[Depart from Ikebukuro/Shinjuku] Ikaho Onsen, Little Edo Kawagoe & Award-Winning Strawberry Picking Day Tour | Lunch includes A5 Premium Kuroge Wagyu 'Kobe Beef'
- With a 1300-year history, Ikaho Onsen is a famous hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The heart of the town is a 365-step stone staircase (symbolizing the four seasons), lined with hot spring inns, souvenir shops, and footbaths.
- Enjoy 20 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberries. The farm has won multiple awards in Japanese strawberry competitions and offers strawberry picking from around December to late June each year.
- The Kurazukuri (warehouse-style) old streets of Kawagoe were formed in the Meiji era, featuring historical buildings with an Edo-period atmosphere. The black-tiled roofs and traditional earthen storehouses stand side-by-side, showcasing a unique retro charm.
- Kobe Beef is the highest 'A5' grade of Tajima beef; only beef that meets this standard can bear the name, making it a world-renowned premium beef brand.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 10 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Seasonal Fruit Picking |
| Sightseeing type | Temples & shrines, Historic site tour, Bus tour, Power spots |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
— Attraction Highlights —
- Ikaho Onsen Town
Ikaho Onsen, a famous 'beauty hot spring' in Gunma, features a 365-step stone staircase. Start from the 'Kechidashi-no-Izumi' spring, take a break at the 'Kajika Bridge' footbath to enjoy the scenery, and reach the 'Ikaho Shrine' at the top to pray for health and good fortune.
- 1. All-You-Can-Eat Strawberry Picking & Variety Tasting Experience
Enjoy 20 minutes of all-you-can-eat delicious strawberries! Taste at least 2 seasonal varieties such as 'Kaorino' and 'Beni Hoppe' to experience the unique flavors of different types. Plus, enjoy a bonus tasting of 3 'Premium Strawberries'!
Sample 3 pieces of rare strawberry varieties, including 'White Strawberry Angel Fruit', 'Black Strawberry Shinku Misuzu', or 'Saitama-exclusive Kanryu'. These rare varieties are hard to find in the market, so don't miss this exclusive opportunity!
*Depending on the harvest, you will either receive a comparative tasting of 3 varieties or one specific variety; selection is not possible.
- Little Edo Kawagoe
Stroll through Kawagoe and travel back in time to experience the atmosphere of the Meiji, Taisho, Showa, and Heisei eras. Here, you can feel the Edo-period charm, taste delicious Japanese sweets, admire traditional crafts, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Kawagoe!
The striking IKAHO landmark welcomes visitors, symbolizing the beginning of the Ikaho Onsen town. Walking uphill along the historic stone path, lined with onsen ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), souvenir shops, and teahouses, is a quintessential stroll for experiencing Gunma's onsen culture.
Kobe beef is one of the three highest-grade Wagyu beef representatives in Japan. When you put a slice of Kobe beef into your mouth, the delicate marbling melts like snowflakes, and the rich juices dance on your tongue. Every bite is filled with a rich aroma, and the aftertaste lingers long afterward. It is simply a luxurious feast for the taste buds!
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Tokyo, Gunma/Saitama
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Heisei Electric Bus Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 10
Team Leader: 1
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating company name: Heisei Electronics Co., Ltd.
Address: 5-22-26 HEG Hall 5th Floor, Honmachi, Shiki City, Saitama Prefecture
License Number: Tourism Authority Registered Travel Agent No. 2095
Name of travel agency: Japan Travel Agents Association (General Incorporated Company), Regular Member
Reminders
A minimum of 10 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The itinerary may be changed due to factors such as transportation and road conditions, which may also cause delays in return time.
Due to weather or crowds, the stay may be shortened or cancelled, and the itinerary may be adjusted depending on vehicle arrangements.
Children under 3 years old who do not occupy a seat can participate for free. If facility fees are required on-site, please pay on-site.
Depending on the situation on the day, passengers who require both Chinese and English guided tours may be combined into one vehicle. Please be aware of this.
Please adhere to the meeting time and the schedule of each tour.
FAQ
1. Why is Ikaho Onsen a popular destination for travelers?
Ikaho Onsen, with a 1,300-year history in Gunma Prefecture, is renowned for its charming hot spring town built around 365 stone steps. These steps are lined with traditional inns, souvenir shops, and restaurants, creating a picturesque and lively atmosphere. Climbing them leads to Ikaho Shrine, a spiritual highlight. Its unique blend of history, culture, and relaxing hot springs makes it highly appealing for those seeking a traditional Japanese experience.
2. What are the key characteristics and historical features of Ikaho Onsen?
Ikaho Onsen's core feature is its 365 stone steps, symbolizing the year's seasons, flanked by hot spring hotels and foot baths. Historically, it's known for its "Kogane no Yu" (Golden Hot Spring), which is rich in iron and turns a distinctive reddish-brown upon contact with air, believed to offer various health benefits. This ancient resort boasts a 1,300-year legacy, preserving traditional Japanese onsen culture and unique town planning.
3. Are there private onsen options available in Ikaho Onsen for visitors?
Yes, many traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) in Ikaho Onsen offer private onsen experiences. These can range from rooms with private open-air baths to reservable private baths for families or couples, allowing for a more secluded and intimate relaxation. Visitors can inquire with specific accommodations regarding their private bath options and availability to ensure a personalized hot spring experience.
4. What makes Koedo Kawagoe famous for its historical charm?
Koedo Kawagoe is famous for retaining its distinctive Edo-era charm, earning it the nickname "Little Edo." Its old town is characterized by kura-zukuri (traditional warehouse-style) buildings, with black tiled roofs and traditional earthenware structures standing side by side. This historical architecture transports visitors back through the Meiji, Taisho, Showa, and Heisei eras, creating a unique and captivating retro ambiance.
5. What unique experiences can visitors expect in Koedo Kawagoe?
Visitors to Koedo Kawagoe can expect a journey through time, exploring streets lined with Edo-period kura-zukuri warehouses and historical buildings. Key experiences include wandering through nostalgic alleyways like Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho), visiting traditional shops, enjoying local cuisine, and witnessing cultural heritage sites such as the iconic Toki no Kane bell tower. The vibrant atmosphere offers a unique blend of history and modern charm.
6. What does 'Koedo' refer to in relation to Kawagoe's historical identity?
'Koedo' translates to "Little Edo," a name bestowed upon Kawagoe due to its remarkably well-preserved architecture and atmosphere reminiscent of the Edo period (1603-1868). Kawagoe flourished as a castle town and commercial hub during that era, maintaining a cultural and architectural identity similar to Edo (present-day Tokyo), hence its designation as "Little Edo" and its unique historical charm.
7. When is the best time to enjoy strawberry picking at the award-winning farm?
The award-winning strawberry farm typically offers strawberry picking experiences from around December to late June each year. This extensive period allows visitors ample opportunity to enjoy a 30-minute all-you-can-eat selection of large, sweet, and highly acclaimed strawberries. The specific peak season can vary slightly depending on weather, but this window generally guarantees a delightful fresh fruit experience.
8. What is the significance of the 365 stone steps in Ikaho Onsen?
The 365 stone steps are the iconic symbol of Ikaho Onsen, representing the four seasons of the year and forming the vibrant heart of the hot spring town. They are flanked by traditional inns, souvenir shops, and restaurants, creating a lively pedestrian street. Ascending the steps leads to Ikaho Shrine, offering picturesque views and a spiritual journey that intertwines the town's history, culture, and natural beauty.
