Kishigon Ryokan

Located somewhere halfway up the Ikaho stone steps. There's a massive sign on the building's roof with the ryokan's name on it so you can easily spot it from far away. If you've got large suitcases it may be better to book a taxi so you don't have to drag them up the steps or the parallel steep roads. Upon arrival we were given complimentary green tea and manju 🙂. They have English speaking staff who can explain the layout of the hotel and onsen facilities available. At first the whole ryokan layout might be a bit confusing but it's actually quite easy to navigate. The breakfast buffet is pretty good - you get a mix of standard western-style food and traditional Japanese food including some local Gunma specialties. There are many options for onsen available - indoor, open-air, private etc and they're all pretty well maintained. You also get amenities like yukata, socks and slippers (though I do wish they had more sizes available for socks). There are vending machines throughout the ryokan, some with alcohol, some with ice cream.

The only minor nitpick I have is the hairdryers in the guest rooms are quite old and weak. If you want a strong hairdryer, you have to use the ones in the changing room for the hot springs.

The staff was SO polite and kind!! Just top notch service from them. We arrived early so they took our bags while we explored the famous steps & shrine at the top. Then we came back to tea and snacks in the waiting lounge and got to warm up while watching the stunning snow fall in the surrounding forest. We had dinner one of the nights that we stayed there, and the staff carefully and kindly explained all the foods laid out for us. Also, they seemed to remember us quite quickly, for when we went out and came back, they had our room key ready to go. Another night we booked a karaoke room for two hours, and the machines had lots of recent releases from this past year (2023/24) since they use DAM machines. You could also bring your own snacks and alcohol to karaoke, and there was a vending machine on the same floor for more beer and other drinks. Finally, let’s talk about the main event, the onsen area! I tried the “Matazaemon no Yu” indoor bath and the “Gonzaemon no Yu” outdoor bath. The Matazaemon was pretty standard, similar to other baths I’ve been to before. But the Gonzaemon was *chef’s kiss* stellar. So awesome to just soak in the hot, hot outdoor bath in the cold winter night. I highly recommend going during the down time and having the bath all to yourself~

The bathroom in our hotel room really needs love. It had a strong scent of something, maybe sulphur or just old water? And the water took way too long to heat up, I think maybe over 20 minutes. But then again, you go for the onsen area, so just skip the bath in your room and wash up/enjoy the onsens instead. I recommend bringing your own face tissues and towels as well if you can afford the suitcase space. The couch cushions also need a good cleaning, but the futons were nice and neatly made each day for us with fresh sheets!

The designated English speaking staff member was amazing and helped with any requests we made or questions we asked. The location was right at the stone steps. The town is small but lovely - with a quirky obsession for shooting galleries. Mt Haruna and it's lake are beautiful and a short bus ride away.

The bathrooms are unfortunately outdated (but many Japanese hotel bathrooms are similar). The breakfast had great variety but everything that you would expect to be hot was quite cold.

It felt authentic. The view from the room was great. Free shuttle service was provided to the bus stop. Staff were accommodating of our dietary requirements. Breakfast had both continental and Japanese options. All necessary amenities were provided including the Japanese clothing.

The dinner was only a set menu, which was expensive.

No breakfast or maybe I overlooked it. I liked the view of the mountains from my window. Tatami and bed perfect. A staff helped me with whatever needed. The private onsen was exactly what I needed.

Nothing.

Well situated on the Ikaho Stone Steps, Kishigon Ryokan had a wonderful check in service and large breakfast buffet selection. The 3 onsen choices were all different. The open aspect onsen was my favourite. There was a magnificent view as you stepped out of the main elevator.

Sleeping on the tatami futons is often uncomfortable. The futons seemed especially thin on this stay.

Very friendly staff. Our coordinator spoke both English and Japanese so easy to communicate. Onsen water was very good and relaxing. Meals were very good. Location next to historic stone steps for easy access to shopping and temple. Room had nice peaceful view of mountain range.

Private / family onsen baths were smaller in size but spring water wonderful.

Great location. The variety of onsen available was nice. Food was delicious - both dinner and breakfast. Wait staff spoke English, which helped my friends and I relax during meals.

Nothing - the ryokan provided everything that I expected.

super highly recommended first class onsen .. d service from d staff was best d room was clean and very comfortable .. d food is very delicious .. i love their sauna mist it was super relaxing and all d amenities was very good specially d towel it was very good smell like a butter cookies .. excellent 5 fivestar onsen in ikaho ❤️❤️❤️

the lack of foreign tourists

the bed pillows were to hard. the loud noise from cars racing in local streets ALL night. I like to sleep with open windows and this made it impossible to sleep..