Although more and more people are using SNS to gather information about their travel destinations, even in this day and age, we are still interested in the recommendations of local people. In this section, we ask people who work at lodging facilities throughout Japan to introduce points of interest at the lodging facilities where they work and their favorite sightseeing spots in the surrounding area.
For this interview, we spoke with Mitsuo Matsumoto, president of Hotel Matsumoto-ro in Ikaho Onsen.
Name: Hotel Matsumotoro, Ikaho Onsen
Location: 164 Ikaho, Ikaho Town, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
–Please give us an overview of the facility.
We have a large public bath and open-air bath where you can enjoy both the “golden hot water” and “shirogane no yu” that spring from the Ikaho hot spring. Our cuisine is locally produced and locally consumed, using ingredients from Gunma, such as local vegetables, brand meat, and river fish nurtured in spring water. We offer 8 types of rooms, including universal rooms and rooms with hot spring baths.
–What are some of the highlights or experiences that you would like to see or experience that you can’t find anywhere else?
We have prepared a variety of innovations and services to provide unforgettable memories, especially for families traveling with small children or for three generations traveling together. We have new innovations for children to enjoy, such as homemade baby food according to their age, a dining room with a kids’ space to keep children occupied, and bath goods to make bathing in the hot spring fun.
–What are your personal recommendations for nearby attractions?
The Ikaho Ishidan Street is the symbol of Ikaho Onsen, and is said to have been built about 440 years ago. The 365 stone steps are lined with “yunohana manju (hot-spring dumplings)” and souvenir stores. At the top of the stone step street is the Ikaho Shrine, which enshrines the deities Ohonamuchi no Mikoto and Sunahikono-no Mikoto, gods of hot springs, medicine, and prosperous business.
–Finally, any last words for our readers?
We have taken great care in our meals and baths to ensure that everyone in the family, from young children to the elderly, can enjoy a pleasant time together. Please relax and soak in the “Golden Hot Spring” and “Silver Hot Spring,” two hot springs in Ikaho, and enjoy our cuisine made with local ingredients.
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