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 Hiromi Yoda, proprietress of Joshin-no-sato Hibikino in Ikaho Onsen.
Name: Joshin-no-sato Hibikino, Ikaho Onsen
Location: 403-125 Ikaho, Ikaho Town, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
–Please give us an overview of the facility.
Located on a vast site of approximately 15,000 tsubo (approximately 1,200 m2), guests can enjoy both “golden hot water” and “silver hot water,” two of Ikaho’s most famous sources of spring water. The “Hibikino Seasonal Vegetable Kaiseki” is very popular, where each guest can choose a main dish from a variety of carefully selected ingredients, including organic vegetables grown in Gunma Prefecture, Jyoshu beef, and GINHIKARI river fish.
–What are some of the highlights or experiences that you would like to see or experience that you can’t find anywhere else?
On July 7, 2023, we opened “LUONTO,” a new nature complex with camping, sauna, dog run, etc., on our premises. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors in tents or camping cars, and enjoy the “Tonto” to their heart’s content in the barrel sauna, which features the scent of natural wood and a barrel shape.
–What are your personal recommendations for nearby attractions?
The famous stone steps of the Ikaho Onsen Hot Springs are a popular attraction, but parking is not easy to find and climbing the 365 steps can be a challenge. The town bus is a useful tool in such cases. The bus stops right in front of the hotel, so you can easily enjoy sightseeing in Ikaho.
–Finally, any last words for our readers?
We are pleased to announce that we have received the “Rakuten Travel Award 2022 Bronze Prize” in February 2023, the third consecutive year that our hotel has received this award, following the awards in 2020 and 2021. We are very happy to receive this award thanks to the support of everyone. As a token of our appreciation, we are now offering special plans, so please take a look at them.
© Source travel watch