Ikaho onsen

Yesterday’s get-away to Ikaho in Gunma prefecture was a refreshing escape from the city. We climbed up to the top of one of the local peaks. There were signs warning us of bears and wild boars, but we didn’t see any.

Ikaho is an onsen resort town, so it’s fine to wear your yukata out on the street. The main corridor is a long flight of stairs lined with shops and ryokan.

We stayed at Kishigon ryokan which has been run by the same family since the town was founded in 1576. The current matron is an Aoyama University graduate who speaks fluent English. Look carefully and you’ll see my name on the sign greeting the day’s guests.

The food at the hotel was amazing. These are fish and skewered potatoes that we grilled at our table. We were served 36 dishes for dinner–truly a feast.

After climbing a mountain, eating dinner and enjoying three onsen baths, we were ready to collaspe on the lovely futon. Ah, sleep!