Chigira Jinsentei is a long-established traditional Japanese inn located in the heart of Ikaho Onsen in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture. Standing midway along the famous Ikaho Stone Steps, the inn is said to have been founded in 1502, giving it a history of more than 500 years.
The inn combines the warm atmosphere of traditional wooden architecture with the opportunity to enjoy Ikaho’s famous Kogane no Yu, or “Golden Spring”, supplied directly from the source without dilution or reheating. Its historic atmosphere and peaceful surroundings offer guests the chance to experience the traditional culture of an onsen ryokan at a relaxed pace.
Chigira Jinsentei is also known as a favorite place of the Meiji-era literary figure Tokutomi Roka. The inn appears at the beginning of his famous novel Hototogisu (The Cuckoo). Over the years, Ikaho’s hot-spring atmosphere has attracted numerous writers and artists, and the inn continues to preserve that literary and cultural heritage.
Although the inn is only about a one-minute walk from the entrance to the Stone Steps, its interior offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the charm of a traditional Japanese inn, historic architecture, and warm hospitality in a setting steeped in history.
One of the greatest attractions of Chigira Jinsentei is its use of Kogane no Yu, or “Golden Spring”, one of the signature hot springs of Ikaho Onsen. The baths at the inn use the natural spring water directly from the source without dilution.
Ikaho Onsen is known for two main sources, Kogane no Yu and Shirogane no Yu, or “Silver Spring”. Chigira Jinsentei uses only the distinctive brownish-gold waters of Kogane no Yu.
The spring is classified as a calcium-sodium sulfate, bicarbonate, and chloride spring. Its characteristic reddish-brown color is created when iron contained in the water oxidizes after coming into contact with the air.
Ikaho’s hot springs have long been enjoyed as soothing mineral baths, traditionally associated with conditions such as neuralgia and sensitivity to cold. At Chigira Jinsentei, guests can experience the fresh spring water directly from the source, taking advantage of the abundant flow of Kogane no Yu.
The inn offers a variety of bathing options, including large communal baths, open-air baths, private baths, and guest rooms with their own baths. Each provides a different way to enjoy the famous Golden Spring.
One of the inn’s signature baths is Megumi no Yu. The bath is approximately one meter deep, allowing guests to immerse themselves comfortably in the warm water.
Fresh hot-spring water flows continuously into the bath, providing a generous supply of natural spring water. The communal baths alternate between men and women at different times, allowing guests to experience the different bathing spaces according to the schedule.
Another large communal bath is Taki-yu. As its name suggests, the hot spring water flows into the bathing area like a small waterfall.
The bathing area has a nostalgic, traditional atmosphere, while the abundant flow of water allows guests to enjoy the distinctive Golden Spring in a particularly impressive setting.
The separate open-air baths for men and women offer views of the mountains of Joshu, the historic name for the region now known as Gunma. On clear days, guests can see mountain peaks including Mount Onoko while relaxing in the hot spring.
At night, the peaceful mountain surroundings create an especially tranquil atmosphere, providing an opportunity to step away from everyday life and enjoy a quiet soak under the evening sky.
The inn has four private baths named Jin, Sei, Iko, and Izumi. When available, they can be used without advance reservations, allowing families, couples, and other guests to enjoy a private bathing experience without worrying about other visitors.
All four baths use 100% natural Kogane no Yu directly from the source, making them an ideal choice for guests who want to enjoy Ikaho’s famous hot spring in a more private setting.
The guest rooms at Chigira Jinsentei have different architectural character depending on when they were built. Rooms in the historic wooden buildings retain the atmosphere of the Taisho and Showa eras, offering guests an opportunity to experience the traditional culture of a Japanese ryokan.
The main building mainly features Japanese-style rooms where guests can relax in a calm, traditional setting. Renovated Japanese-Western rooms combine tatami areas with beds, providing a comfortable balance between traditional Japanese design and modern accommodation.
One of the popular accommodation options is a guest room with a semi-open-air bath supplied directly by the natural hot-spring source. These rooms retain the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese room while incorporating modern renovations.
Guests can enjoy the hot spring without leaving their room. The large windows can also be closed, allowing the bath to be used like an indoor bath, making it possible to relax comfortably regardless of the weather.
The Tsurunoi Annex, built in 2002, is a separate accommodation building in which every room has its own open-air bath supplied directly by the natural hot spring.
The four rooms, including both Japanese-style and Japanese-Western-style rooms, are all corner rooms with views of the mountains of Joshu. The quiet setting is particularly suitable for guests seeking a private and relaxing hot-spring experience.
One of the pleasures of staying at a traditional Japanese inn is enjoying meals prepared with local ingredients. At Chigira Jinsentei, fresh ingredients from Gunma Prefecture are used to create dishes that reflect the flavors and character of each season.
Dinner features dishes such as sukiyaki made with Joshu beef or Akagi beef, accompanied by beautifully presented appetizers, sashimi, grilled dishes, simmered dishes, and other seasonal specialties. Particular attention is paid to serving each dish at the appropriate temperature, allowing guests to enjoy the food at its best.
Breakfast consists of a gentle and wholesome Japanese-style meal designed to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. Meals are served either in the guest room or in a private dining area, providing a relaxed atmosphere where guests can dine without worrying about other diners.
Chigira Jinsentei offers more than hot springs and accommodation. At the entrance to the Stone Steps is Rakusuirakusan, a café and bar where visitors can enjoy coffee and other drinks during the day and alcoholic beverages in the evening.
The name comes from a saying attributed to Confucius: “The wise enjoy water, while the benevolent enjoy mountains.” It is a pleasant place to take a break while exploring Ikaho, relaxing with a drink in a calm and welcoming setting.
The souvenir shop Yamanoha offers regional specialties and traditional crafts collected from various parts of Gunma Prefecture. Visitors can also enjoy views of the surrounding mountains from inside the shop while choosing a memorable souvenir from their trip.
With a history dating back to the Muromachi period, Chigira Jinsentei has welcomed generations of travelers to Ikaho. There is also a story that the renowned renga poet Sōgi visited Ikaho and praised the bath known as “Jin no Yu.” This is said to be one of the inspirations behind the name Jinsentei.
After more than 500 years of history, Chigira Jinsentei continues to combine the traditions of a historic Japanese inn with modern comforts. The atmosphere of the historic Stone Steps, the natural Golden Spring, seasonal cuisine, and attentive ryokan hospitality come together to offer guests an immersive experience of the culture and charm of Ikaho Onsen.