ikaho onsen
Gunma Prefecture
|
|
Ikaho Onsen is known for its 400-year-old stone steps that numbered 365 as of the year 2010 (well, you would put a few more in of you were so close to a whole year’s worth). The town is also known for onsen; in fact, there are 12 hot-spring inns by the stone steps, one for each sign of the zodiac. You can huff and puff your way up or join the steps mid-way then go up to the left, knowing that it is all downhill on the way back. Souvenir shops will likely offer you a breather too. On this occasion in February, it was slow-going on account of the abundant ice, yet to thaw, laying in wait for any steps that were less than gingerly. The adjacent steep roads too were ready to punish any careless misstep. The evening was just as enchanting as daytime, with strings of lights adding to the fairytale backdrop.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
