Ikaho stone steps walk street

Ikaho Stone Steps Street is the symbol of Ikaho Onsen and has about 400 years of history. It is counted among Japan’s three great stone stairways, along with Yamadera in Yamagata and Konpira in Kagawa. The current granite steps were laid during a major renovation over five years starting in 1980 (Showa 55). Later, in 2010, it was renovated and extended again, resulting in 365 steps—a number symbolizing prosperity of the Ikaho hot spring town throughout the 365 days of the year. Today, taking photos on the step number that matches your birthday is popular. Shops line both sides of the steps, including souvenir stores, manju sweet shops, and shooting-gallery games that both adults and children can enjoy, creating a richly atmospheric streetscape. When you arrive in Ikaho Onsen by tour bus or train, starting your sightseeing at the Stone Steps Street is recommended. Along the way, you can find poems by Yosano Akiko carved into the steps, and marks of the zodiac placed to represent the sites of twelve former major inns. It can be fun to stroll and look for these. There are also places to enjoy a casual footbath, so even if your legs get tired climbing, you can take a break.