Chigira Jinsentei

  • Breakfast & dinner
  • Forest views
  • Japanese garden views
  • Mountain views
  • Onsen
  • Onsen for couples
  • Onsen for families
  • Open-air bath
  • Private onsen
  • Private onsen in the room
  • Sauna
  • Tattoos allowed

Overview

Step into history at Chigira Jinsentei, a long-standing ryokan with roots stretching back over 500 years. This inn, once a favorite retreat of the Meiji-era novelist Tokutomi Roka, remains a cultural landmark and the literary setting for Fujoki (The Cuckoo). Located near Ikaho’s iconic stone steps, the ryokan offers sweeping views of Mt. Tanigawa and the Jyoshu mountain range. Every stay is guided by the spirit of Ichi-go Ichi-e—cherishing each moment as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Accommodation

Chigira Jinsentei features rooms from the Taisho, Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras. Each space carries its own timeless character while offering updated comfort.

Annex “Tsuru-no-I”: All four corner rooms include open-air baths flowing with natural hot spring water. Choose between Japanese or Japanese/Western-style rooms. Enjoy views of Mt. Onoko and private, spacious layouts.

Main Building – Semi Open-Air Bath Rooms (Rooms 155–157): Renovated with accessibility in mind, these first-floor rooms feature floor heating, open-air baths, and a blend of Japanese and Western design.

Futama Connecting Rooms: Surrounded by garden views or mountain vistas, these rooms are ideal for families or small groups. Some include private verandas.

Futama Japanese/Western-style Room: Renovated on the third floor, this room pairs semi-double beds with a Japanese-style area and mountain views.

Hitoma Rooms: A collection of traditional Japanese rooms ranging from 8 to 12 tatami mats, each uniquely styled with Taisho-era touches and modern updates.

Dining

Your meals are thoughtfully crafted to reflect Gunma’s seasonal bounty.

Dinner: Expect kaiseki cuisine featuring specialties like Akagi beef, handmade konnyaku sashimi, and mountain vegetable tempura. Dishes are served hot or cold as intended, with attention to seasonal presentation.

Breakfast: Enjoy a nourishing meal prepared with fresh ingredients that are good for your body and spirit.

Meals are served in-room or in private dining spaces. If you’re staying in “Tsuru-no-I”, your meals are always served privately.

Onsen and Wellness

Experience Kogane-no-Yu, the golden hot spring water, famous for its rich minerals and gentle, skin-friendly qualities. The entire facility uses 100% natural free-flowing water with no added filtration.

Large Public Baths:

  • Megumi-no-Yu: A deep, 1-meter bath where golden water flows generously.
  • Taki-yu: A retro-style bath where water falls into the tub like a waterfall.

Men’s and women’s baths alternate overnight.

Open-Air Baths:

  • Gofujin and Tonogata: Located near the annex, these outdoor baths offer mountain views and fresh open air.

Private Baths (Megumi, Kokoro, Ikoi, Izumi):

Available without reservation from 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Indoor and semi-outdoor options on separate floors, accessible via stairs.

Guests with Tattoos

You can use the private baths freely. These baths do not require reservations and offer privacy for everyone.

Facilities

Rakusui Rakuzan Café and Bar: Unwind with seasonal cocktails, craft beer, or rich coffee. During the day, it’s a peaceful café with scenic views. At night, it transforms into a cozy bar.

Wi-Fi Access: Available throughout the property, including guest rooms and the café.

Accessibility: Some rooms are wheelchair accessible. The ryokan also offers shuttle service between the main building and annex upon request.

Activities

Explore the historic Ishidan-gai steps just outside your door. Visit nearby hot spring shops, enjoy seasonal fruit at local markets, and indulge in regional treats like onsen manju and mizusawa udon. In the colder months, the mountain air and surrounding scenery create an especially rejuvenating escape.

Additional Features

All rooms in “Tsuru-no-I” include private open-air baths.

Multiple private and shared hot spring options are available throughout your stay.

Renovated rooms combine traditional design with subtle modern touches.

Complimentary parking and check-in support make travel smooth and convenient.

Chigira Jinsentei – Address

📍 45 Ikaho, Ikahomachi, Shibukawa, Gunma, Japan, 377-0102

Ryokan Location on the Map

📚 Information collected by Mari Ryu.

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