Looking for Recommended Restaurants Open Until Night Near Ikaho Hot Springs
So, I recently found myself in Ikaho, this charming little hot spring town nestled in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture. It was February, and the air was crisp, with
a faint smell of sulfur from the hot springs lingering in the air. I had spent the day soaking in the onsen, wandering the iconic stone steps of Ikaho, and indulging in way too many manju (sweet bean buns) from the local shops. But as the sun dipped below the horizon, I realized I had a problem: I was starving, and I had no idea where to eat. Most places seemed to be closing up, and I was starting to panic. Sound familiar? Let me tell you how I stumbled upon some late-night gems.
The Quest for Late-Night Eats
After a quick Google search and some frantic walking around, I found a cozy little izakaya called Toriyoshi tucked away near the base of the stone steps. The sign outside said it was open until 11 PM, which was perfect because it was already past 8. I walked in, slightly out of breath from power-walking in the cold, and was greeted by the warm hum of chatter and the sizzle of yakitori on the grill. The place was small but lively, with locals and a few tourists like me crammed into wooden booths. The owner, a friendly older man with a booming laugh, noticed me hesitating at the entrance and waved me over. “Irasshaimase!” he shouted, gesturing to a seat at the counter. I sat down, ordered a beer, and asked for his recommendations. He grinned and said, “Leave it to me!” What followed was a feast of perfectly grilled chicken skewers, crispy karaage (fried chicken), and a surprisingly delicious plate of yaki onigiri (grilled rice balls) with a miso glaze. I may have over-ordered (oops), but it was so worth it.
A Surprising Discovery
As I was finishing my meal, I struck up a conversation with a couple sitting next to me. They were locals and told me about another spot, Kappo Yamada, a small family-run restaurant just a few blocks away. They said it was open until midnight and served the best soba noodles in town. I was intrigued but also stuffed from my izakaya feast. Still, I made a mental note to check it out the next night. Sure enough, the following evening, I found myself at Kappo Yamada. The place was tiny, with only about six tables, but it had this warm, homey vibe. The owner, a sweet older woman, greeted me like I was a regular. I ordered the tempura soba, and when it arrived, I was blown away. The noodles were perfectly chewy, the broth was rich and flavorful, and the tempura was light and crispy. I may have slurped a little too loudly, but hey, when in Japan, right?
Reflections and Tips
Looking back, I’m so glad I stumbled upon these places. Ikaho may be a small town, but it’s full of hidden culinary treasures if you’re willing to explore. My advice? Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations—they’re usually more than happy to share their favorite spots. And if you’re like me and tend to over-order, maybe pace yourself (though I won’t judge if you don’t). Oh, and one more thing: if you’re visiting in February like I did, bring warm clothes! The nights can get pretty chilly, but there’s something magical about walking through the quiet streets after a hearty meal, with the steam from the hot springs rising into the cold night air.
Your Turn!
Have you been to Ikaho? Do you have any favorite late-night spots or hidden gems to share? I’d love to hear about your experiences—or if you’re planning a trip, let me know if you have any questions! Drop a comment below, and let’s swap stories. 😊
