Chigira Jinsentei

Chigira Jinsentei is the oldest ryokan (Japanese inn) in Ikaho, the part of Shibukawa city, Gunma Prefecture.

The basic facts:
 * in 1502 the ryokan was founded in Ikaho, utilizing the Ikaho Onsen for the hot spring baths
 * local onsen is about 2000 years old, noted already in Man'yōshū, the ancient Japanese poetry collection
 * in 1900 popular writer Kenjirō Tokutomi wrote here his book Hototogisu
 * the building was reconstructed after a fire about 100 years ago
 * the reddish-brown spring water can help with feminine diseases.