Kuromuyu, a sulfur hot spring

The hot spring source for Ikenotaira Onsen is in Minami Jigokudani, the "south hell valley" below the main cone of Mt. Myoko. You can often see a rising plume of steam rising from a valley to the left of Mt. Myoko. The onsen source is actually a gas jet; water is mixes with the steam, heating it and adding minerals. Part of this comes from a black, sulfurous mud, giving it the Kuromu ("black mud") yu ("onsen") name. Although mud baths are not unknown, of course, many people don't like to bathe in muddy black water, so many facilities filter this out before filling local baths. So you have a choice: a gentle, safe, simple onsen experience, or enjoy the sulfurous effects of the Kuromuyu.

Ikenotaira Onsen is home to Imori Pond, and one of the most famous views of Mt. Myoko, with the mountain mirrored in the pond's still surface. In spring water lilies bloom on the pond surface, and a walking path around the pond provides an unusual, very up-close look at the flowers. This open plateau area is also home to many white birch trees, a beautiful sight in all the seasons.