Ikaho, Gunma

Ikaho (伊香保町; -machi) was a town located in Kitagunma District, Gunma, Japan.

On February 20, 2006 Ikaho, along with the villages of Komochi and Onogami, all from Kitagunma District, and the villages of Akagi and Kitatachibana, both from Seta District, was merged into the expanded city of Shibukawa.

As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 3,920 and a density of 175.63 persons per km². The total area was 22.32 km².

Situated on the slopes of Mount Haruna, an extinct volcano, Ikaho is well-known for its hot springs.

History

1889: Ikaho town is created in Nishigunma District by the uniting of the villages of Ikaho, Mizusawa, and Yunakako.
1896: Nishigunma District merges with Kataoka District and is renamed Gunma District.
1949: Kitagunma District, including Ikaho town, separates from Gunma District.
1997: Hilo, Hawaii becomes a sister city.
On February 20, 2006: Ikaho, along with the villages of Komochi and Onogami, all from Kitagunma District, and the villages of Akagi and Kitatachibana, both from Seta District, was merged into the expanded city of Shibukawa.