THE RYOKAN COLLECTION

Otani Sanso has two large communal baths with designated times for male and female bathers. Seseragi, a name that means “murmuring brook,” is located on the ground floor, closest to the river. It is distinguished by a large greenery-ringed area outdoors with two pools, one an cypress bath covered by a lantern-hung pagoda and one constructed of textured volcanic boulders. Rising from the stone baths like some primordial deity to sprawl on a sun lounger to dry is a particular pleasure here, although the jacuzzi, sauna, and garden-facing lounge bath inside are also tempting.