THE RYOKAN COLLECTION

Otani Sanso has two large communal baths with designated times for male and female bathers. Komorebi, a name that describes sunlight filtering through trees, is located on the 2nd floor. With its slightly higher vantage point, the semi-outdoor bath has better views of the river than Seseragi, allowing bathers to rest their arms on a cypress rim softly furred by long contact with the alkaline waters and sleepily watch the drama of nature, with birds diving from the trees to wade in the water and squads of dragonflies crossing from shore to shore in a lilting ballet. Inside, a large mountain-facing bath is joined by a herb-infused jacuzzi and a sauna.