Ryokan Yamabiko is known for having Kurokawa Onsen's largest outdoor bath (rotemburo). It can supposedly fit up to 50 people! I'd love to tell you it's worth making time to take a dip in it while you're in town, but both times I have ventured to the ryokan, the larger bath has been reserved for me. However, the smaller bath can still fit around two dozen bathers and is set amidst maple trees that turn crimson in autumn. The grounds of the ryokan are beautifully landscaped and include a koi pond, several foot baths and a place to indulge in onsen tamago (hard-boiled eggs cooked in the hot springs).
- 1 min read
The Rotemburo of Ryokan Yamabiko
The biggest outdoor bath in Kurokawa Onsen

By Mandy Bartok
Community writer

The smaller rotemburo at Ryokan Yamabiko

The water is incredibly hot, so be sure to use the pole to srir it a bit before entering

The two outdoor baths are switched every day to the opposite sex

You can even indulge in an onsen tamago, or an egg hardboiled in the hot springs

A beautiful koi pond on site

The grand entrance to the ryokan
Join the discussion
Yui Yamaguchi
10 years ago
I didn't like my mum took me to rotemburo in winter when I was a kid, but I do love it! Is there any sulfur smell in Kurokawa onsen?
Yui, I have only found one or two onsen in Kurokawa that smell strongly of sulfur. I don't think the rest smell very much at all.
Yui Yamaguchi
10 years ago
Olga, it's not nice if sulfur smells from your hair after onsen, huh? I have been to onsen close to the ocean and there was no smell but water was bit salty, interesting!
Olga
10 years ago
I would like to indulge in those onsen tamago!
Onsen tamago are a tasty treat for sure, Olga!
7 comments in total
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Salty onsen must be fun!