The Rotemburo of Ryokan Yamabiko

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).