Fodor's Expert Review Iwamatsu Ryokan

Along the Hirose River, this large ryokan has rooms that peer out over the stream and mountains. A sumptuous lobby has abundant sofas, an enormous banquet hall offers breakfast with a large selection of Japanese and Western items. The ryokan boasts a 20-meter pool, table tennis, and a children's play area. Nevertheless, the reason to stay here is the original rotenburo—or open-air bath. Although the rotenburo generally offers mixed-sex bathing, some hours are reserved for women only. Five different springs fill the four rocky baths, and you can see the warm water bubbling up from the bottom of the river while you are soaking. Request a room with beds if you are not interested in sleeping on futons. Some rooms even have private baths with views.