Ryudo

Ryudo is a bath-lover’s retreat at an elevation of about 800 metres, deep in the mountains of Minakami. Eighteen open-air baths are scattered through the grounds, each enclosed for private use and available without a reservation, fee or time limit. All receive free-flowing water from the source.

The variety is extraordinary: stone, wood and forest settings allow guests to spend much of the stay moving from one private bath to another. Selected rooms add their own bath, while a sauna offers a different rhythm between soaks.

Dinner is served in a private room and turns to mountain ingredients such as Joshu beef, wild boar hotpot and river fish. Ryudo is singular rather than subtle, best for travellers who want uninterrupted bathing freedom and hearty regional food in a remote landscape.