Ayabe Onsen

A complex with a hotel, an onsen, practically a super-sento, a restaurant, camping, golf, and in winter you can go sledding too. It is strategically located in the far corner of Kyoto Prefecture, so it is convenient to stop by on the way back from the beaches of Takahama to Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto, driving along mountain roads and saving a bit on highways. Indoor area: the main bath with onsen water, slightly cloudy, sandy-rust colored (41°), a bath with herbal decoction (39°), in the men's area a dry sauna (the thermometer under the ceiling showed 90°, I measured 80° on the top shelf), in the women's area a wet mist sauna, a cold plunge pool (22°), and a washing area with showers with soap and shampoo. By the sink they put paper cups and a sign saying the water is not only drinkable but also very tasty (they were not lying). Outdoor area: a large square rotenburo (39°) with regular water, and there are also several loungers in it. In the women's side there were also several individual barrels (none in the men's side). There are tatami mats for chilling and a view of the forest. There is a large rest area with various massage chairs, benches, tables, lots of manga and books, a children's corner (with children's billiards), vending machines (there is milk in glass bottles!). There is a shop in the lobby with local products and souvenirs, and you can also play a real koto in the lobby. A good place, definitely worth a detour off the route on the way past. 2026.08.11 (photos of the onsen and rest areas from the official website)