Okayama Mimasaka City
Nestled in the mountains of Mimasaka City, "kobatoisa cafe&sauna" is a day-use retreat facility that combines a cafe and sauna. On the premises, there is a wooden sauna hut with a wood-burning stove, offering a sauna experience focused on self-löyly and aromatic presentations. It features a cold plunge bath made from a whiskey barrel with natural spring water, and an outdoor air bath space overlooking a clear stream, characterized by a seamless integration with nature. Upon entry, a set including a towel, sauna mat, and ion water is provided, making it easy to visit empty-handed.
A sauna hut made from Mimasaka wood with a wood-burning stove installed, where you can enjoy both aroma and heat by placing pre-prepared "aroma ice cubes" on the stones. You can perform löyly yourself with a water bucket and ladle, allowing you to control the humidity. Experience the sauna with all five senses, enjoying the sound of burning wood, the scent of the wood, and the local natural atmosphere.
The cold plunge bath, repurposed from a whiskey barrel, retains the natural texture and roundness of the wood, designed for individual use. Located right next to the wood sauna, the layout is perfect. When you immerse your heat-laden body, the soft water characteristic of natural spring water envelops your entire body.
120 minutes per session Capacity: 7 men per slot Capacity: 4 women per slot
Visited by the Editor-in-Chief
The Editor-in-Chief visited in person in October 2025
Enjoying Wood-Fired Sauna and Natural Groundwater in Mimasaka City
Read the full review
JAPAN'S FINEST ONSEN & SAUNA
The Finest Onsen & Sauna in Japan
57 SELECTIONS
Most of what we surveyed never even made it onto this site. This book is a further cut from what did. Our editor bathed in every onsen and sauna in it, and wrote only what they confirmed on the ground.
