A 30-minute drive from Kyoto, over Mount Hiei to Ogoto Onsen in Shiga Prefecture.
Ogoto Onsen is quite the Showa-era entertainment district? Hot spring town? Well, frankly, it has a somewhat dubious vibe.
It’s so notorious that Kyoto locals react with “You went to Ogoto Onsen!?” when you mention it.
Right in the heart of this Ogoto Onsen is “Spa Resort Ogoto Agaryanse.”
Surprisingly, it’s a day-trip hot spring facility produced by none other than that famous “Tenka Ippin” ramen chain.
Spa Resort Ogoto Agaryanse is incredibly spacious.
It’s on a whole different scale from your average super sento.
It has hot springs, a rock sauna, and rows upon rows of reclining chairs—an astonishing number of them.
The sight is a bit surreal, but it’s a facility where everyone can enjoy themselves—old and young, men and women, kids and adults!
Dad relaxes in the hot spring & recliner while reading manga,
Kids relax in the hot spring & recliner while reading manga,
Mom relaxes in the hot spring & rock sauna & recliner while reading manga.
The whole family can enjoy it.
Honestly, what kind of lazy holiday is this? I question myself, wondering if it’s okay as a human being,
But hey, the family seems to be having a blissful time, so I guess it’s fine.
Right in front of the recliner, Lake Biwa spreads out before your eyes.
There’s even a TV. This is no good. It’s way too lazy.
Part of the manga corner. There’s enough here to spend the whole day, of course.
Honestly, it feels like it could ruin you, but hey—once every six months or so, a day like this is okay.
This is the family bath. Naturally, the main bath cannot be photographed.
Even the changing area for the family bath has this much space.
The family bath has three tubs.
Since no one else comes in, it’s more relaxing here,
but still, like everyone else, I end up going to the main hot spring.
This is the stone sauna. There are about five stone saunas alone.
It’s a sneaky system where you can laze around yet somehow lose weight and even get healthier.
This outrageous idea is just so typical of a loser.
Next to the rock sauna, there’s a strange art corner…
Seems to be the president of Tenka Ippin’s hobby.
Actually, throughout the entire “Spa Resort Ogoto Agaryanse,” there are subtly questionable paintings displayed everywhere.
The furnishings also suddenly shift to medieval European styles, or something… it just feels like the worldview doesn’t quite fit together…
There’s a channel on the recliner seat TV that endlessly plays old TV programs featuring Tenka Ippin,
and watching it, you kind of understand why.
Mr. Kimura…
Then again, there’s that intriguing pottery from Shiga…
Hmm, it’s a mixed bag, isn’t it?
There are many dining options to choose from, including Japanese cuisine, yakiniku, and Italian.
I think the recommended dish is the “Soba Meal Set.”
This one’s got great value for money.
But the even better value “Something Meal Set” is always sold out.
I guess it’s probably discontinued now, so they should just take it off the menu…
Kids’ Lunch. I wonder if kids these days even know about this type of Shinkansen anymore.
Anyway, “Spa Resort Yugami Agaryanse” is pretty much perfect, but there’s one thing I really dislike.
You can only borrow one bath towel!!
What?! We’re here all day, so you expect us to use a wet towel for the second bath?!
Plus, the lockers are tiny, with no space to hang anything to dry.
When I asked staff, they said “it costs extra.”
This is definitely an area for improvement. I really don’t get it.
Spa Resort Yugami Agaryanse
3-9-5 Naika, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
077-577-3715
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