Sitting in my rental car after driving up to Daikazou no Yu. Situated in the sleepy village of Ayabe up in mountainous northern Kyoto prefecture. This hot spring will permanently close tomorrow (May 20, 2019). It is strange to see a place on it's last few days, especially a place so well designed. I have seen many sento and supersento close over my years here in Japan, but never one so beautifully appointed. Done in the austere and clean modern Kyoto style with a lot of exposed concrete and square places, this is a well designed bathhouse. The spring water was soft and left slight, yet noticeable, calcium deposits. A quality well. The bath design was superb with long infinity pool bath overlooking the city below being the biggest draw, but the walking bath and the tub baths were also a treat. All the staff were kind and cheerful, despite the circumstances. So why is this place closing? I do not know why. The baths, inside and out did smell like chlorine and when brushing my teeth the shower had a strange smell. Despite being super clean, the changing room had a strong smell to it. Even some boys were commenting on the smell. But, I do not think the baths were the problem. Perhaps this complex with the baths, restaurant and hotel was too much for this little city. If you see this post and can make it to Ayabe today or tomorrow, please try to make it to Daikazou no Yu as it is your last chance. I am very glad I did.