The Kishimi Stone Bath (a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property) is a traditional Japanese sauna said to have been built by the high priest Chogen, who arrived in Tokuji to direct the reconstruction of Nara’s Todai-ji Temple, as a place of healing for his workers. This ancient "heat bath" experience involves heating a kamakura-style stone chamber for hours before laying down on a fragrant bed of damp rice straw and medicinal herbs. While many such baths once lined the Saba River, Kishimi is the only one in the region where you can still experience this ritual today. Beside the bath, a traditional irori hearth—reusing the ashes from the stones—serves as a social hub where locals and visitors gather to enjoy roasted mochi and warm conversation. Viewing the site is always possible, but bathing is typically available on the second Sunday of the month (excluding July–September) for a fee of 300 yen. Please note that for 2026, schedule verification is required due to planned restoration work.