Yunominesou
--- The property is not yet rated
Yunominesou sits on a quiet hill above the historic Yunomine Onsen in the Hongu district of Kumano, Wakayama. The property preserves a classic ryokan layout: tatami‑floored rooms with futon bedding, sliding shōji screens and provided yukata, while modern conveniences such as a small refrigerator and electric kettle are available. Staff arrange practical support for hikers and visitors through on‑site Nakai attendants, and communal spaces encourage relaxed pacing after a day on the Kumano Kodo. As a ryokan with onsen in Kumano, Wakayama, it emphasizes simple comfort and seasonal hospitality.
Bath facilities include both sheltered indoor baths and open‑air thermal pools framed by garden and forest views; the water is supplied from the local hot springs. Two small family/private baths can be reserved for exclusive use when free, offering more privacy for couples or groups, while public onsen remain available for general guest use. The ryokan’s restaurant serves multi‑course Japanese dinners and breakfast selections prepared from regional ingredients, and additional services such as massages and light entertainment are provided on site.
Located within easy walking distance of the Tsuboyu communal spring and close to trailheads for the Kumano pilgrimage routes, the property is practical for walkers and for those seeking a rural onsen stay. On‑site parking is provided and staff can help coordinate transfers from local bus stops; rooms are traditionally configured for shared sleeping on tatami so travellers should book according to party size. For visitors seeking a ryokan with private onsen Wakayama, Yunominesou offers a straightforward, well‑maintained option rooted in the Yunomine hot‑spring community.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yunominesou
Positive Reviews
Outstanding, attentive staff
Many guests highlighted exceptionally friendly, helpful and responsive staff—assistance included arranging phone reservations, providing shuttle pick-ups, helping with travel connections, and extra in-room care after long hikes.
Excellent onsen experience (private & outdoor)
Reviewers praised multiple onsens—public and private family baths and outdoor baths—with high-quality thermal water and comfortable facilities that were a major reason for choosing the ryokan.
Delicious, well-presented meals
Numerous comments praised the full-course dinners (kaiseki) and breakfasts as delicious and good value; guests enjoyed a wide variety of dishes and the in-room multi-course service.
Beautiful location and traditional atmosphere
Many guests appreciated the ryokan’s setting in nature, mountain views and the traditional Japanese rooms (futons, tatami), describing the property as zen, charming and ideal for hiking stops.
Good amenities and family-friendly features
Positive notes included private family baths included with stays, useful facilities (laundry, massage chair), a reasonably priced hotel shop, and staff readiness to meet special requests (bento, shuttle), making it convenient for families and hikers.
Negative Reviews
Limited morning onsen hours
Some guests noted the onsen closes relatively early in the morning (around 9:00), which limited early-morning use for those who wanted an earlier soak.
Room bathrooms could use updating
A few reviewers mentioned that the bathrooms in the guest rooms felt aged and would benefit from refurbishment or modernization.
Futon firmness/thinness
Occasional comments mentioned traditional futons felt a bit thin; however staff often remedied this by adding extra futons or bedding upon request.
Meals heavy on meat / limited vegetable options
At least one guest found the dinner to be meat-heavy (including unexpected items like horse meat) and would have preferred more vegetable-focused options or clearer menu information for dietary preferences.
Some aged interiors and occasional noise
A small number of guests observed that some interior areas (units with balconies) felt a bit dated and that there could be noise from air-conditioning in some rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin rooms with two futons and family rooms sleeping up to five futons; cribs and extra beds are not available and children aged 6 and over are charged as adults.
The property has public indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and two private hot-spring baths that are available subject to availability; the famous Tsuboyu UNESCO hot spring is about a 10‑minute walk away.
Two private hot-spring baths are offered but their use depends on availability—ask the front desk on arrival or at check‑in to arrange a private slot.
Tattoos may restrict access to public bathing areas, so guests with visible tattoos should check with staff before using communal baths.
By public transport it takes around four hours; to reach the property using local connections you must catch the earlier train from Kansai Airport (recommended timed connections), otherwise local transport may not be available and you should contact the ryokan for assistance.
The ryokan can provide pick‑up from the nearby bus stop or station when needed and will offer a free shuttle if no public transport is running—call the property from the station to arrange collection.
Staff speak basic English and are experienced assisting international guests; multilingual support is available but complex requests may require extra notice.
The ryokan serves set Japanese breakfasts and kaiseki dinners; there are few restaurants in the immediate area so dining at the property is recommended and guests not on a meal plan should reserve meals by mid‑afternoon on arrival day.
You are close to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, and the UNESCO‑listed Tsuboyu hot spring, all within easy walking or short bus distance.
Pets are allowed on request—notify the ryokan in advance—and Yunomine has a small local convenience store with limited hours, so it’s wise to buy larger supplies in Hongu or Kii‑Tanabe before arriving.