Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 100 reviews
Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri sits beside the winding Yomura‑gawa river in the Kumano area of Wakayama, occupying a riverside site linked by a pedestrian suspension bridge to the wider onsen cluster. The property features one of the largest rotenburo open‑air baths in western Japan and maintains multiple reserveable tubs for private use, presenting itself as a ryokan with private onsen in Kumano that pairs traditional bathing culture with broad mountain and river views and straightforward access to local shrines and hiking routes.
Accommodation mixes tatami and Western elements, offering twin rooms, family configurations with futons and options that include private-bath arrangements; room types suit couples and families seeking privacy alongside communal bathing. Onsite facilities include a restaurant that serves multi‑course kaiseki menus and a signature hot‑spring rice porridge made from seasonal local produce, a small lounge and garden, complimentary Wi‑Fi, free self‑parking and an electric vehicle charge point. Several private baths and outdoor pools sit a short walk or across the river from the main building, making the hotel a practical ryokan with private onsen Wakayama.
The experience focuses on bathing, seasonal dining and quiet riverside walks: morning mist rises from the river, mountain vistas frame the outdoor baths, and evenings center on thoughtfully prepared local cuisine. The setting is best accessed by car because public transport in the area is limited, and the property serves as a calm base for exploring Kumano Kodo trails and nearby heritage sites. Staff assist with bath reservations and local recommendations so guests can schedule private sessions and craft a relaxed, place‑centred itinerary.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple public and private onsens (indoor and outdoor) praised by many guests; some enjoyed access to additional baths across the river and private family baths suitable for groups or tattooed guests.
Outstanding food and dining
Kaiseki-style dinners and varied breakfasts received frequent praise — described as exceptional, extensive and carefully catered (including vegetarian requests). Meals are a highlight for many visitors.
Very helpful, friendly staff
Staff repeatedly noted as welcoming, attentive and accommodating — assisting with transport, local recommendations, special requests and even extra services beyond expectations.
Beautiful, peaceful location and setting
Guests appreciated the tranquil riverside setting, scenic bridge, gardens (notably during sakura) and proximity to hiking/temple sites — a relaxing base for Kumano Kodo walkers.
Comfortable rooms and good bedding
Rooms were described as large and comfortable with excellent bedding by several reviewers; private onsen access and roomy accommodation added to comfort.
Negative Reviews
Isolated location — transport needed
Property is quite remote; most guests recommend arriving by car. Although a shuttle and staff help with transport, the location can be inconvenient without private transport.
Dated rooms and decor
Multiple reviewers mentioned the property (and some rooms) feel old-fashioned or in need of refurbishment, with some 1970s-style interiors that may appear outdated.
Limited or ineffective air conditioning
Several guests noted there is no central air conditioning and room units can be weak; heating-only rooms were mentioned in some stays.
Price and value concerns
A few visitors found the hotel expensive compared with other onsens in the area, and solo travellers in particular felt cost could be high for what they used.
Dining limitations and booking/confusion
Guests reported limited food options for very young children, the need to pre-book dinner (some missed meals when not reserved), and occasional confusion over 'shared bath' room types (no ensuite shower) or other service details for non-Japanese speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan offers twin rooms for one to two guests and family rooms with futon layouts that sleep roughly 4–6 people depending on the room type; cribs and extra beds are not available and children aged six and over are charged as adults.
There are multiple onsen options including a large open-air rotenburo, indoor public baths and reservable private baths; the public hot spring bath and some private open-air baths are located about a two‑minute walk from the main building.
Public transport in the area is limited but you can reach the Watarase area by the Ryujin Bus from JR Kii‑Tanabe Station; the property lists a shuttle service—please contact the ryokan in advance to arrange pick‑ups.
The nearest airport is Nanki–Shirahama Airport, approximately 35 miles (about 56 km) from the ryokan; travel times will vary depending on connections and road conditions.
Staff are Japanese but are regularly reported as helpful and can assist with travel coordination; guests with specific language needs should contact the ryokan ahead of arrival.
The ryokan has a restaurant serving local cuisine and kaiseki‑style dishes, and some seasonal specialties such as hot‑spring rice porridge; lunch and dinner are offered, and guests wishing to dine should note the dinner check‑in requirement.
The ryokan is a base for Kumano Kodo pilgrimage sites and nearby attractions like Hosshinmon Oji, Yunomine and Kawayu onsen areas, and local museums and shrines within driving distance.
Check‑in is from 14:00 to 19:00 and check‑out from 07:00 to 11:00; guests must inform the ryokan of arrival time in advance and note the entrance is closed between 00:00 and 06:00, with quiet hours from 21:00 to 07:00.
Private onsen options are available and some can be reserved for exclusive use; pets are not permitted on the property.
On‑site amenities include free parking, limited rental bicycles (first‑come) and EV charging, and the property is wheelchair accessible; there is no convenience store in the immediate vicinity, so plan to bring supplies or drive to the nearest shop.