KAMENOI HOTEL Kii-Tanabe
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 248 reviews
KAMENOI HOTEL Kii-Tanabe sits on the Nanki coast in Tanabe and presents itself as a coastal hot-springs hotel where every guestroom looks out over the sea. Room types range from Japanese-style tatami rooms to mixed Japanese–Western suites and accessible rooms with care features; several family-oriented rooms are certified under a “Welcome Baby Inn” program and the hotel provides rental baby equipment, child amenities and non-smoking accommodation with complimentary in-room Wi‑Fi. Public areas include a souvenir shop and entertainment corners, and the property operates banquet and meeting spaces suitable for family gatherings or small conferences.
The bathing facilities draw on natural Tenjin hot springs sourced from the Tenkanzaki area: a large indoor observation bath on the upper level offers wide views of Tanabe Bay, and an open-air bath with a traditional gazebo lets guests feel the seaside breeze. The springs are described as sodium‑bicarbonate type and the hotel highlights their relaxing and restorative qualities; multiple bath types are provided along with a sleeping bath, and the property accepts day‑trip bathing visitors during posted hours. These features position the property clearly as a ryokan with onsen Tanabe visitors often seek when touring the Kii coast.
Dining emphasizes local seafood from the Nanki region with set-course evening meals and breakfast options, and on-site facilities include private dining/banquet rooms for quieter meals. Practical amenities for stays include multi-purpose halls, a karaoke room, a small store selling regional specialties such as Kishu Nanko plum products, and family-friendly services that make it straightforward to use the hotel as a base for exploring nearby coastal sights and beaches. Overall the hotel operates like a traditional yet well-equipped ryokan with onsen Wakayama travelers use as a coastal stop.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: KAMENOI HOTEL Kii-Tanabe
Positive Reviews
Seaside location and stunning ocean views
Many guests praised the hotel’s location on the coast and rooms with sea-facing windows/balconies. Reviews mention lovely views across the bay, easy walks along the coast and to a nearby cape/island, and a peaceful setting ideal for relaxation or as a base for local walks.
Excellent food — dinner and breakfast
Multiple guests highlighted the high quality and variety of meals: elaborate traditional multi-course dinners and generous breakfast buffets (Japanese and Western options). Vegetarians found options when requested and the buffet was noted for freshness and choice.
Onsen and rooftop/outdoor baths with views
The hotel’s hot-spring baths, including a rooftop onsen and outdoor baths with sea views, were repeatedly praised as a relaxing highlight. Guests appreciated the traditional spa experience and the panoramic setting of the public baths.
Friendly, helpful and attentive staff
Staff were frequently described as very friendly, professional and proactive — organizing shuttle/taxi service, arranging special meals (e.g., vegetarian dinner), providing small extras (onigiri for treks), and assisting with language needs to help international guests.
Clean, comfortable traditional rooms and tranquil atmosphere
Reviewers liked the traditional, well-kept character of the hotel: clean tatami rooms, comfortable sleeping areas for many guests, large suites with balconies, and an overall quiet, old-fashioned charm that suited restful stays.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport limitations
Several guests noted the hotel is set outside the town centre and can be some distance from public transport. A free shuttle exists but must be booked in advance or at reception; otherwise guests sometimes needed to walk or take taxis, which can be inconvenient for early starts.
Tattoo restrictions at the onsen and limited alternatives
Some guests were not allowed to use the onsen because of tattoos; policies appear to be applied case-by-case. A few reviewers said there were no alternative private shower options, which affected their ability to use the baths.
Some rooms lack private bathrooms
At least one review mentioned the absence of an en-suite bathroom in their room, which was noted as a drawback compared with other room types that do have private baths.
Bed and futon comfort issues for some guests
A number of guests mentioned firmness concerns—some found the beds hard and several noted thin futon mattresses (senbei futons) and needed extra mattresses for comfort.
Breakfast crowding and limited on-site activities nearby
A few reviewers found the breakfast area crowded at peak times. Others observed that, aside from the onsen and coastal walks, there is not a large amount to do immediately around the hotel, which is expected for this type of resort but may limit activity options.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel offers Western and Japanese-style rooms, including 8-, 10- and 12-tatami Japanese rooms; capacities range from single/twin rooms up to Japanese-style rooms that can accommodate as many as 6 adults (12-tatami).
Yes — it uses the natural Tenjin hot springs with large indoor baths and an open-air bath overlooking the bay; public-bath hours are generally 05:30–09:00 and 11:00–24:00 (note Mondays and Fridays typically reopen at 13:00 for the daytime session).
Tattoos may be restricted and some guests have reported being refused entry; please contact the hotel before arrival to confirm the current tattoo policy or to ask about alternative/private bathing options.
Yes — the hotel runs a free shuttle between Kii-Tanabe Station (meeting point behind the Benkei statue) and the hotel; reservations are required and the published station pickup is around 14:40 with the hotel return departure at 10:00.
From Nanki–Shirahama Airport take a local bus to Kii-Tanabe Station (about 50 minutes), then a taxi or the hotel shuttle (about 15 minutes); from Shin-Osaka use the JR limited express (Kinokuni Line) to Kii-Tanabe (approx. 2h15).
The hotel website and information are available in English and staff are reported to be helpful with directions and local arrangements; if you need detailed English assistance, notify the hotel in advance.
Dining focuses on Japanese cuisine and local Nanki seafood, with set dinner courses and a buffet breakfast; the team can often accommodate dietary requests if informed ahead of time.
The hotel is close to Tokei Shrine and Minakata Kumagusu Memorial Hall, Tanabe beaches and is about a 30-minute drive to Adventure World; it also serves as a convenient base for sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is at 10:00; if you expect a late arrival please call the hotel to let them know so they can note your arrival.
Private onsen rental is not prominently listed on hotel materials, so contact the hotel to request private-bathing options; pets are not generally advertised as accepted, so please confirm with the hotel in advance. A supermarket and convenience stores are available in Tanabe within a short drive of the property.