Kurhouse Shirahama
7,1/10 Very good - Based on 24 reviews
Kurhouse Shirahama presents itself as a health-focused bath resort blending straightforward, modern-Japanese rooms with public bathing facilities designed for multigenerational stays. Located within easy walking distance of the town’s main beach and local attractions, the property positions its bathing zones and therapeutic offerings at the centre of the guest experience. As a ryokan with onsen in Shirahama, it markets a spacious baredō (spa and bathing) area that combines large indoor hot-spring pools, open-air baths and a family-friendly water zone alongside quieter hot-spring baths intended for relaxation.
Guest accommodation ranges from tatami-style rooms with futons to family layouts and some rooms with sea views; standard in-room amenities include yukata, tea-making facilities and en-suite bathrooms. On-site wellness and leisure facilities extend beyond the baths to an indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness area and a spa offering massages and treatments, while the dining venue focuses on regional seafood and Kishu-style cuisine served in set-course meals. Practical services noted by the property include a shuttle connection to the main transport hub, free parking and communal areas designed for both short breaks and longer wellness-oriented stays.
With about forty rooms and a resort layout that combines bathing, pool and light recreational facilities, Kurhouse Shirahama is often selected by families and guests seeking an accessible ryokan with onsen Wakayama experience without the extensive formality of larger traditional inns. The property’s emphasis on health-oriented bathing, a mix of communal and open-air baths, and straightforward service makes it suitable for travellers prioritising onsen access and coastal proximity while exploring Shirahama and the wider Wakayama area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kurhouse Shirahama
Positive Reviews
Clean and well-maintained interior
Multiple guests commented on the property's cleanliness and that the interior felt freshly updated despite an older exterior, creating a pleasant staying environment.
Friendly, attentive staff
Several reviews praised staff for being polite, kind and very helpful, with specific mention of room attendants and consistently good service.
Good value for money
Guests noted the accommodation was affordable and represented good value, making it suitable for budget-conscious travellers and leisure stays.
Enjoyable onsen/thermal facilities
Visitors appreciated the bathing facilities (steam bath/onsen) and related amenities; some also enjoyed the in-room spa suite experience and pool facilities.
Tasty breakfast
At least one reviewer specifically mentioned that the breakfast was delicious, contributing positively to their stay.
Negative Reviews
Location not very convenient for beach access
Some guests found the property a fair distance from the beach and noted limited or no direct bus service to the nearby white sand beach, making walking inconvenient.
Limited front-desk amenities
Reviewers mentioned the absence of common toiletries (e.g., facial lotion) at the front desk, which was inconvenient for guests who had not brought these items.
No full-length mirror in rooms
At least one guest requested a full-length standing mirror in the room, indicating room amenities could be improved for dressing/appearance needs.
Breakfast timing too narrow for some guests
One guest felt breakfast service hours were too limited, which interfered with the ability to take a leisurely bath before eating.
Mixed opinions on food quality
A few reviews suggested the meals did not meet expectations, with 'food' noted as a negative by some guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include Japanese-style rooms and family rooms; typical Japanese rooms sleep 2 adults (some accept 1 child) and family/japanese-style rooms can offer up to four futons—check the specific room description for exact capacity.
Yes — the property offers hot spring baths including indoor and open-air baths, a public onsen area, a sauna and spa facilities; some room types also include a private bath or hot tub in the bathroom.
The property advertises a free shuttle/transport service; guests should contact the ryokan in advance to confirm pickup times and to arrange transfers, especially for Nanki–Shirahama Airport.
Nanki–Shirahama Airport is very close (about 2 km) and reachable by the ryokan shuttle or a short taxi ride; Shirahama Station is a short drive away (around 10–15 minutes by car or taxi), with local bus and taxi options into town.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; limited English support may be available at reception, but guests should be prepared with basic Japanese phrases or a translation app for smoother communication.
Expect Japanese-style elements such as tatami floors, yukata provided in rooms, futon bedding in traditional rooms, onsen bathing etiquette, and a family-friendly restaurant serving Japanese-style meals and Asian breakfast.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00; if you expect to arrive after 18:00, contact the property in advance to arrange late arrival procedures.
The ryokan has public and open-air baths and some room types include private baths; private-use reservation of main onsen facilities is not guaranteed—ask the property directly about private bath options when booking.
Pets are not permitted on the premises; the property lists an on-site minimarket and there are shops and restaurants within walking distance in the Shirahama town area.
Kurhouse Shirahama is a short walk to Shirarahama Beach, with Saki-no-Yu onsen and the Kishu Museum of Art within 2 km; local buses, taxis and car rental services are available for exploring Shirahama and surrounding attractions.