Yanagiya
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 37 reviews
Yanagiya is a mid-sized hot-spring ryokan set on the Shirahama coast of Wakayama, positioned to serve families and couples seeking a straightforward onsen experience. The property presents a mix of Japanese-style and Western rooms, many with sea views, and public spaces designed for multi-generational stays. Practical details geared to guests include a clear check-in window in the afternoon and a morning check-out, free on-site parking, and reception services that assist with local sightseeing; the scale and layout make it easy to use the ryokan as a base for the nearby shoreline and local attractions without extensive transfers.
Bathing facilities form the heart of the guest experience: Yanagiya operates a range of communal and reservable bathing options, including open-air baths and family/charter baths that can be booked for private use, so it functions as a ryokan with private onsen Wakayama when guests request a secluded soak. The thermal water is sourced from the Shirahama area and is commonly described in regional guides as gentle on the skin; staff manage temperatures and rotations to keep communal facilities comfortable. Towels, changing areas and straightforward bath etiquette are provided so both first-time onsen users and experienced guests can plan their visits without surprises.
Meals emphasize seasonal seafood and market-fresh ingredients presented in set-course formats suitable for family dining or quieter dinners in-room, with some rooms and packages offering meal service at the table. On-site amenities include a small pool and leisure spaces for children, a tea lounge and casual entertainment rooms, and occasional event/banquet facilities for larger groups. Location-wise, the ryokan is an easy short taxi ride from JR Shirahama Station and lies within reach of the local airport and coastal viewpoints, making it a practical choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen Wakayama that balances family-oriented facilities with direct access to the region’s coastal attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yanagiya
Positive Reviews
Delicious, generous meals
Many guests praised the food — dinner and breakfast were described as plentiful, high-quality and enjoyable across multiple stays.
Comfortable onsen experience
Reviewers repeatedly mentioned the onsen was pleasant and relaxing, with the hot springs seen as a key highlight of the stay.
Excellent location and ocean views
Guests appreciated the hotel’s convenient location near the beach and Saki No Yu, with many rooms offering ocean views and easy access to nearby shops and restaurants.
Polite, attentive staff and service
Staff were frequently described as courteous and helpful — assisting with questions, using translation tools when needed, and providing attentive room service.
Spacious, restful rooms
Several reviews noted rooms felt comfortable and roomy, providing a relaxing place to unwind after travel, with good views from higher floors.
Negative Reviews
Bathroom cleanliness/odor issues
At least one guest reported a noticeably unpleasant smell in the in-room bathroom, suggesting cleaning/maintenance concerns.
Limited in-room amenities and power outlets
Some guests found basic amenities lacking (examples cited: no shampoo, no coffee) and more than one mentioned an insufficient number of electrical outlets in the room.
Noise and thin walls
Multiple reviewers commented that sounds from adjacent rooms — talking, snoring — could be heard, affecting privacy and quiet.
Room feature shortcomings (lighting, balcony, outdoor bath)
Guests reported issues such as very dark room lighting that made reading difficult, inability to access the balcony despite sea-side rooms, and a few remarks that the open-air bath/rotenburo was underwhelming or undergoing work.
Yukata/slipper quality and sizing
Some guests felt the provided yukata looked old or had limited size choices, and a couple mentioned the room slippers were unpleasant, preferring disposable alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin and Japanese-style rooms to family suites; some rooms sleep small families on futons while larger family suites can accommodate up to seven guests.
The ryokan has public indoor baths and open-air baths with rotating use by gender, typically open in the afternoon–evening and again in the morning; private baths are also available by reservation.
Yes — a small number of rooms feature private open-air baths and the property offers reservable private baths; please reserve a time in advance with reception or by phone.
Yanagiya is a short drive from Nanki–Shirahama Airport (around 5–10 minutes) and reachable from Shirahama Station by local bus or hotel shuttle in roughly 20–25 minutes; taxis are also readily available.
Standard check-in starts at 15:00 with latest arrivals accepted around midnight, and check-out is by 10:00; inform the hotel in advance if you expect to arrive late.
Staff can assist English-speaking guests and are experienced with international visitors; the front desk can provide extra language support or use translation tools when needed.
The ryokan serves seasonal, locally sourced meals with set-course dinner options and an Asian-style breakfast; there is also an on-site restaurant and café area for light refreshments.
Shirarahama Beach is within easy walking distance, Adventure World and Toretore Market are short drives away, and regional attractions such as Saki no Yu and local museums are close by.
The property is family-friendly with family rooms and play facilities for children; pet policies vary, so contact the ryokan directly to confirm whether pets are permitted.
Yes — convenience stores and restaurants are within walking distance and local bus stops nearby provide connections to Shirahama Station and regional sights.