Awakan
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 39 reviews
Awakan, the coastal ryokan on Awaji Island formerly known under a different name, sits in the Sumoto Onsen area of Hyōgo and presents a clear ocean-front character: rooms are largely tatami-style with unobstructed sea views, and many layouts include a dining alcove or terrace. The property foregrounds family-oriented experiences — a dedicated fishing pier, boat-fishing options and child-friendly amenities — while multilingual staff assist international guests. Seasonal outdoor facilities and a small pool complement its straightforward seaside setting, making it a practical base for exploring nearby coastal attractions.
The bathing facilities mix communal hot-spring offerings with room-level bathing options: the ryokan operates alkaline hot-spring baths and an outdoor rock bath for public use, and several room types and suites provide private open-air or indoor hot-spring tubs for exclusive use. For travelers specifically searching for a ryokan with onsen Hyōgo, Awakan’s combination of public baths and accommodation with private bathing meets both preferences; larger suites market an indoor/outdoor hot-spring arrangement that functions as a private onsen for groups staying together.
Dining follows a seasonal seafood-led approach, with menus that can incorporate locally caught fish from the hotel’s fishing program and traditional multi-course presentations alongside casual buffet options; on-site staff can prepare catches for evening service. Practical conveniences include complimentary parking and Wi‑Fi, a small on-site shop for fishing gear, and scheduled transfers from the Sumoto bus hub, which together simplify arrival and day-trip planning across Awaji Island and the wider Kansai region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Awakan
Positive Reviews
Very family- and child‑friendly
Numerous kid‑focused activities and amenities (kids’ space, duck toys in baths, children’s yukata, stamp rallies, festival tickets) and events create a fun, safe environment for families with young children.
Attentive, well‑trained staff
Staff repeatedly praised for warm hospitality, helpfulness (including multilingual employees), attentive check‑in service and extra gestures that enhance the guest experience.
Seaside location and ocean views
Hotel is directly on the seashore with excellent sea views and easy access to nearby waterfront walks, providing a scenic setting.
Excellent on‑site fishing experience
On‑site fishing (including pool fishing and sea fishing), free loan of rods and bait, staff guidance, and the option to have caught fish cooked for dinner are highlighted as a major attraction.
Good food variety and hot‑spring facilities
Many guests enjoyed the buffet breakfast and dinner variety, local ingredients, and the onsen (soft water feel); towels and bath amenities are provided.
Negative Reviews
Concerns about dinner quality and price
Some guests found the set dinner less impressive and/or expensive compared with expectations; a few mentioned missing items at breakfast (e.g., shirasu).
Property age and maintenance issues
Several reviews note the hotel is somewhat old; specific problems included a small open‑air bath, insect presence/odors in a room’s bath, and areas showing wear.
Communication and arrival logistics
Issues reported with slow responses to Booking.com and email inquiries; one guest needed local tourist center help for hotel pickup—advises international guests to have a phone.
Facility glitches and service mishaps
Occasional operational problems such as coin‑laundry dryers stopping with filter errors and breakfast/table clearing while guests were away were reported.
Seasonal/expectation limits for fishing and bedding comfort
A few guests experienced seasonal fishing limitations (poor catches in winter) and at least one guest found futon bedding thin until an extra futon was provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from small Japanese-style rooms for 2 up to family and suite layouts that sleep as many as 7 guests using a mix of beds and futons; many room types list 4–7 guest capacity for family stays.
The property has public hot spring baths and an outdoor open-air rock bath, and some deluxe rooms include a private open-air bath or in-room hot tub.
Tattoos may restrict access to the ryokan’s public bathing areas, so guests with visible tattoos should check with the hotel before using the onsen.
Awakan provides a free shuttle pickup from Sumoto Bus Center (call the hotel on arrival) and will drop guests back there; for airports use express buses or allow about 130 minutes by car from Kansai International Airport.
Multinational staff support guests in multiple languages including Japanese and English, and the hotel lists additional support for Nepali, Sinhala, Vietnamese, Indian, German, Russian and Latvian speakers.
Guests can enjoy a certified fishing program (onsite fishing area open 24 hours and boat fishing on request), wear yukata, eat kaiseki-style cuisine, and join evening izakaya or family events organized by the hotel.
The ryokan has an on-site restaurant and offers buffet-style breakfast; dinner options include kaiseki and in-room or izakaya-style service depending on your booking and schedule.
Children of all ages are welcome and family facilities are offered, but cribs and extra beds are not available; pets are not allowed on the property.
Sumoto town and the area around Sumoto Bus Center have convenience stores and supermarkets a short drive or bus ride away, making it easy to buy essentials during your stay.
Awakan sits on Awaji Island with easy access to local beaches and attractions; drive times include about 100 minutes to Himeji Castle and roughly 40 minutes to the Naruto Whirlpools, while express buses, taxis and the hotel shuttle connect you to Sumoto Bus Center and nearby ports.