Bijintei
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 3 reviews
Bijintei sits on a quiet stretch of river in Ryujin village, part of Tanabe’s mountain district, offering a compact, family-run ryokan with onsen in Ryujin, Wakayama. The property blends traditional rooms and a few western-style twin options across a modest footprint; many rooms open to balconies or windows framing the surrounding forested slopes and the sound of the Hidaka River. The building dates from the late 20th century and accommodates a small number of guests, which shapes a deliberately intimate atmosphere rather than a resort-scale operation.
Bathing is the hotel’s defining feature: the inn draws from the local Komatagawa hot spring, an alkaline, silky onsen noted locally for its skin-softening qualities (pH reported around 8.7). The bathing facilities are indoor-only and are described by the property as compact, with daytime views toward the stream; guests should expect a single, small public bath rather than multiple large pools or private rotenburo. Meals focus on local produce and regional specialities — wild boar (jibie), river fish and Kumano beef figure prominently on set dinners — served in the dining room as seasonal multi-course plans.
Practical details reflect the property’s rural character: parking is available on site and access from the nearest train hub requires a long bus or car transfer, so the ryokan suits travellers prepared for a scenic drive. The house keeps an emphasis on personal hospitality and seasonal programming — evening firefly spotting and spring mountain vegetables are recurring themes — while guests with mobility needs should note there is no elevator and some stairs between floors. For a quiet, regionally rooted stay focused on bathing and local cuisine, this ryokan with onsen in Wakayama provides a straightforward, authentic option.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Bijintei
Positive Reviews
Excellent dinner experience
Dinner was described as amazing with plenty of food and very delicious dishes, making the meal a highlight of the stay.
Clean and comfortable rooms
Rooms were reported as clean and comfortable, contributing to a pleasant and restful stay.
Serene, peaceful atmosphere
The stay was associated with serenity and peace, indicating a calm and relaxing environment.
Overall good value
Despite some price concerns, the guest felt the stay offered good overall value given the quality of food and accommodation.
Negative Reviews
Breakfast preferences not met
Guest would have preferred a Western-style breakfast instead of the provided option, indicating dissatisfaction with the morning meal choice.
Perceived as slightly overpriced
The stay was described as slightly overpriced by the guest, suggesting the price felt high relative to expectations even though overall value was acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include twin rooms for 2 guests and Japanese-style quadruple rooms that sleep up to 4; the ryokan has roughly 16 rooms and a total capacity of about 38 guests.
Yes — Bijintei uses the Ryujin Komatagawa onsen (alkaline, skin-smoothing water) with indoor baths overlooking the river; usual public bathing hours are mid-afternoon to late evening and early morning.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the closest regional airport is Nanki–Shirahama (~55 km) while Kansai International is the main international gateway, so arrivals are usually by car or public bus — inform the property of your transport plans.
From JR Kii‑Tanabe Station take the Ryujin bus (about 80 minutes) to the Minase/Minase‑stop, then it is a very short walk to the ryokan.
Japanese is the primary language; staff may speak limited English, so contact the ryokan in advance if you need extra language support.
Dinner is a multi-course local meal showcasing mountain ingredients (including local game and Kumano beef options) and breakfast is served in a Japanese/Asian style; please advise dietary restrictions when booking.
Bijintei sits in the Ryujin Onsen area, close to local museums and scenic routes (Mandara Museum, Ryujin Onsen, Koya‑Ryujin Skyline) and is a good base for nature walks and parts of the Kumano pilgrimage region.
Check‑in starts at 15:00 (guests are asked to arrive by around 18:00) and check‑out is by 10:00; notify the ryokan in advance if you expect a late arrival.
Pets are not permitted at the property; requests for private or reserved baths vary by availability, so please contact the ryokan directly to ask about private‑bath options.
The ryokan is in a remote mountain village with limited local shops; the nearest convenience stores and supermarkets are in Tanabe or along the main route, so bring essentials or plan to buy supplies before arrival.