Hotel Tenzankaku Kaiyutei
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 29 reviews
Hotel Tenzankaku Kaiyutei occupies a raised site above the Pacific in Shirahama and is presented as a compact ryokan with onsen in Wakayama. The property has 24 rooms, mostly traditional tatami suites and a small number of detached villa-style units, and every guestroom includes a private open‑air hot spring bath fed by the natural source. Rooms look out to the ocean and sunset; in‑room facilities typically feature a separate bathing area, toilet, air conditioning, yukata and basic toiletries for a self-contained stay.
Meals are served as multi-course Japanese kaiseki that highlights local seafood and seasonal produce, with options for dining in the main restaurant or in private dining spaces; menus change according to daily catches and regional harvests. Public facilities on the grounds include a small lobby shop with local goods and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool that operates in summer months. The property emphasizes a low‑rise layout and landscaped paths that lead from guestrooms to shared areas, supporting a quiet seaside atmosphere.
As a ryokan with private onsen in Shirahama, the hotel prioritizes in‑room bathing but also maintains communal bathing policies and guidance on use, including any restrictions that may apply. Guest services include a shuttle connection and on‑site parking, and staff coordinate local transfers from the nearest transport hubs. For travelers seeking an ocean‑facing hot spring experience in Wakayama prefecture, the property combines private in‑room baths, traditional room arrangements and regionally focused cuisine to create a straightforward, coast‑oriented stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Tenzankaku Kaiyutei
Positive Reviews
Private in-room hot spring with great views
Many guests praised the room’s private onsen (some with balcony/outdoor tubs) — water is hot and mineral-rich, temperature is adjustable, and several enjoyed watching the sunset from the bath.
High-quality, fresh meals (seafood)
Dinner and breakfast received frequent compliments; guests highlighted fresh seafood and unexpected treats like lobster sashimi, describing meals as delicious and well prepared.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff were repeatedly described as kind, helpful and hardworking; some guests noted Chinese-speaking staff or patient explanations, which improved the stay even when facilities were imperfect.
Spacious, clean rooms and comfortable bedding
Rooms were described as roomy and clean with comfortable Japanese-style bedding; reviewers also appreciated room layouts (large rooms, separate wet/dry bathrooms) and available toiletries.
Relaxing atmosphere and good value
Many found the ryokan restful and good value — guests mentioned a relaxing environment, late check-out options, and that the price felt reasonable for the included meals and private onsen.
Negative Reviews
Facilities feel dated
Several guests noted the property is older and shows wear (traditional/Showa-era style); issues included visible dust from air-conditioning and an overall dated feel.
Remote location and limited accessibility
The ryokan is in a secluded area — best reached by car; public transport drop-offs require a fairly steep, poorly lit walk uphill at night, and some guests missed a station shuttle.
Limited public facilities and services
Some reviewers pointed out there is no large public bath, limited options for in-room dining, and a small souvenir shop; these omissions were unexpected by some guests.
Menu repetition for repeat visitors
At least one returning guest was disappointed to find the same meal menu as on a prior visit, indicating limited variety for repeat stays.
Pest issue reported in dining area
One guest reported flies and small cockroaches in the dining room during a meal, noting this as a significant negative despite other comments about overall cleanliness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; typical rooms accommodate between 2 and 6 guests. Cribs and extra beds are not available, and children are welcome—please check your chosen room type for exact limits.
Yes, every guest room is equipped with a private open‑air onsen (rotenburo) fed from the local spring, often with ocean views. These in‑room baths are for the exclusive use of the room’s guests during your stay.
The hotel also provides indoor and open‑air public bathing facilities for guests with posted operating hours. Ask the front desk for current public-bath hours and any seasonal changes.
A hotel shuttle runs between Shirahama Station and the property; Nanki–Shirahama Airport is about 3 km away and Shirahama is the nearest JR station. From Kansai Airport, take JR connections and the Kuroshio limited express to Shirahama, and confirm shuttle times with the hotel before arrival.
Japanese is the primary language; staff can assist in English and some Chinese, though language support may vary by shift. If you need specific language help, notify the hotel in advance.
The ryokan offers traditional Japanese kaiseki dinners and breakfast options; meal inclusion depends on your booking plan and meals are served either in the dining room or in private dining areas depending on the plan. Please check your reservation for the meal arrangement.
Pets are not permitted at the property. While every room has its own private onsen, separate rentable private family baths are not typically available—ask staff about any private-use options.
Nearby highlights include Shirarahama Beach, Sandanbeki Cliffs, Engetsu Island, Adventure World, and local museums, all reachable by short drive or public transport. The area is suited to beach walks, coastal views, and day trips.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is until 11:00. If you expect to arrive later than the check-in window, please notify the hotel in advance so they can note your arrival time.
The hotel lobby offers snacks and souvenirs, and convenience stores and shops are available in central Shirahama within a short walk, bus ride, or taxi. For larger grocery shopping, use local stores in town or a short drive to nearby shopping areas.