Kaigetsukan
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 552 reviews
Kaigetsukan is a seaside ryokan on Awaji Island that pairs traditional Japanese lodging with sizeable onsen facilities overlooking the Inland Sea. The property presents both tatami-floored Japanese rooms and Western-style rooms, some with ocean views, and public hot spring baths designed to frame the coastal panorama. Facilities include a beauty-treatment spa, seasonal outdoor pool, and family baths that can be reserved for private use, making it a practical choice when searching for a ryokan with onsen on Awaji Island, Hyōgo.
Accommodation emphasizes regional seafood in multi-course kaiseki menus alongside buffet options at mealtimes; certain plans offer dinner served in the guest room by nakais (attendants). Rooms are straightforwardly equipped with a flat-screen TV, small fridge and kettle, and en suite bathrooms; larger plans may include dedicated nakai service. On-site leisure covers karaoke, a game center and billiards, plus a small gift shop stocked with local specialties. The ryokan sits within easy walking distance of the town’s bus interchange, a nearby beach and the Sumoto castle park, so it can serve as a base for short coastal walks and local sightseeing.
Practical details are clear: standard check-in begins mid-afternoon and check-out is mid-morning, free parking is available on site, and the property operates meal-service cutoffs that make early arrival advisable if you plan to dine there. Public-bath access is subject to customary etiquette and some restrictions for guests with visible tattoos; family baths are available by reservation for guests who prefer a private experience. For travelers prioritizing thermal bathing and coastal access, this ryokan with private onsen in Hyōgo provides a blend of traditional rooms, meal plans focused on local seafood and multiple bathing options.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kaigetsukan
Positive Reviews
Excellent kaiseki dinners and abundant breakfast buffet
Many guests praised the restaurant meals — the kaiseki dinners were described as exceptional, generous in portion and presentation, and the buffet breakfast offered a wide selection that exceeded expectations.
Polite, helpful staff and traditional service
Multiple reviews highlight attentive, courteous staff and traditional ryokan-style service (including attendants who carry luggage and assist guests), which contributed positively to the stay.
Great location and sea/onsen views
Guests appreciated the hotel's location next to the beach and near the castle park, with many rooms and the open-air baths offering pleasant sea views and memorable sunrises.
Good value / high cost-performance
Several reviewers commented that the combination of location, meal volume and quality, and room size represented good value or high cost-performance for the price.
Comfortable, spacious rooms
Many found the rooms pleasant and roomy, often mentioning a separate sitting area and overall cleanliness that made it easy to relax.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent or poor food for some guests
While many loved the meals, a few guests reported very poor food quality — describing both dinner and breakfast as barely passable or outright bad; others found courses overly heavy with meat and would have liked more palate-cleansing dishes.
Onsen / hot-spring issues (cleanliness, temperature, accessibility)
Problems raised include onsen cleanliness needing improvement, water temperature being too hot for some (elderly guests could not use it), lack of private onsen options for some rooms, and missing handrails that made bathing access difficult.
Aging property and confusing layout
The building was described as a bit old and in need of renovation by several guests; internal circulation (staircases, lift locations and routes to onsen) was initially confusing and some entrances/corridors felt narrow.
Breakfast/buffet service problems
A few reviewers noted buffet issues such as late setup, empty trays during service, or specific dishes being undercooked (example: paella with uncooked core), reducing the breakfast experience for those guests.
Smoking rooms and small service gaps
Some guests in smoking rooms noticed tobacco odor (though an air purifier helped), and isolated service lapses were reported such as slower responses from shop staff when called.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity depends on the room type; some Japanese-style rooms include up to five futon beds while others are twin or standard rooms for two. Confirm the selected room’s maximum occupancy when booking.
Yes, Kaigetsukan is located in Sumoto Onsen and offers traditional hot spring bathing as part of the ryokan experience.
The property does not advertise a guaranteed private-bath option online; please contact the ryokan directly before arrival to request or reserve a private/family bath if available.
The official access information does not list a regular shuttle or scheduled airport pick-up; guests are advised to arrange private transfers or ask the ryokan in advance about possible pick-up options.
The nearest major international airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX); typical travel to Sumoto by car or public transport usually takes about 2–2.5 hours depending on connections and traffic.
The ryokan provides English-language information on its site and can assist English-speaking guests, but on-site English proficiency may be limited; contact the property ahead of arrival if you need specific language assistance.
Traditional multi-course (kaiseki) meals are offered; guests must check in by 19:00 to be served dinner, as late arrivals may not be served.
Nearby attractions include Sumoto Castle, Awaji World Park Onokoro, Awaji Farm Park England Hill and the Awajishima Monkey Center, with easy local sightseeing around the bay area.
Free on-site parking is available (including EV charging), so many guests travel by car or taxi to explore the island; public transport on Awaji Island is limited, so plan transfers in advance.
Children are not permitted at this property and pets are not allowed; guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from public bathing areas.