Kirinosato Takahara
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 321 reviews
Kirinosato Takahara sits in the Takahara settlement along the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo, offering a quietly elevated base for walkers and nature-focused travelers. The property’s timber-built public spaces and rooms reflect local Kishu wood craftsmanship; guest rooms blend tatami surfaces with Western beds and simple furnishings, and many have terraces or windows that frame mountain and river views. Hosts arrange practical support for hikers — luggage transfers, a reservation-based shuttle and guidance to nearby trailheads — so the inn functions both as a traditional stopover for pilgrim routes and as a comfortable retreat after a day on the path.
The bathing facilities combine an indoor bath and open-air onsen pools fed by nearby spring water, with wood-fired heating that gives the baths a slow, natural warmth; these public hot-spring areas are laid out to face the surrounding ridgelines so soaking emphasizes the landscape as much as the waters. Communal changing rooms and shared bathing schedules are typical of the house, and the calm, unhurried bathing experience is consistent with the property’s emphasis on local materials and rhythms. This ryokan with onsen Tanabe is therefore well suited to visitors seeking an authentic hot-spring interlude within the Kumano region.
Meals focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from the mountains and nearby coast, presented in multi-course dinners and homestyle breakfasts that highlight regional specialties. On-site offerings include guided walks along the Kumano Kodo, cultural experiences such as traditional dress and simple agricultural activities, plus complimentary Wi‑Fi, multilingual staff, a small shop and free parking. The overall atmosphere is attentive but unpretentious, geared toward guests who prioritize immersion in local landscape, cuisine and bathing culture while relying on the inn’s practical services for logistics and comfort; it reads as a reliable choice for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen Wakayama set close to the pilgrimage trails.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kirinosato Takahara
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive hosts and staff
Many reviews highlight warm, family-run hospitality: staff are polite, attentive and go out of their way to welcome guests. The owner’s friendliness and language skills (English/Spanish) make communication easy and enhance the stay.
Spectacular mountain views and location
Guests repeatedly praise the panoramic views from the terrace, dining area, common room and rooms. The ryokan’s perch above the valley is noted as breathtaking and ideal for hikers on the Kumano Kodo trail.
Outstanding food and drinks
Dinner and breakfast are described as excellent, gourmet-quality meals. Multiple guests mention memorable dishes and homemade treats (e.g. plum wine/ume-shu) and say the cuisine was one of the highlights of their trip.
Relaxing onsen (hot spring) experience
The onsen is frequently mentioned as a peaceful, restorative highlight—clean, well-maintained and perfect after hiking or a long day, contributing significantly to guests’ enjoyment.
Charming atmosphere, décor and communal spaces
Reviewers appreciate the ryokan’s character: wooden architecture, high ceilings, cedar beams, eclectic decor and a convivial common area/terrace that encourage socializing and create a warm, ‘full of soul’ ambiance.
Negative Reviews
Small rooms for some guests
A few guests noted that rooms can feel small, which may be typical for a guesthouse-style ryokan and could be a consideration for those needing more space.
Futon bedding comfort and setup
Some visitors mentioned futon beds as a learning curve for sleeping comfort; one reviewer suggested staff could lay futons for guests, indicating mixed preferences for traditional bedding.
Limited vegetarian options
At least one reviewer requested more vegetarian choices on the predominantly meat-focused menu, suggesting guests with dietary restrictions may want to check options in advance.
Some rooms show age
A few comments mentioned rooms appearing a bit aged (though still well decorated and clean), so travelers expecting fully modern interiors should note the traditional, rustic character.
Many guests wished for longer stays
Several reviewers regretted only staying one night and said they would have liked to stay longer—this reflects high satisfaction but also suggests short availability or typical single-night stays on hiking itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin rooms for two guests to Japanese-style rooms with futons for families; some larger rooms can accommodate groups (booking pages list family rooms and a superior room with multiple futons). Please check the specific room description when reserving.
Yes — the property offers both indoor and outdoor public hot spring baths for guests to use, following standard onsen rules and shared-bath arrangements.
The ryokan provides a shuttle by prior reservation to/from Gyubadoji Michinoeki Station, Takijiri and the Arisugawa bus stop; please request the shuttle in advance when you book.
The nearest rail hub mentioned is JR Kii-Tanabe (about a 45-minute bus ride to the area); guests typically travel to a regional rail or airport hub and continue by train/bus to Kii-Tanabe or nearby stops before using the ryokan shuttle.
Staff assistance is available in Spanish and Chinese, and the property offers some English support; contact the ryokan ahead of arrival if you need specific language help.
The ryokan organises activities such as guided walks on the Kumano Kodo, Heian-era costume experiences and agricultural/farming experiences for an additional fee; hiking trails start close by.
The property is a short walk from Takijiri Oji Temple and the Kirinosato Takahara Kumano Jinja Shrine and sits adjacent to the World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, making local shrine and trail visits very convenient.
Free private parking is available on-site; local buses and trains serve the wider Tanabe area and the ryokan shuttle links to nearby stations and bus stops by reservation.
Standard check-in is between 15:00 and 18:00 and check-out is by 09:30; the property offers baggage storage for arrival and after check-out.
The property lists a small on-site shop and vending machines but not a supermarket; larger supermarkets are found in Kii-Tanabe town (reachable by public transport). Private exclusive-use baths are not listed among the standard facilities, and pet policies are not specified online—please contact the ryokan directly to confirm pet and private-bath options.