Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Shirahama Gyoen
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 417 reviews
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Shirahama Gyoen sits in Shirahama, Wakayama, presenting a contemporary take on traditional Japanese hospitality. Framed by garden and sea-facing aspects, the property positions itself as a ryokan with onsen in Wakayama, offering multiple communal hot-spring facilities including indoor and open-air baths, a public bathing area and a sauna. The hotel operates a 24-hour front desk and provides free on-site parking and Wi‑Fi; rooms are a mix of Japanese-style tatami layouts and western twin options, many fitted with private bathrooms and air conditioning to suit both families and couples.
Accommodations are straightforward and family-oriented: some units provide sea or garden views, kettles and modest storage, while larger Japanese rooms accommodate futon bedding for groups. The on-site restaurant serves buffet-style meals with a focus on regional ingredients and a morning service for guests, and the property offers ancillary leisure facilities such as an indoor kids’ play area, table tennis, bicycle rental and massage services. Public areas include landscaped garden space and common lounges where guests can change into provided yukata to move between dining and bathing zones.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium…
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and spa facilities
Multiple reviews praise the hot springs as large, clean and relaxing — including outdoor onsen, sauna and stone baths. Guests enjoyed the communal lounging areas, foot baths and massage options, making the property feel like an onsen resort.
Generous free drinks and communal perks
Guests report complimentary drinks available in common areas (many kinds including alcoholic options and draft beer), plus free machines and lounge amenities that enhance the experience.
Very good, varied buffet dining
The food is frequently highlighted as a major plus: abundant breakfast and dinner buffets with seafood, sushi, grilled items and beef BBQ. Many guests described the meals as better than expected and a highlight of the stay.
Comfortable traditional rooms with nice views
Several guests mention spacious Japanese‑style rooms, comfortable futons and attractive bay/harbour views (corner rooms especially). The traditional atmosphere and room size were seen as comfortable and enjoyable.
Wide entertainment, helpful staff and good value
Visitors appreciated on‑site entertainment (karaoke, games, table tennis), available massage services and helpful staff. Many felt the hotel offered good value for price, and its location/convenience to nearby attractions or transport was noted positively.
Negative Reviews
Many rooms lack private bathrooms or showers
Multiple reviews warn that some Japanese‑style rooms do not include in‑room showers/bathrooms — guests should book or request rooms with a bathroom if needed.
Room condition and problematic layout/accessibility
A number of guests found certain rooms or parts of the property aged or in need of updating. The building layout can be awkward (half‑floors, stairs from the elevator) and there is limited elevator access, which is not luggage‑ or mobility‑friendly and poses issues for elderly or disabled guests.
Pests and air‑conditioning problems in some rooms
At least one reviewer reported significant mosquito issues when balconies are left open and another described a badly smelling air conditioner that had to be turned off — affecting comfort at night.
Rigid check‑in policy and limited night support
Some guests noted inflexible check‑in times with no option for early check‑in, and limited staff availability at night which made it hard to get assistance after hours.
Onsen operational issues and missing amenities at times
A few reviewers reported operational inconveniences in spa areas (for example timed water requiring frequent triggering) and instances where towels were not provided in the spa; peak times can also lead to crowding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include single, twin, Japanese-style and suites; family rooms and some suites can accommodate larger groups, with certain room layouts sleeping up to around nine guests. Confirm exact maximum occupancy when selecting a specific room type.
The property offers hot spring baths including indoor public baths, open-air (rotenburo) baths and a sauna, plus lounge areas for relaxation. Bathing hours run into the evening and day-visit hours are published by the property.
No regular public shuttle is listed; the ryokan is short taxi or local-bus distance from transport hubs. Contact the property directly if you need a private transfer or to confirm any seasonal shuttle service.
Nanki–Shirahama Airport is very close (about 2 km) and typically a 10–20 minute taxi ride; JR Shirahama Station is roughly a 10-minute taxi ride or a short bus connection away. Several local beaches and attractions are also within walking distance.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 (last arrival time may be earlier) and check-out is by 11:00. Confirm specific times on your booking as some plans may vary.
Some room types include private bathtubs or semi-private outdoor baths, but private onsen rentals are not standard at every rate; please request private-use options or room types with an attached bath when booking. The front desk can advise on availability.
Public bathing areas generally prohibit visible tattoos; small tattoos may be permitted only if fully covered with an approved cover sticker supplied by the property. Check the hotel’s tattoo policy in advance if it applies to your party.
Pets are not permitted at this property. Service-animal policies should be confirmed with the ryokan ahead of arrival.
The ryokan operates an on-site restaurant with buffet-style breakfast and dinner options and a premium lounge offering complimentary drinks at certain times. Dinner buffets or special meal plans may require prior reservation.
The ryokan is close to Ezura Beach, Shirahama Art Museum, Saki-no-Yu and other coastal sights, and is within easy reach of Adventure World and local coastal landmarks. Front-desk staff can help arrange local buses, taxis, bicycle rentals and sightseeing advice.