Sanso Amanosato
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 60 reviews
Sanso Amanosato is an intimate mountain retreat on the Koya-Sanroku slopes near Koyasan, limited to eight guest parties and set into mature woodland. Suites combine Western living areas with Japanese timber detailing, offering terraces, heated floors and roomy layouts that blend minimalist design with natural materials. The property presents itself as a ryokan with onsen in Wakayama, though the bathing configuration favours small, bookable facilities rather than large communal pools, which reinforces a sense of privacy and calm.
Bathing facilities are arranged around several reservable private onsen and an outdoor thermal bath, allowing guests to schedule uninterrupted soaking sessions; one of the private bathing areas is reported to include a small sauna. Suites include wooden soaking tubs for in-room relaxation while the natural hot springs are accessed in separate bathing pavilions a short walk from the rooms. Staff commonly assist with local transfers and excursions, and practical amenities such as complimentary parking and a compact garden help frame the property’s peaceful mountain setting.
Evenings centre on a multi-course, seasonal menu that blends Japanese and French techniques using Wakayama ingredients, with dishes that have featured Kumano beef and locally grown rice; presentation and pacing are emphasised. A small bar area provides evening drinks and reviewers frequently note attentive, personalised service and a quiet tempo that suits visitors heading to Koyasan or exploring nearby trails. For travellers who prioritise service, culinary focus and a contained, contemporary stay, this ryokan with private onsen offers a discreet, well-appointed alternative to larger traditional inns.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sanso Amanosato
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive service
Staff consistently described as warm, highly professional and very attentive—meeting special requests, offering personalized touches (station pickup, free transfers) and creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the stay.
Outstanding gastronomy (kaiseki / fine dining)
Multiple guests praised the multi-course dinners and refined breakfasts as Michelin-level cuisine, with talented chefs and knowledgeable sommeliers enhancing the dining experience.
Private onsen and bathing experiences
Guests loved the several private onsen options, in‑room wooden/cedar tubs and reserveable baths—highlighted as luxurious, tranquil and frequently used features that added to relaxation and privacy.
Spacious, comfortable and well-equipped rooms
Rooms and suites were described as spacious, elegantly designed and immaculately clean, often with terraces or balconies, high-quality bathrooms and thoughtful in-room amenities (complimentary drinks, welcome champagne/prosecco).
Peaceful, scenic location with helpful logistics
The property’s quiet, scenic setting among rice fields/mountains was repeatedly noted for being restorative. Guests appreciated proximity to Koyasan and the hotel’s organized transfers, making it a convenient base for local sightseeing.
Negative Reviews
Remote location if you lack a car
Several guests noted the property is somewhat isolated and can be difficult to reach without a car, despite the hotel offering some transfers from the local station.
High price point
A few comments mentioned the stay was expensive or 'not cheap,' although reviewers generally felt the experience and included services justified the cost.
Seasonal garden maintenance
One reviewer observed that the gardens in front of a cabin could have been better maintained during the fall season, indicating minor seasonal upkeep issues.
Staff sometimes tentative with non-Japanese speakers
A small number of guests felt staff appeared slightly nervous communicating in English, though overall service remained excellent and staff managed well.
Many guests wished they could stay longer
Several reviews expressed regret at short stays—guests frequently said they wanted to extend their visit, implying strong demand but limited stay length rather than a fault of the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan is a small property with eight rooms, and most rooms are sized for two people with some configurations allowing a third guest on a sofa bed or futon.
Yes — the property offers multiple hot spring baths including outdoor onsen and guest-use private onsen; several reviews note private-use options available for guests.
Yes — due to its rural location the ryokan arranges pick-up and drop-off from the nearest station on request; contact the property in advance to schedule a transfer.
Kansai International Airport is about 48 km away; the easiest options are a rental car or taxi (roughly an hour by car) or a combination of train to the local station plus the ryokan’s transfer service.
Staff are Japanese but English support is available to assist international guests; if you have specific language needs, notify the ryokan ahead of arrival.
Expect a modern, intimate ryokan that blends Japanese elements with Western-style service — many guests note contemporary design, attentive service, and a cuisine-focused experience rather than a fully traditional kimono-style ryokan.
The ryokan is a convenient base for visiting Mount Koya (Koyasan) and its temples, local museums and shrine areas; staff can advise on day trips and arrange local guides.
Standard check-in is between 15:00 and 19:00, and check-out is between 09:00 and 11:00; please inform the ryokan if you expect to arrive outside these hours.
Pets are not permitted at the property; many of the onsen facilities can be used privately by guests, so ask the ryokan about reserving private-bath time.
The ryokan serves on-site multi-course dinners and breakfasts (many guests book meals as part of their stay); for groceries or convenience items, nearby towns have shops and staff can direct you to the closest convenience store.