Sansuikan Kawayu Matsuya
6,9/10 Good - Based on 1043 reviews
Sansuikan Kawayu Matsuya sits in the Kawayu Onsen area of Hongu, Wakayama, offering a straightforward, business-style ryokan experience that blends practical amenities with traditional touches. Guest rooms are simple and air-conditioned, usually arranged in Japanese-style layouts with futons or twin beds; rooms typically include a TV, electric kettle and a green tea set, and most have a private toilet while bathing facilities are shared. Bedding, yukata robes and basic toiletries are provided, making the property a convenient base for walkers, pilgrims and travelers exploring the Kumano region; the property can be described as a ryokan with onsen in Wakayama for those seeking an onsen stop within the Kumano Kodo area.
The property operates a hinoki (cypress) wood hot-spring bath supplied from its own source, run as a free-flowing onsen with regular cleaning intervals; current public bathing hours extend early morning through midnight with a daytime cleaning window. Historically guests have had access to larger baths and a riverside open-air bath at the nearby sister property, but the management has announced an operational change beginning 1 December 2025: shared use of the sister property’s large bath, open-air rotenburo and lobby will not be available and meal services there will cease, so visitors should plan accordingly for stays that span that date.
Practical conveniences include free on-site parking, luggage storage, coin laundry and a small guest lounge with vending machines; the ryokan is a short walk from the local bus stop serving Kawayu Onsen and remains within easy driving distance of Kumano Hongu Taisha and nearby trailheads. Check-in is available into the late evening, and because dining arrangements may change seasonally or with the December 2025 operational update, guests often combine an overnight stay here with nearby eateries or bring provisions; the accommodation therefore suits travellers prioritising access to local hot springs and the Kumano pilgrimage routes.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sansuikan Kawayu Matsuya
Positive Reviews
Onsen access (including neighbouring hotel)
Guests frequently praise access to hot spring baths, often via the partner hotel next door. Reviews mention attractive outdoor baths, riverside bathing, and both indoor and outdoor onsen being enjoyable (available free or via partnership). Yukata provided and mixed/outdoor baths highlighted as a major benefit.
Beautiful riverside setting and views
Many reviewers enjoyed the hotel's river location and views, noting riverside baths and the chance to swim or relax by the river. The setting is repeatedly described as scenic and a strong asset of the stay.
Generous buffet breakfast and dinners (via neighbour)
Multiple comments note a very good buffet (especially at the neighbouring larger hotel) for breakfast and evening meals—described as plentiful, tasty and a valued option when chosen or available through the partnership.
Friendly, helpful staff and shuttle service
Staff are reported as warm and accommodating (examples: swapping rooms when issues arose). A complimentary shuttle bus for hiking/transport was appreciated by guests and regarded as convenient.
Comfortable beds and good value for money
Several reviews mention comfortable bedding and an overall good value relative to the price. Some guests liked the ryokan's vintage charm and felt the accommodation was acceptable for sleeping and enjoying the onsen experience.
Negative Reviews
Aged, worn property needing renovation
Numerous reviewers describe the building and decor as dated or rundown, suggesting it would benefit from renovation or refresh. Some comments say the property feels like it has seen better days and needs upkeep.
Cleanliness and maintenance concerns
Several guests reported cleanliness issues such as stained blankets, mold on walls or mattresses, light dirtiness in shared areas, and in a few cases onsen water/baths appearing neglected. These problems affected some guests' comfort and impressions.
Strong cigarette smell and smoking issues
Many reviews note a pervasive tobacco odor in corridors and some rooms (especially in rooms designated for smokers). Guests reported smoke seeping into rooms and lingering smells despite some rooms being labeled non-smoking.
Small, cramped rooms and noise problems
Multiple comments mention very small or cramped rooms that are difficult to move around in, and noisy features such as steel doors that disturb guests. Limited room size reduced comfort for some visitors.
Limited onsite facilities and food options
The hotel's own communal dining/refreshment area is described as minimal (basic microwaves, vending machines) and there are few onsite food options unless guests use the neighbouring hotel's buffet or pre-arrange dinner. This can be inconvenient for guests who arrive without provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are Japanese-style and typically sleep 1–2 adults on futon; some twin room types can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child.
Yes — the property has a public hot-spring bath made of hinoki cypress fed by free‑flowing natural spring water; guests may also use nearby Kawayu Midoriya baths.
The facility primarily offers public baths and private/reserved family baths are not listed as standard; request options with the ryokan in advance if you need privacy.
A shuttle to the Kumano Kodo is available (reservation required); the Kawayu Onsen bus stop is about a 2‑minute walk from the ryokan and local buses connect to Shingu Station.
Most guests travel via Kansai/Osaka airports, take trains toward Shingu, then a local bus to Kawayu Onsen — plan for a several‑hour journey depending on connections.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English is limited, so basic Japanese phrases or a translation app can be helpful.
Check‑in is from 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00.
Pets are not permitted on the property.
A grocery store is located a short drive away (around 5 minutes by car), and vending machines are available in the ryokan lobby.
Breakfast is offered as a buffet and some plans include dinner or a half‑buffet served through the partner dining arrangements; there are also room‑only plans if you prefer to make your own arrangements.