Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 821 reviews
Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya is a riverside ryokan set in the Kawayu Onsen area of the Kumano pilgrimage region, positioned to serve visitors exploring nearby shrines and walking routes. The property presents a mix of Japanese-style and Western-style rooms with views over the river or surrounding woodland, simple modern comforts and guest yukata provided for on-site bathing. Located within easy reach of local bus connections and short drives to key Kumano sites, it functions as a practical base for hikers and cultural travellers; it is a ryokan with onsen Kumano.
The bathing facilities form the heart of the experience: open-air rotenburo and public baths sit beside the river where natural springs surface from the riverbed, and indoor baths and a small spa area extend the thermal options. The ryokan maintains guest bathing areas fed by its spring source and offers spaces to relax after a soak, with seasonal changes in atmosphere from bird-song and flowing water to starlit skies. For visitors seeking a traditional hot-spring stay in this part of the Kii Peninsula, this ryokan with onsen Wakayama emphasises the riverside setting and the audible presence of water throughout the site.
Meals are served in an on-site restaurant that highlights local produce in buffet and set-dinner formats, with several dishes prepared using the estate’s hot spring water where customary. Rooms are reasonably spacious for a regional inn and include essentials such as heating, air conditioning and toiletries; parking and shuttle options are offered to help with access. Overall the property suits travellers looking for straightforward comforts, easy access to Kumano Hongu’s cultural sites and a distinctly riverside onsen experience within the Wakayama area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen facilities (indoor & outdoor)
Multiple reviewers highlighted the hotel's hot springs as a standout: large indoor and outdoor baths, riverside onsen areas that allow a unique experience (including access close to the river), family-friendly use with provided yukata, and overall very relaxing bathing options.
Scenic riverside location and views
Guests praised the location on the river with views of forested hillsides—many described waking to a wall of trees and enjoying tranquil riverside scenery from rooms and onsen. The setting is repeatedly described as atmospheric and ideal after hiking.
Extensive dinner buffet (good for hikers)
Several guests praised the dinner buffet for variety and quality, calling it generous and perfect after long days of hiking. Multiple reviews mention the buffet as a key positive of the stay.
Attentive, multilingual staff and useful shuttle/bus access
Reviewers reported helpful, polite reception staff who speak English (and in some cases French). The hotel is well served by bus (stop nearby) and offers free shuttle services to trailheads, which guests found very convenient.
Spacious traditional Japanese rooms and comfortable futons
Many guests appreciated the roomy Japanese-style rooms with traditional charm; several specifically mentioned comfortable futons and good room comfort, often on upper floors with river views.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent food quality and limited breakfast options
While some praised the buffet, multiple reviews noted disappointments with dinner or breakfast quality—comments include lack of variety, uninspired ingredients, limited pastry options at breakfast, and dinners that did not meet expectations for the price.
Aging decor and some worn rooms
Although the dated, slightly old-fashioned decor is considered charming by some, several guests described rooms and public areas as tired or very vintage, noting a need for upkeep in some parts of the property.
Issues with bed comfort in some rooms
A number of reviewers reported uncomfortable mattresses (springy feel) and old bed coverings in certain rooms, indicating inconsistent bed quality across the hotel.
Onsen etiquette problems among other guests
Several reviewers observed other visitors entering the onsen with phones or clothing and without showering first; they felt staff did not consistently enforce rules, which diminished the bathing experience for some.
Large-hotel feel, distance from small villages and occasional noise
Some guests felt the hotel’s size reduces a sense of local village atmosphere and that it is a bit distant from mountain villages. A few also reported thin walls or nighttime noise from neighbors, affecting tranquillity for sensitive guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin, Japanese and family rooms; capacity varies by room so check the room description when booking. Cribs and extra beds are not available.
The property has indoor public baths and riverside open‑air onsen, with seasonal riverbed bathing (Senninburo) in winter; rooms feature tatami areas and yukata for guests to wear. Expect local Kumano cuisine and a focus on traditional Japanese hospitality.
Some rooms include private open‑air baths and the ryokan offers bookable private/family bathing options when available; request this at booking or at check‑in.
Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya is about a one‑minute walk from Kawayu Onsen bus stop and offers a local shuttle from nearby transit points by advance request. Staff can advise exact pick‑up arrangements.
Standard check‑in begins at 3:00 PM and check‑out is by 10:00 AM; please inform the ryokan in advance if you expect to arrive late.
The nearest airport is Nanki‑Shirahama (around 60 minutes by car) and the closest major station is Shingu; regional buses connect Shingu to Kawayu Onsen (about one hour). Car and taxi are common options for direct access.
Staff can provide basic assistance in English; guests are encouraged to use a translation app for more detailed requests if needed.
The ryokan serves a Japanese dinner (set/kaiseki options) and a buffet breakfast featuring local Kumano ingredients; please notify the hotel of dietary restrictions in advance.
Kumano Hongu Taisha and sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails are a short drive away, and the Kawayu river area offers short hikes, river play and seasonal nature activities. The front desk can suggest local routes and timing.
Pets are not permitted on the premises. There is an on‑site shop for basic items and the front desk can point you to the nearest supermarket or convenience store in Hongu for additional supplies.