TAOYA Nachikatsuura
8,4/10 Excellent - Based on 539 reviews
TAOYA Nachikatsuura is the rebranded seaside ryokan formerly operated under a different name by a national onsen group; following renovation and reopening in mid‑2025 it presents a refreshed Japanese‑modern atmosphere that emphasizes ocean views and ease of access to local attractions on the Kii Peninsula. The hotel’s accommodation mix ranges from traditional tatami rooms to Western‑style and hybrid layouts, and several room types offer private outdoor baths that look toward Katsuura Bay, letting guests step directly from their sleeping area to warm mineral water and sea air. Public spaces include a lounge and a deck designed to frame the bay, creating places to relax before or after bathing without leaving the property.
Bathing facilities have been reorganised to balance communal and in‑room experiences: the main bathing hall has been redesigned with a dark, restrained palette and improved washing partitions, while the former pair of ocean‑facing private baths has been consolidated into a single open‑air seaward bath that is used in alternating shifts; at the same time, a number of guest rooms retain their own in‑room baths for private soaking. These features make TAOYA Nachikatsuura a practical choice for travellers searching for a ryokan with onsen in the Kumano area and for those who prefer quieter, room‑level bathing options.
Food and service are oriented toward local seafood and casual hospitality: evening dining focuses on tuna and other catches from the nearby fishing port, with buffet and lounge offerings designed to complement the onsen schedule, and some guest plans include drinks and extended lounge service. The property’s seaward position and connections to nearby pilgrimage routes and coastal sights suit both short coastal stays and use as a base for the Kumano Kodo‑range itineraries, while onsen facilities and room choices support the appeal of a ryokan with private onsen in Wakayama for couples and small groups seeking a coastal hot‑spring stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: TAOYA Nachikatsuura
Positive Reviews
Scenic onsen with sea views
Many guests praised the onsen(s)—especially those with ocean views—describing them as beautiful, tranquil and a highlight of the stay (including outdoor baths and sauna).
Generous, varied buffet meals
Numerous reviews mention large, plentiful dinner and breakfast buffets with wide choices (including seafood/tuna), often described as delicious and a major convenience.
Lovely location and bay views
Reviewers appreciated the hotel's position on the bay, easy access to the port/center and nearby attractions (e.g. tuna port activity, Nachi waterfall), with many rooms and balconies overlooking the water.
Friendly staff and good on-site facilities
Staff were frequently described as polite and helpful. The property offers many facilities and extras (multiple drink bars, rental bikes, games like ping‑pong/karaoke, manga library, kids' activities) that enhance the stay.
Traditional Japanese rooms and comfortable bedding
Guests liked the traditional ryokan-style rooms, roomy family options and comfortable futons; several families noted large rooms with sea‑view baths as particularly enjoyable.
Negative Reviews
Outdated rooms and bathrooms
Multiple reviews reported that rooms, furniture and some bathrooms are old, worn or in need of renovation (stains on wallpaper, tired fixtures), which disappointed some guests expecting more modern finishes.
Buffet quality and authenticity concerns
While the buffets are abundant, several guests felt the food quality was only average by Japanese standards and that promotional images (e.g. kaiseki-style plates) can be misleading since meals are often large all‑you‑can‑eat buffets.
Busy, noisy dining and peak-time crowding
The hotel is a large complex that can host tourist buses; reviewers noted noisy, very large dining rooms and that onsens and buffets can get crowded during peak times, reducing the sense of tranquillity.
Limited English and some service shortcomings
Some guests experienced communication difficulties because staff have limited English. A few reported service problems (missed station pick‑up, unhelpful initial responses, no luggage assistance) and inconsistencies with what was paid for (e.g. room/shower differences).
Missing amenities and occasional comfort issues
A small number of guests noted missing conveniences (no on‑site laundry), minor comfort issues (very firm pillows) and isolated incidents at the buffet (a guest reported a child becoming ill), which affected those stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from couple-sized to family rooms; maximum occupancy varies by room so check the room description when booking or contact the property for exact limits.
Yes — the property has large public hot-spring baths and an ocean-facing open-air bath that is operated with alternating gender use; standard onsen etiquette applies and staff can explain rules on arrival.
The original private baths were reconfigured into a sea-facing open-air bath with alternating use; private rentals may be limited, so request availability directly with the hotel before arrival.
Shuttle services can be offered at some local ryokans but availability changes; confirm with the hotel before travel — otherwise taxis from Kii-Katsuura Station are a common option.
You can fly into Kansai International (KIX) or Nanki‑Shirahama Airport and continue by train or bus to Kii‑Katsuura Station, then take a short taxi or arranged transfer to the ryokan; travel time depends on connections.
Many guests report limited English at smaller onsen properties; staff are helpful but bringing a translation app or simple Japanese phrases is recommended for smoother communication.
Dinner is centered on a buffet with fresh local seafood — especially tuna from Katsuura — and the property offers lounge snacks and complimentary drinks in line with the TAOYA concept; specific menus may vary seasonally.
The ryokan is well placed for visiting Nachi‑Katsuura’s fishing port, local tuna auctions, and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes including Nachi Falls; many sites are reachable by short drive, local bus, or taxi.
Local buses and taxis operate in the area, but services can be infrequent; renting a car or booking excursions provides greater flexibility for visiting nearby sights.
Check-in and check-out times vary by plan but typically follow a mid‑afternoon arrival and late‑morning departure pattern; luggage storage before check-in and after check-out is generally available — confirm exact times with the property.