Kirinosato Takahara
9.7/10 (Based on 348 reviews )
646-1416 Wakayama, Tanabe, Takahara Nakaheji 826 , Japan
Kirinosato Takahara (also presented as Organic Hotel Kirinosato-Takahara) is a small ryokan-style lodge in the mountains of Tanabe, Wakayama, in the Takahara area along the Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi route). The property offers indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths for guests in a shared setting. Its onsen water is brought in from another area, rather than sourced on-site. Rooms combine a Japanese atmosphere (tatami elements) with Western-style beds, and guests can unwind after hiking. There is an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, with advance requests possible for select dietary needs. Practical services include free parking, Wi‑Fi, and luggage support for walkers.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Excellent onsen bath experience
- Food/meals repeatedly described as excellent, wonderful, delicious and well crafted
- Very friendly, welcoming and helpful staff/hosts (often noted for great hospitality)
- Amazing location with stunning mountain/valley views; peaceful atmosphere
- Charming/eclectic decor and warm atmosphere; comfortable yukata provided
Negative reviews
- Some guests found it pricey (e.g., only able to book a twin room)
- Desire for earlier check-in
- Wish for a private onsen or a shower separate from the onsen
- Privacy issue: room walls didn’t provide enough privacy
- Onsen/shower issues reported by some: onsen not hot until later, no hot water in shower, outdoor/rotenburo under maintenance or unused/dirty
Sanso Amanosato
9.6/10 (Based on 68 reviews )
649-7142 Wakayama, Katsuragi, Shimoamano 1620, Japan
Sanso Amanosato (山荘 天の里) is a small ryokan-style retreat in Shimoamano, Katsuragi (Wakayama), set in a quiet satoyama landscape at the foot of Mount Koya. The onsen is a core feature, with natural hot-spring bathing options including open-air baths, private reservable baths, and a sauna; the spring is described as a sodium chloride strong-salt type. Meals are served on site, with dinner in the restaurant and breakfast offered in-room or in the restaurant. The property also includes a bar counter, library/shop area, and transfer service from Kasada Station (plus seasonal service to Koyasan). Free parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Nice hotel with good facilities
- Friendly and helpful staff; warm reception
- Excellent food/dining (French cuisine with local ingredients; high-quality dinners and breakfasts; kaiseki; 12-course meals) and great presentation
- Private onsen/baths (multiple private onsens; private bath in room; cedar bath in some rooms)
- Beautiful, peaceful setting/nature (forest lodge, gardens, mountain/tranquil surroundings); spacious/comfortable rooms with balconies/terraces
Negative reviews
- Bar and dining room ambiance: uncomfortable bar stools and evening lighting too bright; piped piano music noted as unpleasant
- Wine list described as average and very expensive (sake praised)
- A bit remote without a car
- Regret about not staying longer / wished for multiple days
Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima
9.5/10 (Based on 137 reviews )
649-5334 Wakayama, Katsuura, Katsuura1179-9, Japan
Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima (Aoki Shima no Yado) is a ryokan-style hot spring resort on a small private island off Katsuura, Wakayama, reached by a short boat transfer from the port area near Kii-Katsuura. The main draw is its natural onsen: open-air baths facing the sea, indoor public baths, and reservable private open-air baths for more privacy. Some room categories also include an en-suite open-air bath. Dining is served in-house, with Japanese multi-course kaiseki dinners highlighting seasonal seafood, plus breakfast in the dining room. On-site facilities also include a lounge/bar area, a souvenir shop, and a lookout point with a footbath for a quieter wind-down between soaks.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Amazing service from staff; very hospitable and helpful (good English mentioned)
- Quiet, tranquil, pleasant and serene environment surrounded by the sea
- Onsen highly praised (including outdoor/open-air onsen with ocean views; clean/immaculate; option to privatize; good products)
- Food praised (fantastic dinner & breakfast; exceptional meals; traditional ryokan dining)
- Spacious rooms with beautiful sea/bay views; amenities and extras appreciated (e.g., yukata/sandals, complimentary drinks/snacks, popsicles/sake, massage chair)
Negative reviews
- Onsen amenities described as very scarce (one review)
- Cockroach seen in the room (one review)
- Not much activities / surrounding area closes early / not a lot to do
- Dinner time quite early; onsen closed from 10 to 15
- Access/logistics issues: remote location; ferry/check-in timing and unclear/missing instructions to find the ferry/boat shuttle
Natural Hot Spring Inn Choseian – 長生庵 –
9.5/10 (Based on 7 reviews )
649-2211 Wakayama, Shirahama, 西牟婁郡白浜町2762-5, Japan
Natural Hot Spring Inn Choseian (Choseian / 長生庵) is a small ryokan in Shirahama, Wakayama, set on a hillside close to the coast, designed around gardens and privacy. The key feature is its natural hot-spring water: the inn states it operates as a true “gensen” property and provides 100% free-flowing hot spring baths. Guests can use the on-site bath building with two communal baths, and they also have complimentary access to the larger day-use facility “Chosei-no-Yu” across the road, which includes an outdoor bath, an indoor wooden bath, and a Kishu binchotan-charcoal bath. Dining focuses on kaiseki-style multi-course dinners with local seafood and Kumano beef, plus a Japanese-style breakfast. Wi‑Fi is available in guest rooms.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional staff: responsive, welcoming, and easy to communicate with
- Parking right next to the hotel
- Clean onsen facilities in the hotel and at nearby 長生湯 (2-minute walk)
- 長生湯 offers a stunning view of the starry sky at night
- Spacious room; delicious and satisfying food (house plum wine highlighted) and great value for money
Negative reviews
- I can't think of anything!
Ryujin Onsen Marui Ryokan
9.3/10 (Based on 40 reviews )
645-0415 Wakayama, Tanabe, Ryujinmuranishi 9−2, Japan
Ryujin Onsen Marui Ryokan (Magokoro no Yado Marui) is a traditional ryokan in Ryujin, Tanabe (Wakayama), in a quiet riverside hot-spring area surrounded by mountains. The onsen uses water from Ryujin Komatagawa Onsen and is offered in a large, all-hinoki indoor bath, with separate men’s and women’s bathing areas. Bathing hours are typically 15:30–22:30 and 06:00–09:30. A private-use arrangement may be possible on weekdays only, depending on availability and after consultation. Dining focuses on handmade, seasonal mountain and river ingredients; dinner is usually served in-room (or a private room), while breakfast is served in the dining hall. The property is non-smoking and offers free on-site parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Hosts/staff were very kind, friendly, helpful and provided traditional Japanese hospitality (including help with bus reservations/onward travel)
- Exceptional, beautifully presented and delicious food; breakfast and dinner often praised as rich/abundant
- Unique onsen experience reached via a private underground passage/tunnel; memorable and relaxing
- Onsen quality praised (pleasant, makes skin smooth); some mention river view/atmosphere and being able to use it again before checkout
- Rooms/ryokan described as very clean, comfortable, Japanese-style; good service and good value/price-performance
Negative reviews
- One guest wished dinner were a bit more substantial/varied
- Onsen is not very big (small)
- Onsen is far to reach
- Pillow (grain pillow) was too hard
- Room facilities: toilet not a washlet; washbasin area was small
Minshuku Sumiya
9.2/10 (Based on 416 reviews )
647-1717 Wakayama, Tanabe, Hongucho Kawayu 1429, Japan
Minshuku Sumiya (民宿すみ家) is a small minshuku in the heart of Kawayu Onsen, Tanabe (Wakayama), set by the river in a quiet, nature-focused hot-spring village near the Kumano Kodo and the Hongu area. The property offers an indoor hot-spring bath using natural onsen water, and it is run as a private-use bath: guests lock the door while bathing, sharing courteously during busy periods. Bathing is generally available from 15:00 to 09:00 (with quiet late-night use). For meals, dinner and breakfast are served in the dining room (reservation required), and bento lunches can be prepared for early starts. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, coin laundry, vending machines, and limited parking (typically requires advance notice).
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Friendly/welcoming and helpful owner/hosts (often goes above and beyond).
- Delicious, high-quality meals (dinner, breakfast, and bento lunch boxes frequently praised).
- Great onsen experiences: private indoor onsen and nearby outdoor/river onsen; provides yukata/robes, sandals, towels/swimsuits for river onsen.
- Convenient location: bus stop right outside; river views; good base for Kumano Kodo.
- Rooms described as spacious/comfortable/clean; extras like massage chair and free coffee mentioned.
Negative reviews
- Property/facilities are old/run-down and could use renovation/repairs (wear and tear, stains).
- Bathrooms/showers/toilets: shared, sometimes smelly/slippery/not enough shower/bathrooms; one toilet not functioning; one shower room under repair; no separate shower in some cases (only in private onsen).
- Noise issues: thin walls/poor soundproofing; noisy neighbors.
- Pillows not great/hard.
- Smoking smell/smoker-used room reported.
Yunominesou
9.2/10 (Based on 199 reviews )
647-1734 Wakayama, Hongu, Hongu-cho Shimoyukawa 437, Japan
Yunominesou (Yunomine Onsen, Hongu area, Wakayama) is a traditional ryokan focused on hot-spring bathing in a quiet, rural valley setting. The onsen uses natural spring water from Yunomine Onsen, provided as free-flowing, non-circulated baths. In addition to shared bathing, the ryokan has two private family baths that do not require reservations; guests use them when available by turning the door sign and locking from inside (recommended around 30 minutes per group). A Japanese set-menu breakfast and dinner are served on site, which is practical given the limited dining options nearby. Facilities also include free on-site parking and simple indoor leisure spaces.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Warm, friendly, attentive and efficient staff; genuinely welcoming hospitality with helpful recommendations
- Excellent onsen experience, including both public and private/family baths (some mention outdoor onsen)
- Delicious, sumptuous meals (dinner and breakfast), including multi-dish/kaiseki-style courses; good variety over multiple nights
- Comfortable and spacious rooms (tatami/futon), some with mountain outlook; overall well cared for even if older
- Convenient shuttle/pickup support (to town/onsen area, bus station), timely and well organized; staff speak English (some Mandarin/Chinese)
Negative reviews
- Remote location / access and location issues (including short walk from trail end)
- Property/interior feels dated/aged; suggestions to upgrade (e.g., balcony can’t be opened)
- Sleep comfort issues: futons very thin and pillows hard/wide; some guests didn’t sleep well
- Noise from air conditioning reported
- Food preferences: dinner felt too meat-heavy; request for more vegetables
Hotel Tenzankaku Kaiyutei
9.2/10 (Based on 27 reviews )
649-2211 Wakayama, Shirahama, 2020 , Japan
Hotel Tenzankaku Kaiyutei (Umi Yuu Tei) is a Shirahama Onsen property in Wakayama Prefecture, set on a hillside above the coast. The key feature is the onsen: every guest room includes a private open-air bath with continuously flowing, direct-from-source hot spring water, available 24 hours. Rooms mix Japanese-style tatami spaces and larger Japanese–Western layouts, often oriented toward ocean views. Dining is offered on site, with Japanese multi-course dinner plans and set breakfasts that may include local tea porridge, and private dining can be requested depending on the plan. Facilities include free on-site parking, a seasonal outdoor pool, a small shop, and shuttle support; there is no large public bath on site, but access to a partner facility’s communal baths is arranged.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Spacious, clean rooms
- Private hot spring/onsen (often on the balcony) with great views (sunset/ocean)
- Dinner/breakfast praised as excellent, fresh and delicious (including lobster sashimi mentioned)
- Friendly, polite, helpful staff
- Good value; late check-out mentioned (11:00) and strong Wi‑Fi
Negative reviews
- Property/building feels old/dated
- Air conditioner blew out dust; turning it off made the room hot
- Hotel is far from everything; a car is needed
- Meals are excellent but you have to eat on the floor (no tables) and breakfast time is late
- Issues in the dining room: many small flies and a small cockroach on the dishes; souvenir shop area in the basement not big enough
Summary Table
| Position | Hotel | Rating | #Reviews | Stars | Staff | Cleanliness | Comfort | Location | Value for money | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kirinosato Takahara | 9.7▲ | 348 | 2 | 9.9 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 9.8 | 9.3 | 9.7▲ |
| 2 | Sanso Amanosato | 9.6 | 68 | 5▲ | 9.8 | 9.9▲ | 9.9▲ | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.7▲ |
| 3 | Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima | 9.5 | 137 | 4 | 10.0▲ | 9.8 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 8.8▼ | 9.4 |
| 4 | Natural Hot Spring Inn Choseian – 長生庵 – | 9.5 | 7▼ | 0▼ | 9.6▼ | 9.6 | 9.6 | 10.0▲ | 9.2 | 9.2 |
| 5 | Ryujin Onsen Marui Ryokan | 9.3 | 40 | 2 | 9.6▼ | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8.5▼ | 9.4▲ | 9.2 |
| 6 | Minshuku Sumiya | 9.2▼ | 416▲ | 2 | 9.8 | 9.0▼ | 9.2 | 9.6 | 8.9 | 8.7▼ |
| 7 | Yunominesou | 9.2▼ | 199 | 3 | 9.8 | 9.4 | 9.3 | 9.0 | 9.1 | 9.2 |
| 8 | Hotel Tenzankaku Kaiyutei | 9.2▼ | 27 | 3 | 9.8 | 9.6 | 9.1▼ | 8.6 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
FAQ
Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima is a standout if you want open-air hot springs facing the sea. It sits on a small island off Katsuura and you arrive by a short boat transfer. You can soak in seafront baths and also reserve private open-air baths for extra privacy.
Hotel Tenzankaku Kaiyutei in Shirahama is ideal if you want an in-room open-air bath with continuously flowing hot spring water. Rooms blend Japanese-style elements with larger Japanese–Western layouts, often oriented toward ocean views. Dinner plans feature multi-course Japanese cuisine served on site.
Kirinosato Takahara is a great choice in the mountains of Tanabe, right by the Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi route). It offers shared indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and a calm setting to unwind after the trail. Rooms keep a Japanese feel with tatami touches while still offering Western-style beds.
Natural Hot Spring Inn Choseian focuses on natural hot-spring bathing and describes itself as a true source-fed property with free-flowing baths. You can use the inn’s communal baths and also access the larger day-use bath facility across the road. Meals highlight kaiseki-style dining with local seafood and Kumano beef.
Ryujin Onsen Marui Ryokan is a classic stay in the Ryujin hot-spring area, surrounded by mountains and set in a calm riverside atmosphere. Its onsen is served in a large all-hinoki indoor bath with separate bathing areas. Dinner typically features handmade seasonal dishes using local mountain and river ingredients, often served in-room or in a private space.