Katsuura is a very peaceful, quiet seaside town. The hotel's location is a bit awkward; it's about a ten-minute walk from Nachi-Katsuura Station. Taking a taxi doesn't feel worth it, and buses seem infrequent. Walking with luggage is a bit strenuous. The streets were so quiet that all we could hear was the sound of our suitcases being dragged, adding a touch of 'noise' to this small town, announcing to the residents: guests have arrived. The hotel is located at one end of the town, a five-minute walk from the marine torii gate. The hotel rooms are very spacious, featuring tatami mats, and you need to make your own bed. The room faces the sea with no one opposite. Opening the curtains and lying on the tatami is very relaxing. The hotel's hot spring isn't large, with both indoor and open-air baths, and it wasn't overly crowded. Overall, the service was good. Both breakfast and dinner felt quite ordinary. The restaurant across from the hotel (pictured in image three) was excellent; the owners are young, enthusiastic, and speak a little Chinese. There are also several other good restaurants in town.
The hotel is conveniently located just 100 meters from the train station, and the Kansai Airport limousine bus stops right downstairs. There's a large shopping mall directly below the hotel, with plenty of dining options nearby. There was a minor issue with my reserved room, but Trip.com handled it excellently. Overall, it's a very good hotel.
This onsen hotel in Shirahama-cho, Wakayama Prefecture, is primarily renowned for its breathtaking 'ocean view hot springs.' Boasting open-air, mixed-gender baths directly facing the Pacific Ocean, the panoramic views are truly spectacular, and the experience of soaking in the springs with the sea right in front of you is unforgettable—a timeless signature feature. Additionally, the hotel offers several 'kashikiri-buro' (private hot springs) that require queuing for a key, adding an option for more private bathing.
However, in other aspects of the experience, the hotel generally falls short, failing to fully match the grandeur of its views:
• **Mediocre Service**: Compared to the meticulous and heartfelt 'omotenashi' (hospitality) typical of traditional Japanese ryokans, Haishu's service feels more process-driven and standardized. While the staff are polite, they lack proactiveness, giving it the feel of a large resort rather than a cozy private inn.
• **Many Elderly Guests**: The hotel is very popular among older tourists, which contributes to a lively and mainstream atmosphere, lacking some of the tranquility and elegance one might desire. If you're seeking a quiet getaway for two, you might find the environment a bit noisy.
• **Unremarkable Dining**: Reviews for both dinner (kaiseki cuisine) and breakfast, included in the 'one night, two meals' package, are generally 'average.' Although local specialties (like Kishu plums and Kumano beef) are highlighted, the actual taste and presentation are only mediocre. It's worth noting that it's 'not as bad as some online comments suggest,' falling within an acceptable range, but it doesn't offer any surprises and falls short of the dining standards found in top-tier onsen ryokans.
**Summary**:
If you're going solely for the stunning ocean-view hot springs, Haishu is definitely worth a stay—the natural scenery there is unparalleled. However, if you have high expectations for service details, dining quality, or a quiet atmosphere, this hotel might only offer an 'average' experience, and you should adjust your expectations accordingly.
We arrived in Kii-Katsuura by express train from Shirahama in just under 2 hours in the morning. After getting off the train, we stored our luggage at the station (¥800/locker) and immediately took a sightseeing bus to Nachisan (¥630). We visited the grand waterfall, had a bowl of udon noodles by the street (¥600), and then hiked up to visit the Three-Storied Pagoda. After descending, we took the bus back to the JR station. Dragging our luggage, we walked for 7 minutes to catch the hotel's boat to the island (boats depart every 20 minutes after 3:10 PM). Check-in at the hotel was done via machine. We stayed at the Sankan building. On the way, we walked past the cave onsen with our luggage and took the elevator straight up to the 32nd floor, where we had a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. After all the hiking, we changed, grabbed our towels, and enjoyed the cave onsen♨️. Before our 6 PM dinner reservation, we rushed to the Noroshibashi Tunnel on the 33rd floor to catch the sunset. Dinner was a semi-buffet with a wide variety of delicious options😋. The next morning, we put on all our clothes at 5:30 AM to capture the sunrise. After breakfast and a short rest, we took the large escalator downstairs, stored our luggage (free of charge), and at 9:20 AM, we took the boat back to the pier. We checked out the fish market and then headed to the bus stop. A new day of travel had begun…
The room was very spacious and had no strange smells. The hotel staff even helped move our stored luggage into the room and provided complimentary snacks and water, which was a very thoughtful touch! The TV showed the occupancy of various public areas, which was super considerate. The hot springs were also very comfortable, with good ambiance and cleanliness. After a dip, they offered popsicles, which was a nice treat. There were two large bookshelves nearby where you could pick out your favorite manga to read, and right outside was the massage chair area – absolutely perfect! In the evening, they offered free late-night noodles that were quite tasty, and there was a self-service drink bar. The breakfast buffet had a wide variety of choices, and I even got to try local specialty sushi, which was a unique experience. There was an electronic scale at the stairwell for weighing luggage, which was very convenient. I'd love to visit again if I get the chance!
I cannot recommend Candeo Hotels Nankai Wakayama enough! Its super convenient, just a few steps to the JR/Nankai lines and if the trains take too long to come, a few more steps and you're at the bus interchange! The service staff is awesome, room is huge and breakfast is yummy! The coin laundry is super affordable but there's only 2 washers & 2 dryers so to avoid ”peak hour”, better start early or go late. Its on the same floor as the baths and oh my God, the outdoor bath at night in winter is awesome!
I was very satisfied with this hotel.
The front desk staff's English wasn't great, but communication was no problem. They were very attentive in explaining the onsen opening hours and even helped me book a two-day bus trip from the hotel to Kii-Katsuura JR station.
The hotel lobby provides yukatas (light cotton robes) in different styles and sizes; outer garments and obi (sashes) are in your room.
The moment I opened the door, it felt wonderful. This time I booked a traditional tatami room with a bathroom, facing the sea, on a high floor. The view was fantastic. Remarkably, the tatami room had no unpleasant odors.
There are two onsen: one outdoor and one indoor (but there's also an outdoor onsen). Soaking in it once a day was very comfortable. During the Spring Festival, it wasn't crowded; tourists and locals were about equal. I booked a one-night, two-meal package. The front desk lets you choose your dining time. My first dinner was scheduled for 8 pm, but when I arrived, they didn't check, and there weren't many people dining. The food was just average, nothing particularly amazing.
The hotel is situated at a secluded corner of Wakayama prefecture. It is much preferable to drive here rather than relying on the infrequent hotel shuttle. Public transport is otherwise non existent.
There are no restaurants around the hotel. However the hotel provides delicious meals with abundant fresh seafood. The in room dining experience is superb. The hotel staff service is impeccable.
The room has a spectacular sea view allowing you to see the sunset on clear days. The onsen also faces the sea which provides a relaxing experience.
A downside is that the hotel does not seem to sanitize the slippers for indoor use. All hotel guests had to change to their slippers to access their indoor facilities.
Facilities: Simple, practical, and well-maintained across the board.
Cleanliness: Good.
Environment: The hotel is conveniently located near Wakayama JR Station, with plenty of shopping and dining options nearby.
Service: In my personal opinion, the service at this hotel is the best among the many comfortable hotels I've stayed at in Japan. A special shout-out to the lady who speaks Chinese – she was very kind and helpful. Thank you!
We later stayed at Taoya in Nachikatsuura, and Shirahama-so definitely offers superior value for money. The location is also excellent, with the beach right outside the lobby. The half-board meals (dinner and breakfast) were delicious; I personally prefer the exquisite Japanese-style set meals.
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GGuest UserThe hotel's location is excellent, making it very convenient to get to all the main attractions. The surrounding scenery of the hotel itself is also beautiful, and the facilities offer a great experience. While the dining options are quite varied, the Japanese cuisine isn't among the best, and the ingredient selection is just average. There are some seafood restaurants nearby that can offer a good alternative.
Cchiaki7I was very satisfied with this hotel.
The front desk staff's English wasn't great, but communication was no problem. They were very attentive in explaining the onsen opening hours and even helped me book a two-day bus trip from the hotel to Kii-Katsuura JR station.
The hotel lobby provides yukatas (light cotton robes) in different styles and sizes; outer garments and obi (sashes) are in your room.
The moment I opened the door, it felt wonderful. This time I booked a traditional tatami room with a bathroom, facing the sea, on a high floor. The view was fantastic. Remarkably, the tatami room had no unpleasant odors.
There are two onsen: one outdoor and one indoor (but there's also an outdoor onsen). Soaking in it once a day was very comfortable. During the Spring Festival, it wasn't crowded; tourists and locals were about equal. I booked a one-night, two-meal package. The front desk lets you choose your dining time. My first dinner was scheduled for 8 pm, but when I arrived, they didn't check, and there weren't many people dining. The food was just average, nothing particularly amazing.
AAIcyanThis onsen hotel in Shirahama-cho, Wakayama Prefecture, is primarily renowned for its breathtaking 'ocean view hot springs.' Boasting open-air, mixed-gender baths directly facing the Pacific Ocean, the panoramic views are truly spectacular, and the experience of soaking in the springs with the sea right in front of you is unforgettable—a timeless signature feature. Additionally, the hotel offers several 'kashikiri-buro' (private hot springs) that require queuing for a key, adding an option for more private bathing.
However, in other aspects of the experience, the hotel generally falls short, failing to fully match the grandeur of its views:
• **Mediocre Service**: Compared to the meticulous and heartfelt 'omotenashi' (hospitality) typical of traditional Japanese ryokans, Haishu's service feels more process-driven and standardized. While the staff are polite, they lack proactiveness, giving it the feel of a large resort rather than a cozy private inn.
• **Many Elderly Guests**: The hotel is very popular among older tourists, which contributes to a lively and mainstream atmosphere, lacking some of the tranquility and elegance one might desire. If you're seeking a quiet getaway for two, you might find the environment a bit noisy.
• **Unremarkable Dining**: Reviews for both dinner (kaiseki cuisine) and breakfast, included in the 'one night, two meals' package, are generally 'average.' Although local specialties (like Kishu plums and Kumano beef) are highlighted, the actual taste and presentation are only mediocre. It's worth noting that it's 'not as bad as some online comments suggest,' falling within an acceptable range, but it doesn't offer any surprises and falls short of the dining standards found in top-tier onsen ryokans.
**Summary**:
If you're going solely for the stunning ocean-view hot springs, Haishu is definitely worth a stay—the natural scenery there is unparalleled. However, if you have high expectations for service details, dining quality, or a quiet atmosphere, this hotel might only offer an 'average' experience, and you should adjust your expectations accordingly.
GGuest UserKatsuura is a very peaceful, quiet seaside town. The hotel's location is a bit awkward; it's about a ten-minute walk from Nachi-Katsuura Station. Taking a taxi doesn't feel worth it, and buses seem infrequent. Walking with luggage is a bit strenuous. The streets were so quiet that all we could hear was the sound of our suitcases being dragged, adding a touch of 'noise' to this small town, announcing to the residents: guests have arrived. The hotel is located at one end of the town, a five-minute walk from the marine torii gate. The hotel rooms are very spacious, featuring tatami mats, and you need to make your own bed. The room faces the sea with no one opposite. Opening the curtains and lying on the tatami is very relaxing. The hotel's hot spring isn't large, with both indoor and open-air baths, and it wasn't overly crowded. Overall, the service was good. Both breakfast and dinner felt quite ordinary. The restaurant across from the hotel (pictured in image three) was excellent; the owners are young, enthusiastic, and speak a little Chinese. There are also several other good restaurants in town.
GGuest UserWe stayed in this lovely family hotel for a night, we opted for room stay with dinner and breakfast. There's no shops or restaurant near by, so highly suggest to choose the stay with meals option, otherwise there's cooking facility within the room also, so I think it's possible to cook your own meal if necessary.
Location - the hotel is just round the corner of the famous Shirasaki Ocean Park, we even had a good view of the park from our room. There's parking space right in front of the hotel building, so it's very handy. We cycled to the Shirasaki Ocean Park then to the hotel, so it worked out perfect. There's a very steep slop going up to the hotel though, but it wasn't an issue for us as we pushed out bikes up.
Facilities - this is a family run hotel which believes was built a while ago, so can't compare it to all those new built hotels. The ”room” we stayed is more like a mini flat, it has a big kitchen, good sized bathroom with changing area, a separate toilet, a living room, bedroom and an extra ”sitting” area. The entire flat is in traditional Japanese style which we loved, and it has all facilities that made our stay comfortable. It also has coined washing machine and driers. We could even access to rooftop on the 4th floor to view the sunset. If you're looking for a quiet place to have quality time, then this is a good place to do so. There's also ”public bath” within the hotel, it's small but wasn't an issue for us. There's also shower and bath in the room also if you want some privacy.
Food - all food was cooked and prepared by the hotel owner, and she's a talented chef! Dinner was impressive, breakfast was standard.
The hotel owner is very friendly and lovely, it's definitely ”the place” to stay if you're visiting the area. We highly recommend it.
CCEL_LI was about to give bad reviews due to some poor check-in experience, but everything after check in is so good that compensates this journey.
First, the check-in process that brings me with bad experience: it is self-served and there is no any staff. By rights you should receive an instruction email with check-in PIN in advance, which I heard from other guests. However, I didn’t receive anything but Trip’s confirmation letter and I was unable to check in. And my sim card in Japan is just an internet card unable to make phone calls, which means I have no way to contact the hotel directly. My partner and I were desperately locked out of the hotel in the evening, after 7h hiking, with no other available hotel in the mountain. After waiting for over 1 hour, other guests helped us to enter the admin room where there is an ipad to call the hotel (why not make it available to guests without checking in?), and with the help of Trip’s agency, we finally checked in successfully.
Then here is the staying experience: so good that makes me almost forgive the poor check-in experience. Each room is a spacious individual house and ours has a garden for BBQ. The food is also self-served, with the cooking stuffs and ingredients in the fridge. It was unexpected that you need to cook yourself (I don’t think it was listed on room info when I booked it), but it’s not bad that Wagyu, chicken, and vegetables are served. The rooms are big and cozy, and you can do the laundry after hiking.
Everything is good about the hotel itself, just be aware of the self-checkin process and make sure you get the instructions before that.
GGuest UserNice view nice place, keep you relax staying in the hotel, free parking right beside the hotel, new experience of dinner with great cheese, and a set of breakfast with unlimited coffee give you refresh in morning. But beware of their dinner time at 5:30 and breakfast time in 7:30 that may different than expected.
TThomasThe hotel is situated at a secluded corner of Wakayama prefecture. It is much preferable to drive here rather than relying on the infrequent hotel shuttle. Public transport is otherwise non existent.
There are no restaurants around the hotel. However the hotel provides delicious meals with abundant fresh seafood. The in room dining experience is superb. The hotel staff service is impeccable.
The room has a spectacular sea view allowing you to see the sunset on clear days. The onsen also faces the sea which provides a relaxing experience.
A downside is that the hotel does not seem to sanitize the slippers for indoor use. All hotel guests had to change to their slippers to access their indoor facilities.
GGuest UserI brought my mother here. Since Shirahama is expensive, we chose to stop here on the way back to Shirahama from Wakayama. We were pleasantly surprised. The sunrise was very beautiful. There is a Japanese-owned western restaurant not far from the hotel. The taste is surprisingly good. The steak is large and the price is low. The disadvantages are also obvious. It is relatively remote. It costs 1,000 yen to take a taxi to Kushimoto Station. The hotel front desk can call a taxi for you.
GGeraldLim1Beautiful Ryokan! The room I stayed in had tatami floors and western beds. The doors slide instead of open outwards like they usually do. Toilets are relatively small, but the shower had great water pressure and temperature! However we did not shower much because.. We showered at the Onsen instead since we were there to spend time! The Onsen is tattoo-friendly as confirmed by the check in staff, and the water really had skin smoothing effects. Yukatas are available at lobby area for all guests, and level two has a restaurant with microwave and ice machine outside for your konbini meals. No view from the room, but that's fine cos the Onsen itself was worth a visit. Steep short hill up to the lobby, but if you drive then that's fine. Free to use outdoor BBQ area, but didn't have the chance to. Rooms were comfy, sleep was good with minimal disturbance. Side note: my underwear got stolen at the onsen and I never managed to find it back again but that's fine cos it was worth the Onsen experience. Stayed two nights here, no regrets, would totally do it again! Oh and Onsen area has got numbered lockers to store your belongings but not your undies!
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