10 Best Ryokans in Wakayama

Just south of Osaka, Wakayama Prefecture is a scenic destination home to gorgeous beaches, lush forests, and abundant onsen (hot springs). Historically a center for Japanese spirituality, travelers can explore ancient shrines and temples, hike pilgrimage trails, and unwind afterward at a local ryokan (Japanese inn) to experience the epitome of hospitality.

Right on the coast, Hamachidori no Yu Kaishu is a resort-style ryokan with scenic ocean views. The property offers a variety of rooms, including those with stylish Japanese designs, chic Japanese-western mixes, and a separate cottage with a warm, home-like feel.

While some rooms include adjoining baths, be sure not to miss the beautiful communal baths featuring panoramic views and unique designs. For added relaxation, there is also an on-site spa offering rejuvenating treatments. Dining is superb, with kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) menus crafted from flavorful ingredients, such as locally caught seafood, for an unforgettable experience.

Hotel Urashima Resort & Spa near Katsuura is an expansive ryokan offering a range of amenities for fun and relaxation. Spend your days exploring trails, fishing, singing karaoke, and more. The on-site hot springs are exceptional, featuring a couple of unique baths, including a semi-outdoor bath nestled in a natural cave and an indoor bath with a waterfall.

The resort also offers a variety of room options, including comfortable western-style rooms and traditional Japanese accommodations. With buffet dining that lets guests sample a variety of local dishes, this stay is the perfect choice for any traveler.

For those who prefer a classic ambience, Kishu Shirahama Onsen Musashi is an excellent choice. Overlooking Kanayama Bay, this elegant inn offers spacious rooms with tatami mats and wood accents, along with expansive terraces and some with en-suite hot spring baths.

On site, guests can enjoy healing massages, karaoke, ping pong, a tea lounge, and more. The property also features indoor and open-air hot spring baths, filled with specialty water from the historic Shirahama Onsen, believed to have healing properties. For dining, visit the buffet for a taste of global cuisine; those staying multiple nights can upgrade to the kaiseki dinner on the second night.

Imagine a trendy hotel combined with the tranquil atmosphere of a ryokan, and you have Shirahama Key Terrace Hotel Seamore. Pick from rooms in a traditional Japanese style or a fresh, minimalist design, each thoughtfully outfitted with amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

While there’s plenty to explore nearby, guests who prefer to stay on site can relax in onsen baths, a spa, sauna, gym, pool, and more. For dining, there is a buffet with over 80 menu items, a restaurant serving premier seafood cuisine, and sushi. Afterwards, fruit-filled cocktails await at the bar.

A charming ryokan in Tanabe, Yunomine Onsen Yunominesou is an idyllic hideaway perfect for escaping the city. The inn exudes a home-away-from-home vibe, with friendly staff and cozy Japanese-style rooms offering beautiful views. Guests can enjoy onsen, indoor and open-air baths, ping pong, a karaoke room, and other amusements.

For those seeking cultural immersion and adventure, explore the local trails or take an eight-minute drive to the Oyunohara Sanctuary. To top it off, the inn offers a variety of meal plans with mouthwatering Japanese cuisine, prepared with top ingredients like Iwashimizu pork.

Right on the banks of the Oto River, just 10 minutes from the historic Hongu Taisha Shrine, Kawayu Onsen Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya is a relaxed yet elegant ryokan with a lot to offer. Rooms vary between traditional, tatami-lined Japanese-style and western designs, with optional features like adjoining baths.

Enjoy relaxing on-site amenities like massage chairs or the karaoke rooms, then head to the natural onsen baths for a refreshing soak overlooking the river. Dining options are numerous, featuring a buffet-style option and a mini-kaiseki course that includes wagyu beef, sashimi, and more.

With its spectacular ocean views and peaceful location, Wakayama Kada Onsen Seaside Hotel Kadakaigetsu is an ideal choice for travelers looking to unwind. Enjoy the scenery from the stylish rooms, which feature a mix of Japanese and western designs, along with cozy furnishings and ample space.

The property offers beautiful open-air stone baths with scenic views with waters purported to have skin-beautifying properties. Be sure to check out the on-site restaurant where guests can indulge in mouthwatering Japanese cuisine, including kaiseki meals featuring wagyu beef and seasonal sashimi.

Only a quick walk from Shirarahama Beach, Shirahama Onsen Hotel Sanrakuso is a delightful inn that delivers on its promise to provide guests with an unparalleled experience. The rooms are available in handsome Japanese and western designs and feature numerous amenities to ensure every need is taken care of.

Soothe away your troubles in the on-site onsen, including private ensuite baths and communal open-air and indoor options, each uniquely designed to promote relaxation. With plenty of exciting local attractions, fantastic amenities, and excellent Japanese dining, this inn is a true treat.

Tucked away on the secluded Nakanoshima Island, Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima is the pinnacle of relaxation. The luxurious rooms, decorated in a modern Japanese style, offer plush living spaces and perfectly frame the lush surroundings with expansive windows.

Dining is exceptional, showcasing the best of the region with seasonal menus featuring everything from local beef to seafood, specialty rice, and tantalizing desserts. To top it off, the facilities include a variety of onsen baths, including open-air stone baths with views of the landscape. Afterward, be sure to visit the chic lounge for a cocktail.

A modern ryokan par excellence, Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura offers a unique luxury experience and a prime location, just a quick 10-minute walk from Kii-Katsuura Station. Choose from several impressive rooms, including deluxe suites with adjoining baths and hotel-style rooms with crisp, modern decor.

The facilities include a generous range of amenities, such as a fabulous restaurant serving delicious Japanese cuisine, dishes like Kumano beef sukiyaki hot pot. There is also a fun entertainment lounge, and the true highlight: an assortment of onsen baths, including a unique garden bath with spectacular views.