2-Star Hotels in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

Arrive at JR Shirahama Station and then transfer to the taxi for about 4 minutes. It is very close to Toretore market and can be reached on foot. The rooms are panda-shaped and spacious inside. Dinner and breakfast are buffet style 

We 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.

Милый отельчик в самом центре Коя-сан. До всех главных достопримечательностей рукой подать. Внутри чисто и аккуратно. Сотрудники приветливы, при заселении всё рассказали, показали. Я приехала раньше времени заселения, со мной также у двери стояли две японки, мы звонили в звонок, но никто не выходил. Тогда одна из них позвонила по телефону, тут же прибежал монах, открыл нам дверь, мы оставили вещи и пошли гулять. На следующий день я оставила в холле свои вещи, пошла гулять и забрала их только в 5 вечера. Всё было в порядке, никто их не трогал и не возмущался, что я их там оставила, хотя уже съехала. Комната приятная, с кондиционером, так что я сразу включила его на тепло и спала с включенным, т.к. было прохладно. Из окна был чудный вид на садик, но, полагаю, это не во всех номерах. В душевой порадовало наличие купели, правда я не особо успела в ней погреться, буквально 5 минут, т.к. поздно пришла с вечерней прогулки. С утра, к сожалению, душевая не работает. Вегетарианский ужин и завтрак были вкусные.

Kind of annex of the sister hotel next door. In the annex is an onsen, washing machine and dryer (free to use), vending machines with beer and drinks and noodles. Room is basic. I had a great view on the river. Small balcony, but dirty and no chair. The annex is okay to stay if you are hiking. The best thing is the sister hotel. A great onsen with outdoor bath. Nice souvenir shop with a bit more food. Staff are super friendly and helpful. They also provide bus services (bring and pickup to Hongu Taisha, the other onsen places, the trailhead busstop) which you can use! Just call them if you want to be picked up. I did not realize Kawayu Onsen is a very small place with NO supermarket. If you did not book breakfast (served at the sister) bring your own into town or eat instant noodles. There are 2 small restaurants with delicious local food.

Great place to stay. We liked the on-property Onsen, bakery, and common kitchen space. We did not have a dog but enjoyed that it was dog friendly. We took the short walk to the beach and visited restaurants, shops, and nature views on foot also. We took the bus to Adventure World and saw some great animal shows.

Location 10/10: in close proximity to the railway station, bus station convenience store. They have parking spaces, for cars and bikes. also kind of close to the town center, where the restaurants are and the store are. Staff 10/10: friendly and welcoming, tried their best to explain the how things works. facilities Basic facilities, toilets are abundant, clean. Sinks are clean. individual room, with AC, and TV, there's a drying wire in the room, where you can pull out a nylon wire to the other side of the wall and hang your towels or clothing. there's an actual onsen, very cool, although, in my opinion, it closes fairly early, travellers should plan ahead when they want to try it out.

The hotel is very nice and still feels brand new, with a great location close to Kii-Tanabe Station. The staff were friendly, the check-in process was fast, and the room was very clean and comfortable. The laundry facilities, ice machine, and vending machines were all excellent. We also appreciated the free breakfast and complimentary coffee/tea in the afternoon. This hotel is highly recommended and perfect as a starting point for the Kumano Kodo journey. One suggestion would be to offer breakfast earlier or provide breakfast boxes for hikers starting early in the morning. Highly recommended, and we would definitely stay here again.

Here’s a polished review you can use: --- The room is clean, cozy, and quiet — perfect for a relaxing stay. The bed is very comfortable, and the air conditioner works great with options for both cooling and heating. I especially enjoyed the bathtub, which was really nice. The staff are very helpful and speak good English, making check-in and communication smooth. A simple breakfast of toast and coffee is included, like the orange jam! The location is convenient, just a short walking distance from the main train station, and there’s even a free foot spa nearby — a lovely bonus! Overall, a very pleasant stay. Highly recommended.

As I write this review, my thoughts are overflowing. I recall all my experiences in Japan, the diverse people I met, and the fun I had with friends. I don't know what to write; perhaps it's just my personality—not good with words. But I enjoy quietly caring for others. First, I want to thank Mr. Yamamoto for his warm hospitality. I greeted this gentleman in my limited Japanese, knowing only a few phrases. I wanted to say something, but my language skills are limited, which is a pity. Meeting is truly fate. I don't know if I'll meet my landlord again in Japan, but I think I will if I return to Shirahama. As the saying goes, ”Though the room is humble, its virtue is fragrant,” and it is this traditional tatami that carries on a long-standing culture. I don't know what kind of work I'll do in the future, or whether I'll be happy, but during my time in Shirahama, I experienced what true life is. If you'd like to experience Japanese tatami, I think you should choose this guesthouse. There's also a hot spring, but unfortunately, my leg was injured, so I couldn't soak. That's a regret, but life is like that—there are gains and losses. That's all for now. Wishing you good health, all the best, and a harmonious family.

Actually great amenities which are not really listed but you’ll get towels, slippers and pyjamas. They have toiletries by the reception. There is a small onsen as well! Check in is only from 5 pm but you can leave your luggage at the reception downstairs