Hotels With Spa in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

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.

The location is super convenient, with a direct train from Kansai Airport right to the hotel entrance. There's a supermarket and restaurants downstairs, and Wakayama Castle is just a 10-15 minute walk away, along with some highly-rated local restaurants. The rooftop open-air bath was a highlight; I went every evening – it was incredibly relaxing and comfortable.

It was my first experience of Japanese hot springs and I enjoyed it a lot. First of all, I'd like to thank a male staff who met me during check-in. He welcomed me warmly, explained all the details of my stay and helped to carry my bag to the room. Unfortunately, the female personnel wasn't that much friendly the next day when I asked for some help with my luggage. The rooms have a splendid view of a forest and a river, old style Japanese but with some modern facilities. The meal aren't a traditional Ryokan type but are still quite enjoyable with sushi and wagyu beef as a starter. In general, I can say it's a mix of traditional Japanese and moredn western style hotel in one. If you're lucky and avoid the days when the hotel is crowded you'd be able to enjoy the river view from the onsed in quiet. Unfortunately, the water in the outdoor wasn't as clear as I expected. But the rest was just amazing.

We had a lovely stay at this hotel. Checking was fast and easy. They have a lovely Indoor & outdoor Onsen in their hotel. Probiotic Yacult drinks and a variety of ice cream are free to consume at different timing.  The complimentary Ramen from 9:30pm to 11pm is a real treat with bamboo shoot and a quarter of Japanese egg, the clear broth is not too salty but flavourful. The breakfast spread is good with both Japanese and western dishes. Definitely a good stay for this area. Highly recommended.

It is a wonderful resort hotel. free flow of wine and drinks. Excellent for fam5with small kids as the breakfast is no doubt kids favourites.The room is very big and nice withe Excellent Seaview 👍

We took the bus from Kiidanabe Station Just drive to the opposite of the hotel As soon as you enter the hotel, you can smell the fragrant woody smell Although the hotel has many years of history But still keep it clean The highlight of this hotel is its buffet dinner and buffet breakfast It takes several days to eat all the food. There are so many styles, and they are all delicious. There is also a buffet with all-you-can-eat BBQ Super appreciated

The Marriott's location is superb. It's about a 2000 JPY taxi ride from Shirahama Station, which is very convenient. Shirarahama Beach is just a five-minute walk away. The view of the beach from the 11th floor is exactly like something out of Detective Conan! We enjoyed the hot springs in the evening and morning. The garden view room offers a perfect, front-row seat for watching the sunrise. The hotel staff were incredibly warm and provided excellent service. We had a perfect Goddess Festival, listening to the melody of the Pacific Ocean and savoring fresh tuna. I absolutely love Nanki Shirahama!

This was the most satisfying and cost-effective hotel among my seven trips to Japan. Arriving early and unable to check in, I stored my luggage on the first floor; the process was simple and easy following the instructions. Transportation: The hotel offers a free shuttle bus to JR Kushimoto Station, generally coinciding with the arrival times of the Limited Express Kuroshio. The driver will help with luggage. Additionally, the Kushimoto sightseeing bus stops at the hotel entrance. To take the community bus, it's about an 8-minute walk to the B&G Marine Center. The first-floor lounge area offers a variety of complimentary drinks, beer, and draft beer, along with unlimited snacks, from 3 PM to 5 PM. The view overlooks the hotel's outdoor swimming pool and the Pacific Ocean. From 5 PM to 10 PM, everything else continues except for beer. The mountain view room is very large, over 30 square meters, although the facilities are slightly outdated. There's a shop selling Wakayama souvenirs on the first floor. Finally, I must mention the onsen (hot spring). While there are no private baths, the public bath is very large, and the water temperature is similar to home bath water. The large public bath also has a door leading to the outdoor hot spring. After soaking in the hot spring, you can go to the outdoor lounge to have tea and popsicles. The lounge area is also very spacious and comfortable.

room and onsen is clear and comfortable lobby staff told me the starting dinner time is wrong but at last they special to remake the dinner food for us (5 persons) we're so happy about their staff service very nice and helpful we will choose this hotel again

The view is stunning, but taking the bus to Oura Station means you have to drag your suitcases up a bit, or catch the 6:00 PM shuttle bus from Shirahama Station. It's worth checking the shuttle bus schedule beforehand; the last one seems to be around 5:00 PM. The bathroom facilities are a bit dated, but the other services are good. With fewer Chinese tourists, it's mostly Japanese families with children. The indoor pool is a bit small, mostly occupied by the children. The breakfast was okay and filling, a typical hotel buffet, but they do offer mentaiko and tuna. On the way back, the hotel booked a taxi to the airport, which took 10 minutes. It's a bit far from Shirarahama, Senjojiki, and Sandanbeki, so it's best to get a timetable and have change ready if you're taking the bus.