Hotel Urashima

  • Breakfast & dinner
  • Forest views
  • High-end onsen
  • Japanese garden views
  • Mountain views
  • Onsen
  • Onsen for couples
  • Onsen for families
  • Open-air bath
  • Private onsen
  • Private onsen in the room
  • Sea views

Overview

Hotel Urashima stands along the rugged coast of the Kii Peninsula in southern Wakayama, offering you one of Japan’s most unique onsen experiences. The resort sits inside a mountain, houses two natural cave baths, and features panoramic ocean views. You won’t just stay here—you’ll explore.

Ride a boat named “Urashima Maru” to the entrance, climb Japan’s longest escalator, and discover four connected buildings, each with distinct views and character. Whether you travel for relaxation, adventure, or spiritual renewal along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, Hotel Urashima gives you an unforgettable base.

Accommodation

Hotel Urashima includes four wings: Sanjo-kan, Nissho-kan, Nagisa-kan, and the Main Building. You can choose from Japanese-style rooms, Western rooms, hybrid spaces, or suites with private outdoor baths. All rooms include traditional yukata, toiletries, Wi-Fi, and ocean or town views.

Sanjo-kan: Perched 80 meters above sea level, this is the highest-ranked building at the hotel. Suites here offer open-air baths and commanding views of the Pacific Ocean or Katsuura Bay.

Nissho-kan: Enjoy close access to the cave bath Genbudo and views of the endless horizon.

Nagisa-kan: Overlook Katsuura Bay and town. This wing is near game rooms and shops.

Main Building: Convenient for dining and access to the iconic cave bath Bokido. It offers the most affordable rooms with sweeping town and bay views.

Dining

Taste the flavors of the Kumano region through three distinct dinner styles:

  • Buffet: Kumano Cuisine – Savor seafood, locally raised meats, organic vegetables, fruits, and regional sauces. Everything is served buffet-style for casual enjoyment.
  • Buffet + Main Dish – This option includes a main plate made with local ingredients, served alongside the buffet.
  • Kaiseki Course – For a refined experience, the head chef prepares a full-course meal using fresh tuna, seasonal fish, and vegetables from the region.

Breakfast features a wide selection of local favorites. Try rice with specialty eggs, ochazuke (tea over rice), side dishes made from local produce, and plenty of desserts.

Onsen and Wellness

Hotel Urashima sits atop ten hot spring sources that pour out over 21,000 liters of mineral-rich water every minute. The water temperature is about 50 °C and flows straight from the earth into the baths without dilution or reheating.

Here’s where you can soak:

  • Bokido (Cave Bath) – Named by a feudal lord who claimed it was so relaxing you’d forget to return home. This grand cave bath opens directly to the Pacific Ocean. Let the sea breeze and crashing waves surround you.
  • Genbudo (Cave Bath) – Experience nature’s artistry in this cave carved by time. Feel your stress wash away in this mysterious, echo-filled chamber.
  • Taki-no-Yu – Listen to the sound of a natural waterfall as you soak and think of nearby Nachi Falls.
  • Hamayu-no-Yu – Like the beach flower it’s named after, this bath helps you bloom with beauty and strength.
  • Iso-no-Yu – Watch the tide and listen to waves. The bathwater color changes with the weather, and the water is especially good for healing.
  • Yoho-no-Yu – Soak in views of Nachi Mountain, Katsuura Bay, and the town below. As the sun sets, watch the landscape shift from gold to twilight.

The spring water is mildly alkaline and full of minerals. It helps with joint pain, neuralgia, skin conditions, and recovery from fatigue.

Guests with Tattoos

Please remove all jewelry before entering any bath. If you have tattoos, contact the hotel in advance to confirm use of public bathing areas.

Facilities

Hotel Urashima offers everything from family activities to peaceful gardens:

  • Karaoke Rooms and Bar – Sing with friends or enjoy drinks while unwinding after dinner.
  • Game Corner – Play classic arcade games and claw machines with family and friends.
  • Fishing Area – Cast a line into the bay. Rental gear available.
  • Massage Corner – Choose a body or foot massage and feel your energy return.
  • Observation Deck (Noroshiyama) – Get a 360° view of Kii’s mountains, the Pacific, and Katsuura’s skyline.
  • Nature Trail – Walk through forests and seasonal flowers on your way to the observatory.
  • Space Walker – Ride Japan’s longest escalator (77 meters tall!) from the Main Building to Sanjo-kan in under 6 minutes.

Shops and Souvenirs

  • Lawson Convenience Store: Open daily for snacks, drinks, and essentials.
  • Main Gift Shop: Find Wakayama specialties, local crafts, and hotel-exclusive items.
  • Handicrafts & Folk Items: Explore handmade moss balls, local art, and traditional gifts.

Activities

Hotel Urashima runs seasonal events, such as:

  • Summer Festival Nights – Join in lively evening games and food stalls.
  • Hot Spring Light-ups – Bathe in cave spas as lights dance across the walls.
  • Stamp Rally Adventures – Complete challenges around the property to earn rewards.

Access

Hotel Urashima sits near Kii-Katsuura Station, a gateway to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails.

  • From Nagoya, Kyoto, or Osaka (Train)
    • Take the JR Kisei Line to Kii-Katsuura Station
    • Walk or take the hotel’s shuttle to the Urashima Ferry Terminal
    • Ride the Urashima Maru boat to the resort entrance
  • By Air
    • From Kansai International Airport or Nanki-Shirahama Airport, take the train or drive to Kii-Katsuura Station
  • By Car
    • From Osaka or Nagoya, drive down the Kii Peninsula via the Hanwa or Kisei Expressways

Hotel Urashima – Address

📍 1165-2 Katsuura, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama, Japan, 649-5334

Ryokan Location on the Map

📚 Information collected by Mari Ryu.

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