Overview
Hotel Kawakyu brings you into a world of elegance and indulgence along the shores of Shirahama in Wakayama. This unique spa resort invites you to slow down and enjoy every moment. Surrounded by sea, history, and healing waters, you’ll find a peaceful space where natural beauty and thoughtful service create the perfect retreat.
Accommodation
At Hotel Kawakyu, every room is a suite. Look out over the calm waters of Tanabe Bay from your private space, designed with refined elegance and subtle themes that change from one room to the next.
The Presidential Spa Suite gives you direct access to an open terrace and your own natural hot spring bath, stretching across up to 247 square meters. You can breathe in the sea air and unwind while enjoying complete privacy.
The Presidential Maisonette Jacuzzi Suite offers European-inspired grandeur, with a private spa area and luxurious design across two floors. If you’re traveling with a pet, the Maisonette Pet Suite welcomes your furry companion in comfort and style.
Other options include the Tower Suites, Royal Suites, and Modern Japanese Suites, each offering different blends of Western and Japanese style interiors. Some suites include traditional tatami rooms or additional space for families or groups of up to six.
No matter which suite you choose, you’ll enjoy ocean views, plush Simmons mattresses, and thoughtful touches like 100% cotton bathrobes, fine cosmetics from Dr. Ci:Labo, and sound systems for a calming atmosphere.
Dining
You can experience fine dining throughout your stay at Hotel Kawakyu. Choose from several in-house restaurants, each offering carefully crafted dishes that showcase ingredients from Wakayama and across Japan.
At the King’s Buffet, chefs prepare meals in front of you, bringing energy and freshness to each dish. This grand buffet includes specialties from Hokkaido and Kishu, all arranged in a colorful and luxurious setting.
For a quiet, refined experience, the Isola BeLLa serves French fusion cuisine in a space decorated with Moroccan-inspired details and hand-carved woodwork.
If you’re in the mood for seasonal Japanese dishes, dine at Hassen, where local produce becomes the highlight of multi-course meals and à la carte offerings. Shikishima offers private dining rooms with sea views and elegant art, ideal for a peaceful meal away from the crowds.
Yugen, open late into the night, provides comforting dishes like soba, udon, and Wakayama ramen in an atmosphere wrapped in golden Kyoto imagery.
Breakfast is served at the King’s Buffet, and all dining areas are non-smoking.
Onsen and Wellness
Soak in centuries of tradition at the Shirahama Hot Springs, one of Japan’s oldest and most respected. Hotel Kawakyu’s Royal Spa and Forest of Eternity baths offer you an experience shaped by nature and heritage.
You can enjoy open-air and indoor baths with views of the ocean or lush greenery. The spa includes special features like silky baths, lie-down baths, saunas, and a living-room style lounge where you can rest with a drink or ice cream after bathing.
The waters, rich in sodium, chloride, and hydrogen bicarbonate, are known for helping with fatigue, skin issues, arthritis, and more.
If you’re seeking even deeper relaxation, visit the Re-quie Esthetic Salon. Choose from traditional Balinese massage, aromatherapy with personalized essential oils, body scrubs, or reflexology. Each treatment uses quality ingredients and techniques designed to balance body and mind.
Guests with Tattoos
If you have tattoos, you can still enjoy the baths. For privacy and comfort, you may prefer the private spa areas or the bath in your suite.
Facilities
Hotel Kawakyu’s facilities reflect thoughtful design and timeless comfort. The Imperial Lounge, available exclusively for Presidential Suite stays, includes light snacks, drinks, fine tableware, and a panoramic view of the sea.
Enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Meeting rooms are available for those combining business with relaxation.
The hotel also has an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, and sauna, all overlooking the bay. The pool uses ozone sterilization for a safe and refreshing swim.
Activities
Step outside the hotel to explore Shirahama on foot, or go fishing at local spots known only to seasoned travelers. You can also visit the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route, just 90 minutes away by bus.
Whether you’re admiring the coastal beauty, walking through historic paths, or simply watching the sunset from your room, you’ll find that every activity centers on slowing down and reconnecting with the natural world.
Additional Features
- Free shuttle service from JR Namba (OCAT)
- About 10 minutes from Nanki-Shirahama Airport
- Private lounges for top-tier suites
- Luxurious interiors with original furniture and artwork
- Simmons mattresses and original cotton linens
- In-room Bose audio and large-screen TVs
- Dr. Ci:Labo cosmetics and premium toiletries
- Pet-friendly suites available
- Late-night dining options
- Seasonal views of the bay and forest from many areas