Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri
Spacious tatami room with low table, floor cushions and two beds at Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri, Wakayama
Spacious indoor onsen bath with wooden ceiling and stools at Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri, Wakayama, Kansai
Spacious carpeted lounge with upholstered seating, wooden beams and chandeliers at Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri, Wakayama
Warm wooden lobby bar with counter seating and hanging lanterns at Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri Wakayama
Green lawn and traditional wooden ryokan exterior at Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri in Wakayama, Kansai, Japan
Japanese room with tatami seating, twin beds and low table at Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri, Wakayama
Long wooden communal tables with round seat cushions at Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri in Wakayama

Watarase Onsen Hotel Sasayuri

8.7
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.7/10, based on 41 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 2:00 PM
Mountain Setting Riverside Location Hot Spring Town Quiet Village Public Onsen Open-Air Bath
Staff 8,9/10
Facilities 8,9/10
Cleanliness 8,6/10
Comfort 8,4/10
Value for money 8,1/10
Location 8,7/10

Ryokan highlights

A hot spring ryokan in Tanabe’s Hongucho Wataze area known for major open-air bathing and easy Kumano sightseeing.

Huge Open-Air BathsKnown for one of western Japan’s largest rotenburo hot spring bath areas.
Private Bath ChoicesEight reservable private open-air baths add flexibility for couples and families.
Kumano BaseWell placed for exploring the Kumano Hongu area and nearby onsen spots.
Seasonal Kaiseki MealsJapanese multi-course meals with seasonal ingredients are a frequently promoted highlight.
River-and-Nature SettingQuiet natural surroundings by the river create a calm, retreat-like atmosphere.
Reliable HospitalityService quality is repeatedly emphasized, supporting a comfortable traditional stay.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen is the strongest stay driver here: arrive by afternoon, use the baths before dinner, sleep early, then visit Kumano Hongu Taisha or nearby onsen areas the next day. A second night only makes sense if you want a slower Kumano pace or combine shrine visits with another local onsen stop.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-2 night onsen and Kumano Hongu area stay, not as a long regional base.

Know before booking

Remote settingThis is in the Wataze/Watarase Onsen area near Hongu, not an urban sightseeing base. Dining and convenience options nearby are limited.
Public bath changesThe large public outdoor bath complex in the onsen area has had renovation-related closures, so bath variety may be lower than expected.
Bus-dependent logisticsWithout a car, timing your arrival and departure matters. It works best when matched carefully to Kumano bus schedules.

Food & drinks

Verified Watarase Onsen ryokan with seasonal kaiseki and breakfast on site, plus a few useful dining stops in the wider Hongu area.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Ryokan meal venue for seasonal kaiseki and breakfast.

  • Seasonal kaisekifoodMulti-course Japanese dinner.
  • Hot spring rice porridgefoodLocal-style rice porridge breakfast.
  • Breakfast setfoodTraditional Japanese morning meal.
  • Seasonal ingredientsspecialtyChanges with local produce.
Cafeteria (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Simple meal stop in the Watarase Onsen area.

  • Set mealsfoodCasual hot dishes and rice.
  • NoodlesfoodQuick Japanese noodle options.
  • Soft drinksdrinkBasic refreshments.
Kumanoco Shokudo (nearby)
nearbyabout 10 min drive

Popular Hongu area restaurant with local ingredients and drinks.

  • Local ingredient platesfoodJapanese meals using regional produce.
  • Vegetarian optionsfoodUseful for mixed dietary needs.
  • Craft beerdrinkLocal beer available.
  • Lunch and dinnerspecialtyGood non-ryokan meal option.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Watarase Onsen area near Hongu, so the most practical access is usually by bus or taxi from major JR stations rather than on foot from any rail stop.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A strong pick for travelers who want a relaxing hot-spring stay in the Kumano Hongu area with easy access to Kumano Kodo sightseeing. It is especially appealing for bath lovers, but it suits people seeking a quiet rural onsen base more than those wanting nightlife or urban convenience.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Excellent onsen varietyThis property is part of Watarase Onsen, known for a very large open-air bath area plus private reservable baths, so the bathing experience is broader than at a typical small ryokan.
  • Great base for Kumano HonguIt is in the Hongu area of Wakayama and sits about a 10-minute drive from Kumano Hongu Taisha, making it practical for pilgrimage sightseeing and Kumano Kodo walkers.
  • More comfortable room styleHotel Sasayuri is positioned as the more upscale lodging within the Watarase Onsen complex, with many Japanese-Western style rooms rather than a purely traditional setup.
  • Peaceful riverside mountain settingThe hotel stands in a natural, quiet onsen area surrounded by forested mountains and river scenery, which gives the stay a calm retreat feel that suits rest-focused trips.
  • Useful shuttle for walkersThe property offers free shuttle service, which is especially helpful for guests arriving for Kumano Kodo walking or moving between local hot spring areas without wanting to drive every leg.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Remote without a carThe hotel is in a rural onsen area, so getting there is slower and less flexible than staying near a train station or city center. Travelers relying only on public transport may find the logistics inconvenient.
  • Not a boutique ryokan feelWith around 30 rooms and a broader hot-spring complex shared across the Watarase Onsen facilities, it can feel more like a resort-style onsen hotel than an intimate family-run ryokan.
  • Big bath works may affect ambianceThe official site notes long-running work affecting part of the large open-air bath area, so some guests may not get the full flagship rotenburo experience they expected.
  • Limited evening options nearbyThe appeal here is relaxation, not strolling a lively onsen town. After dinner, there are few outside entertainment or dining choices in the immediate area.
  • Less ideal for pure luxury seekersWhile comfortable and scenic, this is not the kind of ultra-luxury ryokan known for private in-room baths, highly personalized service, or elaborate design-driven exclusivity.

Ranking around this ryokan in Wakayama

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Current position: 31st out of 59 ryokans in Wakayama.

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