Watase Onsen Hotel Yamayuri

8.6
Excellent
(201 reviews)

45-1 Hongucho Wataze, Tanabe, Wakayama 647-1733, Japan

+81 735-42-1185

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Hotel Description

Yamayuri Onsen Hotel

Watase Onsen Hotel Yamayuri, located at 45-1 Hongucho Wataze, Tanabe, Wakayama 647-1733, Japan, is a charming hot spring hotel that offers a serene escape for travelers seeking relaxation and cultural enrichment. Nestled along the scenic Yomura River and conveniently positioned off National Route 311, the hotel is just 4 kilometers from the sacred Kumano Hongū Taisha Shinto shrine, making it a perfect base for exploring local attractions. The hotel's design reflects a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern comfort, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to unwind.
The hotel features modest yet comfortable rooms, each thoughtfully equipped with essential amenities such as minifridges, satellite TV, and kettles. Some rooms are adorned with tatami floors and include sitting areas, as well as traditional short-legged dining tables with cushions, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an authentic Japanese experience. The overall ambiance of the rooms is designed to promote relaxation, making it easy for guests to recharge after a day of exploration.
Watase Onsen Hotel Yamayuri boasts a range of special amenities that set it apart from other accommodations. The highlight is its indoor and outdoor communal baths filled with natural hot spring water, providing guests with a rejuvenating experience surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. The hotel also features a cozy lounge area, a souvenir shop showcasing local crafts, and an informal restaurant serving delicious meals made from fresh, local ingredients. Complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking enhance the value of the stay, while additional services like bike rentals, massages, and a convenient shuttle service to the train station make it easy for guests to explore the surrounding area.
Accessibility is another strong suit of Watase Onsen Hotel Yamayuri, with various public transport options available nearby. The hotel is approximately 11 minutes on foot from Wataze, and several other transport hubs are accessible within a short walking distance. For those arriving from afar, Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) is about 3 hours and 14 minutes away by taxi, while Nanki-Shirahama Airport (Kumano-Shirahama Resort Airport) is just 1 hour and 16 minutes by taxi, making it convenient for both domestic and international travelers.
The hotel is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its guests, adhering to strict hygiene protocols. Regular cleaning of common areas, the availability of hand sanitizers, and trained staff contribute to a secure and comfortable environment for all visitors.
Guests at Watase Onsen Hotel Yamayuri will find plenty of activities and cultural experiences in the vicinity. A short journey takes you to the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, where visitors can delve into Shinto traditions and admire the serene surroundings. The nearby Yunomine Onsen and the historical Oyunohara complex are must-see attractions, while the breathtaking Nachi Waterfall, known as the tallest individual waterfall in Japan, is a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts.
Dining options abound near the hotel, with several recommended restaurants within a short distance. The nearby ときわや offers traditional Japanese cuisine, while Okage-san Izakaya serves delicious izakaya-style dishes. For a more casual dining experience, the gastropub 『オープンデッキ』 おとなしの郷 レストラン & ガストロバー is an excellent choice. Mori no Sato Miruriina and きっちん also provide varied dining options that showcase local flavors and culinary delights.
In conclusion, Watase Onsen Hotel Yamayuri extends a warm invitation to all guests to experience its tranquil atmosphere and exceptional offerings. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a cultural journey, this hotel serves as a perfect starting point for your unforgettable Japanese getaway.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Stunning views of Yomura River create a tranquil environment.

2. Natural hot spring baths are available for rejuvenation.

3. Convenient shuttle service to the nearby train station.

4. Traditional tatami rooms equipped with modern amenities.

5. Close proximity to significant cultural landmarks and shrines.


7.8 Very Good

Location rating

Top sights

Kumano Hongu Taisha
6 min
Yunomine Onsen
7 min
Oyunohara
6 min
Nachi Waterfall
1 hr 5 min
Tsubo-yu
7 min

Nearest locations

喫茶 こぶち
3 min
ときわや
4 min
Okage-san Izakaya
4 min
『オープンデッキ』 おとなしの郷 レストラン & ガストロバー
5 min
Mori no Sato Miruriina
7 min
きっちん
7 min
ミヤズシ
7 min
hongu Garden
7 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in14:00
Check-out11:00
Location rating7.8
Nearest airportNanki-Shirahama Airport (Kumano-Shirahama Resort Airport)
Travel time to airport1 hr 16 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Sun, Nov 17
Check-out: Mon, Nov 18
    Bluepillow.com

    $266

    goseek.com

    $395

    Vio.com

    $395


Location

45-1 Hongucho Wataze, Tanabe, Wakayama 647-1733, Japan

Airports:

Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport)

Taxi: 3 hr 14 min

Transit: 5 hr 3 min

Nanki-Shirahama Airport (Kumano-Shirahama Resort Airport)

Taxi: 1 hr 16 min

Transit: 2 hr 59 min

Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Taxi: 2 hr 35 min

Transit: 4 hr 2 min

Transit:

Wataze

Walking: 11 min

Shogenomine

Walking: 16 min

渡瀬温泉

Walking: 6 min

Kushitoge-guchi

Walking: 19 min


Nearby locations

7.8

Very Good Location

Facing the Yomura River, this down-to-earth hot spring hotel off National Route 311 is 4 km from the Kumano Hongū Taisha Shinto shrine.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Parking & transportation

Parking

Transfer

Local shuttle

Public bath

Public bath

Natural onsen

Open air bath

Private bath

Accessibility

Accessible

Wheelchair rental

Food & drink

Restaurant

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

Rooms

Air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

9.0

75 reviews

Wonderful
46
Excellent
24
Good
2
Below Average
2
Not Good
1
Cover Image for まあ

まあ

4/5
Anyway, the food is delicious.The waiter was also kind and we had a fun meal.The room is old but clean.A family bath is recommended.There are multiple locations, so it's fun to visit the hot springs.The suspension bridge is also a small attraction.

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hhh bbb

5/5
On the first day after walking the Kumano Kodo, I stayed at this hot spring hotel. The food was very good, the service was super good, and the hot springs were very comfortable!

Cover Image for 丸衞裕治

丸衞裕治

5/5
The large public bath, family bath, and meals were all perfect.We will use you again.

Cover Image for mina

mina

5/5
Stayed on a meal plan. I stayed in a Japanese-style room with a bed.Especially for dinner, there are so many items that you won't be able to finish them all. Very satisfying content♪The private bath was spacious, and the adjacent open-air bath was quite large.

Cover Image for ワンパンマンサイタマ

ワンパンマンサイタマ

5/5
I eat a lot (^_^;)I was hungry and tried dinner and barely finished it.Hot springs are interesting, and family baths are probably more suitable for couples.There are no convenience stores nearby, so it's better to buy alcoholic beverages far in advance.By the way, you need a recreational fishing ticket for amago, eel, and sweetfish in the river in front of the hotel.Eel and sweetfish cost 3,300 yen, single amago is 2,200 yen, and there is no need to take bait for oyster, dace, haya, etc. Even if you were lucky enough to catch a mackerel, if you were to take it home with you, you might be fined for 2,200 yen.If you happen to catch a mackerel while bait fishing, there is no problem as long as you release it.The unfortunate thing this time was that the Kumano River was muddy due to water discharge.The tributaries are clear streams.

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W

5/5
You may be wondering why this hotel rates so highly given the rooms are very typical. I have now tried Yunomine's Aduyama, Kawayu's Midoriya, and this one. All have unique highlights. This one started with my wonderful experience started with the check-in as the gentleman was patient in translating and asking many questions to make sure I was set for my stay and departure. He kindly arranged a taxi for my next day hike to Nachi from Koguchi, and arranged bento with the chef. My room overlooked the river and bridge. Dinner was excellent including wagyu and multiple courses served in their dining room overlooking the river. The highlight were the outdoor onsens, the enormous public onsen and the largest private onsens I have experienced in Japan, apparently the largest onsen facility in Western Japan!

Cover Image for さすらいの武士モノノフ

さすらいの武士モノノフ

5/5
Good hot water, good food, good peopleEverything about Watarase Onsen is good.My regular lodging, Yamayuri.Ah, foreverMay you be healedAmong the inns in Hongu Onsenkyo, the quality of the hot springs, quality of the food, and hospitality are all top-class, and Hotel Yamayuri is an inn that is affiliated with Home Center Konan and has very good cost performance.

Cover Image for TOSHIE “チビシュナ” ICHIKAWA

TOSHIE “チビシュナ” ICHIKAWA

5/5
Yamayuri is closer to a family bath.I use it all the time. The food was just right for my husband and a lot for me, who doesn't eat much. Since the family bath is open-air, the skin-beautifying bath was very moist and I took my time in it without worrying about the time.

Cover Image for Mark OB

Mark OB

2/5
We had hiked 22km in freezing rain and light snow, so our great disappointment is probably coloured by this plus it was chosen for us as other cheaper options were full. As the most expensive hotel of our entire 4 week trip we were excited.Instead it seemed like an classic old hotel which had not moved on from the 1970s.No staff had any English, no signs with any English so it's still clearly a traditional Japanese onsen hotel with no interest in foreign tourists.Once you realise $450/night still means no shower or bathroom in your room or even in the hotel, you learn you have to walk 50m down the street in 0° to the onsen and showers. Nice but in no way exceptional onsen. Choose between public (segregated) baths with lots of pools and simple fast food available outside, or the private outdoor pools (which you can share with a partner)Our first Kiseki banquet was an awkward and embarrassing fiasco. No explanation or warning that all they offer is the full multi-dish option when we only wanted something warm and simple. No staff explained what went with what, nor what we were eating though I think they managed not too roll their eyes in front of us.I'm sure it ought to have been a culinary treat, but it was a waste of time and money with no explanation, no welcome and no choice ruined by the lack of any assistance or explanation or warmth.Breakfast was the same deal.For old school Japanese onsen fans it's probably lovely. For walkers or foreigners, save considerable $$ and go elsewhere.The futons were the most uncomfortable we have experienced so far and the lobby carpet is unbelievably kitsch and garish.It's best feature is it's near the bus stop!

Cover Image for Griffon Lee

Griffon Lee

5/5
Watase Onsen is the smallest settlement among the three hot spring areas nearby. There are basically only three hot spring hotels. I am the only foreigner staying there. The uncle at the front desk speaks English very well and gives detailed introductions to all aspects. Even though I am the only one there, he also helped with the arrangements. The hotel's shuttle bus took me to the Kumano Kodo.Do you really want to experience the local culture in an open-air hot spring with only Japanese people? The old man used a bath towel to shake his body, etc. After taking a bath, he came in and got a bottle of coffee and milk as usual. (anime influence)The hotel provides public soup and private soup (for family use). I simply made a private soup on the morning of my departure and thought it was quite good.The meals at the open-air hot spring (curry udon + parent-child donburi) are okay, and the Japanese breakfast in the hotel is delicious. Why are other people’s meals so delicious?