Around Tenjinzaki × Flower-Viewing AccommodationHighly rated Hotel·Ryokan for Onsen and bath

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. There was only one reason I came to Shirahama: To stay at Kuroshio Sou. When people think of Shirahama, many picture the sea and resorts. But what I found here was Wakayama itself. What moved me most at this Accommodation was not only how outstanding the food was. It was Head Chef Etani’s exceptional skill, and his deep respect for the producers who support every single dish. Fishermen. Farmers. Brewers. Roasters. And the artisans who continue to protect Japan’s fermentation culture. The moment I saw the map of producers introduced alongside the meal, I understood what this Accommodation truly values. Through the cuisine, you encounter not only ingredients, but also the people behind them and Wakayama’s climate and character. I was especially impressed by how delicious the soy sauce and Kinzanji miso were at dinner. When I asked about them, I learned they were from Horigawaya Nomura—a producer with over 350 years of history that still preserves traditional craftsmanship using firewood-heated iron kettles—making both their soy sauce and Kinzanji miso in that way today as well. I had originally planned to visit a different soy sauce brewery, but heavy rain made it impossible. Sometimes, the places you cannot reach end up guiding you to the story you were truly meant to find. For me, Kuroshio Sou was exactly that kind of place. The wonderful Onsen gently healed not only my body, but my mind as well. The quiet comfort throughout the building, Chef Etani’s cuisine, and the hospitality of all staff— together they quietly express this Accommodation’s philosophy in everything it does。 As a former chef from Tasmania, there is something I felt deeply: True hospitality is not just serving delicious food; it is helping guests connect with the people and culture that sustain a place。 I now have one more reason to return to Wakayama。 Thank you again from my heart.

This was my second stay this year because I particularly enjoyed the food last time. Originally a bank's retreat, the compact front desk and building layout reflect its history. There is no greeting upon arrival, luggage assistance, or farewell service (you carry your luggage to the third-floor front desk yourself and leave on your own). However, I appreciate the stunning ocean view from the hilltop location and the cozy atmosphere with only 10 rooms. The Onsen features a 78-degree natural hot spring source, with a slightly small but pleasant open-air bath and high-quality massage chairs. This time, I stayed in a Western-style room near the elevator that was added later; it was spacious, clean, and had comfortable beds. The only downside was that the sink and toilet were adjacent without separation—though it did provide an open feel upon reflection. Dinner could only be enjoyed at the restaurant (unlike last time when in-room dining allowed for more relaxation), which was disappointing as wearing loungewear is not permitted—I would have preferred to dine in a relaxed atmosphere in loungewear. Starting February next year, dinner times will shift to two seatings; however, I hope they maintain flexibility like now where you can choose every 30 minutes. The food met expectations—delicious despite not using particularly expensive ingredients—with intricate sauces and beautiful presentation that truly felt like fine cuisine. Breakfast also offered plenty of variety and quality. Before dinner at the lounge, I ordered Royal Milk Tea which was so delicious that I ordered it again in the morning while enjoying an elegant atmosphere with ocean views through large windows. A staff member kindly offered to take my photo during this time while explaining distant scenery details—a friendly gesture that elevated my impression of this accommodation’s overall service level. Its convenient distance from Osaka makes me want to visit again!

We stayed as a couple. The Room and all Facilities were clean and comfortable. Both dinner and breakfast featured seasonal dishes, all delicious and generously portioned. Above all, the hostess was friendly and fun. We even received a souvenir (seasonal manju) when we left. This trip became a wonderful one for us.