Around Minakata Kumagusu Memorial Museum × Stays Popular For SunsetsHighly rated for customer service and hospitality at Hotel·Ryokan

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.

It was a very satisfying trip to Shirahama. This Accommodation is in an excellent location, close to Shirarahama Beach. The Room was thoroughly cleaned, and we were very satisfied. We love Onsen, so we were happy with the large public bath here. The food was delicious as well. All the staff were attentive and helpful—thank you very much. It was an Accommodation that exceeded its price. We were also blessed with good weather and could relax at our leisure. It’s an Accommodation that makes us want to come again.

It was our first visit, and we are truly grateful for the relaxing, delicious, and pleasant time that exceeded our expectations. The Hotel staff were all very friendly and attentive, and we are so glad we chose to come here. The scenery was stunning, and the amenities, cuisine, a

This was our third stay, and the free-flowing Onsen with no added water is outstanding. One of the highlights is being able to relax together as a couple in the private bath. Breakfast was delicious both to look at and to eat, and we were completely full. The parking lot is spacious, the location is great, and we love the views from the Room—Shirarahama Beach, sunsets, and more. We’d like to visit again when we can find the time.

We stayed from the 15th to the 16th. The hospitality and service were outstanding, and everyone’s smiles were wonderful. The ocean is right in front of you, just a short walk away, and the view was amazing—almost like Hawaii. Dinner was delicious, and the breakfast buffet was exc

The room was clean, spacious, and very comfortable for my parents as well. The meals were visually stunning and delicious, allowing us to enjoy a relaxing time together as a family. It became an unforgettable trip filled with wonderful memories for all of us. We would love

The view from the window was breathtaking, and we were able to enjoy a truly luxurious time. The sunset in particular was stunning—better than we had imagined. We would definitely like to stay again.

We stayed in Building D, which is pet-friendly. Everything was spotless and very comfortable. There’s honestly nothing to criticize, so here are a few tips to help you enjoy your stay even more. Jacuzzi / Open-air bath / Pool: 　Bringing a swimsuit is recommended. Stink bugs (currently a large outbreak): 　It’s helpful to bring sticky tape for removal. Bakery: 　There’s a great bakery nearby. Amenities: 　High-quality POLA amenities are provided, so you only need to bring the basics. To fully enjoy it: 　You’ll probably want to stay two nights. Appliances: 　Most appliances are available, but there doesn’t seem to be an air fryer (probably). Shirarahama Beach: 　It’s just under 2 km away—slightly far. Dogs aren’t allowed on Shirarahama Beach, which is disappointing, but the beauty of the beach is amazing.

We stayed with our children and grandchildren to celebrate my husband’s 60th birthday. Not only was the Facility beautiful and wonderful, but all of the staff were kind and greeted us with warm smiles, which made our stay very pleasant. Thank you very much. However, our grandchildren got extremely excited and were quite noisy during meals, so if we made other guests uncomfortable, we sincerely apologize… To everyone who stayed on the same day—sorry! Our grandchildren seemed to have a great time as well, and our whole family was very satisfied with our stay… We’re sorry—and thank you again. It was a Hotel we’d want to visit again and again.

We stayed one night in the Modern Japanese Suite for our 2-year-old child’s birthday. The building, service quality, and food were all outstanding. Just as rumored, the impressive architecture, interiors, and many artworks felt extraordinary and were a joy to take in. The Room was also wonderful—the bay view was beautiful, and the clean, simple design made it very comfortable. The bath area was very spacious, with lounge chairs throughout where you could relax. Drinks were available inside as well, making it a bath you could happily stay in for hours. The changing room was kept clean too, with staff frequently replacing towels. In particular, the open-air bath at the large public bath on the first floor was surrounded by nature and truly excellent. And true to its name “King’s Buffet,” the selection was abundant and everything was delicious. The dinner steak and the seafood rice bowl at breakfast were of a quality you wouldn’t expect from a buffet—we were extremely satisfied. Because it was our child’s birthday, they took commemorative photos in the lobby at check-in and gave us printed photos at check-out. We were deeply impressed by their hospitality as well. It was a truly wonderful one-night stay. This is a Hotel we would definitely love to stay at again. Thank you very much.

I also went for an esthetic treatment—the therapist’s hands were truly amazing. I sincerely want to come back for another session. The advice on how to massage myself, insights into my current condition, and our fun conversation were all fantastic. There was also a nearby shop s

Although a typhoon was approaching and it looked like rain, it didn’t rain much, and we were able to see a wonderful sunset from the restaurant. The view from the large public bath was also amazing. The meals, made with ingredients from Wakayama, were all delicious. It was disapp

Being able to enjoy a variety of alcoholic drinks during dinner was amazing! I was especially happy to have a Nagisa Beer server. The Room was spacious, clean, and comfortable. I also appreciated the free massage chair. There are many stairs to the large public bath, and even more to the panoramic open-air bath. It might be tough for elderly guests. However, the view and the hot spring water are wonderful, so I definitely recommend going.

The breathtaking horizon and the infinity pool were just as expected. The tatami-matted floor by the window was perfect for lying down and relaxing while enjoying the sunset from the room. Dinner was served on a tray, and though the portion was slightly modest, I wished I cou

Dinner was very delicious. I wish breakfast had included items like an Onsen egg. The staff were also very friendly, and I would like to stay here again.

Walking barefoot on the tatami-covered floors throughout the facility felt wonderful. The room and bath were clean and well-maintained. We received matching handkerchiefs as a couple to celebrate our anniversary, which made us very happy—thank you so much! Upon arrival, we

The Room and Facility are slightly old, but the layout was satisfactory. The large public bath and breakfast buffet deserve five stars. It would be perfect if there were additional outlets on the side. Great value for money!

The Facility is old, but it is kept very clean. We stayed in a Room with an open-air bath, and the veranda has a slatted floor, so you don’t have to worry about it being wet after bathing—it’s a very well-designed layout. I enjoyed using the open-air bath many times. Despite the good amenities and the convenient location right in front of Shirarahama Beach, it was reasonably priced. My wife liked it very much as well, so I think we will visit again.

It was very clean and comfortable! The meals were delicious, and we had a pleasant stay. Please note that the toilet and washbasin are located outside the Room, and bathing is available only in the large public bath (15:00–23:00), so it may not be suitable for those who want a morning bath or shower. There is an ice machine and a microwave on the floor. Also, the refrigerator includes a freezer compartment, which was helpful for freezing ice packs.

All staff are very helpful and respond kindly, accommodating even special requests with flexibility. The Room is clean, the location is convenient, and this Accommodation comes highly recommended.