Around Santanbe Cave × Highly rated for dining at Hotel·Ryokan

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!

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.

From the Room balcony, we had a panoramic view of Shirahama Beach, the ocean, and the town—an unbeatable location. The Room was spacious and truly relaxing. The Hotel itself was lovely, and having a nice smoking room was a real plus for smokers. In the evening, we enjoyed delicious cocktails at the bar counter, and with live piano music it made for a wonderfully comfortable time. The view from the large public bath was also amazing—you can look down over the sea, and the ocean breeze felt incredibly refreshing. Dinner was an Italian course meal and everything was delicious. The breakfast buffet was great too, with both Japanese and Western options. The Hotel also has a pool and a gym, and it’s close to Shirahama World Safari and golf courses—perfect for families with children as well as golf lovers. It was such a wonderful Hotel that we’ll definitely want to visit again.

We requested a birthday cake for our three-year-old grandchild at dinner. Since it was a buffet, it was difficult to coordinate the timing for all seven of us to be seated, and the staff were incredibly helpful. Two female foreign staff members kindly sang “Happy Birthday” and took lots of photos for us. Our whole family was truly moved. Thank you very much. We also really enjoyed the pool. Best of all, we could use the Onsen towels at the pool as well, and being able to spin-dry our swimsuits in a simple dehydrator was a huge help. The view from our Room was amazing too. Our three-year-old grandchild even cried after we got home, saying they didn’t want to go back home, so I think they had an amazing time. We would love to visit again in summer. Thank you very much.

All the staff were very kind. My family of three stayed in the Room “Engetsu,” and it was spacious enough. The bath and dining area were on the same floor, so access was excellent. The bath was fully stocked—not only shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, but also facial cleanser, makeup remover, toner, and lotion—and the water had a wonderfully silky feel. The meals were outstanding as well. We enjoyed a relaxing sea bream feast in our Room. They even included beer as a complimentary service, and we were truly impressed by their thoughtful attention to detail. We had breakfast in the dining area; there was a great variety of side dishes, and everything was delicious too. When I visit Shirahama again, I would definitely like to stay at Akariya again.

We stayed here to enjoy swimming at Shirarahama Beach. Before check-in, they let us use the changing room and paid lockers, and we reached Shirarahama Beach in just a few minutes on foot. They also have an air pump for float rings, of course. After swimming, we could rinse off the sand with the outdoor warm-water shower and then head straight to the Onsen, which was great. Both the Room and the Facility were clean, and there were free drinks available throughout the property—we enjoyed them after bathing and while waiting for the elevator. The plum soda was delicious. The buffet had a wide variety of options and everything was tasty. It was also nice that freshly cooked steak and tempura were brought directly to our table. Since our buffet time slot was later, we were able to go see the sunset at Engetsuto Island before dinner. Even after checkout, they offered parking for 1,000 yen, and told us we could use the paid lockers—and even use the baths after 2:00 PM—so it was wonderful to be able to enjoy an Onsen after coming back from the beach before heading home. If you’re going swimming at the beach, this place is absolutely “Musashi”! It was that good. All of the staff were kind, and it made for a truly great trip. Thank you very much.

We stayed as a family with our pet rabbit. Every staff member welcomed us with warm smiles and kind service, and the female staff at the dining area in particular spoke to our rabbit and took lots of photos for us, so our rabbit was able to relax and feel comfortable. The meals were also filling, with fresh and luxurious boat platters of sashimi, tempura, and more. As it was a Multiple Night Stay, when we returned from going out on the second day, fresh towels, extra trash bags, and replacements such as the kettle and teacups had been prepared for us, which we truly appreciated. We were also very grateful that there was no time limit for bathing. The Onsen left our skin smooth and silky, and even after returning home my skin continued to feel great. There happened to be the Shirarahama Fireworks Festival during our stay, and they kindly told us how to get to the venue as well as good viewing spots, which was very helpful. Since there are only a limited number of Accommodation where you can stay with a rabbit, we’re really glad we found such a wonderful place. We would love to stay again.

I booked this on short notice during an unexpected day off, hoping to take my grandchild to the beach. We arrived around 10:00, and thanks to the front desk staff’s courteous guidance, we were able to park smoothly and proceed through check-in procedures, changing clothes, and luggage storage without any stress. Within an hour, we were already relaxing on the beach. That day, due to Typhoon No. 10, the waves became quite high and swimming was prohibited from 14:00. Even so, with its excellent oceanfront location—and since we could enjoy the pool and park until check-in—my grandchild stayed entertained and was very satisfied. As for the Room, we were upgraded, and through the wide horizontal window we fully enjoyed the privileged feeling of being right on the oceanfront. The staff were pleasant throughout, making it a very comfortable one-night stay.

A typhoon was approaching and the weather looked rainy, but 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 disappointing that we couldn’t watch Netflix or Amazon Prime in the room (the internet didn’t seem to connect) and that the shuttle bus service has been discontinued, but everything else was great. I’d like to stay again. Thank you very much.

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.

Thank you very much for your hospitality. The service was courteous, the Room was clean and spacious, and I was able to do laundry. There was also a desk and chair where I could relax with tea. The bath had a Mirable shower, a jacuzzi, and a mist shower that felt wonderful. I only ordered breakfast in the morning, and the bread was delicious.

Fireworks were scheduled at Shirarahama that day, and while looking for a nearby Hotel, I happened to find availability and made a Reservation for a Room with an open-air bath. The Room was very clean and relaxing, and watching the fireworks right in front of us became a wonderful summer memory. Above all, the staff’s hospitality was outstanding. Everyone was courteous and very kind. I don’t usually write Reviews, but this was such a wonderful Hotel that it made me want to leave one. Next time, I’d like to stay in a different Room as well. I will definitely visit again. Thank you very much.

Before check-in on the first day, we went to Shirarahama Beach. On the second day, we visited Adventure World. On the third day, after checking out, we went to Sandanbeki Cliff, had lunch at Toretore Market, and then headed home. It was a very fulfilling and enjoyable trip. The dinners on the first and second nights were different, so we never got tired of them and enjoyed everything—delicious throughout. The abalone was outstanding! We traveled as three families, and our grandchild was thrilled to be able to use the pool four times over two days—it was so much fun. It was truly wonderful. The café coffee was very good as well; we used it both days.

I finally got to experience this Accommodation I’d been curious about for a while, thanks to its appealing Instagram posts and high rankings online! In conclusion, it’s a wonderful Onsen Accommodation with a high level of satisfaction that truly lives up to the hype. The food is especially outstanding. At dinner—famous for its boat platter—you can enjoy Kishu-style whale dishes, along with a lineup of carefully prepared courses. As for the Onsen, it was a bit disappointing that every bath felt too hot to fully relax in, but you can still enjoy thoughtfully designed baths, including an open-air bath where you can feel the sea up close. I’m glad I found an Accommodation I’d love to return to in another season.

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.

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.

The staff’s warm and attentive service left a lasting impression on me. The buffet menu and the bread were very delicious. I would love 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’ve been staying here every year—this year makes it about 10 years. It’s a Hotel where both children and adults can relax, just as always. The food is always so delicious it amazes us, and it’s truly enjoyable! We’ll be back again next year with our whole family!