Kii Tonda Station × Stays Popular For SunsetsHighly rated for dining 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.

Having seen it on TV beforehand, I was truly impressed by the building and furnishings that reflect the founder's aesthetic sense, as well as the stunning art pieces by Yokoyama Taikan, Hirayama Ikuo, Dali, Chagall, and more. The gold-leaf ceiling and Italian tile floors were abs

The stargazing under a dark sky without any lights was breathtaking—the best starry sky we've ever seen in our lives. Watching shooting stars from the bath was extraordinary; both of us were left speechless and could only keep saying how amazing it all was. We also enjoyed a hea

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

I stayed here for the first time because they offered a Plan where the fish you catch at the fishing pond is served at dinner. I’ve stayed in Shirahama Onsen several times, but there aren’t many places that will cook your catch, so I really appreciated this Plan. Their coordination with the fishing pond was excellent—when we arrived, the application form was already prepared, and we could start fishing right away without bringing anything. They also packed our fish in a foam cooler with ice, and we checked in to the Hotel as-is. At dinner, two of the three fish we caught were prepared as sashimi and fried chicken-style, and we were able to take the remaining one home (thank you very much to the head chef). Our Room was No. 603 on the Royal Floor, with Shirarahama Beach right in front—an unbeatable location. The Room had a table with four chairs plus a sofa, and it was spacious and comfortable. My wife also said the washroom area was large, bright, and easy to use. For those going swimming in the sea, you can go straight from the Hotel out to Shirarahama Beach, so it seems ideal for families with children as well. The Onsen also had an open-air bath; it was spacious with great water quality, and we could relax while looking out over Shirarahama Beach (in the morning it switches to the first floor bathhouse, so there’s no view). Dinner was served in a private room and everything was delicious (if I had to say one thing, the sukiyaki beef wasn’t quite as good), and having our freshly caught fish on top of that made us more than satisfied. For breakfast we chose the buffet; there were plenty of options including Wakayama ramen, which was great. One example of their attentive service: when I almost forgot to pick up our fish to take home at checkout, someone at reception noticed and helped us bring it back safely. If I have another chance, I’d like to stay again with this fishing-pond Plan.

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

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

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 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 stopped by on our way back from visiting a family grave at Mount Koya. This was our second stay, and the Onsen was especially relaxing—we truly enjoyed the ocean view right in front of us. The meals were delicious, and we were very happy with the complimentary drinks service in the lounge that started this year. If we have the chance, we would love to visit again for a third or fourth time.

It was so beautiful and overwhelming—an exquisite moment that looked like it had been captured by a professional photographer. In that instant, I understood why this Hotel was built in this location and facing this direction. The staff were kind and attentive as well—thank you

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

Stayed on March 6. The Room was spotless and very clean. Having a private open-air Onsen bath in the guest room was the best part. We were satisfied with both the quality and quantity of the meals, and it left a strong impression that the owner visited every table and explained everything so carefully, which showed how much passion they have for this Hotel. There was a power outage that night due to lightning, but the staff responded quickly and flawlessly. After power was restored, we were also glad to be able to see the laser message display. Finally, we even got to experience a seaside drive in a Rolls-Royce convertible, making it an extremely satisfying trip. We will definitely return.

It was absolutely amazing! Since we stayed just one night, it flew by, but I’m so glad we decided to rent the whole house! The place is stylish in every way, and there were plenty of towels—so after playing in the pool, we went straight to the Onsen! We could also do laundry, played in the pool again the next morning, and then back to the Onsen! The hot sandwiches included in the breakfast Plan were very filling. We also found the Arita mandarin orange juice that came with breakfast being sold elsewhere as a souvenir, so we bought some to take home. The quality of the meat for dinner BBQ was excellent—tender, juicy, and truly delicious! Meat included in BBQ Plans is often tough and not very impressive, but this one was incredibly good! Next time I’d love to bring friends and definitely 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 was spacious and had a sofa, so we could relax comfortably, and the bath was wonderful—like a stone bath. If I may mention just one thing, since pets are allowed and there is a small garden, it would have been even better if it were fenced so that small dogs could run around. Of course, even without that it was more than good enough! We would love to stay again.

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.

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.