Shirahama Coganoi Resort & Spa

Your First Visit to Nanki-Shirahama

I’d been wanting to visit Nanki-Shirahama for a long time. I stayed in Osaka the night before and made a Reservation for the Limited Express Kuroshio. I’d called ahead and was told the pool and Onsen could be used from 2:00 p.m., even before check-in, so we headed there. It was very lively, with many families with small children. It was my first time in a deep open-air bath where you can stand, and walking around felt like water-walking in a pool. The building is old, but the view from the Room was amazing. Since it’s fan-shaped, I think every Room probably has an ocean view. I got great photos of Hotel Kawakyu (both in the evening and in the morning). Dinner was a two-seating buffet; we made a Reservation for 5:00 p.m., but there was already a line before it opened. It was packed, and it was tough to line up at the buffet while holding a baby or to go get food without bumping into elementary school kids running around. I kept worrying someone might get splashed with hot soup if we collided. We enjoyed sushi, salt-grilled ayu, abalone, and more. For breakfast, the freshly made onigiri (with salmon that I think was grilled on the spot) were delicious—much better for easing congestion than having everyone serve themselves rice. Overall we were satisfied, but one thing: I wish they would add more Shuttle Service buses timed to match the limited express train schedule. That’s probably why most guests are families arriving by car.