Watarase Onsen Hotel Yamayuri - Hongu

3-star family-friendly onsen hotel with some of Japan's best-rated open-air baths in Hongu

Onsen & Wellness

Watarase Onsen Hotel Yamayuri offers highly rated open-air baths that are acclaimed as some of the best in Japan. The hotel provides four private onsens accessible with the room key, each large enough for 5-10 people. Guests can also use the large public outdoor bath at the Yamayuri building, with a souvenir shop and restaurant at the entrance.

Accommodations

The ryokan has Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, shared bathrooms, and air conditioning. Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, electric kettle, and safety deposit boxes. Family rooms are available, and the hotel provides yukatas and slippers for accessing the onsens.

Dining

The on-site restaurant serves local cuisine for lunch and dinner, with a traditional kaiseki multi-course dinner and breakfast included in half-board plans. The cafe at the public bath side offers beer, ice cream, and izakaya-style food. The hotel also has a vending machine for drinks and snacks.

Location & Shuttle Service

Watarase Hotel Yamayuri is located 3 miles from Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine and offers a free shuttle service to the Hongu Information Centre or Hosshinmon-oji. The hotel provides free private parking and an electric vehicle charging station. Direct access to hiking trails in the Kii Mountain Range is available from the property.

Family-Friendly Amenities

The hotel caters to families with spacious family rooms and children-friendly meals in the restaurant. Coin laundry machines are on site, and the hotel can arrange luggage shuttle delivery to the next destination. Safety deposit boxes in rooms and a lift make stays convenient for all ages.

• Onsen: Four private and one large public outdoor bath, rated among Japan's best
• Rooms: Japanese-style tatami rooms with family-sized options
• Dining: Kaiseki dinner and breakfast; cafe with beer and izakaya snacks
• Location: 3 miles from Kumano Hongu Taisha, direct Kii Mountain Range trail access
• Transport: Free shuttle to Hongu Information Centre; free private parking; EV charging
• Family: Kids menus, coin laundry, luggage transfer service