Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya

The hostel offers great value for money, providing a comfortable stay with a convenient location right next to the bus station. The booking initially included both breakfast and dinner, but upon arrival, we were told that only breakfast was provided. However, after discussing with the reception, they got approval from their supervisor to honor the original package, which was appreciated. A Chinese-speaking receptionist was available, making communication much easier for those who speak Mandarin. Overall, the hostel is budget-friendly, comfortable, and easily accessible, with helpful staff ensuring a pleasant stay.

The staff were utterly wonderful. Nothing was too much trouble and they didn’t bat an eyelid when we wanted 3 pillows each instead of one! This hotel is huge. Catering for walkers who often only pass through for one night on their way to the next walk along the Kumano Kudo trail. They made a fuss of everyone even if you’re only there briefly. We were there for 3 nights and were treated like royalty by our last night. We opted for a western style room which I think was a mistake. These rooms are tired and in need of a big makeover. Worn out bathrooms and bedding.. the Japanese rooms looked much more up to date. We were half board and I have to say that despite the cafeteria type restaurant with awful strip lighting the food was absolutely delicious. Always some sashimi waiting for you and a little pot to light and cook. Yourself plus a buffet with everything you could wish for. Unfortunately breakfast was very disappointing. Hardly anything for westerners and the bits that were were not good. But all in all it was a great hotel and I would recommend it.

Amazing onsen facilities which include an outdoor riverside onsen overlooking a dense forest. The room (we stayed at the Japanese style room) was very specious and comfortable. Definitely an ideal location for nature appreciation and recharging the soul.

The outside onsen right next to the river with a wide open view of a mountain forest was my favorite onsen in our 5 week trip to Japan. Cotton cover ups are provided for the mixed gender outdoor onsen, so me and my partner could enjoy together an onsen for the first time. The hotel shuttle picked us up from the Hongu Taisha bus stop after our Kumano Kodo trek, so it was nice not have to navigate a bus ride. We didn't have cell phone access, so the hotel instructed us to ask the tourist office to call the hotel they were happy to do so. Shuttle not available from 12:00pm to 1:00pm

This ryokan is very nicely located on a river bank, across from a mature forest. Offering a view to admire is very Japanese, and so, its onsen extends on the river bank. This is where it gets messy : read below.