KUMANO TRAVEL

Guesthouse Okagesan is a historic house in the Wataze Onsen area of Hongu about 10 minutes walk from Watarase Onsen.  The house is the birthplace of Yamamoto Genpo, and important local figure. The building has all of the features of an authentic Japanese mountain home with an open, airy concept of pillar and beam construction.  The floors are covered with tatami mats, and rooms divided by sliding fusuma doors.  There is an irori hearth and in the kitchen is an old-fashioned kamado rice cooking stove built into the floor.  Okagesan is run by the charismatic Mr. Shirai who has a contagious, booming laugh.  He is originally from Tanabe, spent time in Tokyo and then moved to Hongu to open a Yakitori chicken skewer restaurant.  This popular restaurant is near the guesthouse and is the check-in/check-out reception site for the guesthouse.

Guesthouse Modorizenoyado is a renovated private rental house in the Wataze area of Hongu about 30 minutes walk from Wataze Onsen and 15 minutes walk from Yunomine Onsen. The owners embrace "Health Tourism," while providing a relaxing, rejuvenating stay experience with the option of body care and conditioning service for tired hikers who recently walked the Kumano Kodo. The owner worked in the United States as a certified athletic trainer for professional and college sports athletes. Recently he and his wife moved from Kyoto to live in the natural surroundings of the Hongu area. They hope to share that refreshing atmosphere with their guests. The guest room and living space are airy, comfortable settings, and there is a free kitchen for use. In addition, guests can opt for special "body care and conditioning" in the inn's exercise room, which was once a stable for cattle. Those interested in the conditioning program should apply when booking.

Many guests often say, "I wish I had booked another night'' because of the comfort of the inn and hospitality of the owner.

Watarase Onsen is a onsen facility near Kumano Hongu Taisha featuring the largest outdoor hot spring baths in western Japan.   Hotel Yamayuri is the middle end building located on the banks of the Yomura-gawa river. A suspension footbridge links Hotel Yamayuri to Hotel Sasayuri.   There are a diversity of communal and private baths next to Hotel Yamayuri, so guests can enjoy the Japanese bathing culture in a relaxed, personal atmosphere; perfect for couples and families!  The surrounding verdant mountains offer green vistas from every angle.   Meals are Japanese style made with fresh ingredients served in the dining room with river views.

Watarase Onsen is a large onsen facility near Kumano Hongu Taisha featuring the largest outdoor hot spring baths in western Japan.  Hotel Sasayuri is the higher end building set on the winding Yomura-gawa river.  A suspension footbridge links Hotel Sasayuri to the other areas of the resort.  There are a diversity of private baths in Hotel Sasayuri and across the river in the main public onsen area. So guests can enjoy the Japanese bathing culture in a relaxed, personal atmosphere; perfect for couples and families!  The surrounding verdant mountains offer green vistas from every angle.  Meals are Japanese style made with fresh ingredients served in the lofty dining room.

NOTE:
Three of the five men's public open-air onsen baths of Watarase Onsen will be closed for renovation from July 1, 2024, until about the end of 2025. Hotel Sasayuri onsen baths will not be affected, only the public baths.
We apologize for any inconvenience.