KUMANO TRAVEL

Business Ryokan Shione is a simple hotel with Japanese style rooms and shared facilities, such as toilets and baths.  Meals are served in the first-floor dining room.  It is located on route 42 on the long stretch of Shichirimihama near the mouth of the Shiwara-gawa river, the board between Kumano City and Mihama-cho.  The Kumano Kodo Iseji pilgrimage route runs nearby.  The stony beach is located behind the hotel and small pine forest, a quiet location to enjoy the ocean views and sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.

Umihikari is a hotel on a mountain-side overlooking the Pacific Ocean (famous for its views), just inland from JR Kumanoshi station in Kumano City.  The facility has mixture of Japanese and Western rooms.   There are large communal hot spring baths.  Meals feature local produce and fresh seafood, which are served in the dining room area.  Sightseeing spots such as the dramatic cliffs of Onigajo and Japan's oldest shrine, Hananoiwa are nearby, making it a nice base.  It is also popular for walkers on the Iseji pilgrimage route with shuttle service to/from the Kumanoshi train station.

The Resort Kumano Club brings together the best of the Kumano region: local products, experiences, and scenery.  It is an expansive facility in the low mountains near the Pacific Ocean surrounded by orchards, with a line of mountains in the background.  The location offers a relaxed rural feeling.  The guestrooms and cottages are well designed, many with private outdoor baths.  The executive chef prides himself on highlighting the delicious and subtle elements of the fresh, local produce.  They even produce their own, original handmade jams, salad dressings, etc. You can take it easy or be active, such as renting a bicycle or joining an optional tour; the choice is yours!

Wagaranchi is a classic Japanese building near the JR Kumanoshi train station that was transformed into a guesthouse. 

It is over 100 years old and was originally a traditional Japanese style restaurant.  It is a two story wooden structure, long and narrow.  There are 4 guestrooms: 3 on the second floor and 1 on the first floor. There is a communal kitchen for guests to use. 

There is NO BATH in the accommodation, but a “sento” public bath is nearby. 

Nostalgic antiques are on display from the “Showa” era (1926-1989), with music and paraphernalia from that generation.

Wagaranchi Kai is a private rental house near the Kumanoshi train station across the highway from Shichirimihama coastline, an expansive rocky beach.  Originally part of a minshuku that has closed, this quaint Japanese style home features an exquisite garden.  The entrance to the house is a classic stone wall with wooden gate.  Passing through this gate is like entering a different world, a private portal to an immersive Japanese experience.  Staying multiple nights is common to view the local sites and relax in the garden setting.