Nakanoshima Island Katsuura Bay
A clifftop hot spring hotel on a secluded island, offering luxurious traditional rooms, ocean-view onsen, and exquisite dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunset views and evening ambiance
Nakanoshima Island Katsuura Bay
Best Time
Sunset views and evening ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A clifftop hot spring hotel on a secluded island, offering luxurious traditional rooms, ocean-view onsen, and exquisite dining.
"This hotel was a wonderful experience at the end of our trip to Japan."
🚢 Scenic Boat Transfer
Enjoy the short boat ride to the island; it's part of the unique arrival experience! ⛴️
🧖♀️ Onsen Comfort
Women can wear provided suits in the outdoor onsen for added comfort. :womaninlotus_position:
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Open-Air Onsen
Island Bathhouse
Soak in therapeutic hot springs with breathtaking panoramic ocean vistas. A truly unforgettable experience.
Traditional Japanese Rooms
Hotel Rooms
Experience authentic tatami mat rooms with comfortable futons and modern comforts like massage chairs.
Gourmet Dining
Hotel Restaurant
Indulge in exquisite multi-course dinners featuring premium ingredients like wagyu beef.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Arrival & Check-in
Embrace the Onsen Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is Kii-Katsuura, Wakayama worth visiting?
Hey all, I'm currently planning a trip to Japan this Spring and am looking to spend a night in a quaint seaside town. After some brief research, Kii-Katsuura looks pretty interesting - I'll be hiking the Kumano Kodo for a couple days, so will already be in the Wakayama…
🚢 Scenic Boat Transfer
Enjoy the short boat ride to the island; it's part of the unique arrival experience! ⛴️
🧖♀️ Onsen Comfort
Women can wear provided suits in the outdoor onsen for added comfort. :womaninlotus_position:
💆♀️ Massage Chair Bliss
Rooms feature massage chairs for ultimate relaxation after a day of exploring. :massage_tree:
🍶 Evening Sake
Complimentary sake is often offered in the evenings, a delightful touch. :sake:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Scenic Boat Transfer
Enjoy the short boat ride to the island; it's part of the unique arrival experience! ⛴️
🧖♀️ Onsen Comfort
Women can wear provided suits in the outdoor onsen for added comfort. :womaninlotus_position:
💆♀️ Massage Chair Bliss
Rooms feature massage chairs for ultimate relaxation after a day of exploring. :massage_tree:
🍶 Evening Sake
Complimentary sake is often offered in the evenings, a delightful touch. :sake:
⭐ Unforgettable Service
Staff go above and beyond to make your stay special, especially for celebrations. :star2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nakanoshima Island Katsuura Bay is lauded for its unique blend of traditional luxury and stunning natural beauty, particularly its ocean-view onsen and exceptional service. Guests rave about the gourmet dining and the serene island atmosphere, making it a highlight for many travelers, especially those completing the Kumano Kodo. Some minor points of improvement could include more massage chairs in the onsen area.
"A truly unique hotel. This is where Bond would have stayed in the 1970s if he came to Japan. It’s sort of super traditional, dated 20th century and luxury modern all at the same time. Massage chairs in the rooms and a futon on tatami mats to sleep. Free sake in the evening. Incredible outdoor hot bath. Highlight of my vacation so far"
Roo O'Brien
"I can't believe this hotel only has a 3-star rating as it is absolutely fabulous. My wife and I stayed for only one night after completing our 5-day walk of the Kumano Kodo and found the hotel to be like heaven on earth. The service and attention to detail were first class. Highly recommended."
Doug Murison
"One of our best Onsen hotel throughout Japan!
Stay there in June 2024, the service is great from the parking to the short boat transfer to the hotel. The room is very beautiful in the island. The onsen is beautiful withe great amenties with nice view along the island. Women can wear the given suit for the outdoor onsen which the upper floor has small grotto and bed where you can lay in the hot water which is nice. Still to little of massage chair provided for the onsen. The dinner course is top notch. Excellent wagyu shabu with extra complimentary beef provided. The beer and ice cream also provided after taking bath. The hotel shop have interesting products to choose. The breakfast is okay with good quality of food. We also booked the dolphins trip with the hotel and have a nice time private kayak tour just not far from the hotel. Great unforgettable experience here!"
Aom Husky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Nakanoshima Island is via a short, frequent boat transfer from Katsuura Port. The journey is scenic and part of the unique experience of reaching the hotel.
Yes, parking is available near Katsuura Port, and hotel staff often assist with luggage from the parking area to the boat.
The boat ride to Nakanoshima Island is very short, typically just a few minutes, offering lovely views of the bay.
Nakanoshima Island is primarily accessible to guests of the hot spring hotel. Day visits may be limited or require specific arrangements.
Katsuura is accessible by train, often requiring transfers from major hubs like Osaka or Kyoto. The journey itself is part of the scenic Wakayama experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your stay in advance, especially during peak seasons, as this unique hotel is very popular.
Standard hotel check-in and check-out times apply, but it's always best to confirm directly with the hotel for specific timings.
The onsen facilities are primarily for hotel guests. Day-use access may be limited or unavailable.
A stay typically includes accommodation, access to the onsen facilities, and often elaborate dinner and breakfast meals.
Yes, the hotel often facilitates booking for local activities such as dolphin tours and private kayak excursions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The outdoor onsen offers stunning ocean views, a relaxing grotto area, and heated beds for lounging. Women can wear provided suits for comfort.
Rooms feature a blend of traditional Japanese elements like tatami mats and futons, alongside modern amenities such as massage chairs.
Guests often report complimentary sake being offered in the evenings, and sometimes beer and ice cream are provided after bathing.
The dining is a highlight, with top-notch multi-course dinners often featuring excellent wagyu shabu-shabu and other premium dishes. Breakfast is also of good quality.
Besides the onsen, guests can enjoy the unique island atmosphere, and activities like dolphin tours or kayaking can be arranged.
📸 📸 Photography
The open-air onsen with ocean views and the scenic boat transfer offer fantastic photo opportunities. The hotel's unique architecture also makes for great shots.
Photography is generally permitted in common areas and rooms, but discretion is advised in bathing areas to respect privacy.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the ocean views from the island.
Absolutely! The boat ride provides a unique perspective of the island and the surrounding bay, perfect for memorable photos.
The hotel's blend of traditional and modern design, along with its clifftop setting, provides many visually interesting elements for photographers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit