Katsuura Gyoen Wayakama
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Katsuura Gyoen Wakayama Hotel is now known as the Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura.
This hotel recently underwent an upgrade and is one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in the area. It’s the perfect relaxing end to a Kumano Kodo walking adventure.
The hotel was undergoing renovations when I visited in April 2024, but in July 2024 it was complete, shiny and new!
Despite the renovations during our stay, it did not affect our gorgeous and huge room and the incredible dining options.
The location
The Katsuura Gyoen Wakayama Hotel (Kamenoi Hotel) is located in Katsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, known as the ‘tuna town’ and the gateway to Nachi Falls and the famous Kumano Nachi Taisha.
The hotel overlooks picture-perfect Nachi Bay offering those with ocean-view rooms a sunset to remember.
The Katsuura Gyoen Wakayama Hotel (Kamenoi Hotel) is only a 9-minute walk to Kii-Katsuura Station, also the location to take the bus to the Nachi Falls complex. Otherwise, you can reach Nachi Falls in 25 minutes by car.
The main town of Katsuura and its beautiful marina and famous tuna market are only 12 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
The hotel is centrally located in the town, providing easy walking access to attractions but also the train station and the bus to the Nachi Falls Complex.
The rooms at the Katsuura Gyoen Wakayama (Kamenoi Hotel)
The Katsuura Gyoen (Kamenoi Hotel) offers both Japanese, Western-style and a mixture of both room options with incredible ocean views.
Japanese style room
You can try out the traditional ryokan experience and sleep on comfortable futons on the fresh-smelling tatami in a Japanese room.
This is also a good option if you have a family or larger group as the Japanese-style rooms can sleep up to five people.
Japanese/Western mixed-style room
The Superior Japanese Western Room is perfect for those who want a Japanese experience with tatami floors, but prefer to sleep on a western bed.
This room option offers the best of both worlds!
These large rooms, of around 93 square metres can accommodate up to 8 people on 2 single beds and up to 6 futons.
Deluxe Western-style with open-air bath
We stayed in this room with an open-air bath and it was incredibly luxurious and very large! It was the perfect end to a sometimes gruelling Kumano Kodo trek.
I always dream of enjoying my own private open-air bath with ocean views, and unfortunately these options are typically very expensive in Japan.
However, at the Katsuura Gyoen Wakayama (Kamenoi Hotel), this option is more affordable than in some of the more touristy places.
Dining at the Katsuura Gyoen Wakayama (Kamenoi Hotel)
This traditional-style hotel provides half and full-board meal options and I highly suggest you indulge in this!
I found the food at the Katsuura Gyoen Wakayama (Kamenoi Hotel) to be incredibly indulgent and delicious. This area is famous for tuna and seafood, so expect a seafood festival of yummy eats!
It’s served quite traditionally and personally I found the presentation itself and experience!
Refrain from wearing shoes or slippers on tatami
Please remember to not wear shoes or leave your bags on the tatami. This rule is for your hotel room but also the hotel’s dining room where you must leave your shoes or slippers outside.
I loved the food at this hotel! My favourite fish is tuna and with Katsuura being famous for tuna, I had to get this dinner set. It was amazing! It also came with a pork and vegetable individual hot pot and savoury custard chawanmushi which was soft, silky and delicious.
I enjoyed my traditional breakfast after a morning at the famous Katsuura tuna market, the biggest in Japan! My favourite part was the abundant seafood miso soup with fish, oyster and mussels.
Round up of Katsuura Gyoen Wakayama
I loved my stay at this hotel and would definitely stay there again. The views, the luxurious and spacious rooms with traditional elements, open-air bath and the delicious meals all contributed to a wonderful stay.
As the meals are quite traditional, they may not suit all family members so confirm the the hotel ahead of time if you prefer children’s meals.
Enjoy Wakayama’s gorgeous ‘tuna town‘ while staying in this divine hotel.
