Kumano-bettei NAKANOSHIMA
Classic Japanese ryokan elevated to resort scale. Traditional tatami rooms, futon sleeping, yukata robes — but also contemporary Japanese-modern design in the new wing. The island setting creates genuine seclusion. Quiet, unhurried, and focused entirely on the onsen and kaiseki meal ritual.
Check in early to catch the late-afternoon light in the outdoor Kishu Chomon-no-yu bath before the crowd arrives at sunset
Why It Matters
The only lodging on a private island in Katsuura Bay, reachable only by boat. The scale of the natural hot spring system is exceptional — six sources, 800 tons per day, all flowing naturally without recirculation. The outdoor Kishu Chomon-no-yu bath facing open water is the signature experience. Tablet Hotels and MICHELIN Guide selected.
A small, densely forested island sits at the mouth of Katsuura Bay, and the only thing on it is this ryokan. You reach it by private ferry — about 5 minutes from the Kanko Sanbashi pier. Ryokan history here goes back 80 years, and in 2019 a luxury new wing called Nagi-no-sho opened alongside the original Chomontei building. Six natural hot spring sources feed the island's baths at 800 tons of water per day, and every room faces the ocean.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Chomontei Japanese Corner Room (12+4 tatami)
The largest traditional Japanese room configuration in the Chomontei building, with a main 12-tatami space plus an additional 4-tatami ante-room. Corner positioning. Sleeps up to 6 guests — good for families or small groups.
Futon on tatamiChomontei Japanese Room (10 tatami)
Standard tatami room in the original Chomontei building. Classic ryokan setup with futon sleeping, ocean views, and access to all shared hot spring facilities. Fits up to 4 guests.
Futon on tatamiChomontei Japanese Room (12 tatami)
Larger tatami room in the Chomontei building, sleeping up to 5 guests. Ocean views, full ryokan amenities.
Futon on tatamiChomontei Japanese-Western Corner Suite
A blend of Western bed sleeping and traditional tatami sitting area, with a terrace and corner ocean views. A good option for guests who want the ryokan experience but prefer beds over futons.
Beds and tatami areaChomontei VIP Room
Top-floor premium room in the Chomontei building. The key distinction here: this room comes with a private outdoor natural hot spring bath — actual onsen water from the island's own sources. Ocean views. This is the room to book if you want genuine private onsen access without leaving your floor.
Futon and/or bedsNagi-no-sho Deluxe
A larger unit in the Nagi-no-sho wing with upgraded space and finishes. Balcony outdoor bath with ocean views, contemporary Japanese-modern design taking the sacred Kumano landscape as its reference — 'mountain Kumano' and 'sea Kumano' as twin design themes.
55 sqmNagi-no-sho Deluxe Corner
The top configuration in the Nagi-no-sho wing. Corner positioning gives wider water views on two sides. Balcony outdoor bath included. At 70 m² this is the most spacious room in the new building.
70 sqmNagi-no-sho Standard
Part of the 2019-built Nagi-no-sho wing, this room blends the Kumano aesthetic — mountain and sea motifs — with clean contemporary Japanese design. All rooms in this wing have balcony outdoor baths, though note the bath uses heated water, not natural hot spring water. Ocean views from every unit.
40 sqmNagi-no-sho Standard Universal
The accessible-design room in the Nagi-no-sho wing. Same ocean view and balcony outdoor bath concept as the Standard, configured for guests with mobility needs.
40 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Guests can rent fishing equipment and fish off the waterfront. The kitchen has been known to cook a successful catch for dinner the same evening — worth asking at check-in.
A hot spring foot bath is positioned along the walking trail partway up the island. You can soak your feet while looking out over the bay and surrounding natural environment. A genuinely relaxing mid-walk stop.
A 15-minute trail winds through the forested island to an observation point at the top, with panoramic views of the rugged Kii Peninsula coastline, the Kumanonada Sea, and the rocky islets of Ki-no-Matsushima. A memorial stone to poet Bokusui Wakayama marks the overlook. Walk takes about 15 minutes from the hotel.
Katsuura is Japan's top bluefin tuna landing port. The morning fish market is a short trip from the pier and a vivid introduction to local food culture. Hotel can assist with logistics.
The hotel can arrange tours to the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, including the Daimonzaka walking trail approach to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachi Waterfall, about 30 minutes by car from the pier.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The new Nagi-no-sho building is 3 floors. Accessibility room available on the 2nd floor. The Chomontei building has multiple floors. Confirm elevator access directly with the hotel.
Two lounge areas serve complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day, including cocktail hours. Ice cream is also available at no charge.
Traditional yukata robes and green tea are provided in all rooms as standard.
Outdoor parking at the mainland information center near Kanko Sanbashi pier. Capacity for up to 100 vehicles (95 cars, 5 buses). No reservation needed. Available 14:00-12:00.
No swimming pool on the island. The onsen baths are the primary water experience.
Dedicated shuttle boat from Kanko Sanbashi pier to the island. 5-minute crossing. Runs based on JR train arrival times and on demand during check-in hours. Last departure 23:00. Station-to-pier shuttle also runs for JR arrivals.
BUILD YOUR KUMANO-BETTEI NAKANOSHIMA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning