A Famous Resort in Nanki-Katsuura Onsen
Hotel Urashima is located in Nanki-Katsuura Onsen, one of Wakayama Prefecture’s best-known hot spring destinations, alongside the famous Shirahama Onsen area.
The region is also an important gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. It is an ideal base for exploring attractions such as Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, Nachi Falls, and the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.
Katsuura has a long history as a destination for toji, or traditional hot spring healing. More than 100 natural hot spring sources are said to exist in the area, and Hotel Urashima takes advantage of its abundant underground waters by offering several different baths throughout the resort.
A Hot Spring Resort Reached by Boat
The journey to Hotel Urashima is part of the experience. From the sightseeing pier, guests board the dedicated shuttle boat Urashimamaru and cross Katsuura Bay toward the resort.
During the short boat ride, passengers can enjoy views of the coastline, the fishing port, and the surrounding hot spring town. Looking back toward the shore and then seeing the enormous hotel from the sea gives the arrival a wonderfully unusual sense of adventure.
The boat journey also fits perfectly with the hotel’s name and its association with the famous Japanese legend of Urashima Taro.
An Abundance of Natural Hot Springs
Hotel Urashima has 10 natural hot spring sources, producing more than 21,000 liters of hot spring water per minute. The naturally occurring water has a temperature of around 50°C at the source and contains abundant minerals.
The resort’s baths primarily use 100% natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source. Thanks to the enormous volume of water available, guests can enjoy fresh spring water without relying primarily on reheating or recirculation.
The waters are mainly classified as chloride springs and contain sulfur and other minerals. They are traditionally valued for warming the body and are associated with relief from muscle and joint discomfort, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, and other ailments. Hot spring bathing has long been an important part of Japanese wellness culture.
Bokido: Hotel Urashima’s Legendary Cave Bath
The most famous attraction at Hotel Urashima is Bokido, a spectacular natural cave hot spring. The cave was carved into the coastline over countless years by the powerful waves of the Kumano Sea, the Pacific waters along the Kii Peninsula.
The cave is approximately 25 meters wide, 50 meters deep, and 15 meters high, creating an immense natural chamber. Hot spring water rises naturally inside the cave, allowing guests to bathe just a short distance from the open Pacific Ocean.
As waves crash against the rocks outside, their deep roar reverberates through the cave. The combination of hot spring water, rugged stone walls, ocean spray, and the sound of the sea creates an experience unlike an ordinary indoor bath.
The Meaning Behind the Name Bokido
The name Bokido can be translated roughly as the “Cave Where You Forget to Return.” According to tradition, Tokugawa Yorimichi, the 15th head of the Kishu-Tokugawa family, visited the area during the Taisho era and praised the bath as so pleasant that one could forget about returning home.
The name perfectly captures the atmosphere of the cave. Once immersed in the warm water while listening to the waves, it is easy to lose track of time.
The view through the cave entrance is equally spectacular. At sunrise, the rising sun can turn the surface of the Pacific golden, while at night, moonlight shimmering across the waves creates an enchanting atmosphere.
Genbudo: Another Mysterious Cave Hot Spring
Another popular bath is Genbudo, a natural cave hot spring shaped by the forces of the ocean.
The sound of waves echoing through the rocky chamber creates a mysterious and almost otherworldly atmosphere. Bathing here allows visitors to feel remarkably close to the raw power of nature.
While Bokido is famous for its dramatic scale, Genbudo offers a somewhat different atmosphere, combining rugged coastal scenery with a quieter and more secluded bathing experience.
Explore a Variety of Hot Spring Baths
Hotel Urashima offers much more than its two famous cave baths. Several bathing facilities are located throughout the resort, each providing a different atmosphere and view.
Takino-yu
Takino-yu is a hot spring bath where guests can relax while listening to the sound of water flowing over natural rock surfaces. Its atmosphere evokes the waterfalls and mountain streams of the Kumano region, creating a soothing environment for both body and mind.
Hamayunoyu
Hamayunoyu takes its inspiration from the hamayuu, or beach lily, a flower associated with the coastal landscapes of southern Wakayama. The calm atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to slow down and enjoy a relaxing soak.
IsOnoyu
Isonoyu offers the experience of bathing while listening to the sound of waves breaking along the coast. The atmosphere can change with the weather and seasons, making every visit slightly different.
Yoho-no-yu
Located in the Sanjo-kan building, Yoho-no-yu is an elevated hot spring bath offering panoramic views of Nachi’s mountains, Katsuura Bay, and the surrounding town.
At sunset, the mountains of the Kii Peninsula are illuminated by warm evening light, while after dark, the lights of the harbor town create a beautiful nighttime landscape.
Panoramic Views from Sanjo-kan
Sanjo-kan, the resort’s premium accommodation building, stands on elevated ground approximately 80 meters above sea level.
From the building, guests can enjoy sweeping views over the Kumano Sea and Katsuura Bay. The scenery changes throughout the day, from colorful sunrises and sunsets to clear night skies filled with stars.
Visitors can also walk to the observation area at Noroshiyama Garden, where a 360-degree panorama of the Pacific Ocean and the mountains of Kumano opens up before them.
The area has historical significance as well. In the past, fishermen are said to have used this location to raise smoke signals, or noroshi, when whales or ships were spotted at sea.
Space Walker: A Spectacular High-Rise Escalator
One of Hotel Urashima’s most unusual attractions is Space Walker, a remarkably long escalator connecting the main building with Sanjo-kan.
The escalator spans a vertical difference of approximately 77 meters, equivalent to around 428 steps. The journey takes approximately six minutes.
As you travel upward, windows provide views over Katsuura Bay and the Kumano Sea. The experience feels almost like taking a leisurely walk through the air, making Space Walker a memorable attraction in its own right.
Four Accommodation Buildings
Sanjo-kan
Standing approximately 80 meters above sea level, Sanjo-kan is the resort’s highest-grade accommodation building. Many rooms offer impressive views of the Pacific Ocean and Katsuura Bay, while some feature their own private open-air baths.
The rooftop observation area is an excellent place to enjoy sunrise and sunset while taking in the surrounding natural scenery.
Nissho-kan
Nissho-kan is located close to Genbudo and offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. The unobstructed horizon creates an especially open and refreshing atmosphere, while the morning sunlight reflecting across the sea is particularly beautiful.
Nagisa-kan
Nagisa-kan overlooks Katsuura Bay and the surrounding hot spring town. Its convenient location near many of the resort’s facilities makes it popular with families.
Guests staying here also have easy access to entertainment facilities and the hotel shop.
Main Building
The Main Building provides convenient access to Bokido, restaurants, and shops. Many rooms offer views over Katsuura Bay, making this building an attractive option for travelers who want to enjoy the resort’s highlights while keeping accommodation costs relatively reasonable.
Savor the Flavors of Kumano
Dining at Hotel Urashima is another opportunity to experience the rich food culture of the Kumano region.
The restaurants serve dishes featuring fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and specialties from Wakayama’s Kishu region. One of the area’s most famous ingredients is fresh tuna landed at Katsuura Fishing Port, one of Japan’s important tuna-fishing ports.
Depending on the accommodation and dining plan, guests can enjoy everything from buffet-style meals to traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine. Seasonal ingredients provide an opportunity to discover the changing flavors of the region.
Breakfast also features a variety of Japanese and Western dishes prepared with local ingredients, providing a delicious start to a day of sightseeing.
An Ideal Base for Exploring Kumano
Hotel Urashima is not only a destination for hot spring relaxation but also an excellent base for exploring the cultural and natural attractions of Kumano.
The UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes of the Kumano Kodo, along with Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, Seigantoji Temple, and Nachi Falls, are all within the wider sightseeing area.
The nearby Kii-Katsuura Fishing Port is also renowned for its fresh tuna landings. Sampling locally caught tuna is an essential part of experiencing the food culture of Nanki-Katsuura.
A Unique Combination of Ocean, Hot Springs, and Kumano Heritage
Hotel Urashima brings together the Pacific Ocean, spectacular natural cave baths, abundant hot spring water, and the rich history and culture of Kumano. Few Japanese resorts offer such a distinctive combination of natural scenery and bathing experiences.
The highlight for many visitors is undoubtedly Bokido. Sitting in a natural cave while listening to the powerful sound of waves and gazing toward the open Pacific is an unforgettable experience that perfectly expresses the character of Nanki-Katsuura.
When visiting southern Wakayama, consider staying at Hotel Urashima and taking time to explore its many baths, panoramic viewpoints, and unique facilities. It is an ideal place to relax after exploring the sacred landscapes of Kumano and to experience the extraordinary connection between Japanese hot spring culture and the natural beauty of the Kii Peninsula.