A Magnificent Palace Inspired by Foreign Architecture
One of the first things to catch the eye at Hotel Kawakyu is its enormous golden roof. It is covered with approximately 470,000 glazed roof tiles known as “Rochuki,” a rare type of tile historically used for the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. These special tiles were once reserved for the emperor, and their extensive use gives the hotel an overwhelming sense of grandeur.
The exterior walls are made with approximately 1.4 million bricks produced by IBSTOCK in England, creating intricate patterns and rich variations of light and shadow. The large canopy above the main entrance features Tosa plasterwork created by Akira Kusumi, one of Japan’s leading traditional plaster craftsmen. The same traditional technique has also been used at Kochi Castle.
On the roof stands a huge bronze rabbit created by British sculptor Barry Flanagan. The sculpture has become one of Hotel Kawakyu’s most recognizable symbols, combining a playful character with an unmistakable artistic presence.
A Gold-Leaf Dome Recognized by Guinness World Records
Upon entering the grand lobby, visitors are naturally drawn upward to the spectacular domed ceiling. Approximately 190,000 sheets of 22.5-karat gold leaf have been painstakingly applied by hand across the entire ceiling.
The ceiling has been recognized by Guinness World Records™ as the “largest continuous gold-leaf ceiling,” making it one of the defining features of Hotel Kawakyu. In the afternoon, when sunlight streams into the lobby, the gold leaf glows brilliantly, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere filled with golden light.
The 24 blue columns supporting the dome are decorated using Stucco Marmo, a traditional European plaster technique that imitates the appearance of stone. Its deep blue color and elaborate finish create an effect that is both luxurious and artistic.
An Art Space Throughout the Entire Hotel
The appeal of Hotel Kawakyu extends far beyond its architecture. The interior is filled with artworks and crafts collected from around the world, allowing guests to experience the feeling of staying inside a private art museum.
Masterpieces and Antiques Along the Lobby and Corridors
The lobby and corridors feature works by internationally renowned artists such as Marc Chagall, Salvador Dalí, Taikan Yokoyama, and Henry Moore. Visitors can also admire antiques from China’s Qing dynasty and a valuable Byzantine mosaic believed to date from around the 2nd century.
The floors are decorated with Roman mosaic tiles painstakingly crafted by Italian artisans, while elegant Venetian glass chandeliers add a sophisticated touch to the interiors. Wherever you look, there are artistic details to discover, making simply walking through the hotel an extraordinary experience.
A Unique Experience at the Kawakyu Museum
The hotel also houses the Kawakyu Museum, which is open not only to hotel guests but also to general visitors. The museum showcases architecture and art created through the fusion of techniques and traditions from China, Europe, the Islamic world, Japan, and other regions under the “Sekai no Sukiya” project, which began in 1989.
The magnificent building was constructed at a total cost of approximately 40 billion yen and received the prestigious Murano Togo Award in 1993. Inside, visitors can see numerous masterpieces, including works by Dalí and Chagall, as well as Henry Moore’s celebrated “Mother and Child” series.
With its extraordinary scale and artistic richness, Hotel Kawakyu truly deserves to be called a “dream castle.” The hotel itself is an immense work of art, where architecture, craftsmanship, and fine art come together.
Luxurious Ocean-View Suites in Every Room
All 85 guest rooms at Hotel Kawakyu are ocean-view suites. Every room offers beautiful views of Tanabe Bay, allowing guests to enjoy a spacious and relaxing stay surrounded by the scenery of the sea.
Each room has its own distinctive design, including Presidential Suites, Maisonette Jacuzzi Suites, and Spa Suites. No two rooms are exactly alike. Elegant interiors, luxurious furnishings, and generous spaces create an atmosphere of complete escape from everyday life.
Guests staying in selected special rooms can also access the Imperial Lounge, where they can enjoy wine and light refreshments while gazing out over the sea. It is an ideal place to relax and savor a truly elegant moment.
A Luxurious Hot Spring Experience at Shirahama Onsen
Shirahama Onsen is one of Japan’s historic hot spring destinations and is traditionally counted among the “Three Ancient Hot Springs of Japan,” together with Arima Onsen and Dogo Onsen. Hotel Kawakyu offers two elegant hot spring salons where guests can enjoy the famous waters of Shirahama.
Royal Spa: Relaxation with an Ocean View
The Royal Spa on the second floor features an open-air bath overlooking Tanabe Bay. Soaking in the warm waters while feeling the sea breeze is an especially memorable experience. At sunrise and sunset, the scenery becomes breathtakingly beautiful.
The spa also includes a silky bath, reclining baths, a high-temperature sauna, and a sauna with self-service löyly. After bathing, guests can relax in a comfortable living area with a fireplace, creating the atmosphere of an exclusive luxury spa resort.
Yūkyū-no-Mori: A Dreamlike Forest Retreat
The Royal Spa Yūkyū-no-Mori on the first floor offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by greenery and tranquility. Bathtubs made from fragrant Japanese umbrella pine (Kōyamaki) and atmospheric indirect lighting create a deeply relaxing environment.
The spacious open-air bath allows guests to enjoy the waters of Shirahama while feeling the gentle natural breeze. It is a serene retreat where both body and mind can slowly unwind.
The Magnificent “King’s Buffet”
One of the highlights of a stay at Hotel Kawakyu is the spectacular “King’s Buffet.” Both dinner and breakfast are served buffet-style, featuring carefully selected ingredients from Wakayama and Hokkaido.
A Lavish Dinner Featuring Premium Ingredients
The dinner buffet offers around 80 different dishes, including premium seafood such as kué grouper, spiny lobster, and abalone. At the live cooking stations, chefs prepare dishes such as Tokachi beef steak, tempura, and sushi right before guests, allowing them to enjoy the food at its freshest.
The dessert section is equally impressive, featuring sweets made with locally sourced Wakayama ingredients such as mandarins and jabará citrus. Guests can also enjoy spectacular flambé performances, adding a dramatic touch to the dining experience and creating the atmosphere of a grand banquet.
A Luxurious Breakfast to Start the Day
The breakfast buffet offers an extensive selection, including freshly baked bread, French toast, omelets, rice balls, and seafood rice bowls. Many dishes are prepared at live cooking stations, allowing guests to enjoy freshly made food from the very beginning of the day.
One particularly popular choice is the fresh melon juice, generously prepared with ripe melon. A wide variety of desserts made with Wakayama fruits is also available, providing a refreshing and indulgent start to the morning.
A Special Stay Surrounded by Dreams and Art
Hotel Kawakyu is far more than an ordinary luxury hotel. It is a one-of-a-kind creation born from the skills of master craftsmen from around the world, the passion of artists, and the grand ambition to build a “dream castle.”
Every corner of the hotel is filled with extraordinary architecture and art. Guests can relax their bodies and minds in the hot springs and enjoy exceptional cuisine at the dining facilities. The experience is so different from everyday life that it can feel as though you have stepped into another world.
When visiting Nanki-Shirahama, be sure to experience the unique atmosphere of Hotel Kawakyu. The combination of ocean views, art, hot springs, and exquisite cuisine creates an unforgettable stay and a truly special memory of Wakayama.