Traveling to Japan? Find Tanabe hotels

We stayed here between our flight into Osaka and starting the Kumano Kodo. There was a great view and onsen. The room was big enough with comfortable beds. Staff English was a little patchy but this is Japan and their English was better than my Japanese! We had a good meal down the road and the bus to the trail is only 5 minutes walk. Little hard to get to they have a shuttle bus you need to book as it only does 4 runs a day. Taxi from Kiitanabe station approx 1700¥

Location is a bit far, better rent a car and drive to the hotel, can also appreciate the scenic environment along the way when driving. The Japan style room is a bit old, but still nice to stay. 2 indoor baths and the famous Sen-nin Boru is just right in front of the hotel. Definitely need to try the outdoor bath, under the perfect scenery. The dinner and breakfast are served in traditional Japanese style, wonderful experience, nice ingredient, great taste. Hotel staff can speak little bit of English, but OK in basic communications. They also provide English info sheet for tourist to understand the rules of the usage of the hot bath, worry-free!!!

I walked the Komono Kodo and finished in Hongu, so planned on staying the evening there. There is very little accommodation in Hongu itself with most options being onsens on the outer areas of the town. I arrived in town late in the day and had missed the last bus and there seemed to be no taxis in the area, so I walked the last 3.5km to the onsen which was pleasurable enough. This onsen is the 'sister' to the more fancy one next door, and you can use their indoor onsens or their outdoor mixed gender onsen also, as well as the restaurant (this place does not have their own food on site, you would need to pre book next door). The accommodation itself is dated but enough for one night and very cheap. Keep in mind there is only one other food option in down open 5:30-7:30 at night, so pre book with the hotel or make sure you go in this time period.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Midoriya, from the moment we arrived and were welcomed by the very friendly staff. They were so helpful and genuinely pleasant during our entire stay (3 nights). We stayed in the Japanese style room and our beds were made up for us each day at 7:00pm, and disassemble each morning. The location was perfect, with a bus stop 10 meters from the Ryokan. The bus took us to the start and finish of all our walks each day. Not a lot of buses scheduled though. The room was absolutely wonderful (twin), very big with a delightful view of the river. The onsen was great. Breakfasts excellent. Once again, the staff were so friendly! This was the best hotel of our entire trip and I would definitely go back.

The location is great... surrounded by the Wakashiyama mountains and as part of the Kumano Kodo trail, this place could be a top-notch destination. But... it all looks like it hasn't been updated in 35 years. It just feels and looks dingy, like a motel in a small town. The metal doors, the dated tiles, the ratty carpet... these things are fairly easy fixes that would make all the difference. The onsen is quite good and interesting... add that to the mix and this could be a great resort. The food attempts to be great, with nice presentation and wonderful service, but again it looks a bit wilted like someone is cutting corners. The staff do seem to be trying their best and making the most of the situation, but even with that, I wouldn't return or recommend it. I really, really wanted to like it and I am rooting for it. If they tell me they have gotten a refresh and updated the place to Japanese 21st century standards, I would return.

+Guesthouse is near Kii Tanabe station so perfect if you need to catch the bus in the early morning. Near a grocery store. I had the room by myself. The Japanese style room was clean and has ample room. Friendly lady who runs the place although I was unable to stay for a chat. Shared toilet and bath are clean - You have to take a steep flight of stairs since the rooms are upstairs then go down another flight of stairs for the bathroom. May be a concern if you have older people with you. Separate toilet and bathroom both shared but had no problems with using them during my stay.

Going back in time staying at the Ryokan Adumaya gives an real time impression of what is has been like to travel to one of the oldest Onsen in Japan. Royals and celebrities have stayed here and it feels like you become a part of history. We loved our royal stay although it may not measure up to "Western" standards. but a must be to really experience the heart of Japan. One of a life time experience.

Just so-so for a guesthouse. A nice experience for foreigners as it is an old ryokan, traditional japanese house. But the building and facilities are old. The aircon is probably old as it made terrible sounds. The wall are thin. Only one toilet and one bath for 12 guests. Our room, which is closest to the road, is probably the worst among all rooms. If you could choose, don't pick the room closest to the street.

5 mins from the station, Buddha guesthouse is located in a quiet neighborhood. Koji has been super nice to give me a few recommendations on how to spend the following day in Tanabe area and also on where to have a meal. I happened to be the only one staying in the bedroom, which was great. The futon was very comfortable and the environment super cozy. The other facilities were fine. The kitten is adorable. Many thanks Koji! Awesome value for money.