Shirahama, Japan
Five Spring Resort The Shirahama
Geothermal lagoon resort
Geothermal lagoon resort
This hillside property operates as an all-inclusive onsen resort, drawing mineral thermal water from a thousand meters underground.
What it’s good at
Notable
Nightly kaiseki dinners feature seasonal Nanki-Shirahama seafood and Kishu Binchotan charcoal grilling.
Notable
Geothermal waters fill private suite tubs and a 422-square-metre outdoor lagoon pool.
Notable
Hillside pavilions host nightly laser projections across a 3,300-square-metre outdoor screen.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
It’s an all-inclusive contemporary luxury resort with a firm foundation in classic Japanese hospitality, featuring such ryokan-like enticements as en-suite hot spring baths and nightly multi-course kaiseki dinners.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a hillside overlooking Tanabe Bay, surrounded by coastal forest outside Shirahama.
The rooms
Every suite has its own 24-hour hot spring bath. Select rooms open onto terraces with private outdoor Jacuzzis.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Heated hot spring water fills the outdoor lagoon year-round, with three depth tiers descending to 120 centimetres.
The baths and saunas
The Goko-no-yu bathhouse holds indoor and open-air mineral baths. Outside, the terrace has barrel saunas with self-loyly stones.
Restaurant Little Bear
Private booths host multi-course evening kaiseki, and morning spreads serve spiny lobster grilled over Kishu Binchotan charcoal.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.