Nachikatsuura, JapanKatsuura
Kumano-bettei NAKANOSHIMA
Island onsen ryokan
Katsuura Nachikatsuura, Japan
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Local LuxeOutside the door
Island onsen ryokan
A short boat crossing delivers guests to an island ryokan where open-air hot springs meet the Pacific tide.
What it’s good at
Notable
Private boat transfers across Katsuura Bay, followed by seasonal Kishu tuna kaiseki dinners.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima is blessed, first and foremost, with an astonishing location, on a small and densely forested island at the mouth of Wakayama’s Katsuura Bay.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a private island in Katsuura Bay, reached only by boat from the mainland pier.
The rooms
Newer rooms look out over Katsuura Bay, each opening onto a private balcony with an outdoor soaking tub.
The baths
Soak slowly.
Floor-to-ceiling windows line the communal indoor bath hall, and private wooden tubs sit sheltered beneath thatched pergolas.
The seaside rock bath
Kishu Chomon-no-Yu sits among coastal boulders beneath pine trees, looking straight out over the turquoise bay.
At the table
Dining Kumano-no-megumi looks out across the bay through floor-to-ceiling glass. Dinners serve Kumano beef, and breakfast spreads include Kishu plums.
How it began
The island began as a Meiji-era refuge for sailing ships, long before hot springs were first drilled in 1935.
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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.