Affordable Onsen Ryokan in Japan That Locals Actually Stay In

Recently, I was approached by KAMENOI HOTEL.

I am usually picky when it comes to which brands I work with, especially since there are so many that just want to make a quick buck from foreign tourists and don’t show the real, authentic side of the country. But I’ve always had a great impression of Kamenoi Hotel. In fact, back in 2022, I took 12 Japanese friends on a trip around Kyushu and we ended up staying at one of their locations in Kumamoto.

We all loved it, which is why when I got the offer from them, I was actually very happy about it. The reason we chose them back then was the affordability, the hot springs, and the food. They’re known for using local ingredients, and their hot springs are always a core part of the experience.

Fast forward to 2026, the KAMENOI HOTEL approached me about how they can help bring more attention to people looking to hike the Kumano Kodo. Their location in Kii-Tanabe is a gateway for those hiking the most popular route, the Nakahechi. This route starts from Kii-Tanabe and passes through scenic trails and small inns, connecting major sites like Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Falls.

Now, without trying to “sell” too hard—their Kii-Tanabe location offers free pickup and drop-off between the station and the hotel. If you use it as your starting point, you can freshen up and get ready before the journey.

Or, if you’re finishing the Nakahechi (for example, coming from Kii-Katsuura), it works perfectly as an endpoint where you can fill up on a proper meal and relax in the onsen afterward.

With that being said, it’s definitely not for everyone.

The brand has been around for over 120 years and is especially loved by locals, particularly the older generation. That also means it’s really traditional. Everything you’d expect from a classic Japanese hot spring inn is there. The people are kind and polite, but it’s not modernized. Meaning if you’re expecting a highly diverse food menu, tattoo-friendly policies, or that kind of flexibility, it may not fully match your expectations.

Anyways, if this sounds like what you’re looking for, check out their website. They also have directions and guides for hiking the Kumano Kodo if you’re planning to do it.

English HP: KAMENOI HOTEL KII-TANABE