Kamigoten

675. Kamigoten, Ryujin Onsen, Wakayama ★★ Stayed overnight. No higaeri available. Ordered double portion of food for one, served in the room; dinner was kaiseki - liked it. Staff are elderly Japanese who don't speak any English, service is warm but with a very homey feel (especially from the manager). The room had a sink and toilet but no bath. The key feature of this ryokan is an amazing private bath with a river view. According to the official website and brochure, the ryokan was built in 1657 for the local feudal lord Tokugawa Yorinobou. Since 1871 it has been open to all. In 1884 it was damaged by fire and subsequently rebuilt. In 1999 it was registered as a tangible cultural property and valuable cultural heritage. It has been owned by the same family for 29 generations. Outdoor private stone bath. No time-based reservation, first-come-first-served, 20-minute slots. Great view of the forest and river. Sometimes hawks fly very close to the bath - one landed on a cable above the river, turned toward me, stared intently, and then flew away. The overall atmosphere from the place, the view, and the moment was such that I wouldn't have been surprised if that hawk started talking to me. Clear water with a slippery/soapy feel, temperature around 42. Indoor wooden bath. Clear water, temperature around 41.5. A bit stuffy inside. Great ryokan with an amazing private bath for guests. Recommended for an overnight stay. 08.11.2025 09.11.2025