we stayed here after a long day on the Kumano Kodo trek. There are 3 Hongus in total and this part is about an hour’s walk away from the big shrine, (or 15 minutes on the bus if you can’t face any more steps). It faces a river which is famous for its shingly banks which you can dig your own onsen in - it immediately fills with hot sulphurous water - then you can jump in the river to cool down after. This is a nice place run by a really lovely family who go to some effort to make you feel looked after. There is nowhere around to eat so you’ll probably end up eating there. The food is excellent - lots of fresh veg and fruit - and plenty of it as most people are walking. The bus stop to get back to Tanabe or onwards is right across the road so it’s very convenient for that.

The bathrooms are shared which is fine but you can only access the showers in one of two mixed sex lockable onsen. Actually the night we were there they were always empty as everyone preferred the river anyway, but it seems an odd arrangement as in theory both could be occupied for some time.

Private onsen was much nicer than pictured. Natural onsen at your door made for a wonderful experience. Staff had great English skills, were very friendly and were eager to help travellers navigate their trip. Food was excellent and portions seemed large to us. Great location to tackle the central part of the Kumano Kodo from. Bus stop is under a 2 minute walk and busses frequently travel in both directions.

At our late booking the only available rooms had 2 single beds, a shared bed would have been convenient, but we slept comfortably.

The people running the place are the kindest, most helpful ones you can hope for. I was a solo traveller doing the Kumano Kodo and they took such good care of me. Gave me tips on what to do, asked me about things I haven't thought of in my Kumano trek. Almost like a family. They gave me a lunch box with a really nice note that I will hold on to ❤️. They will drop everything to help you out and accommodate your needs. For those trekking, I highly recommend it. It has: private onsen, laundry, river to refresh in front of the house, it's quiet, close to Kawayu Onsen bus stop to go up and down the trail route. It's all you need. Thank you again, and I wish you all the best. You made me feel cared for and it's a beautiful thing for a solo traveller.

I liked everything.

This was my favorite accommodation during my 3 week trip to Japan. The owners were the most hospitable and warm people that I encountered, and that is saying something for such a welcoming country like Japan. I have always been a fan of Japanese culture and have watched many movies and TV shows where characters stay in minshuku, and staying here felt like exactly as I imagined. Super cozy, impeccably clean, the room was a perfect size for two people, fantastic views of the river from our window, and the beds were comfortable. There are two private baths which was amazing, but my favorite part was the outdoor bath by the river. It was the highlight of my trip, sitting in the 40 degree (celcius) water, looking at the mountains each morning and evening. It is literally directly across from the front of the Inn. The breakfasts and dinners were also very well done, plenty of food and very fresh. The owner's young daughter even came out to say goodbye and made us origami cranes with our names on them, which is my favorite souvenir that I brought home. I cannot recommend this accommodation enough, and I plan to return with my wife in the next couple of years.

Uniquely and superbly located right over a river onsen. You cross the road and immerse yourself in hot water under your very window. Management is friendly and caring. off season there is no alternative around, not even a convenient store. But it is well prepared and aesthetic. Rooms are spacious. Nothing like indoor and outdoor Onsen for aching legs after days of tough hiking.

Architecture and decor are of a Swiss Chalet. Interior decor is a copy paste from a Swiss Chalet of the 1970s. Some may find this attractive, a Japanese style of emulation with no self-reflection. Food is strongly meat oriented. Have we travelled to Japan for hamburgers and Bolognese? (Quite good though)

Ashita no Mori location is very beautiful, facing the river and the mountain. Our hosts are extremely kind and helpful -following our request they agreed to stay up later than curfew in order to open the front door for us (finally we returned before curfew time). They also offered us to change rooms for the 2nd night in order to have a beautiful view of the river located in front of the hotel. If you want to experience the natural onsen in the river, don't forget to bring your swimsuits.

The walls are quite poorly soundproof, the noise caused by tourists can be quite disturbing: you can hear footsteps in the corridor, conversations from the room next door, slamming doors and water running in the bathroom...

The owners were very hospitable and helpful. The dinner was delicious, exactly what we needed after a day of hiking. They prepared a breakfast to go and a bento lunch for us to take early the next morning on departure. He even made us coffee early in the morning to get us started on the right foot!! We went to the outdoor onsen across the road which was super fun. I would highly recommend staying here.

Honestly it was all great. If I'm being very picky, I could hear what sounded like a generator from the back bedroom, but nothing a pair of ear plugs couldn't help with!

10/10 location right next to Kawayu onsen. Probably one of the best onsens I've been to, espicially after a 12 hour day of hiking. Really delicious and filling dinner. I thought I didn't like hambagu until I ate here. The staff are very kind and provide an excellent service. The only reason I don't give it an absolute 10/10 is because the room felt a little basic. But to be clear, they provide all of the amentities and level of comfort and cleanliness you would expect.

This was an excellent stay for me and my family. We missed our bus in Hongu to Kawayu and asked for help from the Kumano Tourist Information Centre. They called the hotel and the manager came right over to pick us up. Both the manager and his sister who was manning the counter were very kind and helpful. The location was wonderful - directly opposite the Onsen river, and next to the bus stand. Food (Dinner and Breakfast) was prepared and delivered freshly according to our time and it was very tasty. Rooms were a bit cold but comfortable. Overall, this was an excellent experience. Highly recommended for anyone considering Kawayu Onsen

Nothing

Kawayu Onsen is a truly enchanting destination, and my experience was greatly enhanced by the exceptional hospitality of the local guesthouse. The family-run establishment is managed with utmost care and dedication, and the culinary offerings were simply exquisite, leaving me with fond memories and a desire to return for more. The young daughter of the family is an absolute delight, and engaging in conversations with her about various geographical locations can be a delightful experience. Throughout my stay, I felt genuinely welcomed and received invaluable advice regarding my travel plans, which I highly recommend heeding. It is establishments such as these that leave an indelible impression, primarily due to the remarkable and compassionate individuals one encounters during their stay.