A Guinness World Record Luxury Escape! Ultimate Suite Experience at Hotel Kawakyu

Hello! I’m Taka.

Wakayama’s “Hotel Kawakyu” in Nanki Shirahama is truly one of a kind among the hotels and inns I have visited. It stands out with its unique presence and charm. In this article, I’ll delve into the exceptional allure of Hotel Kawakyu.

During my stay, I was deeply impressed by the exquisite open-air bath, the lavish “King’s Buffet,” the indoor pool, and the authentic sauna facilities—all of which offered an unforgettable escape from the ordinary.

Please note that this information is from a stay a few years ago, so I recommend checking the official website for the latest updates.

Review Site	Hotel Rating
Rakuten Travel One of the largest online travel booking platforms in Japan	LUXURY SELECTION, Higher Quality (Top 4.0%) Japanese-style Hotel Award 2023

At Hotel Kawakyu, you’ll find yourself immersed in blissful experiences—from elegant moments in ocean-view suites with open-air baths, to indulgent relaxation in the onsen and sauna, and the renowned “King’s Buffet,” a culinary delight.

In this article, I’ll uncover all the charm this unique hotel has to offer, making it a perfect read for anyone planning a trip to Japan or exploring the Kansai region. As a guest, I was captivated by the hotel’s museum-like design, both inside and out, and the castle-like architecture is truly a sight to behold.

Art lovers will also appreciate the Kawakyu Museum, a private art gallery within the hotel, featuring exquisite art pieces sourced from around the world. Hotel Kawakyu promises a memorable and luxurious stay for all who visit.

A Grand Western-Style Castle! The Majestic Exterior of Hotel Kawakyu

Hotel Kawakyu stands as one of the most unique structures in Japan, resembling a grand Western castle. With only 85 guest rooms, the sheer scale of the architecture is truly overwhelming!

Built at the peak of Japan’s bubble economy with a staggering construction cost of 40 billion yen, the hotel boasts all ocean-view, luxurious suites. Each suite offers a spacious layout with separate bedroom and living areas, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning sea views—a truly blissful experience.

One of the most memorable sights is the grand bronze statue of a rabbit, adding a whimsical touch to the majestic atmosphere.

Hotel Kawakyu showcases the finest craftsmanship from around the world throughout its architecture, and the bronze statues are just one of the many fascinating details that contribute to its exceptional charm.

Guinness World Record “Gold Leaf Ceiling”!

As you step into the lobby of Hotel Kawakyu, you’re immediately struck by the dazzling golden ceiling—a masterpiece adorned with genuine gold leaf.

Each gold leaf was meticulously hand-applied by artisans, and in 2020, this ceiling earned the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Continuous Gold Leaf Ceiling.” It’s an awe-inspiring sight that you won’t find anywhere else—experience this extraordinary beauty up close!

The charm of Hotel Kawakyu isn’t limited to its gold leaf ceiling—the striking blue columns are another marvel.

Each of the 24 blue columns was crafted using the specialized technique known as “Stuccolustro” (imitation marble), and each is said to be worth around 100 million yen.

As you stroll through the lobby of Hotel Kawakyu, the stunning Roman mosaic tile floor immediately catches your eye. Each tile was meticulously crafted by skilled Italian artisans, creating a floor that feels like a true work of art.

During the Christmas season, candles are placed along the tiles, casting a magical glow that transforms the space into an enchanting scene.

Luxurious Open-Air Bath Suite “Tenkai”

For this stay, my spouse and I chose the open-air bath suite named “Tenkai”—an ideal choice for those seeking luxury and privacy.

The open terrace deck offers a breathtaking panoramic view, and the suite’s natural hot spring bath provides ultimate relaxation for both body and mind. While all rooms at Hotel Kawakyu are designed as suites, “Tenkai” stands out as one of the most spacious, covering a generous 180 square meters, allowing for a truly relaxing experience.

As you step into the main room (living area), you’ll be captivated by its impressive size and elegance. Furnished with pieces used by the British Royal Family, the space exudes a luxurious atmosphere reminiscent of a noble estate.

Toward the back of the room, an open terrace deck awaits, complete with an open-air bath, plush sofas, and a comfortable bed—everything you need for an indulgent retreat.

Although the weather wasn’t ideal that day, the open-air bath (a natural hot spring) on the terrace still offered a breathtaking view of Tanabe Bay.

The spacious marble-like open-air bath easily accommodates two adults, and plush, 100% cotton bathrobes are conveniently provided nearby. On the open terrace, you can relax in the soothing ocean breeze, soaking in the warm waters for a truly calming experience.

After a refreshing bath, it’s pure bliss to unwind on the cozy sofa or bed, listening to soothing music from the in-room speakers.

The bedroom itself is impressively spacious, with exceptional comfort. The beds are equipped with Simmons and Sealy mattresses, carefully selected for the world’s finest hotels, promising a high-quality sleep experience.

For added comfort, soft lighting and bottled mineral water are thoughtfully placed by the bedside.

The Top-Floor “Imperial Lounge”

Guests staying in the exclusive Club Stage rooms (Maisonette Jacuzzi or Spa Suites) have complimentary access to the top-floor “Imperial Lounge.”

The lounge offers a selection of light snacks, including mixed nuts, cheese, and delicate temari sushi.

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In addition to a beer dispenser, the Imperial Lounge provides an impressive array of wines, complete with a wine dispenser, allowing guests to pour their favorites anytime with ease.

For tea, high-quality cups from luxury porcelain makers such as Limoges and Narumi are available, enhancing the refined experience.

With an extensive drink menu, the Imperial Lounge creates the perfect setting for a luxurious and relaxing time.

The “King’s Buffet” and Full-Course Dining Experience

For dinner, we enjoyed a full-course meal featuring both seafood and meat. One standout dish was the sashimi platter, so fresh that the Ise lobster was still moving!

The staff kindly invited us to try the “King’s Buffet” as well, so we visited the main dining room, Fornace, next door.

The King’s Buffet showcases seasonal, premium ingredients from Hokkaido and Kishu, offering a lavish spread that stimulates the appetite!

Highlights included incredibly fresh tai (sea bream) sashimi, as well as sushi, steak, and rare “kue” fish, all prepared live by chefs right before our eyes.

The King’s Buffet also extends to breakfast, with delightful options like fluffy omelets, customizable seafood rice bowls, and fresh melon juice—making it a one-of-a-kind buffet experience that added a special touch to our stay.

The Exquisite Onsen Salon “Royal Spa”

On the second floor, you’ll find the luxurious ocean-view large bath “ROYAL SPA,” while the first floor features the traditional Japanese-style open-air bath “Eternity Forest.” The gender-specific baths alternate based on the time of day. (Photo credit: Rakuten Travel)

The “ROYAL SPA” on the second floor is highly recommended for its diverse selection of baths, saunas, and unique “low-ryu” experiences! You can unwind in the “jet bath” to soothe your fatigue or release stress in the sauna, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.

Indoor Heated Pool and Authentic Sauna

3On the third floor, you’ll find an “indoor heated pool” and a sauna (separate from the Royal Spa sauna). Both facilities require swimwear, which you can rent for 300 yen at the front desk.

At the entrance to the high-temperature sauna, refreshments like “mineral water,” “Pocari Sweat,” and “Oronamin C” are available. After your sauna session, you can enjoy the popular Japanese drink “Oropo”!

The cold bath jacuzzi and outdoor relaxation chairs are located outside. Speaking of the outdoor relaxation chairs, they can be found in an area like this (to the right in the center of the photo).

Experiencing such a surreal environment, completely different from everyday life in Japan, was a first for me and truly remarkable.

The entrance to the pool and sauna also features amenities like a treadmill and a table tennis setup, allowing you to stay active.

Additionally, right next door, you can indulge in a blissful spa experience to refresh both body and mind!

Conclusion

Hotel Kawakyu offers a unique blend of luxury and relaxation, making it an exceptional destination for travelers seeking an extraordinary experience in Japan.

From the stunning open-air baths and the opulent Imperial Lounge to the delicious King’s Buffet and rejuvenating spa facilities, every aspect of the stay is designed to provide comfort and indulgence.

Whether you’re looking to unwind in a luxurious suite or enjoy exquisite dining, Hotel Kawakyu ensures a memorable escape that truly feels like a retreat from the ordinary.

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Just a 10-minute drive from the Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel, you’ll find Adventure World, a must-visit destination that adds excitement to your trip. This popular attraction is known for its adorable pandas, which you can view up close without the long wait times typical of other zoos.

Additionally, don’t miss out on the dolphin show, which is known for its heartwarming and impressive performances. It’s sure to leave lasting memories for your visit!

This combination of relaxing at the hotel and exploring Adventure World makes for a well-rounded, unforgettable vacation.

Thank you for reading until the end!