Stay at Ryunohara Hatago, a lovingly restored 120-year-old farmhouse in Ryujinmura — Japan’s spiritual heartlands.
Soak in a wood-fired outdoor onsen filled with the silky-smooth waters of Ryujin, a hot spring renowned for over 1,200 years. Swim in the Hidakagawa River, walk ancient pilgrimage trails, and explore the Kii Peninsula by car.
A self-guided stay for independent travellers who want to slow down, cook, and reconnect with nature.
The space
◆ The House
A lovingly restored 120-year-old traditional home, preserving its original layout while offering modern comforts.
Staying here offers a glimpse into life in old Japan—at a slower, quieter pace, surrounded by nature. Most guests spend their time cooking, soaking in the bath, walking to the river, and enjoying the rhythms of village life.
◆ Private Outdoor Onsen Bath
A rare highlight of the stay.
The outdoor baths are filled with the silky-smooth, transparent waters of Ryujin Onsen, a hot spring renowned for over 1,200 years. Two guests at a time can soak in traditional iron goemonburo, heated directly by wood fire—a practice rarely experienced in modern Japan.
The radiant heat from below keeps you warm long after you step out. A cold cedar-wood tub is available for contrast bathing.
The baths are typically prepared nightly. If you’re interested, I can show you how to manage the fire safely.
With no roof overhead, you’ll shower and soak under the open sky, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Yukata bathrobes are provided (M and L sizes).
◆ Bedrooms & Comfort
Sleep in comfortable beds with both soft and firm pillows. Mattress heaters are provided in colder months, with light cotton gauze blankets for summer.
All rooms are air-conditioned (heating & cooling), with double-insulated windows for year-round comfort. Mosquito screens allow you to sleep with fresh mountain air.
◆ Kitchen
A fully equipped kitchen for longer, self-catered stays, including a large fridge, induction stove, microwave, rice cooker, and Cuisinart toaster-oven (with air-fry).
Basic seasonings (oil, olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, mirin, cooking sake, rice vinegar, and Japanese spices) are provided for simple home cooking.
Enjoy Nespresso coffee (complimentary pods) or tea with a traditional teapot. Our pesticide- and herbicide-free rice is also available for purchase.
Sake, cups, and a warmer are available for a relaxed evening at home.
◆ Bathroom & Amenities
Indoor bath with heating in both the changing area and bathroom for comfort in winter.
Includes Senshu towels, hairdryer, washer-dryer with eco detergent, and toiletries (Pola shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and essentials).
A washer-dryer with eco-friendly detergent is provided, along with a vanity sink, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Iron and ironing board are also available.
◆ Workspace & Living
A study table with external monitor (HDMI), lamp, and power outlets is available. Fast WiFi supports multiple devices.
A small library of books on Japanese culture, nature, and crafts is available for quiet time indoors.
The house is built with local wood, with cedar floors finished using natural, child- and pet-friendly oils.
◆ River & Outdoor Activities
From May to October (weather permitting), guests can swim or paddleboard in the clear Hidakagawa River just in front of the property.
Two access points are located 1 and 4 minutes away on foot. Paddleboards and a picnic mat are available for use.
◆ Getting Here
A car is strongly recommended. While buses are available (limited schedule—3 buses a day), having a car makes exploring much easier.
The nearest supermarket is about 1 hour away, so guests are encouraged to shop in advance.
Restaurants and a 24-hour convenience store are within a 12 minute drive.
In winter (mid-Dec to mid-Mar), snow tyres are required. Snow chains are legally required if driving up Mt. Koya or Mt. Gomadanzan via the Koya–Ryujin Skyline.
◆ Our Sister Guesthouse
Travelling as a larger group or want both guesthouses? Doratei, our modern sister guesthouse (10-min walk), houses 4 and can be booked alongside Hatago for groups of up to 8: airbnb.com/h/doratei.
Choose Hatago for traditional charm and a rare onsen experience, or Doratei for a more modern, spacious stay.
◆ Ryunohara Retreats
For a fully guided, all-inclusive experience with meals and activities, search “Ryunohara Retreats”.
Guest access
The entire house is yours!
Other things to note
In summer (June–September), being near a river and surrounded by forest means there are biting insects such as horseflies and gnats. We provide mosquito coils, bug spray, and window screens, but bites are still possible outdoors, especially by the river.
In winter (December–February), nighttime temperatures can drop to -6°C (21°F). The bedrooms, entrance foyer, and kitchen are heated, and all beds have mattress heaters. The bathroom and changing area also have electric heating. Some areas, including the toilet and laundry space, are not heated, so thick socks are recommended if you’re sensitive to the cold.
We have several roosters who crow at dawn. If you are sensitive to noise, earplugs are provided. The village also has a daily public announcement system with musical chimes at 6am, 10am, noon, 3pm, and 5pm.
Young children should be supervised when interacting with the chickens, ducks, and goats.
Guests travelling with dogs or cats are asked to keep them off the wooden floors in the bedroom areas, as some guests have allergies. To ensure the safety of our free-roaming farm animals, pets must be leashed at all times outside the Hatago.
Registration Details
Hotels and Inns Business Act | 田辺保健所 | 和歌山県指令田保衛第5-9号
