Japan’s “Ocean-View Onsen Retreat” Lets You Watch the Pacific Sunrise from an Open-Air Bath

“The Ocean-View Onsen Retreat” succinctly captures the charm of Resort Village Nanki-Shirahama. The women’s bath area at Resort Village Nanki-Shirahama features about five baths, both indoor and outdoor. To allow guests to enjoy a private soaking experience, there are also two large tub-like “barrel baths” in the outdoor onsen, which is very thoughtful.

▲ The observation deck at Resort Village Nanki-Shirahama also offers views of the Pacific sunrise.

Soaking in the baths at Resort Village Nanki-Shirahama is enjoyable both day and night. At night, you can admire the starry sky, and as the morning sun slowly rises, guests can soak in the open-air bath facing the Pacific, with the boundless ocean dyed in breathtaking golden hues. While the hot springs soothe the body and mind, they also provide immense visual delight.

▲ The next day’s sunrise time is announced at the front desk every day.

Finding out the next day’s sunrise time is easy—the front desk announces it daily, and there’s also a spacious observation deck outside the lobby, allowing photography enthusiasts to capture the sunrise from the best angle.

▲ The observation deck at Resort Village Nanki-Shirahama for sunrise viewing.

The rooms at Resort Village Nanki-Shirahama are mainly divided into three types: traditional Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, and Japanese-Western fusion rooms. The reporter stayed in a traditional Japanese-style room and was reminded to hang the sign from the shoe cabinet at the entrance on the room door before heading to the dining area, to notify the housekeeping staff to prepare the futons. The room also thoughtfully provides a small basket in the wardrobe, where guests can place their personal belongings and towels when heading to the onsen.

▲ The Japanese-style room at Resort Village Nanki-Shirahama.

▲ A small basket in the wardrobe for guests to carry items to the onsen.

Resort Village Nanki-Shirahama
Address: Ukuigawa, Shichigahama, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
Official website:https://www.qkamura.or.jp/katsuura/
Transportation: Get off at JR Kii-Shirahama Station; hotel shuttle service can be reservedTransportation: Get off at JR Kii-Katsuura Station; hotel pick-up can be arranged by reservation.