Kii Peninsula hotels and hostels
Wakayama Marina City Royal Pines Hotel
Shirarasou Grand Hotel
Umedaru Spa Hotel Seamore
Apa Hotel Wakayama
Dormy Inn Premium Wakayama
Fine Misaki Branch
Wakayama Tokyu Inn
Hotel Hanatemari
Arida Orange Youth Hostel
Pension Sirogisu
Tentsuku Guesthouse
Koyasan Guest House Kokuu
Fujiya
Next door, this is a more upmarket ryokan with tasteful rooms: spacious, clean and tastefully decorated. For a very civilised place to stay after a day in the river baths, this is the spot.
Kōya San Youth Hostel
This hostel is a friendly and comfortable budget choice if the prices at the temples are out of your range. It's closed for parts of December and January. Call ahead for reservations.
Henjōson In
Nice rooms and communal baths make this a good choice.
Haryō In
This temple is one of the cheaper shukubō and functions as a kokumin-shukusha (people's lodge).
Ekō In
One of the nicer temples in town, Ekō-in is run by a friendly bunch of young monks and the rooms look onto beautiful gardens.
Rengejō In
This lovely temple has superb rooms, many with garden views, fine painted fusuma (sliding doors) and interesting art on display. English is spoken here; sometimes explanation of Buddhist practices and meditation is available.
Temple Stays
There are more than 50 temples in Kōya-san offering shukubō. It's worth staying the night at a temple here, especially to try shōjin-ryōri (vegetarian food - no meat, fish, onions or garlic).
Shōjōshin In
Friendly spot.
Pension Ashita No Mori
This hotel is in a pleasant wooden building with a good riverside location. Rooms are adequate in size and well maintained. It has its own private onsen bath, and inside baths are onsen as well.
Yōchi In
A simple, friendly and well-located temple.
Sōji In
At home with foreign guests, this temple has a lovely garden and some rooms with en suite baths. There is one barrier-free room with Western-style beds. The top rooms here are among the best in Kōya-san.
Kokumin Shukusha Hotel Shirahama
This is a good bet if Katsuya is full, and offers similar rates. It's a little dark and showing its age, but the rooms are spacious and there is an onsen bath.
Ryokan Yoshino Ya
Located very close to Tsubo-yu, this is a slightly more upscale place with a lovely rotemburo (outdoor bath). It's fairly new and the location can't be beat. Like Yunotanisō, it's a friendly and well-run spot.
Hotel Ginsui
If you'd prefer a hotel, this is a very reasonable choice within easy walking distance of the beach. It's got everything you need and the staff are efficient. Considering the location, it's a good deal.
Fukuchi In
This fine temple has outdoor baths with onsen water and a lovely garden designed by the famous designer Shigemori Mirei.