A New Gateway to the World Heritage Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route
KAMENOI HOTEL KII-TANABE (Location: Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture; General Manager: Kazuyuki Totsuka; hereinafter “the Hotel”) has officially changed its name to KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO-TANABE, effective July 1, 2026.
https://kamenoi-hotels.com/en/kumanotanabe
Background and Purpose of the Name Change
With the new name featuring “Kumano,” the Hotel aims to strengthen its role as a welcoming base for travelers exploring the World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, offering guests greater recognition of its location and connection to this culturally significant destination.
A Convenient Base for Exploring the World Heritage Kumano Kodo
Interest in the Kumano Kodo continues to grow among travelers from Japan and around the world, particularly from Europe and North America. The Hotel is ideally located near the starting point of the Nakahechi Route, one of the main pilgrimage routes leading to the sacred sites of Kumano Sanzan.
While the name “Kii Tanabe” accurately represents the local area, it did not immediately communicate the Hotel’s connection to the wider Kumano region for travelers visiting with the Kumano Kodo as their destination.
Through the name change to KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO-TANABE, the Hotel will more clearly highlight its role as a convenient base for exploring Kumano, supporting greater awareness of the region and encouraging more travelers to discover its natural beauty, history, and culture.
Improved Accessibility for Kumano Kodo Travelers
Located in the Tanabe Station area, the Hotel provides convenient access to Takijiri-oji, the traditional entrance point of the Nakahechi Route, as well as onward journeys to the sacred sites of Kumano Sanzan.
To further enhance convenience for guests beginning their Kumano Kodo journey in the morning, the Hotel increased its complimentary shuttle service to JR Kii-Tanabe Station from June 1, 2026. The additional morning service improves connections to local buses bound for Takijiri-oji, allowing travelers to begin their pilgrimage more smoothly.
The Hotel continues to develop a comfortable environment for guests using the property as a pre- or post-pilgrimage stay.
Experience the Nature, Culture, Cuisine, and Hot Springs of Southern Wakayama
Beyond its convenient location for exploring the Kumano Kodo, KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO-TANABE offers guests a relaxing resort experience surrounded by the natural beauty of Nanki and Kumano.
Regional Experiences
Guests can enjoy activities that connect them with the local landscape and culture, including Kumano Kodo walks, sea kayaking experiences, and plum wine-making experiences.
Guest Lounge “Agara Lounge”
Opened in March 2026, the newly introduced Agara Lounge offers an inviting space where guests can enjoy complimentary Wakayama local sake and soft drinks, together with an open-grill culinary experience featuring live cooking.
Local Cuisine and Natural Hot Springs
Guests can savor seasonal cuisine featuring the abundant seafood of Kishu, while relaxing in the Hotel’s natural hot spring, Tenjin Onsen Tanabe Motoyu. The panoramic baths and open-air baths on the top floor offer expansive views of the coastline, including breathtaking sunsets over the ocean and star-filled night skies.
A Seaside Hot Spring Resort Overlooking Tanabe Bay
Formerly known as KAMENOI HOTEL KII-TANABE, the newly named KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO-TANABE is an ocean-view hot spring resort overlooking the beautiful landscape of southern Wakayama.
All guest rooms feature ocean views, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing scenery of Tanabe Bay throughout their stay. Surrounded by the rich nature and mild climate of Kishu, guests can experience the region through seasonal cuisine, relaxing hot springs, and moments of tranquility by the sea.
With the addition of the open grill restaurant and Agara Lounge in March 2026, the Hotel offers a more enjoyable and comfortable stay before or after exploring the Kumano Kodo.
Hotel Information
KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO-TANABE
Address: 24-1 Mera, Tanabe City, Wakayama 646-8501, Japan
Guest Rooms: 52 rooms
Check-in: 3:00 PM I Check-out: 10:00 AM
About KAMENOI HOTEL
“Connecting encounters, enriching every guest’s heart.”
KAMENOI HOTEL, a hot spring hotel brand rooted in KAMENOI Ryokan, founded in 1911 by Kumahachi Aburaya, known as the “father of tourism in Japan.” Carrying forward more than a century of hospitality traditions, the brand offers guests opportunities to discover the unique charms of each destination through hot springs, cuisine, nature, and local culture.
Since launching as a new hotel brand in July 2022, the brand has expanded to 40 properties nationwide, welcoming guests with meaningful experiences and heartfelt hospitality.
About Iconia Hospitality
Iconia Hospitality operates a diverse portfolio of accommodations, including full-service hotels, community hotels, resort hotels, and hot spring resorts throughout Japan, providing guests with memorable stays rooted in each destination’s unique character.
Item Details
Company Name Iconia Hospitality K.K.
Business Description Management and operation of hotels and ryokans, travel agency business
Chairman Shunsuke Yamamoto
President Ryoichi Shirota
Headquarters 44F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6144
Properties under Management 182 properties 25,482 rooms (As of July 1, 2026)
About “GoTo Pass” Loyalty Program
Launched on May 29, 2025, under the concept “Take your life beyond imagination,” GoTo Pass is Iconia Hospitality’s premier rewards program. Members can earn and redeem points across more than 180 participating facilities nationwide, including hotels, hot spring resorts, restaurants, pet-friendly accommodations, and leisure facilities.
Iconia Hospitality K.K.PR Secretariat (c/o Transmission Co., Ltd.) TEL: +81-3-6802-8048 E-mail: iconia@tmcl.jp