What to know
Nachi-Katsuura is a town on the southeastern coast of the Kii Peninsula, famous for its hot springs and fishing industry.
As a hot spring resort, Nachi-Katsuura features several large hotels along the coastline. These all-inclusive complexes have restaurants, shops, multiple baths, karaoke, bars, izakaya, walking trails, and more.
Two hotels are especially known for their baths and are only reachable by boat: Urashima Hotel, which operates the Bokido Bath in a spacious seaside cave, and Nakanoshima Hotel on its own private island, offering outdoor baths with beautiful coastal views. Urashima Hotel allows non-guests to use its baths.
Another attraction is the tuna market. The local port handles Japan's largest haul of fresh tuna, and visitors can watch the tuna auctions from a second-floor observation deck. The auctions, similar to those at Tokyo's Toyosu Market but on a smaller scale, take place from around 7:00 to 7:30 am, except Saturdays, days before national holidays, and a few irregular holidays per month.
Nachi-Katsuura and the Kii Peninsula are also known for whaling culture. In nearby Taiji, a whale museum provides information on whales and whaling from historical and modern perspectives. Displays highlight whaling methods and practices, and whale meat is sold in the museum gift shop and local restaurants. Whale and dolphin shows are held in a spacious bay outside the museum.
Kii-Katsuura is a major station on the JR Kisei Line, located in the town center of Nachi-Katsuura, just a short walk from the harbor.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 19:00 (entry until 18:00)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 1500 yen (~$9.6) (includes entry to the hotel's other baths)
- English name
- Original name
- Nachi-Katsuura
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.