Live Like a Local in Japan
Wake up to the gentle sounds of nature, wander down to the local shops for fresh seasonal produce, and unwind in the lodge’s peaceful garden. Our fully self-contained home features:
- Two cozy single beds in a traditional room
- A small second bedroom perfect for children or an extra single adult
- Fully equipped kitchen, hot and cold running water, laundry with washing machine, and modern bathroom
- Bicycles to explore the friendly, mostly flat local streets and town
- Reliable WiFi for those working remotely
Your journey begins with the scenic Kuroshio Express coastal train from Osaka – the perfect introduction to your immersive stay in Nachi-Katsuura.
Located directly opposite Tenma Shrine and just moments from Kii-Tenma Station, our lodge is also a stone’s throw from the shimmering waters of Nachi Blue Beach and the legendary Kumano Kodo trail.
Welcome to Koala Surf Lodge
Step into a charming 100-year-old traditional Japanese home in the heart of Nachi-Katsuura. Koala Surf Lodge blends rustic heritage with modern comforts, making it the perfect retreat for newly retired couples or young families seeking an authentic experience.
Hot Springs Haven: Soothing Soaks with Ocean Views
As Wakayama’s most onsen-rich town, Nachi-Katsuura offers diverse hot spring experiences. Once primarily a fishing community, the town is now home to numerous bathhouses and ryokans that take advantage of the region’s geothermal waters.
Hotel Urashima is particularly famous, located on a peninsula and featuring multiple baths—including one set inside a sea cave, the Bokido Bath, where visitors can bathe while overlooking the Pacific.
Another highlight is the open-air bath at Nakanoshima Ryokan, which offers tranquil views of the bay. For a more intimate and historic experience, Tsuboyu—believed to be one of Japan’s smallest onsen—welcomes pairs for short, private soaks in waters said to change color throughout the day.
Footbaths (ashiyu) are also scattered throughout town for a quick and relaxing break, including one conveniently situated near the bustling fish market.
Nature plays a central role in Nachi-Katsuura’s charm. Katsuura Bay is dotted with roughly 130 small islands known collectively as Kii no Matsushima, resembling the famed Matsushima Bay in northern Japan.
Scenic cruises leave regularly from the tourist port, offering up-close views of distinctively shaped islands with names like Camel Island and Lion Island. These 55-minute tours are popular, especially during warmer months.
From March through September, the area also hosts dolphin and whale watching excursions. Departing from a port near JR Ugui Station, these 3.5 to 4-hour tours offer a chance to spot migrating marine mammals, making for a memorable ocean experience.
Also not to be missed is Nachi Falls—Japan’s tallest single-drop waterfall, measuring 133 meters. Located near the Kumano Nachi Taisha, this awe-inspiring natural feature holds both scenic and spiritual significance.
Nachi-Katsuura is widely recognized for its tuna catch, holding the top spot nationwide. The fishing port’s early morning auctions, held at the Katsuura Fish Market, offer a glimpse into the heart of the local seafood economy.
The auction, running around 7:00–7:30 AM (excluding Saturdays and some holidays), can be viewed from an observation deck. Here, fresh tuna are displayed, inspected, and auctioned off—usually caught using traditional line fishing methods to support sustainability.
The town’s restaurants feature a wide range of tuna dishes, from classic sashimi to modern creations like tuna pizza. A must-try specialty is maguro katsu—deep-fried tuna belly served with ponzu and grated daikon radish.
Cultural Highlights: Sacred Sites and Ancient Trails
Culturally rich, Nachi-Katsuura is a gateway to one of Japan’s most sacred regions. It’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage area that includes the famous Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.
At the heart of this spiritual legacy is Kumano Nachi Taisha, a stunning shrine complex set against the backdrop of Nachi Falls. Alongside the shrine stands Seiganto-ji Temple, symbolizing the unique blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
Visitors can walk a portion of the Kumano Kodo—especially the Daimon-zaka trail, a stone path lined with towering cedar trees that are centuries old.
Each July 14th, the Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi-no-Ogi Matsuri) draws crowds to witness twelve giant torches carried to Nachi Falls in a powerful ritual meant to guide the returning deity to the Hiro Shrine. It’s a moving display of spiritual devotion and cultural heritage.
Getting There
Traveling to Nachi-Katsuura is relatively simple. The town is served by JR Kii-Katsuura Station on the Kisei Line. From Kansai Airport, take the train to Hineno and change to the Kuroshio express train to Kii-Katsuura Station. From Osaka or Kyoto, express trains take about 3 hours and 50 minutes; from Nagoya, the trip is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes with a transfer at Shingu Station.
Once in town, key locations like the port and fish market are within walking distance of Koala Surf Lodge. To visit Nachi Falls or Kumano Nachi Taisha, regular buses operate from the station or the stop near Koala Surf Lodge, with a travel time of about 30 minutes.
Stay for a Month or More
At Koala Surf Lodge, we offer monthly stays designed to help you truly settle in and live like a local. Whether you’re looking to spend a month, two months, three months, or even a whole year here (subject to visa requirements), this is your chance to experience daily life in a small Japanese town and connect with the community in a meaningful way.
Let the rhythms of local life inspire you, and make yourself at home for as long as you like.
Explore the Area
When you’re ready to explore beyond the lodge, you’ll find:
The awe-inspiring Nachi Falls and Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine
Rejuvenating local onsen hot springs
The best and freshest tuna available in Japan
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Ride the Local Waves
Catch the action at Nachi Beach. Surfers riding the waves at Nachi Beach, just 3 minutes walk from Koala Surf Lodge. Surfboard rental available at Ride Surf
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What Our Guests Say
We take pride in serving our guests with the best experience. Read what they say.
Above all, the real highlight is simply living here: feeling the rhythms of daily life in Japan.
An experience to remember forever.