When Arigato Travel’s General Manager, Lauren Shannon, stayed at Centrale Hotel Kyotango, she experienced firsthand the authentic local charm that earned them a Booking.com Traveller Review Award in 2023. Perched on a scenic hillside, this welcoming retreat features spacious rooms with beautiful day and night views, including traditional Japanese-style spaces complete with cozy kotatsu leg warmers in winter. Guests can savor the region’s famous snow crab, seasonal matsutake shabu-shabu, and top-tier Omiya rice. After a day of exploring, you can unwind in the mineral-rich waters of the Ono no Komachi Onsen Spa, a favorite hot spring among locals.
Read on as we chat with the President of the Hotel, Shimada-san, to discover the insider secrets of this charming stay, and start planning your own unforgettable coastal getaway.
Centrale Hotel Kyotango – Photo Credit: Centrale Hotel Kyotango
Good afternoon, Shimada-san. Could you tell us a bit about your personal background and how you came to your current role at Centrale Hotel Kyotango?
Hello there. I am Kenichiro Shimada, the president of Shimada Co., Ltd., which operates Centrale Hotel Kyotango. Before I started working for Shimada Co., Ltd., I was working as a librarian at the Gordon W. Prange Collection within the University of Maryland Libraries. This hotel was my father’s last purchase before his passing, and his death required me to come back and work for his company.
Exterior of the hotel grounds with the rolling hills in the background – Photo Credit: Centrale Hotel Kyotango
What is the history of the hotel, and how has the property changed since your company took over?
This facility used to be run by the Japan Pension Service. We acquired it and have been running it since 2009. We have renovated almost all of the interior decorations and replaced the facilities since then.
Kyotango is a beautiful coastal region of Kyoto Prefecture. What are some of your personal favorite scenic routes or hidden gems nearby that you recommend to travelers?
I really love the scenery from the Tango Forest Road (Tango Jukan Rindo), the entrance to which is about a 5-minute drive from our hotel. It is one of the most scenic byways on the Tango Peninsula. Along the way, you can see Amanohashidate from a horizontal vantage point, and then arrive at Nariaiji Temple, a historic esoteric Buddhist temple of the Shingon school. You will also find the charm of a real, rural village in Kami Seya.
Outside of some of the spacious accommodations – Photo Credit: Centrale Hotel Kyotango
Could you share a bit about your nightly rates, and what kind of unique comforts or amenities guests can look forward to during a cozy evening in?
Our rate for a B&B plan is 9,000 JPY per person (based on twin use). However, 70% of our overnight guests choose dinner plans (which start from 17,000 JPY). Having an in-house dinner seems to make our guests feel more relaxed, since they can enjoy their meal in comfortable loungewear and head straight back to their rooms immediately after.
To ensure a deeply relaxing stay, we provide unique amenities tailored for comfort. Our guests love relaxing in Samue (作務衣), a comfortable style of traditional Japanese loungewear. We also offer our signature “Good Sleep Sachet,” filled with dried organic lavender grown right in our hotel gardens to help you fall into a peaceful sleep.
One of the mixed design guestrooms – Photo Credit: Centrale Hotel Kyotango
For a guest looking to explore the area during their stay, what does a perfect day trip itinerary look like starting from the hotel?
The most popular destinations are the Ine boathouse village and Amanohashidate. Both sites are located along the same travel route. In addition, the Tango Folklore Museum will reopen in fall 2027 (it is currently under renovation) and is also located along that very same route.
You offer beautifully designed guest rooms that blend comfort and tradition. Could you tell us about the layout of these spaces and some of the seasonal highlights guests can enjoy?
We have three types of guest rooms. The size of most guest rooms is 29㎡, with the exception of our Special Room, which is 58㎡. The Japanese-Western style room (和洋室) features two full-size beds alongside a living space with Ryukyu-style tatami mats. Each room is equipped with a toilet and a shower booth, and includes free access to our onsen hot springs.
One of the brighter rooms, featuring Western beds and tatami flooring – Photo Credit: Centrale Hotel Kyotango
Seasonal Highlights:
- Enjoy open-air bathing under the cherry blossoms at each villa in early April.
- Experience a soothing onsen hot spring completely surrounded by snow in the winter.
Outdoor onsen in Winter – Photo Credit: Centrale Hotel Kyotango
In the early summer, the hillside leading up to the hotel is covered in vibrant lavender. What can you tell us about the picking activities and handmade crafts available during this peak season?
Our lavender blooms peak in the latter half of June. Harvesting is available anytime during the season. Handcraft activities, such as lavender stick making, are available by reservation.
Bara zushi-making – Photo Credit: Centrale Hotel Kyotango
Our General Manager, Lauren, had a wonderful time learning how to make traditional local bara zushi during her stay. For food lovers, could you walk us through the bara zushi experience you offer?
We are promoting a more informational and educational bara zushi experience:
- First, visit the Iio Jozo vinegar brewery to learn about traditional Japanese rice vinegar production.
- Come back to our hotel to learn how to cook the sushi rice, egg omelet strips, and mackerel flakes.
- Finally, assemble, plate, and taste the bara zushi (the total duration is about 5 hours).
The finished bara zushi – Photo Credit: Centrale Hotel Kyotango
The Ono no Komachi Onsen is highly popular with local residents; what can guests look forward to when spending time in the indoor and outdoor bath areas?
Our guests purely enjoy the silky texture of our onsen hot springs. In addition, they get to enjoy the beautiful seasonal changes, such as watching the snow fall while soaking in the outdoor bath. We also have a dry sauna located in the outdoor bath area.
Ono no Komachi Onsen – Photo Credit: Centrale Hotel Kyotango
Tango is famous for its incredible regional food and the longevity of its residents. Could you tell us about your culinary philosophy and the local ingredients that make your menu so unique?
The Tango Peninsula has many excellent agricultural and seafood products, such as Grade A+ rice, a variety of seasonal fruits, fresh seafood, and local vegetables. Kyotango City actively promotes a diet geared toward longevity, as the city boasts an incredibly high ratio of centenarians among its population.
A shot of the rice served in a traditional pot – Photo Credit: Centrale Hotel Kyotango
Thank you so much Shimada-san for sharing a glimpse into your beautiful property and your passion for local hospitality. Getting a look into the vibrant lavender fields, local hot springs, and seasonal coastal dining makes it clear why this seaside retreat is such a beloved destination.
Next time you find yourself planning a trip to the Kyoto northern coast, be sure to reserve a room here to experience this incredible local charm for yourself.
Read more about Centrale Hotel Kyotango on:
Website: https://en.centrale.co.jp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centrale.hotel.kyotango/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CentraleHotelKyotango
Featured Photo Credit: Centrale Hotel Kyotango
