Tanabe City

Wakayama
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Tanabe City, the second-largest city in Wakayama Prefecture, is the junction where the "Nakahechi" and "Ohechi" routes of the World Heritage Kumano Kodo split, serving as the "starting point for pilgrimage." Around the station, there is a lively restaurant district called "Ajikoji," where you can enjoy fresh local seafood and local sake, making it ideal for preparing for or healing from your journey. There are also information centers for the World Heritage site and historic shrines like Tokei Shrine. It is a city that serves as a base camp for deeply enjoying your Wakayama trip, where urban convenience coexists with the hospitality of "Kuchikumano," which has long welcomed pilgrims warmly.

Tanabe City

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【和歌山県田辺市】PR動画「田辺市を旅して、特別な体験に出会おう」

【和歌山県田辺市】PR動画「田辺市を旅して、特別な体験に出会おう」

Tanabe City

Tanabe City

Address: 1-5-1 Higashiyama, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama
Website: https://www.tanabe-kanko.jp/
Operator: Tanabe City Tourism Association

Tanabe City Spots List

Tenjinzaki Cape
Hiki-iwagun (Toad Rocks)
Ogigahama Beach
Mt. Ryujin
Koyasan Temple Lodgings
Hossinmon-oji Shrine
Oyunohara
Tokei-jinja Shrine
Kii-Tanabe Station
Takijiri-oji / Jugo-jinja Shrine
World Heritage Kumano Hongu Museum
Yunomine Onsen
Tsuboyu Bath (Yunomine Onsen)
Kawayu Onsen
Ueshiba Morihei Memorial Museum
Kumano Area
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes
Kumano Kodo Iseji Route
Kumano Kodo Kohechi Route
Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route
Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine

Tenjinzaki Cape

Tenjinzaki Cape

"Tenjinzaki" in Tanabe City is a spectacular scenic spot famous as the "Uyuni Salt Flat of Japan," where water pools in the rocky areas at low tide and reflects the sky like a mirror. Especially at dusk on a windless day, the colors of the sky reflect perfectly on the water surface, and you can take mystical photos. This is also famous as the birthplace of Japan's "National Trust movement," with a history of protecting beautiful nature through the power of citizens. By checking the low tide times in advance, you can experience the mystical art created by great nature,...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hiki-iwagun (Toad Rocks)

Hiki-iwagun (Toad Rocks)

"Hiki-iwagun" in Tanabe City is an extremely unique group of strange rocks named because many huge rocks soar and their appearance looks like hundreds of "toads" (hiki) in a line. The dynamic rock formations created by erosion have an overwhelming impact as if you strayed into another world. The surroundings have maintained walking paths, and from the observatory, you can enjoy a grand panorama overlooking the continuous peaks of the Kii Mountain Range and the distant Pacific Ocean. This place, which is also geologically valuable, is recommended for active travelers who want to enjoy a light hike while enjoying nature's...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ogigahama Beach

Ogigahama Beach

"Ogigahama," spreading near the city center of Tanabe, is a bathing beach characterized by its beautiful white sand beach spreading in a fan shape. The waves are calm, so even families can enjoy it with peace of mind, and it is crowded with beach volleyball and various events in summer. Additionally, this place is said to be where pilgrims starting to walk the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi once purified themselves in the sea. It is maintained as a modern beach park, and walking while gazing at the beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean is popular at dusk. It is an ideal...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mt. Ryujin

"Mt. Ryujin" in Tanabe City is a mountain that has been worshipped by local people since ancient times as a home to the Dragon God, as its name suggests. "Ryujin-gu" is enshrined near the summit, and a solemn atmosphere drifts about. The view from here is wonderful, with the beautiful blue of Tanabe Bay spreading below and the lush cityscape viewable at a glance. On the way up the mountain, you can enjoy pleasant exercise that purifies your mind and body, healed by seasonal plants and the chirping of wild birds. This place, where historical faith and spectacular views merge,...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Koyasan Temple Lodgings

Koyasan Temple Lodgings

Mt. Koya has over 50 temples that accept guests as "Shukubo" (temple lodgings), providing a special spiritual experience not found in general hotels. While viewing beautiful Japanese gardens, you can taste traditional healthy "Shojin Ryori" (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) using no meat or fish, and participate in early morning chanting and services by monks. Many temples also offer experiences like Ajikan (meditation) and sutra copying, allowing for quiet time to face yourself. This experience of immersing in the depths of Japanese Buddhist culture while touching the lifestyle of monks at a 1,200-year-old sacred site has become the true purpose of travel...

Wakayama
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
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Hossinmon-oji Shrine

Hossinmon-oji Shrine

"Hossinmon-oji" is an important Oji shrine known as the entrance to the sanctuary of the Kumano Kodo, the so-called "gate where the heart of enlightenment (Hossin) is born." The approximately 7km route from here to Kumano Hongu Taisha is particularly easy to walk among the ancient roads, and is a very popular hiking course through beautiful satoyama landscapes and tea plantations. Located at the boundary between a settlement where you can feel the local daily life and a mystical forest, it is the best place as a starting point for travelers who want to head to Hongu Taisha while casually...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oyunohara

"Oyunohara," located a few minutes' walk from Kumano Hongu Taisha, is the sacred former site where the Hongu Taisha once stood. The giant Torii gate soaring at the entrance is about 34 meters high, known as the largest in Japan, and its overwhelming presence surprises visitors even from a distance. Although many of the shrine buildings were washed away by a flood in 1889, it is said that this land is still filled with strong energy, and many pilgrims visit it as a power spot. The landscape woven by the silence of the vast grounds, rich greenery, and the massive...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tokei-jinja Shrine

Tokei-jinja Shrine

"Tokei Shrine" in Tanabe City is a historic shrine also registered as a World Heritage site. Its name originates from a legend during the Genpei War in the Heian period, where a cockfight was used to divine which side to support. Because it enshrines all the deities of the "Kumano Sanzan" (Hongu, Hayatama, Nachi), it is an important place in the pilgrimage where it is said that worshipping here yields the same merit as visiting all three shrines. The precincts are quiet and imbued with local faith, making it a power spot suitable for praying for victory or travel safety...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kii-Tanabe Station

Kii-Tanabe Station

"Kii-Tanabe Station," the western gateway to the Kumano Kodo, is the first base for many travelers entering south-central Wakayama. In front of the station is the "Tanabe City Tourist Center," where support for international tourists, such as English maps and bus guides, is very extensive. The restaurant district called "Ajikoji" near the station is one of Wakayama's leading gourmet spots, wrapped in a warm atmosphere where locals and travelers mingle at night. The traditional wooden architecture of the townscape is also beautiful, making it an important landmark where you can feel this city's unique "spirit of hospitality" before boarding a...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Takijiri-oji / Jugo-jinja Shrine

Takijiri-oji / Jugo-jinja Shrine

"Takijiri-oji" is an important base for the full-scale start of the "Nakahechi," the main route of the Kumano Kodo. This is considered the entrance to the sanctuary, and in the past, pilgrims purified themselves in the nearby river before entering the mountains. The "Jugo Shrine" within the precincts is wrapped in a quiet forest with old shrine buildings, creating a dignified air. In the mountain behind, there are giant rocks like the "Tainai-kuguri" used for training, allowing you to feel the breath of nature worship. It is a place where many hikers pray for travel safety, and a special spot...

Wakayama
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

World Heritage Kumano Hongu Museum

World Heritage Kumano Hongu Museum

Located near Kumano Hongu Taisha, the "World Heritage Kumano Hongu Museum" is a comprehensive information facility where you can deeply learn about Kumano's history, culture, and nature. The building, using plenty of high-quality local Kishu timber, harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding landscape. Inside, the value of the World Heritage site and the history of pilgrimage are introduced in detail through high-definition videos and panel displays, with extensive explanations in English. It is ideal for checking routes before hiking or reflecting on the deep meaning after walking. The attached library space and rest area also serve as a peaceful base for...

Wakayama
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yunomine Onsen

"Yunomine Onsen" is one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, discovered about 1,800 years ago, and still strongly retains the atmosphere of a good old spa. It has flourished since ancient times as a place for "Yugori" (purification) before worshipping at Kumano. Steam rises along the river flowing through the center of the town, and the "Yutsutsu," where you can boil hot spring eggs and vegetables, is popular with tourists. The quiet mountain landscape lined with simple wooden inns is truly a primal Japanese scene. It is an exceptional healing spot where you can immerse yourself in historic warm waters...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
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Tsuboyu Bath (Yunomine Onsen)

Tsuboyu Bath (Yunomine Onsen)

"Tsuboyu," the symbol of Yunomine Onsen, is the only hot spring facility registered as a World Heritage site that can actually be bathed in. This small hot spring, gushing from a crack in a natural rock, is a mystical spot said to change its color seven times a day. It's just large enough for two or three people at a time and is used on a 30-minute private rotation system. Legends remain of historical figures curing incurable diseases here, and it has been revered as a water of rebirth since ancient times. The luxurious experience of immersing yourself in a...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kawayu Onsen

"Kawayu Onsen" is a hot spring resort rare in the world where hot spring water gushes from the river bottom. If you dig the riverbed yourself, you can create your own private open-air bath, enjoying the unique experience of adjusting the temperature by mixing it with cold river water. Especially during the winter (December to February), the "Sennin-buro," a giant open-air bath created by damming part of the river, appears, allowing for a bathing experience full of openness under the vast sky. This adventurous way of enjoying nature is an extremely attractive activity for international travelers with a spirit of...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ueshiba Morihei Memorial Museum

Ueshiba Morihei Memorial Museum

The "Ueshiba Morihei Memorial Museum" in Tanabe City is a facility telling the life and spirit of the founder of the world-famous martial art "Aikido." Built in Tanabe, Morihei's birthplace, this memorial museum allows you to learn the philosophy of "harmony" and "peace" he wanted to convey through Aikido through precious photos, mementos, and videos. Exhibits have multilingual explanations, and martial arts enthusiasts visit from all over the world as a pilgrimage to a sacred site. It is an extremely interesting spot even for those who do not know Aikido, as it allows you to touch not only the techniques...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kumano Area

The "Kumano Area" located in southern Wakayama Prefecture is known since ancient times as the "Land of Rebirth" and is the spiritual home of the Japanese people. It is a vast sanctuary centered on the World Heritage "Kumano Sanzan" (Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, Nachi Taisha), with the "Kumano Kodo" pilgrimage roads weaving through the mountains. Embraced by deep mountains, this land retains untouched nature, Japan's oldest hot springs, and mystical megalithic worship. It is said that by walking while holding awe for nature, visitors purify their minds and bodies and gain vitality for rebirth. It promises the best experience for...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes

"Kumano Kodo" is a rare World Heritage "Road," one of the few in the world, which people have continued to walk for centuries to worship at the Kumano Sanzan. Alongside the Camino de Santiago in Spain, it attracts attention from hikers and spiritual seekers worldwide as a pilgrimage path. The roads, dotted with mossy cobblestones, giant cedar groves, and historical Oji shrine remains, allow you to experience Japanese ancient nature worship and spiritual culture just by walking. There are multiple routes with different altitudes and landscapes, and it is a pilgrimage route that provides lifelong unforgettable emotion, allowing everyone from...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kumano Kodo Iseji Route

Kumano Kodo Iseji Route

The "Iseji" route of the Kumano Kodo is a historic pilgrimage road running from Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie Prefecture to the Kumano Sanzan in Wakayama, famously said as "Seven times to Ise, three times to Kumano." A characteristic of this route is that you can enjoy open views while walking along the beautiful coastline, not just crossing mountains. Especially, the exquisite cobblestones of "Magose Pass" and the panoramic views overlooking the sea are highly rated by international travelers. Footprints of travelers who overcame numerous difficulties to deepen their faith still remain, and you can feel the unique atmosphere where...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kumano Kodo Kohechi Route

Kumano Kodo Kohechi Route

"Kohechi" is a rugged yet beautiful route of about 70km connecting the Buddhist sacred site Mt. Koya and Kumano Hongu Taisha via the shortest north-south distance. Crossing the Kii Mountain Range requires traversing three mountain passes of the 1,000-meter class, making it known as the most difficult "expert-level" road among the Kumano Kodo. In return, the journey features spectacular views like the Hatenashi Settlement, known as the "Village in the Sky," and untouched deep forests where you can feel overwhelming silence and natural vitality. By walking over several days, you can face yourself and taste both the harshness and blessings...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route

"Nakahechi" is the most popular route of the Kumano Kodo, an "official pilgrimage road" once walked by imperial families and nobles. This route from Tanabe to Kumano Hongu Taisha features well-maintained cobblestones, beautiful cedar forests, and remains of historic "Oji" (rest areas and shrines), allowing you to feel Kumano's stories most vividly. There are plenty of options, from few-hour courses for beginners to multi-day authentic courses, and staying at guesthouses along the way is also a delight. For all travelers wishing to touch the core of Japanese pilgrimage culture, this is the royal hiking course to choose first.

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine

Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine

"Kumano Hongu Taisha" is the center of the Kumano Sanzan and the destination for all Kumano Kodo routes. The shrine buildings, relocated from the former site "Oyunohara," feature heavy cedar bark roofs and a clean beauty rejecting flashy decorations. As a "land of salvation," it has the inclusiveness to accept all people, and pilgrims still gather from all over the world. As you pass through the torii gate and climb the stone steps, you will feel a solemn atmosphere as if the surrounding air changes. Guided by the three-legged crow "Yatagarasu," this sacred site makes you feel both the end...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Spring
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