Spots List

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

Gamagori City

A scenic city with ocean, hot springs, and fruits. Takeshima Island is a natural monument and power spot. Enjoy ocean views from hot spring inns and seasonal orange picking. With the "Laguna Ten Bosch" theme park, it's a versatile resort for families and friends.

Aichi
Area Info
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Koya Town

"Koya Town," centered around Mt. Koya, is a World Heritage religious city located on a mountain top at an altitude of about 800 meters. As the sacred site of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism opened by Kukai 1,200 years ago, the entire town is enveloped in sacred air, with the sight of 117 dense temples being overwhelming. Deep spiritual experiences that can only be found here, such as staying at a Shukubo, Shojin cuisine, and night worship at Okunoin, fascinate travelers from around the world. The seasonal expressions—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn colors, and winter wrapped in snow—are...

Wakayama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kitayama Village

Kitayama Village

Kitayama Village, though part of Wakayama Prefecture, is Japan's only "enclave" surrounded by Mie and Nara prefectures, a beautiful village protected by mysterious geographical conditions and deep mountains. Known as the production area of the phantom citrus "Jabara" that only grows wild here, its unique acidity and fragrance attract global attention for health benefits. "Sightseeing Log Rafting," utilizing the traditional timber industry, is the biggest tourist draw, attracting people from all over the country seeking adventure. In the quiet village with not a single traffic light, the lifestyle of a good old Japanese mountain village lives on, making it a...

Wakayama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kitayama River

The "Kitayama River," weaving through the borders of Mie, Nara, and Wakayama, is one of Japan's leading clear streams with amazing transparency and beautiful cobalt blue water. The biggest attraction is "Sightseeing Log Rafting," where navigating rapids on a raft made of logs while being sprayed with water is a thrill-filled activity that can only be experienced here. Additionally, the river is flanked by sheer cliffs such as "Dorokyo Gorge," allowing for dynamic landscapes created by nature to be enjoyed by boat or canoe. It is a supreme field for travelers who want to actively experience nature while feeling the...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shionomisaki Lighthouse

Shionomisaki Lighthouse

"Shionomisaki Lighthouse," soaring at the southernmost tip of Honshu, is one of Japan's oldest Western-style stone lighthouses, first lit in 1873. From the beautiful white lighthouse reflecting Meiji-era history, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, with the grand horizon spreading before you making you realize the Earth is round. The contrast between the rough Pacific waves below and the green grass surrounding the lighthouse is truly spectacular. You can also learn the lighthouse's history at the adjacent museum. Standing at the southern end of Japan, feeling the sea breeze while reflecting on the distant sea will be a special...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kushimoto Marine Park

Kushimoto Marine Park

"Kushimoto Marine Park," spreading in the sea at the southernmost tip of Honshu, is a precious marine park where you can observe the world's northernmost coral reefs. The sea in this area, benefiting from the Kuroshio Current, has extremely high transparency, with a beautiful underwater world where tropical fish and table corals live. By using the "Undersea Observation Tower" where you can peek into the sea while fully dressed, the aquarium reproducing the sea, or the "Semi-submersible Sightseeing Boat," you can feel as if you are walking in the sea. The rich vitality of Japan's sea and the mystical scenery...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hashigui-iwa Rocks

Hashigui-iwa Rocks

"Hashigui-iwa Rocks," where about 40 large and small rock pillars line up in a straight line for about 850 meters along the coastline of Kushimoto Town, is a spectacular sight designated as a National Scenic Spot and Natural Monument. This mysterious sight created by wave erosion also has a legend that Kobo Daishi Kukai bet with a demon (Amanojaku) to build a bridge overnight. The beauty of the sunrise rising between the rocks is breathtaking, making it a sanctuary for photography enthusiasts. At low tide, you can walk close to the rocks and observe the natural formative beauty up close....

Wakayama
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kudoyama Town

Kudoyama Town, located at the foot of Mt. Koya, is a town full of historical romance known as the place where the Sengoku hero Sanada Yukimura (Nobushige) lived in seclusion. The town features "Zenmyosho-in (Sanada-an)" and the "Kudoyama Sanada Museum" associated with Yukimura, where you can touch the wisdom and pride of samurai. It is also the starting point of the "Choishi-michi" pilgrimage road to Mt. Koya and a town of faith hosting World Heritage sites like "Jison-in" and "Niu Kanshofu Shrine." In autumn, the specialty "Fuyu Persimmons" ripen, and beautiful satoyama landscapes spread out. It is an attractive base...

Wakayama
Area Info
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
Autumn
Winter

Daimon-zaka Chaya (Teahouse)

Daimon-zaka Chaya (Teahouse)

"Daimon-zaka Chaya," standing at the entrance of the Kumano Kodo highlight "Daimon-zaka," is a unique spot where you can rent Heian-period pilgrimage costumes. Walking the mossy cobblestones lined with cedar trees in colorful traditional attire feels like time-traveling a thousand years back. The staff will carefully assist with dressing and point out the best photography spots, making it extremely popular among overseas travelers. This experience of heading to the sanctuary dressed as an ancient traveler is the best opportunity to leave your Kumano Kodo memories in a deep and photogenic way.

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mitaki Sanso (Inn)

Mitaki Sanso (Inn)

"Mitaki Sanso," located at the foot of Mt. Nachi, is a warm inn loved by pilgrims and hikers as one of the closest accommodations to the World Heritage Nachi Falls. It prides itself on homely hospitality and hand-cooked meals using plenty of seasonal local ingredients, with the tuna dishes of Nachi-Katsuura being especially exquisite. In the silence of the night, you can heal travel fatigue while listening to the distant roar of Nachi Falls. With an ideal location as a base for sightseeing around Mt. Nachi, it is a perfect stay for travelers who want to feel Japanese Minshuku culture...

Wakayama
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Seiganto-ji Temple

Seiganto-ji Temple

"Seiganto-ji Temple," located in Nachi-Katsuura Town, is a famous temple of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the first temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. The greatest highlight is the scenery of the vermilion "Three-Storied Pagoda" soaring with Nachi Falls in the background. This sight of a Buddhist temple and a waterfall coexisting is globally famous as one of the most symbolic spectacular views representing the harmony of Japanese "Shinbutsu-shugo." By visiting along with the adjacent Kumano Nachi Taisha, you can understand Japan's deep spirituality and the ancient culture of respecting nature as gods and Buddhas. The time spent...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
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

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

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

Wakanoura

"Wakanoura," loved by many literati and poets since the Manyo era, is one of Japan's representative scenic spots. Panoramic views like a landscape painting unfold, including vast tidal flats appearing at low tide and the "Kankaikaku" pavilion standing as if floating in the sea. Additionally, Kishu Toshogu Shrine, associated with the Tokugawa clan, and the beautiful Wakayama Marina City are nearby, making it attractive to enjoy historical strolls and a resort feeling simultaneously. Walking along the coastline while listening to the calm sound of waves at dusk, you can deeply immerse yourself in the "Wa" (Japanese) spirit and natural beauty...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kyukamura Kishu Kada

Kyukamura Kishu Kada

"Kyukamura Kishu Kada," located on a hill overlooking the Kitan Strait, is a scenic resort hotel with a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea's islands. Its greatest pride is the "Infinity Open-air Bath," where you can feel as if you are floating in the sea as the sky and ocean become one. Spending time while gazing at the sea dyed golden at dusk is a truly blissful moment. Luxurious dishes using plenty of fresh local sea bream and seafood are also popular. Close to Kada Port, from which boats to Tomogashima depart, it is ideal for mature travelers who...

Wakayama
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Wakayama City

Wakayama City, the capital of Wakayama Prefecture, is a gateway city where castle town history, beautiful coastlines, and rich food culture harmonize. The famous "Wakayama Ramen" (Chuka Soba) features a rich soy-based soup and fascinates ramen fans worldwide. Spots where history and nature intersect are dotted throughout, such as the old port town of Kada and the spectacular Wakanoura, mentioned in the Manyoshu. With excellent access from Osaka, it is an energetic city where you can enjoy Japan's diverse charms as the start of your Wakayama journey while enjoying modern convenience.

Wakayama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Wakayama Castle

Wakayama Castle

"Wakayama Castle," the symbol of Wakayama City, is a historic castle that flourished as the residence of the Kishu Tokugawa family, one of the three branches of the Tokugawa clan. From the white castle tower standing on Mt. Torafusu, you can overlook the streets of Wakayama and the Kinokawa River, enjoying a panoramic view from the same perspective as the lords of the time. The "Ohashi Corridor," rare nationwide, is a roofed bridge built on an angle, and you can actually experience crossing it on foot. It is a must-see historical base for fans where you can feel Japanese samurai...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tomogashima Islands

Tomogashima Islands

"Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium," located in Shirahama Town, is a very academic and impressive aquarium attached to a research facility. While there are no flashy shows, the exhibits of invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, starfish, etc.) and fish inhabiting the sea around Shirahama are surprisingly extensive, and their diversity is among the best in Japan. The meticulous exhibits showing the creatures' ecology as it is make you feel a deep respect for natural science. It is an ideal authentic spot for intellectually curious travelers who want to carefully observe the "true form" of marine life or those who want to learn about...

Wakayama
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium

Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium

"Tomogashima," floating off the coast of Wakayama City, is an uninhabited island group consisting of Jinoshima, Kamishima, Okinoshima, and Torajima. On this island, where a fortress of the former Japanese military was built during the Meiji era, red-brick battery ruins and ammunition depots remain as ruins just as they were, and their mystical sight became a global topic on social media as "looking like the world of the Studio Ghibli movie Castle in the Sky." The contrast of red bricks being swallowed by greenery tells the weight of history in silence. Camping and hiking in the beautiful sea can also...

Wakayama
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Adventure World

Adventure World

"Adventure World" is one of Japan's leading experiential theme parks, combining a zoo, aquarium, and amusement park. It is globally known as a place where many pandas once lived, and today it still features exhibits utilizing that history and experience of breeding. Areas to experience the brilliance of life are packed here, such as the Safari World where you can tour the vast grounds by train or bicycle, dynamic dolphin performances, and the Marine World where penguins and sea otters live. This place, which values "interaction between humans, animals, and nature," gains immense support not only from families but also...

Wakayama
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter