Wakayama

Wakayama, Koyasan

Wakayama is where spirituality meets the beauty of nature. Walk the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails and visit the revered Kumano Sanzan shrines. Relax in the famous Shirahama Onsen or enjoy family fun at Adventure World. With its warm climate, delicious seafood, and mountain scenery, Wakayama is full of healing and discovery.

From Tokyo: Shinkansen / Local train 3h 40m; 1h 15m

From Osaka: Local train 1h 30m

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Discover hidden charms in each city and town through our visual map.

Wakayama

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
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Wakayama

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...

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Wakayama

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
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Wakayama

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.

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Wakayama

Shingu City

Shingu City, located at the southeastern tip of Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic city at the intersection of river, sea, and mountains, which flourished as a temple town for Kumano Hayatama Taisha. Not only World Heritage shrines, but spots where you can deeply learn about Japanese history and faith while enjoying a city walk, such as "Kamikura Shrine" perched on a cliff and the "Shingu Castle Ruins," are concentrated here. Additionally, unique food cultures like whale dishes and the local specialty "Mehari-zushi" are attractive. The compact townscape is easy to stroll through, and it's an essential city for a pilgrimage...

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Tanabe City

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...

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Wakayama

Kimino Town

Kimino Town features relaxing satoyama landscapes, fitting its name which means "the field where you reside." The high-altitude areas have extremely clear air, making it known as one of Kansai's leading "starlit towns," and an observatory is established there. During the day, you can enjoy visiting herb gardens, specialty bakeries, and hideaway cafes amidst rich greenery, and at night, you can gaze at the starry sky. A slow life utilizing the rich natural environment is alive here, and it is highly recommended for travelers wishing to undergo a digital detox and immerse themselves in Japan's beautiful countryside scenery and quiet...

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Kainan City

Kainan City, located south of Wakayama City, is a city where you can feel traditional crafts, beautiful gardens, and "the beauty of Japanese gardens." In particular, "Yosuien," a nationally designated scenic spot, is a daimyo garden with a rare pond fed by seawater, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the four seasons. Additionally, this place is famous as the production area of "Kishu Lacquerware," and in the historic streetscapes of the Kuroe district, you can touch the handiwork of craftsmen or enjoy lacquerware-making experiences. With many historical temples and shrines, it is an ideal place for those wanting to...

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Katsuragi Town

Katsuragi Town, spreading along the rich flow of the Kinokawa River, is a peaceful town where fruit cultivation flourishes, known as the home of "Persimmons" as sung in the Manyoshu. Especially, the scenery of "Kushigaki" (skewered dried persimmons) is famous as a seasonal poetic charm of autumn in Japan, with the mountain slopes dyed orange being an overwhelming sight. Additionally, it houses "Niukawakami Shrine," part of the World Heritage site, and holds historical importance as a base for visiting Mt. Koya. You can enjoy beautiful terraced rice fields, clear streams, and seasonal fruit picking, making it popular with travelers wanting...

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Nanki-Shirahama

Nanki Shirahama is a representative beach resort of the Kansai region, boasting one of Japan's oldest hot springs with over 1,300 years of history and beautiful, shining white sand beaches. "Shirarahama," which has a sister beach affiliation with Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, is crowded with many people in summer due to the beautiful contrast between the emerald green sea and white sand. Furthermore, sightseeing spots that showcase natural formative beauty are concentrated here, such as "Adventure World" (globally famous for panda breeding), the seaside cliffs of "Sandanbeki," and "Engetsu Island," famous for its sunset. With good access from the airport,...

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Wakayama

Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama Prefecture is located in the southwestern part of the Kii Peninsula, Japan's largest peninsula, and is an area characterized by overwhelming nature woven by the sea and mountains, along with deep history. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," it has been revered since ancient times as a land where gods reside. In the north lies Mt. Koya, the sacred site of Buddhism opened by Kobo Daishi Kukai, and in the south are the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage roads and Nachi Falls, which boasts the highest drop in Japan, attracting...

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