Wakayama Prefecture, often referred to as the "Land of Water," is a county rich in historical and natural treasures, including hot springs, gastronomy, leisure, and world heritage sites.
Below, we present a regional guide to the attractions you can indulge in, serving as a reference for your Wakayama travel plans.
We have also curated some recommended accommodations to ensure your Wakayama journey is nothing short of perfection!
<Recommended Tourist Attractions in Shirahama-Nanki>
1. Adventure World (アドベンチャーワールド)
Adventure World is a renowned panda sanctuary known only to the discerning.
Situated in Shirahama, this theme park is centered around the theme of "interaction between humans, animals, and nature," combining an amusement park, a zoo, and an aquarium.
The most famous inhabitants here are the giant pandas, making it the place with the most pandas in the world, outside of China. Currently, they house seven giant pandas, and in some areas, you can observe them up close without the barrier of glass.
Adventure World is truly a sanctuary for Japan's giant pandas.
Another experience worth trying is the Wildlife Safari, where you can take a car or bus to observe freely roaming animals and witness scenes of carnivores being fed.
In the wildlife park, you can purchase food from vending machines and delight in feeding herbivores such as giraffes and elephants, making it a favorite among families with young children.
In an extraordinary setting, you can even feed a rhinoceros.
Moreover, the level of the dolphin show is also worth watching! Like the pandas, this is a must-see attraction here.
- Adventure World（アドベンチャーワールド）
- Address: 2399 Katata, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access:
- 10 minutes by bus from JR Kinokuni Line (Kisei Hon Line) Shirahama Station
- 20 minutes by bus from the Kisei Expressway Nanki-Tanabe IC
- 5 minutes by bus from Nanki Shirahama Airport
- Admission Fees:
- Adults (18 and older): 4,100 yen / Seniors (65 and older): 3,700 yen / Middle and high school students: 3,300 yen / Children (preschool and elementary school): 2,500 yen
- Opening Hours: 9:30-17:00 *May vary depending on the season
- Official Website: http://www.aws-s.com/
A recommended hotel near Adventure World is the "Toretore Village (とれとれヴィレッジ)."
Toretore Village boasts a collection of charming dome-shaped buildings that exude an exotic ambiance.
With a total of 133 individual domes, no two rooms are alike, ensuring a unique experience each time you visit.
Toretore Village is divided into the Fairy Tale Area and the Fantasy Area. The Fairy Tale Area offers both non-smoking and smoking rooms, as well as rooms where you can bring your furry friends (please note that only a limited number of rooms allow smoking and pets, so it's advisable to inquire early if you intend to stay). The Fantasy Area, on the other hand, caters exclusively to individuals with atopic dermatitis or asthma and is entirely smoke-free.
The skylights and window glass are equipped with protective films to shield you from sunburn and UV rays, making it particularly accommodating for women.
Furthermore, Toretore Village is conveniently located near hot spring facilities, a seafood buffet restaurant, fishing ponds, and raft fishing opportunities.
The hotel's location is also adjacent to the Toretore Market, one of the largest seafood markets in western Japan.
Here, you can not only stay overnight but also enjoy an entire day.
- Toretore Village（とれとれヴィレッジ）
- Address: 2498-1 Katata, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama City
- Access:
- From Shirahama Station: Take the Shirahama-cho Loop Bus or the Yunosaki direction (via Toretore Market) and get off at "Toretore Market Mae."
- From Shirahama Onsen Street: Take the Shirahama-cho Loop Bus or the Shirahama Station direction (via Toretore Market) and get off at "Toretore Market Mae."
- Check-in Time: 15:00 / Check-out Time: 11:00
2. Shirahama Onsen (白浜温泉)
When it comes to representing hot springs in the Kansai region, many people likely think of Shirahama.
Shirahama Onsen is located in the southwest of Wakayama Prefecture and boasts a history of over 1,300 years. It is counted among Japan's three oldest hot springs, along with Arima and Dogo.
Dating back to the Asuka and Nara periods, it was referred to as the "Muro no Yu."
As one of Japan's oldest hot springs, it is said that many court nobles, including the shogun Sanehira, Emperor Jito, and Emperor Monmu visited here.
The enduring appeal of Shirahama Onsen is due to its beneficial properties for the skin, as well as its proximity to the grand Pacific Ocean. The scent of sulfur, the sound of ocean waves, and the expansive views all contribute to the feeling of being immersed in nature for those who come to enjoy it.
Shirahama Onsen is known for its various therapeutic effects, including relief from gastrointestinal disorders, neuralgia, and rheumatism.
Interestingly, there are no volcanoes near Shirahama Onsen. Nonetheless, a recent study found that the hot springs are sourced from stagnant high-temperature groundwater that seeps from the subducting Pacific Plate.
- Shirahama Onsen (白浜温泉)
- Address: 1384-57 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access:
- By Rail: Approximately 10 minutes by Meiko Bus from JR Kinokuni Line Shirahama Station (express stop).
- By Bus: High-speed buses (via Hanwa Expressway) also operate from Osaka Station, Namba Station, and Kyoto Station. There are also night buses from Omiya Station, Ikebukuro Station, and Yokohama Station.
- Official Website: http://www.shirahama-ryokan.jp/
A recommended hotel near Shirahama Onsen is the "Hamachidori no Yu Kaishu (浜千鳥の湯 海舟)."
The "Hamachidori no Yu Kaishu" inn is widely beloved for its contemporary design and stylish interior, a rare gem among the historically rich hot spring inns in Wakayama.
The hot springs here boast a history of 1,300 years and are renowned as one of Shirahama's prominent hot springs, counted among Japan's three oldest.
Highly recommended is the mixed-gender open-air bath. Despite its coed nature, swimsuits are provided, making it suitable for all. Soaking in the open-air bath perched at the edge of the sea, gazing at the horizon while merging with the ocean, is sheer bliss. You can feel every moment of conquering the sunrise, sunset, and starry skies.
The variety of baths is extensive, including three private baths and one large communal bath with an open-air bath, where the hot water is meticulously chosen. The open-air baths, fashioned from old-fashioned plum wood barrels, exude a nostalgic charm.
The recommended rooms are on the ground floor of the standalone Hama-ya building.
The sea-view rooms feature a harmonious blend of Japanese and Western styles, radiating a sense of luxury. They come with an open-air bath right in front of a wide-open window. The open-air bath is equipped with chairs, allowing for extended relaxation.
The open-air baths let you feel the sea breeze and the ever-visible horizon, rejuvenating your body and mind during your journey.
Wakayama Prefecture is renowned for its seafood and mountain delicacies, and Hamachidori no Yu Kaishu offers a delightful dinner with a great reputation.
- Hamachidori no Yu Kaishu (浜千鳥の湯 海舟)
- Address: 1698-1 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access:
- By Car from Osaka (Matsubara JCT): 2 hours and 30 minutes via the Kinpoku Expressway and Hanwa Expressway, get off at Tanabe IC or Shirahama IC. Take a train for about 2 hours and 20 minutes from JR Shin-Osaka Station to JR Kinokuni Line Shirahama Station, and then a taxi for about 15 minutes.
- By Air from Tokyo: Approximately 60 minutes from Haneda Airport to Nanki Shirahama Airport, then a taxi for about 10 minutes.
- Check-in Time: 15:00 / Check-out Time: 11:00
3. Engetsu Island (円月島)
Engetsu Island, renowned as one of Shirahama's sunset viewing spots, is a popular destination.
Officially named "Takashima," Engetsu Island is an uninhabited island with dimensions of 130m in length from north to south, 35m in width from east to west, and a height of 25m.
In the center of the island, a crescent-shaped cave has been formed through erosion by seawater.
Even during the daytime, Engetsu Island leaves a lasting impression. If all goes well, you may witness a sunset like this:
Engetsu Island, chosen as one of the "100 Best Sunsets in Wakayama Prefecture," offers a truly mysterious sunset on Earth.
Around 6:30 in summer, and 4:30 in winter.
Every day, many people gather along the county road nearby to head to the central cave (erosion cave) of Engetsu Island to witness the sunset.
A recommended way to enjoy it is to soak in the nearby footbath at "Mifune Ashiba."
Additionally, you can take a glass-bottom boat to admire Engetsu Island. Through the small circular windows on the boat's side, you can get a close-up view of Engetsu Island.
Looking out through the boat's small windows, you'll see various colorful fish, including angelfish, scorpionfish, pufferfish, and striped bream.
- Engetsu Island (円月島)
- Address: Coast of Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access: 15 minutes by car from Shirahama Station, 20 minutes by car from Tanabe IC
- Official Website: https://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/spots/132/
The area described above is the Nanki Shirahama region on the west side of Wakayama Prefecture.
The surrounding seas near Shirahama are incredibly beautiful, so if you visit in the summer, don't forget to bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the sea.
Next, let's explore the Nachi Katsuura area on the east side, which boasts several popular tourist attractions, including the cave baths highly praised by the Kishu Tokugawa family.
<Recommended Tourist Attractions in Nachi Katsuura>
1. Katsuura Onsen (勝浦温泉)
Katsuura Onsen, together with Shirahama Onsen, represents the Kansai region. In simple terms, it's known for hot springs, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and being the hometown of bonito.
Set against the magnificent backdrop of "Kii no Matsushima," Katsuura Onsen is divided into two parts: the fishing port and the hot spring area. Hotels and inns abound around Katsuura Port, where fishing boats come to rest.
Some inns are situated on the island, while others are perched on the cape, offering an opportunity to coexist with nature during your stay.
These hotels and inns have access to over 100 springs and abundant spring water, boasting several renowned hot springs, including cave open-air baths and open-air baths with views of the bay.
Thanks to its prime location, Katsuura Onsen serves as a base for visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Nachi Mountain, Nachi Waterfall, and the Kumano Sanzan, attracting a constant stream of visitors.
As for the local specialty, it's bonito.
Katsuura Fishing Port boasts the largest catch of fresh bonito in Japan, allowing you to savor the freshest bonito!
The auction market starts in the early morning at 7 o'clock.
Though it's early, witnessing rows of bonito can be a valuable experience.
Nigiwai Hiroba holds a morning market on Sundays from around 8:00 to 11:00.
You'll encounter scenes not found in your daily life, and just strolling around can be quite fascinating!
The area is dotted with fresh fish and seafood shops and restaurants, making it a great place to purchase souvenirs or have lunch.
- Katsuura Onsen (勝浦温泉)
- Address: Coastal area of Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access:
- <By Rail>
- Get off at Kii-Katsuura Station on the Kisei Main Line (express station with direct trains from Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya).
- <By Car>
- From Osaka, take the Hanwa Expressway, Kisei Expressway, National Route 42, and Nachi Katsuura Shingu Road.
- From Nagoya, take the Tomei-Hankyu Expressway, Ise Expressway, Kisei Expressway, National Route 42, and Nachi Katsuura Shingu Road, which takes about 30 minutes.
- <By High-Speed Bus>
- Take the Omiya/Ikebukuro to Nanki Katsuura Line and get off at the "Katsuura Onsen" bus stop.
- <By Rail>
- Official Website: https://nachikan.jp/spa/
2. Nachi Waterfall (那智の滝)
It is one of Japan's three famous waterfalls and a must-visit destination when exploring Wakayama.
Nachi Waterfall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts many international tourists.
The roaring sound of the waterfall, accompanied by negative ions, creates a mystical and purifying experience for your soul.
Upon reaching the site, you'll find yourself surrounded by lush trees, and as you ascend the stone steps, you'll feel like you're about to witness something sacred.
Water is considered the mother of life and is the source of worship at Nachi Mountain.
Since ancient times, there has been a strong belief in the power of longevity associated with this waterfall. Many ascetics and pilgrims have visited to observe the waterfall.
Even today, this waterfall is regarded as the source of water that brings longevity.
To get to Nachi Waterfall, we recommend taking the route along the beautiful cobblestone path to Kumano Nachi Taisha, then proceeding to Nachi Waterfall.
Transportation from Katsuura Onsen to Nachi Waterfall is very convenient, making it a suitable route for beginners.
First, as you approach the entrance of Daimonzaka, you'll come across Daimonzaka Chaya (teahouse), and before you are torii gates and the "Furukawa Bridge (振ヶ瀬橋)."
It's said that this bridge marks the separation between the sacred realm of Nachi and the secular world. Once you cross this bridge, you'll enter the world of Nachi and the Kumano Kodo.
Moreover, beyond the Furukawa Bridge, you'll find a 800-year-old cedar tree known as the "Couple Cedar." It's worth a visit as it's believed to provide us with strength.
Following the route from "Tofuku Prince" to "Kumano Nachi Taisha," you can then proceed to the nearby "Nachi Mountain Seiganto-ji Temple."
From the temple grounds, you can enjoy the scenic view of Nachi Waterfall against the backdrop of a vermilion three-story pagoda, a unique and beautiful sight found only in Japan.
Continuing along the path toward Nachi Waterfall, you'll eventually reach Nachi Otaki, which is another shrine associated with Kumano Nachi Taisha and a place of great reverence.
It has a magnificent appearance, with a drop height of 133 meters and thundering sound. This waterfall is also known as "Ichino-taki" and is one of Japan's three famous waterfalls.
- Nachi Waterfall (那智の滝)
- Address: Nachisan, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access: Take a Kumano Kotsu bus bound for Nachi-san from Kii-Katsuura Station, which takes about 30 minutes. Get off at the Nachi Otaki-mae bus stop and walk for about 5 minutes (down a flight of stone steps).
- Official Website: https://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/spots/25/
<Kumano My Recommended Tourist Attractions>
1. Kumano Kodo（熊野古道）
The Kumano Kodo is a network of historic pilgrimage routes connecting the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha) in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula to Ise, Osaka/Wakayama, Koya, and Yoshino.
The Kumano Kodo is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it covers a vast area, with five different routes, including the Ise Route, Kiiji Route, Nakahechi Route, Ohechi Route, and Kohechi Route, traversing the prefecture to reach Ise Jingu.
For this introduction, we will focus on the route from Yunomine Onsen to Kumano Hongu Taisha, which offers an opportunity to experience Japan's oldest hot spring, Yunomine Onsen.
There's also a shorter mountain route connecting Kumano Hongu Taisha and Yunomine Onsen (Daikichi-toge Route), which has more ups and downs than the route we're describing, so you can choose the one that suits your physical condition.
After taking a bus to Fushiogami Oji, head in the direction of Nakahechi along the old road.
Starting from Akagi-junction, listen to the sound of the headwaters of Ototonashi River while crossing the steepest part of the trail, known as Akagi-toge.
Afterward, follow a gentle mountain ridge trail through the forest until you reach Kamikori Daizo (mountain ridge trail).
It takes about an hour from the starting point at Akagi-toge Junction. There are several forks along the way, so make sure to check maps and signs.
Then, continue downhill until you pass through the Jigoku-zaka (Hell Slope), where you'll see Yunomine Onsen at your feet.
After your walk, you can relax in Japan's oldest hot spring, which has been healing travelers for centuries.
2. Yunomine Onsen (湯の峰温泉)
Yunomine Onsen is famous for being Japan's oldest hot spring that established in 1800, having been discovered around the 4th century by Sugane, a powerful clan of Kumano province, and later known to the world by successive retiring emperors.
Japanese people have a tradition of coming to Kumano to purify their bodies and heal travel fatigue, and this sight will never change.
"Tsuboyu(つぼ湯)" is a hot spring that is part of the Kumano pilgrimage and registered as a World Heritage site. It's a popular onsen spot.
The natural stone-made small baths can accommodate only 2 to 3 people.
It is said that the natural hot spring changes color seven times a day. You can get a numbered ticket at the counter in the public bath and take turns to soak for 30 minutes.
It's often crowded here, so it's recommended to visit on Saturday evenings or on weekdays in the morning.
The hot spring is known for its effectiveness in treating rheumatism, neuralgia, skin diseases, and diabetes.
There's also a "Yunotsubo (湯筒)" where hot water gushes out.
Nearby shops sell eggs, and making onsen tamago (hot spring eggs) is a unique and fun experience at Yunomine Onsen.
In addition to eggs, you can also cook vegetables or mix ramen noodles with vegetables and eggs.
- Yunomine Onsen (湯の峰温泉)
- Address: Hongucho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access:
- By bus from JR Kisei Main Line Shin-Gujo Station, take the Kumano Transportation or Nara Kotsu Yagi Shin-Gujo Highway Bus for about 60 minutes.
- By bus from JR Kisei Main Line Kii-Tanabe Station, take the Ryujin Bus for about 90 minutes.
- Operating Hours: 6:00-21:30
- Price: Adults 770 yen, Children 460 yen
- Official Website: http://www.hongu.jp/onsen/yunomine/tuboyu/
3. Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社)
In the Kumano pilgrimage route, if you follow the well-trodden Nakahechi route, you'll eventually reach Kumano Hongu Taisha. It is the head shrine of all Kumano shrines in the country and the shrine's architecture was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1995.
Along with Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha, it is one of the Kumano Sanzan, or the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano.
Originally, Kumano Hongu Taisha was situated on the sandbar of "Oyunohara," where the Kumano River, Otonashi River, and Iwata River converge. However, in 1892, a flood swept away most of the sandbar, and the shrine narrowly escaped destruction.
Japan's largest torii gate still stands in Oyunohara, about a 10-minute walk from Kumano Hongu Taisha.
This area is also known as a power spot, so when you visit Kumano Hongu Taisha, why not explore this torii gate as well?
- Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社)
- Address: 1110 Hongucho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access:
- By bus:
- From Shin-Gujo Station, take a bus for 90 minutes.
- From JR Kii-Tanabe Station, take a bus for 120 minutes.
- By car:
- From Shin-Gujo City, it's about a 40-minute drive along National Route 168.
- By bus:
- Visiting Hours: 6:00-17:00
- Official Website: http://www.hongutaisha.jp/
<Recommended Tourist Attractions in Kudoyama>
1. Sanada Museum（真田ミュージアム）
Next, we head to the Kudoyama region, famous for the 2016 historical drama "Sanada Maru."
This area is scattered with places related to the last warlord of the Warring States period, Sanada Yukimura, including the Sanada Museum.
Kudoyama is where Sanada Masayuki and his son Yukimura were ordered to live in seclusion after their defeat by Tokugawa Ieyasu at the Battle of Sekigahara.
It is said that Sanada Yukimura spent the longest 14 years of his life there.
The Sanada Museum succinctly summarizes the lives of three generations of Sanada, including Sanada, Sanada Masayuki, Sanada Yukimura, and their retainer Sasuke, right up to Yukimura's end, in an easy-to-understand manner.
For fans, this might be an irresistible place, with information on historical timelines, family introductions, and what happened to the Sanada clan later on.
The museum has seven rooms, and the textual information on the panels is also quite extensive. Spending an hour here will deepen your knowledge.
- Sanada Museum（真田ミュージアム）
- Address: 1452-4 Kudoyama-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access: About a 10-minute walk from Kudoyama Station
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Regular Holidays:
- Mondays, Tuesdays (If Monday is a public holiday, it will be postponed to the next working day)
- Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd)
- *Open during golden weeks and holidays
- Admission Fee: Adults (high school students and above) 500 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 250 yen
- Official Website: https://www.kudoyama-sanadamaru.jp/
1. Sanada Hermitage（真田庵）
Sanada Hermitage, the burial place of Sanada Yukimura's father, Masayuki, is just a 2-minute walk from the Sanada Museum and is designated as a historic site in Wakayama Prefecture.
This temple is also known as Zennen-ji and was built on the site of the former residence where Sanada Yukimura and his son were confined.
The place where the father and son lived at that time is now a grave, and a temple has been erected on the site.
Here, you can imagine the simple life during their confinement and feel the weight of history.
The Sanada Treasure Museum houses precious items related to the Sanada clan.
Located within the precincts of Sanada Hermitage, this museum is dedicated to showcasing the traditional Nagayamon-style storehouse architecture.
In addition to practical war-related items like helmets, golden armor, stirrups, spearheads, and armor, there are handwritten letters and portraits by Nobushige (later known as Yukimura), which demonstrate his significant contributions to astronomy in the region. Valuable items such as telescopes are also on display.
The Sanada ropes were woven by Sanada Yukimura using a loom.
Due to their resistance and durability, these ropes were used to hang heavy objects, securely fasten things, and even create weapons.
It is said that Yukimura supported himself by having his servants sell these Sanada ropes across the country while using this as a pretext to investigate the conditions in various regions.
Today, as you head toward the Sanada Tomb, on the left, there is a workshop where you can observe several women weaving Sanada ropes through the windows.
- Sanada Hermitage (Zennen-ji)
- Address: 1413 Kudoyama-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access: A 10-minute walk from Nankai Koyasan Line Kudoyama Station
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Regular Holidays: Open year-round except for the year-end and New Year holidays
- Admission Fee: 200 yen for the Treasure Museum
- Official Website: http://www.kudoyama-kanko.jp/midokoro/spot01.html
<Recommended Tourist Attractions in Mount Koya>
1. Rengejoin Temple (蓮華定院)
When it comes to Sanada, it's Rengejoin Temple. Even if you've visited the Sanada Museum or Sanada An, we recommend you visit here as well.
Rengejoin Temple is said to be the place where Sanada Masayuki and Yukimura were sent when they were imprisoned at Kudoyama. It has had a close connection with the Sanada family since the Edo period.
At that time, feudal lords in the Warring States period signed lodging contracts with temples on Mount Koya, which were affiliated with their family temples in their respective regions.
It used to be a place for lodging when visiting Mount Koya.
The Sanada family had Rengejoin as their lodging place since the Muromachi period.
When they were defeated in the Battle of Sekigahara, they sought refuge at Rengejoin.
The six-mon coin is the Sanada family's emblem, and it is scattered all over the hospital, making it very interesting.
The roof, sliding doors in the rooms, as well as bowls and teacups for the vegetarian meals are all decorated with the "six-mon lines."
The garden is also highly recommended, and just visiting the garden offers many sights to see, including the garden with only Koyamaki trees, the dry landscape garden, and the garden that stretches across the main hall, which is highly popular among foreigners.
Let's appreciate the same scenery that Sanada Yukimura saw together.
- Rengejoin Temple (蓮華定院)
- Address: 700 Koyasan, Koya Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access: 1.1 kilometers from Koyasan Station (Nankai Koyasan Cable Car)
- Official website: https://www.rengejoin.jp/
2. Kongobuji Temple (金剛峯寺)
Koyasan is an area with over 100 temples and is highly popular among foreign tourists.
Among these 100+ temples, we want to introduce Kongobuji Temple. It is the head temple of the Shingon sect, founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi), as a place for Zen meditation practice.
The name Kongobuji Temple originally referred to the entire Koyasan area, and it was not until the Meiji era that the temple's name was officially changed. So, it used to be known as Seiganji Temple.
In July 2004, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."
Additionally, on the sliding doors of the main hall, you can see paintings by the Nakano and Kunkoku schools, which include works by Nakano Tanyu and Yamamoto Tansai. This is a must-visit place for those who love Japanese painting.
One of the main attractions of Kongobuji Temple is the largest rock garden in Japan, the Banryutei Garden.
In this rock garden, a pair of dragons, one male and one female, stand facing each other amidst the sea of clouds, as if guarding the inner sanctuary.
It's a place to forget the noise of everyday life, relax, and appreciate the simplicity of Japanese gardens.
In addition to Kongobuji Temple, the Koyasan area has many other famous spots, including the Great Gate, Danjo Garan, and Okunoin.
Despite being tourist destinations, they have a sacred atmosphere, so be sure to come and enjoy the tranquility.
- Kongobuji Temple (金剛峯寺)
- Address: 132 Koyasan, Koya Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access: Take a bus for 10 minutes from Koyasan Station, get off at the Hongu-mae bus stop.
- Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Admission: Adults - 500 yen, Elementary school students - 200 yen
- Official website: https://www.koyasan.or.jp/
<Recommended Tourist Attractions in Wakayama City>
1. Wakayama Castle
Wakayama Castle, one of Japan's designated top 100 castles, was built in 1585 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who conquered the Kii Province, and his brother Hidenaga. In 1619, Tokugawa Yorinobu, a member of the Tokugawa clan, took control of the castle, making it a stronghold with a value of 555,000 koku of rice, becoming the western pivot of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Situated atop Mt. Torafusu at an elevation of 49 meters, Wakayama Castle is renowned for its beautiful white-walled main keep, earning it the nickname "White Egret Castle" due to its resemblance to a white bird. It's also known as "Torafusu Castle" due to its location in Wakayama.
The surviving stone walls, moat, and Okaguchi gate are designated as important cultural properties. Its unique feature is the extraordinary multi-tiered keep structure, including a large main keep, small turrets, two masugata gates, and watariyagura connected by multiple gates.
Only three such multi-tiered keeps remain: Wakayama Castle, Himeji Castle, and Iyo Matsuyama Castle.
The white keep was reconstructed in 1958 after World War II, and although there is an entrance fee, it houses many items related to the Tokugawa family, making it a must-visit attraction. It also provides a spectacular panoramic view of the city from any direction.
To connect the Ninomaru, where the lord resided, and the Sannomaru, where the Momijiyama Garden is located, a "Gobashiro" was constructed. This bridge could only be used by the lord and his entourage, and it had a roof, making it invisible from the outside. It was inclined at an angle of about 11 degrees and had slip-resistant wooden planks carefully placed.
This bridge, which existed until the Meiji era, has now disappeared, and the bridge currently under construction was rebuilt in 2006 based on research literature and restoration studies. Be sure to cross this uniquely reconstructed sloped bridge.
- Wakayama Castle
- Address: 3 Ichibancho, Wakayama, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access:
- By bus from JR Wakayama Station - 10 minutes (get off at Koenmae)
- By bus from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station - 5 minutes (get off at Koenmae)
- On foot from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station - 10 minutes
- Closed: December 29 to December 31
- Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:30 (last entry at 17:00)
- Admission: Adults 410 yen, Children 200 yen
- Official Website: http://www.wakayamakanko.com/sightseeing/history1.html
2. Wakayama Dentetsu Kishigawa Line（和歌山電鐵貴志川線）
Depart from platform 9 at JR Wakayama Station!
The Wakayama Dentetsu Kishigawa Line is a local railway line, and you can reach the terminus, Kishi Station, in just 30 minutes one way.
If you have the chance to ride the "Cat Train," "Toy Train," "Tama Train," or "Umeboshi Train," consider yourself lucky.
All these "packaged" trains boast charming interiors, especially the Tama Train, which is filled with images of cats.
The line consists of 14 stations, and the scenery along the way is serene, with Kishi Station being a popular destination for tourists.
Make your way to Kishi Station, where the stationmaster is a cat named Nitama.
In January 2007, the first stationmaster, a cat named Tama, was officially appointed by Wakayama Dentetsu, becoming a hot topic at the time.
It is said that Tama's appearance sparked the trend of "Heisei Cats."
Kishi Station also houses the Tama Museum, displaying photographs and related items about Tama, as well as a Tama Shrine and a monument dedicated to Tama on the platform.
After Tama passed away, the second stationmaster, Nitama, took over. She is a calico cat from Okayama.
Stationmasters typically work in their glass-enclosed office from 10:00 to 16:00, with two days off every week on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The requirements for being a stationmaster are simple: you should like people, not dislike your job, and not dislike wearing a hat.
There's a Tama Cafe at the station. The specialty on the menu is not a hot dog but a "Hot Meow," a sausage with a cat-shaped middle.
In the Tama Shop, you can purchase original merchandise like Nitama stationmaster folders, desserts, and more.
For a convenient and economical round trip from Wakayama Station to Kishi Station, consider the one-day pass.
If you have some extra time, it's recommended to disembark along the way to visit the Saikoku Three Temples or head to the main office of Wakayama Dentetsu at Hashimoto Station to meet the stationmaster's apprentice, Yotama.
- Wakayama Dentetsu Kishigawa Line（和歌山電鐵貴志川線）
- Address: Kagawa, Kushimoto, Kinoshita-cho, Wakayama Prefecture
- Closed: Tama Cafe on the third Wednesday of the month
- Opening Hours: Tama Cafe (9:15-17:15), Shops (10:00-16:15)
3. Porto Europe（ポルトヨーロッパ）
Porto Europe, located in Wakayama Port, is a themed park that recreates a medieval Mediterranean port town.
The cityscape is incredibly picturesque and looks great on social media, making you feel like you're actually in Europe.
There are over 20 amusement facilities suitable for families, including mini roller coasters, ferris wheels, and seasonal events like fireworks displays and character activities.
To access the attractions, you'll need to purchase tickets, but the advantage of Porto Europe itself is that there's no admission fee.
Inside Porto Europe, you'll find several restaurants, but we recommend dining at the Kuroshio Market, which is also located within Wakayama Marina City.
Here, you can enjoy barbecue, sushi, and a tuna buffet featuring fresh seafood.
Additionally, the Kuroshio Market hosts three impressive tuna filleting shows daily, so that's not to be missed either.
- Porto Europe（ポルトヨーロッパ）
- Address: 1527 Moji, Wakayama, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, located within Wakayama Marina City
- Access:
- Take a bus for 30 minutes from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayamashi Station and get off at Wakayama Marina City.
- Take a bus for 15 minutes from JR Nankai Station and get off at Wakayama Marina City.
- Drive for 15 minutes from the Hanwa Line Kainan IC on the expressway.
- Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00
- Irregular Closing Days: Please check the official website calendar for specific attraction closures.
- Admission: Free (Unlimited rides on the amusement facilities, 3,800 yen for junior high school students and above, 3,200 yen for ages 3 and above)
- Official Website: http://www.marinacity.com/porto/
4. Tomogashima（友ヶ島）
Tomogashima is an uninhabited group of islands located between Wakayama Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture, and it's a highly popular tourist destination offering a world reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's "Laputa: Castle in the Sky."
Tomogashima refers to a collective name for four small islands: Tomogashima, Chinoshima, Torajima, and Kanashima, with Tomogashima being designated as part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park.
Tomogashima served as a defensive facility for the former Japanese military from the Meiji era through World War II.
The island's rich natural beauty and the remnants of its past fortifications create a unique atmosphere that makes you feel like you've stepped into a Ghibli world.
To reach the island, take a ferry from Kada Port in Wakayama City. Four ferries depart from Kada Port, and four return from Tomogashima.
If you're planning a day trip to Tomogashima, please note that the last ferry departing from Tomogashima usually leaves at 16:30.
During busy periods like Golden Week and summer vacations, there are special schedules. However, be aware that there's usually a two-hour gap between the first ferry departing from Kada Port at 9:00 and the next one at 11:00.
Tomogashima Island has a circumference of about 8 kilometers and is scattered with the remains of former Japanese military facilities, including five batteries and an ammunition depot.
Among them, the "Third Battery Site" is the best-preserved and still retains its original appearance. The brick structure is covered with greenery, creating a mysterious sense of the passage of time.
Inside the Third Battery, there's an underground passage, but it can get quite dark inside, so don't forget to bring a light if you plan to explore.
- Tomogashima（友ヶ島）
- Address: Kada, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
- Official Website: http://www.wakayamakanko.com/sightseeing/nature2.html
- Tomogashima Ferry
- Address: Kada, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
- Access: 15-minute walk from Nankai Kada Line Kada Station
- Opening Hours: 9:00-16:00 (varies by season)
- Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (open on holidays, April 28 to May 6, July 20 to August 31)
- Ferry Schedule:
- Departure from Kada Port: 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 16:00
- Departure from Tomogashima: 9:30, 11:30, 13:30, 16:30
- Fare: Round trip - Adults 2,000 yen, Children 1,000 yen
- Official Website: http://tomogashimakisen.com/
<Recommended Tourist Attractions in Kushimoto>
1. Cape Shionomisaki（潮岬）
Cape Shionomisaki in Wakayama Prefecture is located at the southernmost tip of Honshu, the main island of Japan.
While it's not the southernmost point of Japan and is on Honshu, there's no doubt that it's a scenic spot that gives you a sense of reaching the "end."
When a typhoon hits the Kansai region, gusty winds are also featured on TV from this location.
Wakayama may give the impression of being somewhat remote, but reaching Shionomisaki is surprisingly convenient. It takes about 3 hours by JR from Osaka, and then about 15 minutes by bus from Kushimoto Station.
At the top of Shionomisaki, there is a lighthouse, the Shionomisaki Lighthouse, built in 1896 and still in operation today. This chalk-white lighthouse, designed by the British, stands on a 30-meter-high cliff. Climbing the 68-step spiral staircase, you'll have an endless view of the Pacific Ocean.
Please enjoy the deep blue sea and the roundness of the earth.
If time allows, we also recommend another place, the Uroko Cape Observatory Tower. From the observatory at 100 meters above sea level, you can overlook the entire Pacific Ocean, making it a spectacular sight. By climbing the tower, you can obtain a "Certificate of Visiting the Southernmost Point of Honshu."
In the adjacent restaurant, you can also savor the highly praised modern-style tuna-don (tuna rice bowl) and modern-style tuna burger. How about having lunch while gazing out at the Pacific Ocean?
- Shionomisaki Lighthouse（潮岬灯台）
- Address: 2877 Shionomisaki, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama
- Access: 15 minutes by bus from Kushimoto Station
- Open all year round
- Opening hours: 9:00-16:00
- Admission: 200 yen for adults
2. Hashikui Rock（橋杭岩）
About 850 meters from Kushimoto to Oshima, approximately 40 differently sized rock columns stand in the sea, providing a unique and picturesque landscape. Due to their appearance resembling a pile, they are known as Hashiguiiwa.
Hashiguiiwa, designated as a National Natural Monument, is said to have been eroded by the sea, with the softer parts of the rock layers being washed away, leaving only the hard portions exposed.
A single row of stone columns is quite spectacular, but it becomes particularly popular during certain times of the day. The Kii Peninsula extends into the Pacific Ocean, offering a view of the sunrise from the eastern coast.
From May to November, the sun appears to rise between the rock columns of Hashiguiiwa, making it a popular spot for photographers to capture the sunrise.
The ever-changing beauty of the sunrise is truly impressive, so be sure to get up early to witness this stunning sight.
- Hashikui Rock（橋杭岩）
- Address: 1549-8 Kujinokawa, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama
- Access: 5 minutes by bus from Kushimoto Station
3. Kushimoto Marine Park（串本海中公園）
Kushimoto Marine Park is located 140 meters from the coast, around a rich coral reef in Kushimoto Bay. Hundreds of grey fish gather here to search for food.
Additionally, you can get up close with over 100 species of coral, parrotfish, and damselfish, among other colorful tropical and subtropical marine life representing Kushimoto.
The warm waters of Kushimoto, with temperatures not dropping below 15°C even in the dead of winter, make it an ideal spot for diving.
With the arrival of the Kuroshio's large migratory fish, coral proliferates, and temperate and tropical organisms coexist, offering a marine world different from that of Okinawa or Izu.
There are many activities suitable for beginners such as introductory diving and snorkeling, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy.
- Kushimoto Marine Park (串本海中公園)
- Address: 1157 Arida, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama
- Access: Free shuttle bus from JR Kushimoto Station
- Open Year-round
- Operating Hours for Aquarium and Underwater Observation Tower: 9:00-16:30
- Admission fees vary by facility
- Official Website: http://www.kushimoto.co.jp/
Wakayama Prefecture may give the impression of being strongly associated with the Kansai region, but even if you're far from the Tokyo area, there are plenty of facilities worth visiting here.
There are many long-established hot spring facilities with healing properties, so why not enjoy the pleasures of sightseeing together?
