Shirasaki Ocean Park is a spectacular seaside destination located in Oibiki, Yura Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. The dramatic combination of brilliant white limestone, deep blue ocean, and clear blue skies has earned the area the nickname “the Aegean Sea of Japan.” Its otherworldly scenery is unlike that of most other coastal landscapes in Japan. Located near the center of Wakayama’s...»
Dōjō-ji Temple, located in Kanemaki, Hidaka-gawa Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, is widely regarded as the oldest Buddhist temple in Wakayama, with a history spanning more than 1,300 years. Known by its mountain name, Tennomzan, the temple belongs to the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism and continues to welcome visitors seeking both spiritual and cultural experiences. The temple’s p...»
A Natural Wonder Facing the Kii Channel Shirasaki Coast Prefectural Natural Park is a scenic natural area located around Yura Town in central Wakayama Prefecture, facing the Kii Channel. Centered around the famous Shirasaki Coast, which has been selected as one of Japan's “100 Best Beaches,” the park is renowned for its striking landscape of brilliant white limestone rising dramatically from the ...»
Kokoku-ji Temple is a historic Zen temple located in Yura Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, the temple is officially known by the mountain name Shuhōzan and enshrines Shaka Nyorai, the Buddha Shakyamuni, as its principal image. Surrounded by the lush natural landscape of Yura, the temple has a peaceful and solemn at...»
Kue Nabe is a traditional winter specialty of Wakayama Prefecture and one of the finest ways to experience kue, a highly prized Japanese grouper. Kue is a large fish belonging to the grouper family and can grow to more than one meter in length, with some specimens reaching over 1.5 meters. Because it is difficult to catch and relatively rare, kue is often described in Japan as a “phantom fish”. A...»
The area around Tsubakiyama Dam Lake in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular destination for visitors seeking beautiful scenery and outdoor experiences in the mountains. One of its most recognizable landmarks is the striking red Tsubakiyama Lake Bridge, also known as the Tsubakiyama Peninsula Suspension Bridge. Stretching toward the Tsubakiyama Peninsula, this pedestrian-only suspen...»
Yahho Point is a unique outdoor attraction in the Miyama area of Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, surrounded by forested mountains and the clear waters of the Hidaka River. Located beside Tsubayama Dam Lake, this unusual sightseeing spot invites visitors to do more than simply admire the scenery. Here, you can stand in the mountains, shout “Yahho!” at the surrounding slopes, and listen as a b...»
A Spectacular 1,646-Meter Floral Walkway Miyama no Sato Forest Park in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular destination where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the year. One of its most famous attractions is Fujidana Road, a spectacular wisteria walkway stretching approximately 1,646 meters. Known as one of the longest wisteria-covered walkways in Japan, Fujidana R...»
Michi-no-Eki Shirasaki Ocean Park is a popular sightseeing destination in Oohiki, Yura Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the central coastline of Wakayama, the park is famous for its dramatic landscape of brilliant white limestone cliffs rising above the deep blue waters of the Kii Channel. Because of the striking contrast between the white limestone, deep blue sea, and br...»
Totsui Limestone Cave, located in Totsui, Yura Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a fascinating natural attraction where visitors can explore a mysterious world beneath the ground. Situated on elevated land toward Ena from Shirasaki Ocean Park, the cave is a remarkable limestone formation believed to have originated more than 250 million years ago during the Permian Period. Often desc...»
Enju-ga-Hama Beach, located in Mihama Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a spectacular coastal landscape stretching in a gentle arc from the mouth of the Hidaka River toward Cape Hinomisaki. The coastline extends for approximately 4.5 to 4.6 kilometers and reaches up to about 500 meters in width, with a vast forest of Japanese black pine trees growing behind the shore. This extensive ...»
Honganji Hidaka Betsuin is a historic temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha tradition located in Gobo, Wakayama Prefecture. Locally, it is affectionately known as Hidaka Gobo or simply "Gobo-san." As a branch temple of Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, it has played an important role in the religious and cultural history of the region for centuries. The temple is also closely connected with the origins...»
Nishiyama Picnic Green Space and Shoyo-no-Mori is a nature park located near the summit of Mount Nishiyama, which rises to an elevation of 328.7 meters on the border between Hidaka Town and Mihama Town in Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests, the summit area features observation decks, rest areas, open park spaces, and walking trails. The park is a relaxing destination where visitors c...»
Yura Sea Fishing Park & Fishing Pond Land is a popular fishing and marine leisure facility located in Yura Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Set against the beautiful scenery of Yura Bay, the facility offers enjoyable fishing experiences for everyone from complete beginners to experienced anglers. Because a wide variety of fish can be caught throughout the year, the park is popular ...»
Misaki Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Mihama Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Known in earlier times as “Misaki Daimyojin” and “Hi-no-Misaki Okami,” the shrine has long been worshipped as a guardian deity of the local community. The shrine stands quietly among a beautiful pine forest near Enju-ga-hama Beach. Surrounded by trees and the peaceful atmosphere of the coast, i...»
Kaeru Bridge is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Inami Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located close to JR Inami Station on the Kisei Main Line, this unusual bridge is famous for its bold design inspired by a giant frog. Visitors seeing the bridge for the first time may be surprised by its impressive appearance. The bright red arch bridge features enormous eyes, while a large ...»
Roadside Station San Pin Nakatsu is a popular roadside stop in Funatsu, Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along Wakayama Prefectural Route 26, it serves not only as a convenient place for travelers to rest, but also as a welcoming hub for discovering the local attractions, food, and culture of Hidakagawa. Often known simply as “San Pin”, the facility is particularly popular for its se...»
Washinogawa Falls is a beautiful natural attraction in the eastern part of Hidaka River Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The waterfall flows from the mountain slopes of Mount Yahazu and is surrounded by lush forests and clear mountain streams. Washinogawa is a tributary of the Hidaka River and is known for its abundant, crystal-clear water. The peaceful landscape of flowing water, rocks, and deep green...»
Gobo Jinai-machi is a historic district in Gobo City, Wakayama Prefecture, that developed around Honganji Hidaka Betsuin. During the Edo period (1603–1868), the area flourished as an important commercial and cultural center of the Hidaka region, with wholesalers and merchant houses dealing in local specialties from across Kishu, the historical name for much of present-day Wakayama. Today, the dis...»
The Miyama no Sato Refreshment Area is a comprehensive leisure and recreation destination nestled in the mountains of Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the beautiful Tsubayama Dam Lake and forest-covered mountains, the area offers a wonderful combination of nature, hot springs, sports, seasonal flowers, local food, and traditional culture. The complex includes a forest park feat...»
Inotani River Waterside Park is a peaceful recreational area located in the mountains of Hidaka River Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by clear streams, lush forests, and beautiful mountain scenery, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Japanese countryside. The park is approximately a 10-minute drive from Tsubayama Dam and lies along a tributary of the Hidaka Riv...»
Onsen-kan “Umi-no-Sato” Michi-shio-no-Yu is a day-use hot spring facility located in Katakui, Hidaka Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. With the Kii Channel stretching out directly in front of the facility, it is a wonderful place to relax in a natural hot spring while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze. The facility is located within the Enju Coast Prefectural Natural Park, an area know...»
Cape Hino-misaki is a scenic cape located on the border of Hidaka Town and Mihama Town in Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Known as the westernmost point of the Kii Peninsula, the cape projects into the Kii Channel and offers spectacular views of the sea and beautiful sunsets. The surrounding area is designated as part of the Wakayama Prefectural Enju Coast Natural Park, where rich natural s...»
Mihama Town is a charming coastal town in Hidaka County, Wakayama Prefecture, located in the central part of the Kii Peninsula. Facing the calm waters of the Kii Channel, the town is blessed with beautiful coastlines, lush mountains, historic sites, traditional festivals, and fresh local food. Although Mihama is relatively small, covering approximately 12.77 square kilometers, it offers an impres...»
Kii Hinomisaki Lighthouse stands at the tip of Cape Hinomisaki in Aoo, Hidaka Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located at the westernmost point of the Kii Peninsula, this striking white lighthouse rises above the rugged coastline and offers spectacular views across the Kii Channel. Surrounded by the scenic landscape of the Enju Coast Prefectural Natural Park, the lighthouse is one of Wakayama's most at...»
Sio-topu (Hidaka Port Shioya Green Space) is a popular waterfront attraction located beside Hidaka Port in Shioya-cho, Gobo City, Wakayama Prefecture. The park is a relaxing place where both local residents and visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, nature, and the refreshing sea breeze. Its convenient location is another attraction, as it is approximately 10 minutes by car from the Gobo Interchange...»
Hidaka Town is a charming coastal town in Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, blessed with a mild climate, beautiful beaches, and a rich cultural heritage. Facing the Kii Channel, the town is particularly famous throughout Japan for kue, a prized local fish traditionally regarded as a luxury delicacy. Hidaka offers a wonderful combination of the sea, mountains, history, hot springs, traditional...»
Hidakagawa Town is a beautiful rural town in Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, surrounded by mountains, forests, and clear streams. Stretching approximately 35 kilometers from east to west and about 10 kilometers from north to south, the town covers an area equivalent to roughly 7% of Wakayama Prefecture, making it one of the largest municipalities in the prefecture. About 90% of the town is ...»
Otaki River Forest Park is a peaceful nature park located in the Yamano area of Hidaka-gawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and mountains, the park is known for its clear Otaki River and beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. In autumn, the colorful foliage attracts many visitors and hiking enthusiasts. The park is also conveniently located about 15 minutes by car ...»
Gobo City is located in central Wakayama Prefecture and serves as an important center of the Kichu and Hidaka regions. Blessed with the sea, mountains, rivers, fertile plains, and a long history, the city offers a fascinating combination of natural beauty, traditional culture, local food, and historic sites. Gobo is also associated with the historic Kumano Kodo Kiiji Route, one of the ancient pil...»
Inami Town is a beautiful rural town in Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, located in the central part of the Kii Peninsula. Facing the Pacific Ocean to the southwest and extending toward the Kii Mountains in the northeast, the town offers a remarkable combination of coastal scenery, mountain landscapes, agriculture, fishing culture, and historic sites. The area benefits from the warm waters o...»
Kirime-oji Shrine is a historic Oji shrine located in Inami Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along the Kii Route of the Kumano Kodo, it is regarded as one of the most important historic sites associated with the ancient pilgrimage to the sacred Kumano region. Kirime-oji is particularly renowned as one of the “Five Great Oji”, the most prestigious of the numerous Oji shrines es...»
Wakame Sushi is a traditional local dish from the Hidaka region of Wakayama Prefecture, particularly associated with Yura Town. Unlike ordinary sushi rolls, which are wrapped in sheets of nori seaweed, Wakame Sushi uses a special type of dried wakame called Hari-wakame as the outer layer. With its beautiful green color and refreshing aroma of the sea, Wakame Sushi is one of the distinctive foods ...»
Kishu Akamoku is a local specialty of Yura Town in Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by rich coastal waters and beautiful scenery, Yura is known for its seafood and traditional food culture. Among its local products, akamoku seaweed has attracted growing attention in recent years as a unique and nutritious gift from the sea. Akamoku was once regarded as an unwanted seaweed because ...»
A specialty food "Sechiyaki" from Gobou City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a pan-fried yakisoba and eggs like okonomiyaki but without using flour. It was born in a small okonomiyaki restaurant in Gobou City "Sechiyaki Yamashita" 45 years ago, and the name "sechiyaki" came after a dialect "sechigau" meaning "mixing-up" or "teasing." The restaurant Yamashita was a mom-and-pop shop serving grilled foods. ...»
The Gobo Festival is the annual festival of Kotake Hachiman Shrine in Son-Shinmachi, Gobo City, Wakayama Prefecture. As one of the most important traditional festivals in the Hidaka region, it has been celebrated for generations and remains a major cultural event in central Wakayama. The festival takes place mainly on October 4, the festival eve, and October 5, the main festival day. It is tradit...»
Sechiyaki is a popular local dish from Gobo City in Wakayama Prefecture and is widely regarded as one of the city's signature foods. At first glance, it may look similar to okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, but there is an important difference: sechiyaki is made without wheat flour. Instead, stir-fried yakisoba noodles are combined with beaten eggs and cooked on a hot griddle until the eggs...»
Shino Hachiman Shrine is one of the historic shrines of Gobo City, Wakayama Prefecture. It has long been revered as the guardian shrine of the former Gobo Town area and the Hamanose district of Mihama Town. With approximately 20,000 shrine parishioners, the shrine is one of the major centers of religious and community life in the Hidaka region. It is particularly famous as the main venue for the ...»
Shioya Oji is a historic Oji shrine located in Shioya, Gobo City, Wakayama Prefecture, along the Kii Route of the Kumano Kodo. It is one of the famous “99 Oji” shrines that once stood along the pilgrimage routes leading to the sacred Kumano Sanzan, the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. For centuries, Shioya Oji has watched over pilgrims making the long journey to Kumano. Surrounded by a quiet forest...»
Nakagawa Residence (Former Nakagawa Family House) is a beautifully preserved modern Japanese-style residence dating from the early Showa period, located in the historic Terauchi-machi district of Gobo City, Wakayama Prefecture. The house was once the residence of the prosperous Nakagawa family, a prominent timber merchant family. Located about 100 meters north of Honganji Hidaka Betsuin in the ce...»
The Gobo City Museum of History and Folklore, located in Gobo City, Wakayama Prefecture, introduces the history, culture, and everyday life of the region from ancient times through the modern era. Blessed with abundant sunshine and access to the sea, Gobo has long been an important community in the Hidaka region and has developed a distinctive culture shaped by agriculture, fishing, commerce, and ...»
Kishu Railway is a charming local railway running through Gobo City in Wakayama Prefecture. Known as “Japan's shortest local private railway,” it connects Gobo Station, where it meets the JR Kisei Main Line, with Nishi-Gobo Station over a distance of just 2.7 kilometers. The entire one-way journey takes only about 8 minutes, but this short ride offers a wonderfully nostalgic glimpse of everyday l...»
Located along National Route 42 in Gobo City, Wakayama Prefecture, Hashicho is a long-established seafood shop with a history dating back to 1865. For more than 150 years, the shop has continued to offer fresh fish and seafood landed in the local area, along with carefully prepared dried fish. Today, Hashicho is widely known as one of Gobo's most popular destinations for experiencing the rich boun...»
Shioya, a district of Gobo City in Wakayama Prefecture, has been closely associated with salt making for more than 1,500 years. The name “Shioya” itself means “salt shop” or “place associated with salt”, reflecting the area's long relationship with the sea and salt production. From the Asuka period (592–710) through the Nara period (710–794), salt produced in Shioya is believed to have been value...»
EE Park, officially known as the Sio-Tōpu Hidaka Port New Energy Park, is an interactive educational facility in Gobo City, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can learn about renewable and alternative energy while having fun. Located beside Hidaka Port, the park combines demonstrations of future energy technologies with the natural environment of the coastal area. Visitors can see actual energy-...»
Mio District in Mihama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a small fishing community with a remarkable history and a unique cultural identity. Today, the area is affectionately known as “America Village”, a nickname that reflects its long connection with Japanese emigrants who traveled to Canada and established new lives there. Although the name may suggest a connection with the United States, Mio's in...»
Umineko Island, also known as Benten Island, is a small uninhabited rocky island located approximately 700 to 1,000 meters offshore from Nishihama Beach in the Mio district of Mihama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Officially recognized as “Umineko and the Umineko Breeding Ground, Benten Island,” the island is designated as a Natural Monument of Wakayama Prefecture. It is also known as an exceptionall...»
Canada Museum is a historical and cultural museum located in the Mio district of Mihama Town, Hidaka County, Wakayama Prefecture. Mio is also known by the nickname “America Village” because of its remarkable history of overseas migration. Beginning in the Meiji period (1868–1912), many people from this small fishing community crossed the Pacific Ocean and moved to Canada in search of new opportun...»
Matsubara Oji Shrine is a historic shrine located in Mihama Town, Hidaka County, Wakayama Prefecture. Today, the shrine stands quietly surrounded by trees, but its history is closely connected with the ancient tradition of Kumano pilgrimage. The shrine is considered an important place for understanding the history of Kumano faith, a religious tradition that attracted pilgrims from across Japan to...»
The Kue Festival, held in the Ao district of Hidaka Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a remarkably distinctive traditional festival. With a history of approximately 300 years, it is held as the autumn festival of Shirahige Shrine and reflects the traditions of a fishing community that has lived closely alongside the sea for generations. Hidaka Town has long been known as a region ass...»
Michi-no-Hotto Station Miyama-no-Sato is a popular roadside stop and sightseeing destination in the mountainous Hatsuyukawa area of Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful forests and clear streams, the facility is a convenient place to discover local specialties, traditional foods, and the rich natural blessings of the Miyama area. The facility was renovated and reopened in...»
Kamiatagi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located deep in the mountains of Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by ancient cedar and cypress trees, the shrine preserves a peaceful atmosphere that reflects the long history of religious traditions in the Japanese countryside. The shrine is particularly famous for its traditional spring festival, known as the Hana Festival or Atagi Fe...»
Miyama Onsen Aitokusou is a peaceful hot spring inn located in the mountains of Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along the upper reaches of the clear Hidaka River and beside Tsubayama Dam Lake, the inn is surrounded by forests, mountains, and beautiful countryside. The building has a distinctive appearance inspired by a traditional Japanese samurai residence, blending beautifully wi...»
Discover the “Warai Festival,” a Unique Celebration of Laughter Niu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Egawa, Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of the Hidaka River region, the shrine has long been closely connected with the lives, beliefs, and traditions of the local community. The shrine is particularly famous for its unusual autumn festiva...»
Mazuma Mountain, also known as Hidaka Fuji, stands on the border between Hidakagawa Town and Inami Town in Wakayama Prefecture. Rising to approximately 523.4 meters, the mountain is admired for its graceful shape and beautiful ridgeline. Although Mazuma Mountain is not particularly high, its elegant profile stands out among the surrounding mountains. It has long been loved by local residents and ...»
The Legend of Anchin and Kiyohime is one of Japan's best-known tragic love stories. The tale has been passed down for centuries in the area around Hidakagawa Town and Gobo City in Wakayama Prefecture. The best-known setting of the story is Dojo-ji Temple in Gobo City, a historic temple associated with the Kumano pilgrimage routes. The legend tells of Anchin, a young Buddhist monk traveling toward...»
Tedori Castle was a large mountain castle built in the Wasa area of Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is considered one of the most significant medieval castles in the historic Kishu region, the former name for much of present-day Wakayama. Although none of the castle's original buildings survive today, traces of its former defenses can still be found in the mountains. Stone walls, dry moa...»
Miyama-no-Yu, formerly known as Miyama Ryoyo Onsenkan, is a peaceful day-use hot spring facility surrounded by the mountains of Hidakagawa Town in Wakayama Prefecture. Located about a 10-minute drive from Tsubayama Dam, the hot spring stands quietly among lush forests and mountain scenery. Its secluded setting has earned it a reputation as a hidden hot spring retreat, offering visitors a chance t...»
Mount Yahazudake is a beautiful mountain in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, and is recognized as one of the Kansai 100 Famous Mountains. Rising to an elevation of approximately 811 meters, the mountain offers spectacular views over the rural landscapes of Hidakagawa, Gobo City, and, on clear days, areas as far away as Shirahama and Tanabe Bay. The name “Yahazudake” comes from the mountain's...»
Ayame-no-Yu Narutaki is a hot spring facility located beside the clear waters of the Hidaka River in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains and lush natural scenery, it offers visitors a peaceful place to relax while enjoying the changing landscape of the four seasons. The area is more than just a hot spring destination. Nearby camping facilities, waterfalls, mountain strea...»
Narutaki Bungalows and Narutaki Auto Camping Ground are popular outdoor destinations in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located beside the beautiful Hidaka River and surrounded by green mountains, the area offers an opportunity to enjoy camping, barbecues, river activities, hiking, and hot springs in a peaceful natural setting. The area is convenient to reach by car, taking approximately 15...»
Shimoatagi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the peaceful scenery of a mountain village, the shrine has been an important place of worship for local residents for centuries. The shrine is traditionally said to have been founded in 1109, making it one of the oldest shrines in the Hidaka region. Its quiet grounds are surrounded by seas...»
The Nakatsu Local History and Cultural Heritage Museum is a local history museum in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Opened in June 1982, the museum preserves and displays valuable cultural properties and folk materials that have been passed down through generations in the Nakatsu area. The interior and exterior of the museum are designed to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese ...»
Mount Mikuniyama is a low mountain standing at approximately 200 meters above sea level in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Scattered with enormous rocks and surrounded by peaceful woodland, the mountain has a distinctive atmosphere that makes it an intriguing destination for a short hike. The unusual rock formations are the main attraction. As you walk along the trail, you will encounter gi...»
The 99 Oji Shrines, known in Japanese as Kujuku Oji, are a group of small shrines and sacred sites that once stood along the Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage network across the Kii Peninsula of Japan. During the centuries when pilgrimage to the sacred Kumano Sanzan—the three major Kumano shrines—was particularly popular, these Oji sites played an important role in supporting travelers. Pilgrim...»
Kawabe Astronomical Park is a nature-filled park in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy spectacular views during the day and a beautiful star-filled sky after dark. Located on a gentle hill, the park offers expansive views across the Hidaka area. During the daytime, visitors can enjoy the surrounding mountains, the Hidaka River area, and the distant coastline. As evenin...»
Ryuho-ji Temple is a historic temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist tradition in Inami Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Affectionately known by local people as “Otaki-san,” the temple has been a place of worship for centuries. With its connections to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, Ryuho-ji has long welcomed pilgrims and travelers heading toward the sacred Kumano region. The temple...»
Toko-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Inami Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, the temple has been closely connected with local religious traditions and the lives of the people of Inami for centuries. Toko-ji has traditionally been regarded as a place to pray for long life, good health, and protection during life's journ...»
Injo-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Inami Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Closely connected with the history, culture, and food traditions of the region, the temple is an important place for understanding the heritage of Inami. About 400 years ago, the temple is said to have been converted to the Jodo (Pure Land) school of Buddhism by Manyo Shonin of Chion-in Temple in Kyo...»
Kawamata Kannon is a secluded Buddhist place of worship deep in the mountains of Inami Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, it has been revered as a sacred site for protection from misfortune, good health, and spiritual purification. Surrounded by dense forests, mountain streams, waterfalls, and seasonal flowers, Kawamata Kannon offers a peaceful experience far from the bust...»
Yura Town is a picturesque coastal town in the central part of Wakayama Prefecture, where the beauty of the sea and mountains comes together with a rich history and traditional culture. Facing the Kii Channel to the west and surrounded by the mountains of the Hakuba Mountain Range to the east, Yura is blessed with dramatic coastal scenery and lush mountain landscapes. The town is relatively compa...»
Monzen Ooiwa Rock is a remarkable geological site in Monzen, Yura Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan, this enormous limestone outcrop preserves evidence of a prehistoric marine environment that existed more than 100 million years ago. The rock stands in front of Kokoku-ji Temple, which is the reason it became known as “Monzen Ooiwa,” mea...»
Mount Kasaneyama is a 262.6-meter-high mountain in the Shirasaki area of Yura Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Part of the Shirasaki Coast Prefectural Natural Park, it is a scenic destination where visitors can enjoy spectacular ocean views, lush mountain scenery, religious history, and traces of the region's past. With its distinctive triangular profile, Mount Kasaneyama rises dramati...»
Usa Hachiman Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Sato, Yura Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, the shrine has served as an important place of worship for local residents and as the guardian shrine of the community. Surrounded by the peaceful scenery of Yura, the shrine has a quiet and dignified atmosphere throughout most of the year. One of its most impressive features i...»
Ena Hachiman Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Ena, Yura Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located on a wooded hill overlooking Enaura Bay, the shrine is reached by climbing a long flight of stone steps through a peaceful forest. The shrine has been an important place of worship for the local community for centuries. Its origins are traditionally connected with Empress Jingū, and th...»
Shirasho Japanese-Western Restaurant is a unique local restaurant in Ōbiki, Yura Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. The restaurant occupies the former Shirasaki Elementary School, which closed in March 2023 and was given a new life as a restaurant in spring 2024. Rather than completely transforming the old school building, the restaurant retains much of its nostalgic character. The resul...»