Wakayama Prefecture offers tourist attractions such as Kumano Kodo, Koyasan, and Momogen-go, tourist events such as Tenjin Festival, Tanabata Festival, and Aoba Festival, and local delicacies such as Wakayama Ramen, Kama-age Shirasu, and Sasa Sushi.
Wakayama Prefecture is located on the western side of the Kii Peninsula. Known as Kii no Kuni, the land was ruled by the Kishu Tokugawa family, one of the three great families of Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is also called "Ki no Kuni" (Land of Wood) because of the mountainous terrain in the southern part of the prefecture.
Wakayama Castle, the residence of the Kishu Tokugawa family, is located in Wakayama Castle Park, where the main and secondary castle towers, turrets, gates, and the Otemon Gate have been restored and are a popular tourist attraction.
Wakayama Prefecture is also home to Negoroji Temple, which was the center of a group of ninja called the Negoroshu. The monks and soldiers of Negoroji Temple during the Warring States period eventually became the Negoroshu and became famous throughout history, making the area interesting for fans of the history of the Warring States period.
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, consisting of Kumano Sanzan, Koyasan, Yoshino-Omine, Kumano Pilgrimage Route, Koyasan Machishimichi, and Omine Okugakemichi, are designated World Heritage sites and Wakayama Prefecture is included. Therefore, there are also Wakayama World Heritage Center exhibition facilities where visitors can learn about the history and nature of Kumano.
Koyasan, which is said to have been opened by Kobo Daishi Kukai in the Heian period (794-1185) as a place for ascetic practices, is a mountain of faith along with Hieizan in Kyoto. Today, temples and other structures are clustered around the Danjo Garan, and there are as many as 117 temples in Koyasan, including Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect.
Many of them are shukubo, where tourists can stay and enjoy vegetarian cuisine, guest rooms, baths, etc. Each shukubo has its own garden and other characteristics. Since each shukubo has its own garden and other unique features, visitors can enjoy choosing which shukubo they would like to stay at.
In addition to enjoying history and nature, a resort area called Wakayama Marina City was built on a man-made island in Wakayama Bay off the coast of Mekimi, Wakayama City, with facilities such as "Porto Europe" and "Royal Pines Hotel" and a yacht club, and has more than one million residents.
Wakayama has some products that were born in Wakayama Prefecture and spread throughout the country. One such product is koya-dofu, a preserved food made from freeze-dried tofu that is said to have spread throughout the country as a vegetarian food.
Dried plums are a specialty of Wakayama Prefecture, and the dried plums produced in Minabe-cho and Tanabe-shi are made from a variety of plum called Nanko-ume, which is recommended as a top quality product by the prefecture. If you like pickled plums, this is a good souvenir to bring back from your sightseeing trip.
This is a rare theme park in Japan that combines a zoo, an aquarium, and an amusement park.With the theme of interaction between humans, animals, and nature, visitors can see up close approximately 1,550 marine and land animals living in their natural habitat. Several giant pandas are bred here, and most of them were born in Adventure World. Visitors can see pandas spending their time freely in a...»
A Mystical Waterfall with a 133-Meter Drop Located in Nachikatsuura Town in Wakayama Prefecture, Nachi Falls is one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls and one of the country’s most impressive natural landmarks. The waterfall plunges approximately 133 meters from a sheer cliff, making it the highest single-drop waterfall in Japan. Its powerful flow and breathtaking surroundings create an unforgetta...»
A Sacred Center of Shingon Buddhism A Spiritual City Surrounded by Mountains Located in the northeastern part of Wakayama Prefecture, Koyasan is a sacred mountain area situated in a basin approximately 800 to 900 meters above sea level. For more than 1,200 years, it has attracted pilgrims and visitors seeking spiritual peace and a deeper connection with Japanese Buddhist culture. Surrounded by ...»
One of the Kansai Region’s Most Beautiful Resort Beaches Shirarahama Beach is a stunning crescent-shaped beach located in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Stretching for approximately 620 meters, the gently curving shoreline features soft, brilliant white sand and clear emerald-green water. The combination of white sand, blue skies, and beautiful ocean scenery gives Shirarahama a distinctly ...»
A Unique Spiritual Sanctuary Surrounded by Nature Hiro Shrine is a sacred Shinto shrine located in Nachisan, Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The shrine has been revered for centuries as an important place of worship connected with the natural landscape of the Kumano region. What makes Hiro Shrine particularly unique is that it has no traditional main sanctuary or worship hall. Instead, ...»
A Sacred Path Preserving the Atmosphere of Japan’s Ancient Pilgrimage Routes Daimon-zaka Slope is one of the most famous sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, pilgrims have walked this historic path on their way to the sacred sites of the Kumano region. The approximately one-kilometer route is lined with moss-covered stone steps ...»
Tomogashima is a group of uninhabited islands located in the Kitan Strait off the coast of Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. The group consists of four islands: Jinoshima, Torajima, Kanashima, and Okinoshima. As part of Setonaikai National Park, Tomogashima offers a fascinating combination of rich natural scenery and historic military ruins. On clear days, visitors can enjoy views toward Awaji ...»
Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of Japan's most important sacred sites, located in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Together with Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha, it forms the Kumano Sanzan, or Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. It is also regarded as the head shrine of the many Kumano shrines found throughout Japan, which are said to number more than 4,700. Kumano Hongu Taisha...»
Kongobu-ji Temple is the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist school and one of the most important centers of Japanese Buddhism. Located in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture, it is officially known as Koyasan Kongobu-ji and is closely associated with the entire sacred mountain of Mount Koya. Mount Koya stands at an elevation of approximately 800 meters and is surrounded by mountains rising to...»
Nanki-Shirahama Onsen is a historic hot spring resort in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, on the Pacific coast of Japan. It is widely regarded as one of Japan’s oldest hot spring destinations, with a history dating back more than 1,300 years. According to historical records, members of the Japanese imperial family visited the hot springs during the Asuka period. The area was known in ancient ...»
Seiganto-ji Temple is a historic Tendai Buddhist temple located on Mount Nachi in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The temple's mountain name is Nachisan, and its principal Buddhist image is Nyoirin Kannon (Cintamani-cakra Avalokiteshvara), a form of Kannon, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion. Seiganto-ji is especially famous as the first temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, one...»
Aragijima is a spectacular terraced rice field landscape located in the Shimizu area of Aridagawa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture. It is widely recognized as one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional rural landscapes. The rice terraces are situated on a distinctive piece of land surrounded by a dramatic curve of the Arida River. From a distance, the terraces appear to float like an isla...»
Kawayu Onsen is a unique hot spring destination in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the Oto River, a tributary of the Kumano River, this peaceful hot spring town is famous for an extraordinary natural phenomenon: hot spring water rises directly from the riverbed. Kawayu Onsen is located approximately 3 kilometers south of Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, making it a po...»
A Sacred Sanctuary Where Myth and Nature Meet Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine is one of the three major shrines of Kumano, located in the Nachisan area of Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Together with Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, it forms the Kumano Sanzan, or Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. For centuries, Kumano Nachi Taisha has attracted worshippers seeking spiritua...»
Taiji Whale Museum is one of Japan’s leading museums dedicated to whales and is located within Whale Beach Park in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Opened in 1969, the museum was established to preserve and pass on the history of whaling culture in Taiji, the ecology of whales and dolphins, and the long relationship between people and the sea. Taiji is widely known as the bi...»
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...»
Sandanbeki Cliffs are a spectacular coastal landmark in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Rising approximately 50 meters above the sea and stretching for about 2 kilometers from north to south, these dramatic cliffs showcase the immense power of nature. The coastline forms a striking landscape where the hills of Hirakuso Plateau appear to drop almost directly into the...»
Wakayama Castle is one of Japan’s most impressive historic castles. Located in central Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, the castle stands on Mount Torafusu, a small hill rising approximately 48.9 meters above sea level. Built as a hirayamajo, or castle on a hill surrounded by relatively flat land, it later became the residence of the Kishu-Tokugawa family, one of the three most prestigious bran...»
A Symbolic Landscape of Shirahama Engetsu Island is a small rocky island located just offshore in Rinkaiura, Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the most recognizable scenic landmarks in the Nanki-Shirahama area and is particularly famous for the distinctive circular opening in the center of the island. The island’s unique shape has made it a symbol of Shirahama Onsen and one of th...»
A Spectacular Coastal Landscape of Nanki-Shirahama Senjojiki Rock Plateau is one of the most famous scenic attractions in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Stretching along the coastline from Setozaki toward the area near Saki-no-Yu, this vast expanse of exposed rock is one of the highlights of any visit to Nanki-Shirahama. The striking contrast between the bright sandstone formations and the...»
An Underground World Where Nature and History Come Together Sandanbeki Cave is a spectacular sea cave located beneath the famous Sandanbeki Cliffs in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Created over countless years by the relentless power of the Pacific Ocean, the cave offers visitors a fascinating combination of dramatic natural scenery, local history, and spiritual traditions. From the towering cl...»
A Scenic Highland in the Mountains of Wakayama Oishi Kogen Highlands is a beautiful highland area centered around Mount Oishigamine, which rises to approximately 870 meters above sea level. Located across Kimino Town and Aridagawa Town in Wakayama Prefecture, the highlands form part of the Nagamine Mountain Range. The summit area is covered by a vast field of Japanese pampas grass, known as susu...»
A Mysterious Sacred Site Among the Rocks Kamikura Shrine, located in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the most sacred and historically significant sites associated with the Kumano faith. The shrine is a subsidiary shrine of Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three major Kumano shrines, but its origins are believed to be even older. According to local tradition, the gods of Kumano firs...»
Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, together with Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha. For centuries, these sacred sites have attracted pilgrims from throughout Japan and are among the country's most important centers of religious devotion. Kumano Hayatama Taisha is als...»
Tsuboyu is a historic hot spring located in Yunomine Onsen in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” What makes Tsuboyu particularly remarkable is that it is widely known as the only World Heritage site in the world where visitors can actually bathe. Yunomine Onsen is believed to have a history...»
Hashigui-iwa Rocks are one of the most remarkable natural landmarks in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, on the southern coast of the Kii Peninsula. More than 40 rocks of various sizes stand in an almost perfectly aligned row for approximately 850 meters from the coast of Kushimoto toward Kii-Oshima Island. The unusual formation looks as though the stone pillars supporting a giant bridge have been ...»
Senninburo is a spectacular winter-only open-air hot spring bath located in Kawayu Onsen, part of the Kumano Hongu Onsen area in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Built directly in the Oto River, a tributary of the Kumano River, this enormous outdoor bath is one of the region's most famous winter attractions. Rather than being contained within a conventional bathhouse, Senninburo uses...»
A Sacred Hot Spring with 1,800 Years of History Nestled quietly in the mountains of Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, Yunomine Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot spring destinations, with a history believed to stretch back approximately 1,800 years. Surrounded by the forests and mountains of the Kumano region, this historic hot spring has long played an important role in the religious traditions ...»
Negoroji Temple, also written as Negoro-ji, is the head temple of the Shingi Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism. Located in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture, it is formally known as Ichijo-zan Dempobo Negoroji. The temple was founded by Kakuban (Kogyo Daishi), an influential Buddhist monk of the late Heian period. Throughout Japanese Buddhist history, Negoroji played an important role as a center...»
Toretore Market, located in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the largest seafood markets in western Japan and one of the most popular places to visit in the Nanki-Shirahama area. It is a lively destination where visitors can experience the rich bounty of the surrounding seas while discovering local foods, souvenirs, and regional culture. Covering an enormous area of approximately 15...»
Konpon Daito is the most iconic structure within Danjo Garan, the central sacred precinct of Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. With its striking vermilion exterior, this magnificent pagoda has become one of the defining symbols of Mount Koya and an important destination for visitors exploring Japan’s Buddhist heritage. Standing approximately 50 meters tall, the impressive pagoda immediately attr...»
Kitayamagawa River Rafting is a unique adventure experience in Kitayama Village, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can ride a traditional log raft down the Kitayama River. It is considered the only traditional log-raft river trip of its kind in Japan. The experience revives the traditional technique of ikada-nagashi, or log rafting, which was once an essential part of the forestry industry in K...»
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...»
Okunoin is one of the two most sacred sites on Mount Koya, together with the Danjō Garan temple complex. Located deep within the sacred mountain area, Okunoin is home to the mausoleum of Kūkai, also known as Kōbō Daishi, the founder of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Kūkai is traditionally believed to have entered eternal meditation at Okunoin in 853 at the age of 62. In Japanese Buddhist belief, this...»
Takinohai is a spectacular natural site along the Ogawa River, a clear mountain stream flowing through Koza-gawa Town in southern Wakayama Prefecture. The area is famous for its extraordinary combination of a waterfall, countless natural potholes, and unusual rock formations carved by the river over thousands of years. For approximately 200 meters, the river flows across a broad bedrock surface f...»
Kimiidera Temple, located in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the region's most historic Buddhist temples. It is especially famous as the second temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, a traditional pilgrimage route visiting 33 sacred sites dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist deity of compassion. The temple's official name is Kishu Kimiizan Kongobo Gokokuin, and it serves as the head ...»
Asuka Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, near the mouth of the Kumano River. Situated at the southern foot of Mount Horai, the shrine is closely connected with the ancient religious traditions of the Kumano region. Asuka Shrine is considered one of the important sacred sites associated with Kumano faith, a unique religious tradition that developed thro...»
The Tokugawa Mausoleum is a historic memorial complex on Mount Koya (Koyasan) in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, and his son Tokugawa Hidetada, the second shogun. Mount Koya is one of Japan's most important centers of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Within this sacred mountain landscape, the Tokugawa Mausoleum stands out as an import...»
A Scenic View Overlooking Wakaura Kishu Toshogu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Wakaura-nishi, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is closely associated with the Kishu Tokugawa family, one of the three major branches of the Tokugawa clan that ruled important domains during the Edo period. The shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunat...»
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 ...»
Three National Treasure Buildings Chohoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism, the temple is also known by its mountain name, Keitokuzan. Its principal object of worship is Shakyamuni Buddha. Founded more than a thousand years ago, Chohoji preserves an exceptional collection of historic buildings an...»
Kuroshio Market is a popular tourist market located within Wakayama Marina City, a resort complex in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known as one of the area's premier destinations for local food, the market offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy Wakayama's rich seafood culture through a combination of dining, shopping, and entertainment. The market is more than just a place to eat. Visitors...»
Kokawadera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kokawa, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is best known as the third temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, one of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist pilgrimage routes dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva associated with compassion. The temple belongs to the Kokawa Kannon Buddhist tradition and enshrines Senju Sen-gen Kanno...»
Kongo Sanmaiin Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located on Mount Koya in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist tradition and is one of the important temples on Mount Koya. The temple also operates as a shukubo, or Buddhist temple lodging, allowing visitors to experience the quiet atmosphere of a traditional temple stay. The temple's principal Buddhist imag...»
A Sacred Center of Esoteric Buddhism Danjō Garan is a magnificent temple complex located near the center of Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. Founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi), the founder of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, it is regarded as the spiritual and educational heart of Mount Koya. When Kukai established his Buddhist community on Mount Koya in the early 9th century, Danjō Garan was one of the...»
A Sacred Place of Faith and Tradition by the Sea Awashima Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kada, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is widely regarded as the head shrine of the many Awashima, Awashima, and Awaji shrines found throughout Japan. For centuries, Awashima Shrine has been particularly revered as a guardian deity for women. Visitors come to pray for women's health, saf...»
Kushimoto Marine Park Aquarium, located in Kushimoto Town in Wakayama Prefecture, is a unique marine attraction where visitors can experience the rich underwater world surrounding the southernmost part of Japan's main island, Honshu. The waters around Kushimoto are strongly influenced by the warm Kuroshio Current, creating an exceptional marine environment where temperate and subtropical species l...»
Oyunohara, located in Hongu Town in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the most sacred places associated with the ancient Kumano faith. Situated a short distance from the present-day Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, Oyunohara is the former site where the shrine once stood. The sacred area lies on a sandbank where the Kumano River, Otonashi River, and Iwatagawa River meet. Since ancient times...»
Kuwanoki Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Kuwanoki Gorge, a quiet mountain valley along a tributary of the Takada River in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. With a height of approximately 21 meters, it is recognized as one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls and was selected as one of the “100 Best Waterfalls in Japan.” Surrounded by the deep forests of Kumano, the waterfall creates...»
Kushimoto Marine Park is a renowned marine recreation and educational facility located in Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated within Yoshino-Kumano National Park, the facility is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and offers visitors many different ways to experience the rich marine environment of Kushimoto. In 1970, the area became Japan’s first designated Ma...»
Wakaura Tenmangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located halfway up Mount Tenjin in Wakaura-nishi, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a renowned scholar and statesman who is revered in Japan as the deity of learning, the shrine attracts students, families, and visitors praying for academic success and passing examinations. Along with Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine...»
Porto Europa is a Mediterranean-themed amusement park located within Wakayama Marina City, a large resort complex built on an artificial island in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Designed around the atmosphere of a European port town, the park combines beautiful streetscapes inspired by medieval Europe with a wide variety of amusement rides and entertainment. As soon as you enter Porto Europa...»
The Yuasa Traditional Buildings Preservation District, located in Yuasa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a remarkable historic neighborhood where traditional Japanese architecture and centuries-old culture have been carefully preserved. The area has been officially designated by the Japanese government as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and it i...»
Tenjinzaki is a beautiful cape extending into Tanabe Bay on the northern coast of Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known for its rich natural environment and spectacular scenery, Tenjinzaki has gained widespread attention in recent years as the “Uyuni Salt Flats of Wakayama”, thanks to its remarkable mirror-like landscapes. However, the appeal of Tenjinzaki goes far beyond its beautiful scenery....»
Shingu Castle, also known as Tanzaku Castle or Okimi Castle, was once a major castle in what is now Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Built on Tanzaku Hill near the mouth of the Kumano River, the castle was a hilltop fortress strategically positioned to overlook both the river and the Pacific Ocean. Today, the site is preserved as the Shingu Castle Ruins and Mizuno Family Cemetery, which has been...»
Nanki-Katsuura Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring destinations in the Nanki region of Wakayama Prefecture, located in Nachikatsuura Town on the southeastern coast of the Kii Peninsula. Historically known simply as Katsuura Onsen, it is now widely recognized as Nanki-Katsuura Onsen, one of the region's premier hot spring resorts alongside Shirahama Onsen. Facing the Pacific Ocean, known he...»
Onzanso Garden is one of Japan's notable modern Japanese gardens, located on the shores of Kuroe Bay in Kainan, Wakayama Prefecture. Created from the Taisho period to the early Showa period, the garden is renowned for its unique design, which incorporates the area's natural terrain and beautiful coastal scenery. Covering an extensive area and featuring historically significant buildings, Onzanso ...»
Nishinomaru Garden, also known as Momijidani Garden, is a historic daimyo garden located in the western section of Wakayama Castle in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Created in the early Edo period, this beautiful garden is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Known locally as Momijidani Garden, meaning “Maple Valley Garden,” the site is particularly beautiful in...»
Kuroe is a historic town in the northern part of Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture, and is famous throughout Japan as a center of Kishu lacquerware. For more than 400 years, the town has preserved the craftsmanship and culture of this traditional Japanese art. Kishu lacquerware is considered one of Japan's four major lacquerware traditions, alongside Aizu lacquerware, Echizen lacquerware, and Yama...»
Shionomisaki Cape, located in Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is famous as the southernmost point of Japan's main island, Honshu. Extending into the Pacific Ocean from the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula, the cape is surrounded by dramatic natural scenery and an endless ocean horizon. Standing at the southernmost point of Honshu offers a unique sense of place. With no...»
The Kushimoto Marine Park Underwater Observation Tower, located in Kushimoto Town in Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular attraction where visitors can experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean up close. Built approximately 140 meters offshore, the observation tower offers a unique opportunity to look into the underwater world from a depth of 6.3 meters. Through the observation windows, visitors can...»
Sukumadani Kannon Temple, also known as Takiōzan Sukumadani Kannon, is a historic Buddhist temple in Kamitonda Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the most important places of worship in the Kinan region of southern Wakayama. The temple is said to have been founded approximately 1,300 years ago by En no Gyōja, the legendary ascetic traditionally regarded as the founder of Shugendō, a Japanese...»
Niu Sakadono Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Mitani, Katsuragi Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated at the foot of Mount Kōya near the Kinokawa River, the shrine stands quietly amid a beautiful natural landscape. For centuries, the shrine has been closely associated with the religious traditions of Mount Kōya and has watched over pilgrims traveling toward the sacred mountain. Today, ...»
Kondō Hall is the main worship hall of Kōyasan Shingon Buddhism and stands at the heart of Danjō Garan, one of the two major sacred precincts of Mount Kōya. Its history dates back to the early years of Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), the founder of Mount Kōya as a center of Esoteric Buddhism. For more than 1,200 years, Kondō Hall has played an important role in the religious life of Mount Kōya. Major Buddhi...»
Wakaura, also known as Wakanoura, is a scenic coastal area in the southwestern part of Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the sea, mountains, islands, and tidal flats, this beautiful landscape has fascinated people for more than 1,300 years. Wakaura is especially famous for its connection with the Man'yoshu, Japan's oldest major anthology of poetry. Since ancient times, poets, arti...»
Kishi Station is the southern terminus of the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line, located in Kodo, Kishigawa-cho, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. The local railway connects Wakayama Station with Kishi Station over approximately 14.3 kilometers and is now famous both in Japan and overseas for its beloved cat stationmasters. Once a small, unstaffed station mainly used by local residents, ...»
Roadside Station Shiki-no-Sato Park FOOD HUNTER PARK is a large recreational complex in Myojoji, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, where nature, local food, agriculture and outdoor activities come together in one destination. Renovated and reopened as a roadside station in 2020, the facility has attracted attention as a new type of tourist destination built around the concept "Be Wild." Coverin...»
Saikazaki is a beautiful cape and fishing district located on the western edge of Wakaura in the southwestern part of Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Designated as a Special Protection Area within the Setonaikai National Park, the area is known for its spectacular coastal scenery and distinctive townscape. Homes are built closely together on the slopes overlooking the sea, while a picturesque...»
Kizetsukyo Gorge is a scenic valley in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, known for its dramatic rock formations, clear mountain streams and lush forests. It is part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park and offers visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Japanese mountains without traveling far from the center of Tanabe. The name Kizetsukyo is associated with the area's extraordinary...»
Kujirahama Park is a seaside park in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located within the beautiful natural surroundings of Yoshino-Kumano National Park, the park offers visitors an opportunity to experience the region's ocean scenery as well as Taiji's long history and culture associated with whales. Taiji has been known for centuries as a “whale town”, and Kujirahama Park i...»
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...»
Located in Miwasaki, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, Kushima Island (also written as Kushima or Kushima Island) and Suzushima Island are scenic coastal destinations where the magnificent waters of the Kumano-nada Sea meet dramatic rock formations and lush vegetation. Located just beyond Miwasaki Fishing Port, these two small islands are the result of countless years of coastal erosion and geolog...»
Ryujin Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Ryujin Village, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the deep mountains of the Kii Peninsula, the resort offers a peaceful setting where visitors can soak in hot spring water while listening to the gentle flow of the Hidaka River. Along with Yunokawa Onsen in Shimane Prefecture and Kawanaka Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, Ryujin Onsen ...»
The approach to Okunoin, one of the most sacred areas of Mount Koya, is lined with an extraordinary number of stone monuments and memorials. It is estimated that between 100,000 and 200,000 stone monuments stand throughout the cemetery, creating one of Japan’s most impressive sacred landscapes. This is far more than an ordinary cemetery. It is a remarkable cultural landscape where ancient Japanes...»
Kozanji Temple is a historic temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism, located on a hill in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture. Its mountain name is Shonammenzan, and its principal Buddhist image is Dainichi Nyorai, the Cosmic Buddha. Locally, the temple is affectionately known as “Kobo-san”, reflecting the deep connection between the temple and Kobo Daishi Kukai. The temple stands quietly on elev...»
The Kumano River Boat Ride, available in Kumano River Town in Shingu, Wakayama Prefecture, is a rare opportunity to experience one of the waterways that form part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Known as the “River Pilgrimage Route,” the Kumano River was once an important part of the pilgrimage journey to the three grand shrines of ...»
Hiro Hachimangu Shrine, also known as Hiro Hachimanjinja, is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kaminakano, Hirogawa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, the shrine has served as an important center of local faith for centuries. The peaceful grounds are home to numerous historic structures designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The sh...»
Shionomisaki Tourist Tower stands on Cape Shionomisaki in Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located near the southernmost point of Honshu, Japan’s main island, it is one of the area's most popular places to enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding natural landscape. From the observation deck, approximately 100 meters above sea level, visitors can e...»
Jison-in Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kudoyama Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist tradition, the temple is also known as “Women’s Koyasan” because of its long association with female worshippers. The temple's principal image is Maitreya Buddha, also known as Miroku or Jison. The name “Jison-in” comes from this sacred figure. Locat...»
Kamayama Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, with a long history and a distinguished status. The shrine is particularly famous throughout Japan as a place associated with the blessing of choosing names. Families from across the country visit to seek advice on names for newborn babies, as well as guidance when considering a name change. Surrounded by lush gree...»
Takachiho no Mushikui-iwa Rock is a spectacular natural landmark in Ikenoyama, Kozagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan, this enormous rock formation rises approximately 60 meters high along Wakayama Prefectural Route 227. The surface of the towering rock is covered with countless holes, creating an unusual appearance that resembles a giant rock that ...»
KAMURO Tenmangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Minamibaba, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Founded during the Heian period, the shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a renowned scholar and government official who is widely revered in Japan as the deity of learning. The shrine is especially popular with students and their families during Japan's examination season. Many...»
The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama is a major cultural institution in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, featuring an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. Its collection ranges from works by artists connected with Wakayama to important works by renowned artists from across Japan and around the world. The museum enjoys an excellent location next to Wakayama Castle, making it easy ...»
Yosuien Garden is a magnificent traditional Japanese garden located in Nishihama, Wakayama City. Created during the late Edo period by Tokugawa Harutomi, the 10th lord of the Kishu Tokugawa family, the garden covers approximately 33,000 square meters and has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Set against the beautiful natural scenery of the Wakaura area, Yosui...»
Kozagawa Monolith, known in Japanese as Kozagawa no Ichimai-iwa, is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in Kozagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan, this enormous rock formation rises dramatically beside the clear waters of the Kozagawa River. Approximately 100 to 150 meters high and 500 to 800 meters wide, the rock is considered one of the ...»
Marinarium Marine Aquarium, located in Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular attraction attached to the Taiji Whale Museum. The aquarium recreates the rich marine environment of the nearby Kumano Sea, offering visitors an immersive opportunity to observe dolphins and small whales at close range. One of the aquarium's greatest attractions is its large underwater tunnel tank. As visitors wa...»
Hinokuma Shrine and Kunikakasu Shrine are historic Shinto shrines located in Akizuki, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known collectively as Nichizen-gū, the two shrines are regarded as the Ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of the ancient Province of Kii. One of the most distinctive features of this sacred site is that two major shrines stand side by side within a single precinct. This un...»
Kushimoto Okyo Rosetsu Art Museum is a small but remarkable art museum located in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture, at the southernmost tip of Japan's main island of Honshu. The museum stands within the grounds of Muryo-ji Temple, a historic Zen temple with a strong connection to the renowned Edo-period painter Nagasawa Rosetsu. Although modest in size, the museum houses an impressive collecti...»
Rokusan-en is a historic villa in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, where elegant modern Japanese architecture meets a beautifully landscaped traditional Japanese garden. Officially known as the Former Matsui Family Villa, the property preserves a valuable example of the residential culture of modern Japan. A total of 10 buildings and structures on the grounds are registered as Tangible Cultura...»
Minabe Plum Grove, located in the Oshine district of Minabe Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan’s largest plum blossom orchards. Around 80,000 plum trees cover the hills of Kounoka, creating a breathtaking landscape that has long been described by the phrase “One Million Blossoms in a Single View, Their Fragrance Reaching Ten Ri”. Minabe Town is famous as one of Japan’s le...»
Plump, Tender, and Richly Aromatic Nanko Ume is one of Wakayama Prefecture’s most famous local specialties and one of Japan’s best-known premium plum varieties. The fruit is characterized by its large size, thick flesh, thin skin, and relatively small pit, as well as its soft texture and rich, fruity aroma. The southern Wakayama region, particularly Minabe Town and Tanabe City, is one of Japan’s...»
A Taste of Mount Koya and Its Spiritual Heritage One of Wakayama Prefecture’s most distinctive traditional food cultures is Shojin Ryori, the Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that has been passed down for centuries on Mount Koya. Surrounded by mountains rising to around 1,000 meters, Mount Koya is one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sacred sites. The mountain was established as a center of Buddhist...»
Elegant Sweetness, Fragrant Aroma, and Juicy Flesh Wakayama peaches are one of the region’s signature summer fruits, prized for their elegant sweetness, rich fragrance, and exceptionally juicy flesh. Wakayama Prefecture is one of western Japan’s leading peach-producing regions, thanks to its warm climate and the fertile soils along the Kinokawa River. Peach cultivation has a particularly long hi...»
Kishu Yuasa Soy Sauce, traditionally brewed in Yuasa Town in Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture, holds an important place in the history of one of Japan’s most essential seasonings: soy sauce. Located on the western coast of the Kii Peninsula, Yuasa has long flourished as a port town and an important stop along routes associated with the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. People, goods, and ideas passed th...»
Arida Mikan are one of Wakayama Prefecture’s most famous local specialties and a highly regarded mandarin orange brand known throughout Japan. The name Arida Mikan received recognition as a regional collective trademark in 2006, further establishing its reputation as one of Japan’s leading citrus brands. For travelers, however, Arida Mikan are much more than a delicious fruit. The oranges are cl...»
Kishu Kinzanji Miso is a traditional fermented food from Wakayama Prefecture, known for its distinctive flavor and long history. Unlike ordinary miso, which is mainly used as a seasoning, Kinzanji Miso is traditionally enjoyed as a food in its own right, often served directly as a flavorful accompaniment to rice. It has a rich aroma, a mild and slightly sweet taste, and a pleasant texture created...»
A Local Specialty of Wakayama City Wakayama Ramen is a beloved local specialty from northern Wakayama Prefecture, particularly around Wakayama City. Locally, it has traditionally been called “Chuka Soba” or simply “Chuka,” rather than ramen. It has long been enjoyed as an everyday meal by local residents, but it gained nationwide attention in Japan in the late 1990s and became widely known as “Wa...»
Mehari-zushi is a traditional local dish enjoyed for generations in the Kumano region of southern Wakayama Prefecture, as well as parts of southern Mie Prefecture and the Yoshino area of Nara Prefecture. It consists of rice wrapped in the leaves of pickled mustard greens called takana. Although it may look like a simple, oversized rice ball, Mehari-zushi carries a rich history and reflects the wi...»
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...»
Whale cuisine is one of the distinctive traditional foods of Taiji Town in Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located on the Pacific coast of the Kumano-nada Sea, Taiji is widely known as one of Japan’s historic centers of whaling and as a place where traditional whaling culture has been passed down through generations. For centuries, the people of this coastal town developed a unique foo...»
Washigamine Cosmos Park is a scenic hilltop park located on Mount Washigamine in Aridagawa, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated at an elevation of approximately 586 meters, the park offers a remarkable sense of being surrounded by the sky. For this reason, it is sometimes described as a “flower garden in the sky.” From the summit, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, coastlin...»
Shrimp and Crab Aquarium, officially known as the Susami Town Shrimp and Crab Aquarium, is a rare aquarium in Japan specializing in crustaceans. Located in Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture, the aquarium is part of the Michi-no-Eki Susami roadside station, which faces the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by the rich marine environment of the Kii Peninsula, the aquarium introduces visitors to the fascinat...»
Kishu-Katsuura fresh tuna is wild-caught tuna landed at Katsuura Fishing Port in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. The port has long been known as one of Japan’s leading destinations for tuna fishing, particularly for tuna caught using the traditional longline fishing method. Thanks to its deep-rooted tuna-fishing culture, Nachikatsuura is widely known as a “town of tuna.” One of the greatest a...»
Kushigaki, or skewered dried persimmons, is one of the traditional specialties of Katsuragi Town in Wakayama Prefecture. Katsuragi is known for producing a wide variety of fruits throughout the year, but the region is particularly famous for its beautiful bright orange persimmons. In the Shigo area, which consists of four mountain settlements—Taki, Hiroguchi, Higashidani, and Taira—the tradition ...»
Ukishima-no-Mori, or the Floating Forest, is a remarkably rare wetland ecosystem located in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Officially known as the Shingu Inosawa Ukishima Plant Community, this unique natural site was designated a National Natural Monument of Japan in 1927. The most fascinating feature of the forest is that it stands on a floating island made largely of peat. Over thousands of ...»
Saki-no-Yu is one of the most famous hot springs in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, and is regarded as one of the signature bathing spots of Shirahama Onsen. Shirahama is traditionally counted among Japan's three oldest hot spring resorts, alongside Dogo Onsen and Arima Onsen. The greatest attraction of Saki-no-Yu is its extraordinary location directly beside the Pacific Ocean. The open-air rock ...»
Kakinoha-zushi, or sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, is a traditional local dish that has been passed down through generations, particularly in the Kihoku area of Wakayama Prefecture. This distinctive style of sushi combines the subtle fragrance of persimmon leaves with the rich flavor of carefully matured fish and mildly sweet vinegared rice. Each piece is typically small and easy to eat, with ...»
A Delicious Local Specialty from the Sea of Wakayama Shirasu-don is a popular local dish in Wakayama Prefecture that allows visitors to enjoy the fresh bounty of the surrounding seas in a simple yet satisfying way. A generous portion of shirasu, or young fish, is placed over freshly cooked rice. Although the dish is uncomplicated, its delicate flavor and fresh texture have made it a favorite amon...»
Tachiuo cuisine, featuring cutlassfish or hairtail, is a distinctive local food tradition that makes the most of the abundant seafood of Wakayama Prefecture, particularly the area around Arida City. Tachiuo is easily recognized by its long, slender body covered in brilliant silver-white scales. Its shape resembles a traditional Japanese sword, which is why it is known in Japanese as "Tachiuo," lit...»
Mikan Mochi is a traditional local sweet made with Arida mikan, the famous mandarins grown in Wakayama Prefecture. Combining the soft, chewy texture of glutinous rice with the refreshing aroma and natural sweetness of Japanese mandarins, this unique confection offers a taste that is closely connected to the region. The Arida area is one of Japan's best-known mandarin-growing regions. For centurie...»
Goma-dofu, or sesame tofu, is one of the most distinctive traditional dishes of Koyasan, a sacred Buddhist mountain center in Wakayama Prefecture. Although its name literally means “sesame tofu,” it is completely different from ordinary tofu made from soybeans. Instead, the main ingredients are sesame seeds and kudzu starch. Traditional recipes use high-quality hon-kudzu or Yoshino kudzu, produci...»
Zenpuku-in Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Shimotsu Town, Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism and is officially known by the mountain name Hōyūzan. Surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful natural landscape, the temple offers visitors a quiet atmosphere where they can experience centuries of Japanese history and religious culture...»
A Local Delicacy of the Kinan Region Utsubo cuisine is a unique local food culture found in the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture, a region known as Kinan. Outside Japan, the Japanese moray eel, or utsubo, may be an unfamiliar ingredient. With its long body and sharp teeth, the fish has an intimidating appearance and is sometimes described in Japan as the “gangster of the sea.” Despite its fi...»
Cha-gayu is a traditional Japanese rice porridge cooked with bancha or hojicha tea. In Wakayama Prefecture, it is affectionately known as “okai-san” or “okayusan,” and has been enjoyed by local families for generations. In particular, cha-gayu became an important everyday food in mountainous areas and other places where there was little flat land suitable for growing rice. By cooking a small amou...»
Shinjo General Park is one of the largest multipurpose parks in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Designed around the themes of flowers, art, music, and community, the park combines beautiful natural surroundings with cultural facilities and recreational spaces, making it a popular destination for both local residents and visitors. The extensive grounds feature spacious lawns, large playground eq...»
Chokyu-tei is a historic residence and Japanese garden located in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated within the grounds of Nakano BC Co., Ltd., a long-established Japanese sake producer, the site is known for its beautiful traditional garden and connection with the region's brewing culture. Covering a spacious area, the garden combines a historic residence with a traditional strolling pon...»
Suzuki Residence is a historic site in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture, known as the ancestral home of the Suzuki surname. The surname is one of the most common family names in Japan, and it is estimated that around two million people in Japan are named Suzuki. The residence stands in Fujishiro, an important location along the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, and is located within the gro...»
Ueuwo Falls and Hario Falls are two spectacular waterfalls hidden deep in the mountains of Kozagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located in the Matsune area in the northern part of the town, the waterfalls lie along the upper reaches of the Kozagawa River, which originates around Mount Otō. Surrounded by dense forests, clear mountain streams, and dramatic rock formations, these waterfalls offer a c...»
Taiji Town, located in Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is widely known as the “Town of Whales.” Facing the beautiful waters of the Kumano Sea, Taiji has a long history and cultural connection with whales and dolphins. Today, visitors can not only learn about the town's maritime traditions but also take part in a variety of experiences that bring them close to these remarkable marine an...»
Kongobu-ji Head Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples on Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. As the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, it has attracted pilgrims, worshippers, and travelers for centuries with its profound religious significance, impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and fascinating history. The temple is located northeast of the Danjo Garan sacred complex...»
Near the scenic coastal area of Tenjinzaki in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, a beautiful torii gate stands quietly in the sea. Known as the Sea Torii Gate of Motushima Shrine, this striking landmark creates a mystical scene against the blue ocean and sky. It is one of Tanabe's most memorable seaside viewpoints and a popular destination for visitors seeking beautiful coastal scenery. One of the most...»
Okutoro, also known as Kitayama Gorge, is a spectacular mountain valley stretching across Kumano City in Mie Prefecture and Kitayama Village in Wakayama Prefecture. It forms the uppermost section of Doro Gorge, a scenic area designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty within Yoshino-Kumano National Park. Surrounded by deep mountains and the clear waters of the Kitayama River, Okutoro offers visitors an...»
Fudarakusanji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Tendai school located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated close to the coast of Kumano, the temple has been deeply connected with the region's distinctive tradition of Kumano faith for centuries. The name “Fudaraku” comes from the Sanskrit word Potalaka, which refers to the mythical paradise believed to be the sacred realm of K...»
The Koyasan Cable Car is a funicular railway operated by Nankai Electric Railway, connecting Gokurakubashi Station with Koyasan Station in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Also known as the “Koyasan Cable,” it serves as the gateway to the sacred mountain of Koyasan and is used by pilgrims and travelers from Japan and around the world. The cable car climbs from Gokurakubashi Station, at an elevatio...»
The Minakata Kumagusu Memorial Museum and Former Residence in Nakayashikimachi, Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, introduces the remarkable life and achievements of Minakata Kumagusu, one of Japan's most extraordinary naturalists, folklorists, and independent scholars. Closely connected with the natural environment of Kumano, Kumagusu conducted wide-ranging research throughout his life. Today, the faci...»
Kino Matsushima is a breathtaking coastal landscape located around the entrance to Katsuura Bay in Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. More than 130 islands, rocky islets, and unusual rock formations are scattered across an approximately 17-kilometer stretch of sea, creating one of the most spectacular seascapes in southern Wakayama. Because of its exceptional beauty, t...»
Niu Kanshobu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Jison-in, Kudoyama Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. With a history closely connected to Mount Koya and the Buddhist traditions of Kobo Daishi Kukai, the shrine has long been an important place of worship. The shrine stands on elevated ground just south of Jison-in Temple. According to tradition, it was established when Kobo Daishi...»
Roadside Station Ryujin (Woody Plaza Kizokukan) is a charming roadside facility located in Ryujin Village, Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along the Koya-Ryujin Skyline (National Route 371), which connects the sacred World Heritage site of Mount Koya with the famous Ryujin Onsen hot spring area, it is a convenient place to take a break while driving and an excellent base for discovering the ...»
Fujishiro Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Fujishiro, Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along the Kii Route of the Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage network leading to the sacred sites of the Kii Peninsula, the shrine has played an important role in the history of pilgrimage to Kumano. The shrine is associated with the former site of Fujishiro Oji, one of the most prestigi...»
Located on the western side of Danjo Garan, one of the central sacred areas of Mount Koya, Sanno-in and Miyashiro Shrine are important sites for understanding the history and religious traditions of Koyasan. The area has long been associated with the deities believed to protect the mountain, even before Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism in Japan, established his religious center h...»
Bandoko Garden is a beautiful seaside garden located on the tip of Bansho-no-Hana in Saikazaki, Wakayama City. Surrounded by the sea, greenery, and rugged coastal rocks, the garden offers a spectacular landscape where nature and history come together. Overlooking the Kii Channel, the area has long been celebrated for its scenic beauty and is now one of Wakayama’s most popular viewpoints. The comb...»
Watarase Onsen, located in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the three major hot spring areas of the Kumano Hongu Onsenkyo. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of southern Wakayama, it offers visitors a peaceful place to relax while exploring the sacred landscapes of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine. Among the attractions of Watarase...»
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...»
Shunrinken, located in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic medical facility established by Hanaoka Seishu, one of Japan’s most renowned surgeons of the Edo period (1603–1868). It served as his home, clinic, and medical school, making it an important site in the history of Japanese medicine. Shunrinken was much more than a medical clinic. It was an advanced center where medical treat...»
The Hiki-iwa Rock Formations are a remarkable natural attraction in Inari, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. A series of strangely shaped rocky hills stretches across the landscape, creating a distinctive scenery that is both rugged and beautiful. Despite being only about 5 kilometers from central Tanabe, the area feels surprisingly remote and wild. The Hiki-iwa Rock Formations are part of the Ta...»
The Wakayama Prefectural Museum is a history museum located in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. It introduces the long history, diverse culture, religious traditions, arts, and everyday life of the region from ancient times to the modern era. Established in 1971, the museum moved to its present location south of Wakayama Castle in 1994. Its convenient location makes it an excellent place to vi...»
Nyonindo, officially known as Fudosaka-guchi Nyonindo, is a historic building located on Mount Koya in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It was once a place where women who were not permitted to enter the sacred mountain could stay, pray, and worship from outside the restricted area. Mount Koya was established in 816 by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) as a sacred center of Shingon Buddhism. For much of its his...»
The uninhabited islands of Tomogashima, located in the Kitan Strait between Wakayama and Awaji Island, are home to numerous remains of modern military facilities built during the Meiji period (1868–1912). Among them, the Third Battery Ruins of the Yura Fortress are particularly impressive for their size and relatively well-preserved condition. Red-brick structures, moss-covered stone walls, and u...»
Kumano Sanzan refers to the three grand shrines of the Kumano region in southern Wakayama Prefecture: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. The sacred complex also has a close historical connection with Seiganto-ji Temple at Nachisan. For centuries, Kumano has been one of Japan's most important destinations for pilgrimage and spiritual practice. In 2004, the area w...»
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...»
Roadside Station Susami is a popular sightseeing and rest facility located along National Route 42 in Esumi, Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is conveniently located near the Susami-Minami Interchange of the Kisei Expressway and is a popular stopping point for travelers exploring the southern Wakayama region. The Pacific Ocean stretches directly in front of the facility, offering spectacular ...»
Umi Kongo is a spectacular scenic destination on Kii-Oshima Island in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located within Yoshino-Kumano National Park, it is one of the most impressive natural attractions in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula. The area around Takanosu Cape on the southern coast of Kii-Oshima is characterized by towering cliffs and massive rock formations rising dramatically f...»
Wakayama Castle Park Zoo is a unique small zoo located within the grounds of Wakayama Castle Park in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the rare places in Japan where visitors can enjoy seeing animals within the grounds of a historic castle. Established during the Taisho period, the zoo has a history of more than a century and remains a beloved destination for local residents and vi...»
Kii Fudoki-no-Oka is a prefectural museum and historical park in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can explore the region's archaeology, history, traditional culture, and natural landscapes. The facility was established in 1971 to preserve, research, and introduce the Iwa-se Senzuka Kofun Group, a designated Special Historic Site of Japan. Today, Kii Fudoki-no-Oka is one of Wakay...»
Ubuta Shrine is a small but deeply revered Shinto shrine located in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is traditionally regarded as an auxiliary shrine of Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and has been an important place of worship for centuries. The shrine is located approximately 10 minutes on foot from Kumano Hongu Taisha, near the World Heritage Kumano Hongu Heritage Center. Although ...»
Kaki-no-Sato Kudoyama Roadside Station is a popular sightseeing and rest facility in Irigo, Kudoyama Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along Wakayama Prefectural Route 4, it serves as a convenient gateway for exploring the foothills of Mount Koya and the historic town of Kudoyama. For international visitors, a Japanese roadside station (Michi-no-Eki) is more than a place to stop du...»
Kandorizaki Cape, located in Taiji Town in eastern Wakayama Prefecture, is a beautiful headland extending into the vast waters of the Kumano Sea. The area is part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park and is also designated as a geosite within the Nanki-Kumano Geopark. It is a popular destination where visitors can experience the region's magnificent nature, maritime history, and unique cultural traditi...»
Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Museum is a public art museum located in Nakahechi, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Its official name is the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Museum, Nakahechi Branch of the Tanabe City Museum of Art. The museum stands along the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo, a historic pilgrimage route that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property known as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage R...»
Aridagawa Railway Park and the Aridagawa Railway Exchange Museum is a unique attraction where visitors can experience the history and charm of a local railway that once played an important role in the daily lives of people in the Aridagawa area of Wakayama Prefecture. The park was developed on the former site of Kanayaguchi Station, which was once part of the Arida Railway. Today, the site preser...»
Zao Bridge is one of the most distinctive scenic attractions in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Stretching approximately 160 meters across Futakawa Dam, this vivid red suspension bridge stands amid beautiful mountain scenery and offers visitors an exciting way to experience the natural landscape. Surrounded by lush mountains, the bridge provides sweeping views of the reservoir below and the ...»
The Gyuba Doji Statue at Hashiori Pass, located in Chikatsuyu, Nakahechi, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the most iconic landmarks along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route. Standing quietly among tall cedar trees, this small stone figure has watched over pilgrims and travelers for generations. Although the statue is only about 50 centimeters tall, its charming appearance and mysterious ...»
The Tanabe Festival is the annual grand festival of Tokei Shrine in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Held every year on July 24 and 25, this historic festival is believed to have a history of more than 460 years. It is one of the most important traditional festivals in the Kinan region of southern Wakayama and has been carefully passed down through generations. The festival is also considered on...»
Tanabe City Ryujin Gomasan Sky Tower Roadside Station is a spectacular mountain destination located at an elevation of approximately 1,280 meters in Ryujin Village, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It stands along the Koya-Ryujin Skyline, a scenic mountain road on National Route 371 connecting the sacred Mount Koya area with the famous Ryujin Onsen hot spring resort. Because of its high elevatio...»
Kadocho is a historic soy sauce brewery located in Yuasa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Founded in 1841, Kadocho has continued to preserve traditional soy sauce-making techniques in Yuasa, a town widely regarded as one of the birthplaces of soy sauce in Japan. Yuasa has a brewing tradition that dates back more than 700 years, and Kadocho is one of the rare places where visitors can still experience m...»
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...»
Misato Observatory is an astronomical facility located at an elevation of approximately 430 meters in the mountainous area of Kimino Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Thanks to its location far from major sources of artificial light, the observatory is known as one of the finest places in the Kansai region for experiencing a spectacular night sky. On clear nights, especially around the new moon when the...»
A Place of Faith at the Foot of Mount Koya Kamuro Daishi is a Buddhist temple located in Kamuro, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Founded in 1910, the temple stands in a historic area along the route leading toward Mount Koya, one of Japan's most important centers of Buddhist faith. For more than a century, it has welcomed people seeking spiritual guidance, healing, and peace of mind. The te...»
Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History is a natural science museum located in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. The museum offers visitors an opportunity to discover the remarkable natural environment of Wakayama, including its marine life, freshwater ecosystems, plants, animals, geology, and fossils. Since opening in 1982, the museum has followed the concept of “Discover Wakayama!”, focu...»
Chumon Gate stands at the southern entrance of Danjo Garan, one of the most sacred areas of Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. The beautiful vermilion two-story gate welcomes visitors as they enter the spiritual heart of Koyasan and has long served as an important guardian of the sacred temple complex. Danjo Garan was one of the first areas developed by Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Mount Koy...»
Miyama No. 1 Battery Ruins are the remains of a military fortification from Japan's Meiji era (1868–1912), located in the Miyama area of Kada, Wakayama City. The battery was once part of the Yura Fortress, an extensive coastal defense system constructed to protect Osaka Bay from potential attacks by enemy warships. Built on elevated ground overlooking the Kitan Strait, the battery played an impor...»
Furobashi Bridge is a graceful stone arch bridge located in Wakanoura, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known as one of the signature landmarks of Wakanoura, the bridge attracts visitors with its elegant design and beautiful surroundings. The gentle curve of the stone arch blends harmoniously with the mountains, sea, and historic buildings of the area, creating a picturesque scene that capture...»
Ogi-ga-hama Beach, located in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular seaside destination known for its beautiful sandy shore, calm waters, and convenient facilities. Located close to central Tanabe and just about a 10-minute walk from JR Kii-Tanabe Station, the beach is easily accessible for both local residents and international visitors exploring the Kii Peninsula. As its name suggests,...»
Futagawa Dam is an important dam built on the clear waters of the Arida River in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. While playing an essential role in protecting local communities and supporting their livelihoods, the dam is also surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, making it an attractive destination for visitors seeking to experience the natural scenery of southern Wakayama. The Ari...»
Daimon Gate is the main western entrance to Mount Koya, one of Japan’s most important sacred sites and the spiritual center of Shingon Buddhism. With a history stretching back more than 1,200 years, the gate marks the beginning of a journey into the sacred world established by Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Mount Koya’s Buddhist tradition. Standing at the entrance to the pilgrimage routes lead...»
Nanki Shirahama Onsen is one of Japan’s most historic hot spring destinations. Together with Dogo Onsen and Arima Onsen, it is traditionally counted among the “Three Ancient Hot Springs of Japan.” Once known as “Muro-no-Yu,” the hot spring area has a history of approximately 1,350 years and is mentioned in ancient Japanese literature, including the Nihon Shoki and the Man’yoshu. For centuries, it...»
Saikazaki Lighthouse stands dramatically on the steep cliffs of Takano-su at Saikazaki in Wakayama City, overlooking the beautiful waters of Wakanoura. The brilliant white lighthouse contrasts beautifully with the blue sky and ocean, while the panoramic views of the Kii Channel make this one of the area's most attractive scenic destinations. Although the lighthouse continues to serve its original...»
Meoto Waves and the Two Kuroshima Islands are among the most remarkable scenic attractions along the rugged coastline of Susami, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the Pacific coast known as the Karekik nada, this dramatic landscape is created by powerful ocean currents, tides, and unusual coastal formations. The area is recognized as one of the Eight Scenic Views of Susami and attracts travelers...»
Banshoyama Park is a beautiful nature-filled park in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, offering spectacular views of Engetsu Island, Tojima Island, Tanabe Bay, and the surrounding coastline. Surrounded by forests and the sea, the park is also part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of the Kii Peninsula. The par...»
Danjogaran is the spiritual heart of Mount Koya, a sacred Buddhist complex founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai more than 1,200 years ago. As one of the most important centers of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, Danjogaran has been carefully preserved as a place of prayer, religious study, and Buddhist practice for centuries. The grounds are home to numerous historic buildings, including the famous Konpon Dait...»
The Starting Point of a Journey into a Sacred World Gokurakubashi Station is located in Koya Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture, and is operated by Nankai Electric Railway. It is the terminal station of the Nankai Koya Line and the starting point of the cable car that climbs to Mount Koya. For visitors traveling to this sacred mountain, the station serves as an important gateway to the spiri...»
At the heart of Mount Koya's sacred precincts stands Danjo Garan, a complex of historic Buddhist buildings founded as part of Kobo Daishi Kukai's vision for a center of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Among these buildings, the Saito Pagoda, or Western Pagoda, is particularly important. Together with the Konpon Daito, or Great Central Pagoda, it represents the profound Buddhist philosophy that lies at ...»
Fisherman's Wharf Shirahama is a popular waterfront destination near Yuzaki Fishing Port in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Combining a seafood market, restaurants, barbecue facilities, and marine activities in one location, it is an ideal place to experience the many attractions of Shirahama's coast. The facility enjoys an excellent location overlooking the sea near Shirahama Beach, one of ...»
Itakiso Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Itakiso, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. It has long been revered as the Ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of the ancient Province of Kii. The shrine is also listed among the important shrines recorded in the Engishiki, an early tenth-century compilation of Shinto institutions and rituals. As one of Wakayama's oldest and most cultural...»
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...»
Kama Hachimangu Shrine, located in Katsuragi Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a remarkable sacred site known for its mysterious traditions and unusual form of worship. The shrine is located in a quiet area at the rear of the grounds of Niutsuhime Shrine, near the foot of Mount Koya, a sacred mountain associated with the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountai...»
Jinburo, located in Yuasa Town in Wakayama Prefecture, is a local history museum housed in a former public bathhouse. The building was originally used as Ebisuyu, a public bathhouse established in the late Edo period. It remained a familiar place for local residents until it closed in 1985, serving not only as a place to bathe but also as an important space for relaxation and community interaction...»
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...»
Yasukawa Gorge, located in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a beautiful natural area stretching through the upper reaches of the Hiki River. Surrounded by deep forests, crystal-clear streams, and dramatic rock formations shaped over countless years, the gorge is one of the most scenic places to experience Wakayama's rich natural environment. Located within a prefectural natural park, Yasukawa...»
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 ...»
Horaisan Shrine (寶來山神社, Horaisan Jinja), located in Katsuragi Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine surrounded by the rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the Kinokawa River basin. Its origins are traditionally traced back to the Nara Period, more than 1,000 years ago. The shrine is particularly important for its collection of historic structures and art...»
Roadside Station Okutoro is a roadside tourist facility located along National Route 169 in Shimooi, Kitayama Village, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the magnificent natural landscapes of Yoshino-Kumano National Park, it serves as one of the main tourism hubs for Kitayama Village. Kitayama is famous for being Japan's only village completely separated from the rest of its...»
Gomasan Sky Tower is a popular sightseeing destination in Ryujin Village, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It stands at an elevation of approximately 1,282 meters along the Koya-Ryujin Skyline, a scenic mountain road connecting the sacred mountain town of Koyasan with the famous hot spring resort of Ryujin Onsen. The tower is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Wakayama, including Mou...»
The Nachi Fan Festival (Nachi no Ogi Matsuri), also widely known as the Nachi Fire Festival, is an annual traditional ceremony held at Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. It takes place every year on July 14 as the shrine's main annual festival. The formal name of the festival is Ogi Matsuri, or Ogiekishiki Hōe. It is one of the most spectacular religious cerem...»
Fudodo Hall is a historic Buddhist hall quietly standing beside a lotus pond on the eastern edge of Danjo Garan, the central sacred precinct of Mount Koya. Designated as a National Treasure of Japan, it is one of the oldest surviving buildings on Koyasan. Surrounded by impressive structures such as the Great Central Pagoda and the Kondo Main Hall, Fudodo has a notably elegant and peaceful appeara...»
Wakayama City is the capital of Wakayama Prefecture and the largest city in the prefecture. Located in northern Wakayama, the city stretches across the mouth of the Kinokawa River and faces the Kii Channel. Its landscape is remarkably diverse, combining an urban center with beautiful coastlines, gentle hills, and mountainous areas. One of the greatest attractions of Wakayama City is the way visit...»
Kawakyu Museum, located in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, is a one-of-a-kind art destination where visitors can feel as though they have stepped into another world. Housed within the magnificent Hotel Kawakyu on the coast of Nanki-Shirahama, the museum offers an extraordinary experience where architecture, art, history, and culture come together in a spectacular setting. The story of this remark...»
Hotel Urashima, located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan's most distinctive hot spring resorts. Set on a large peninsula extending into Katsuura Bay within Yoshino-Kumano National Park, the resort combines spectacular Pacific Ocean scenery with an extraordinary variety of natural hot springs. One of the most memorable features of a stay begins before you even reach the hotel...»
Kashinosaki Lighthouse stands dramatically on the cliffs of Cape Kashino, at the eastern tip of Kii-Oshima Island in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture. First lit in 1870, it is widely recognized as Japan's oldest surviving stone lighthouse. For more than 150 years, the lighthouse has quietly guided ships sailing across the Pacific Ocean. Its white structure stands against the deep blue sea and rugge...»
Kishu Lacquerware Traditional Industry Hall “Uruwashikan” is a cultural facility in Kuroe, Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture, dedicated to introducing the history, craftsmanship, and beauty of Kishu lacquerware. Kuroe has developed as a center of lacquerware production for more than 400 years. A visit to Uruwashikan provides an opportunity to learn about this traditional craft while exploring the ...»
Horikoshi Shaku Kannon is a historic Buddhist temple located deep in the mountains of Higashitani, Katsuragi Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. It stands in the Shigo area, a mountainous region famous for its traditional production of dried persimmons, and is surrounded by rich forests and peaceful mountain scenery at an elevation of approximately 600 to 650 meters. For centuries, this secl...»
Ukegawa Otaki Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located in the Ukegawa area of Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known as one of the scenic highlights of Hongu's Eight Views, the waterfall is tucked away in the mountains along the Ukegawa Valley, a tributary of the Kumano River. Its elegant cascade drops approximately 20 meters and has long been cherished by local visitors. One of th...»
Kumano Sansho Omiwayashiro Grand Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. It is also known locally as Hamanomiya Daijinja or Hamanomiya Oji, and has long been an important place of worship for pilgrims traveling to the sacred sites of Kumano. The shrine is particularly notable for enshrining deities associated with all three of t...»
Marutaka Inari Shrine is a small Shinto shrine located on a hill in Sumida Town, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is a subsidiary shrine of the historic Sumida Hachiman Shrine and is best known as a peaceful hidden spot for viewing cherry blossoms in spring. Approximately 150 cherry trees bloom around the hillside in spring, creating a beautiful contrast with the many vivid vermilion torii...»
Nishihiro Beach is a beautiful sandy beach in Hirokawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, known for its shallow waters, gentle waves, and open coastal scenery. During the summer, the beach attracts many visitors and is especially popular with families with children looking for a safe and relaxing place to enjoy the sea. The wide sandy shoreline and calm atmosphere make Nishihiro Beach an inviting destina...»
Ao Iwakura Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The shrine is closely associated with Ao no Iwao, an enormous sacred rock that rises dramatically where the Aridagawa River and the Shomura River meet. Approximately 25 meters high and around 100 meters in circumference at its base, Ao no Iwao has an overwhelming presence. Its immense form can even be seen from ...»
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...»
The Minakata Kumagusu Museum stands on a hilltop in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, and is dedicated to the life and achievements of Minakata Kumagusu, one of Japan's most remarkable naturalists, biologists, and folklorists. Located near popular attractions such as Shirahama Onsen and Engetsu Island, the museum sits amid the rich natural surroundings of Banshozan. The museum offers an opport...»
Nan-in Temple is a historic temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism located on Mount Koya in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the temple sub-compounds associated with Kongobu-ji Temple, the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, and is recognized as an important temple within the Koyasan religious community. Surrounded by the peaceful forests of Mount Koya, Nan-in offers visitors an oppo...»
The Sawako Ariyoshi Memorial Museum is a cultural facility dedicated to the life and literary achievements of Sawako Ariyoshi, a celebrated Japanese novelist born in Wakayama City. Opened on June 5, 2022, the museum recreates the author's former home in Suginami, Tokyo, where she wrote many of her best-known works. Located near the Kinokawa River, the museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse ...»
Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium is a unique university-affiliated aquarium located in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Its official name is the Aquarium of the Seto Marine Biological Laboratory, Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University. Opened to the public in 1930, the aquarium has introduced visitors to the rich marine ecosystems of Shirahama for more than 90 years....»
Kokawa Ubusuna Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kokawa, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, it has served as the guardian shrine of the local community and remains closely associated with the famous Kokawadera Temple. The shrine stands within the grounds of Kokawadera Temple, the third temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, one of Japan's most famous Buddhist pilgrim...»
Kitsumoto Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Tajimamori, a legendary figure said to have brought tachibana, an ancient Japanese citrus fruit, to Japan. Because of this tradition, he has long been revered as the "deity of mikan" and the "deity of sweets." The shrine is also closely connected with the Kumano Kodo, the historic ...»
Kamidoro Bridge is a suspension bridge located in Kitayama Village, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, about a five-minute walk from Roadside Station Okutoro. Stretching approximately 170 meters across a reservoir on the Kitayama River, the bridge connects Kitayama Village in Wakayama Prefecture with Kumano City in Mie Prefecture. One of the bridge's most interesting features is that visi...»
Ogumotori-goe is a historic pilgrimage route on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi trail, connecting the sacred area of Nachisan, home to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple, with the village of Koguchi in Kumano River Town, Shingu City. Known as one of the most challenging sections of the Kumano Kodo, the trail crosses a series of steep mountain passes through the remote forests of th...»
Kogumotori-goe is a historic mountain pilgrimage route on the Kumano Kodo, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” It connects Koguchi in Kumano River Town, Shingu City, with Ukegawa in Hongu Town, Tanabe City. Kogumotori-goe forms the second half of the historic “Kumotori-goe” mountain crossing between Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrin...»
Hashigui Beach is a popular seaside destination in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy beautiful ocean scenery alongside one of the area's most spectacular natural landmarks, Hashigui-iwa Rocks. The beach is located next to Hashigui-iwa, a famous scenic attraction in Kushimoto. From the shoreline, visitors can enjoy views of Kii-Oshima Island and the Kushimoto Ohashi Bri...»
Kataonami Beach is a popular seaside destination in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, located in the scenic Wakaura area. This beautiful coastline has been celebrated since ancient times and is mentioned in the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest surviving collection of poetry. With its combination of beautiful natural scenery and well-maintained facilities, Kataonami Beach is one of the most popular leis...»
Suda Hachiman Shrine, located in Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine that has supported the religious and cultural life of the local community for centuries. Surrounded by greenery, the shrine grounds offer a peaceful atmosphere as well as valuable cultural assets and beautiful seasonal scenery. The shrine is particularly well known for its Japanese iris flowers. In e...»
Koyasu Jizoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Shobudani, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism, its official name is Isansan Gokokuin Jizoji Temple. The temple has long been revered as a sacred place for prayers for safe childbirth. It is also widely known as the “Wisteria Temple” because its grounds become beautifully covered wit...»
Anpu, officially known as Sasamaki Anpu, is a traditional Japanese confectionery from Koya Town in Wakayama Prefecture. Closely connected with the natural surroundings and Buddhist food culture of Mount Koya, this distinctive sweet has long been enjoyed by pilgrims, temple visitors, and travelers as a local specialty and souvenir. Sasamaki Anpu is primarily made by Fuzen, a long-established confe...»
Oji-ga-hama Beach is a beautiful gravel and pebble beach stretching along the coast of Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. It forms part of the famous Shichiri Mihama, a long coastal stretch extending toward Kumano City in Mie Prefecture. The coastline extends for approximately 4 kilometers, with the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route running alongside it. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of...»
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...»
Muro-no-Yu is a historic public bathhouse located in the Yunozaki Onsen district of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the most famous traditional public hot springs, or sotoyu, in Shirahama Onsen and has long been enjoyed by both local residents and visitors. Alongside the renowned Saki-no-Yu, Muro-no-Yu is one of the best places to experience the traditional hot spring culture of Shir...»
Mount Gomadanzan is a magnificent mountain in the Kii Mountains, located on the border between Ryujin Village in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, and Totsukawa Village in Nara Prefecture. Rising to an elevation of 1,372 meters, it stands amid a range of mountains reaching over 1,000 meters and is often described as the “Roof of Kishu”, reflecting its lofty position and spectacular mountain scenery. T...»
Mifune Foot Bath, located in Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular spot where visitors can enjoy a relaxing foot bath while looking out over Engetsu Island, one of Shirahama's most iconic scenic landmarks. Soaking your feet in the warm waters of Shirahama Onsen while feeling the gentle sea breeze and listening to the sound of the waves offers a wonderfully relaxing ...»
Kenkoku Shrine, located in Yuasa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine that has been deeply connected with the local community for centuries. Known affectionately by residents as “Omiya-san”, the shrine has served as the principal guardian of Yuasa, offering a spiritual place where people pray for business prosperity, family safety, and the continued prosperity of ...»
Myōjin Submersible Bridge, located in the Myōjin district of Kozagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a rare and fascinating bridge that reflects the close relationship between the local community and the natural environment of the Kozagawa River. The bridge is approximately 90 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. Its simple structure blends quietly into the gentle river landscape, creating a nostalgic...»
Kudoyama Sanada Museum, located in Kudoyama Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a history museum dedicated to the story of the Sanada clan, one of the most famous warrior families of Japan's Warring States period. The museum focuses on three generations of the family: Sanada Masayuki, Sanada Yukimura (Nobushige), and Sanada Daisuke. Through historical materials, visual displays, and inter...»
Torike Cave is a spectacular sea cave located along the scenic Shihara Coast in the Hiki area of Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Formed over countless years as waves gradually eroded the surrounding rock, this impressive natural formation is one of the highlights of the Shihara Coast. The cave is particularly striking because of its two large openings carved into the coas...»
Kujirahama Beach, located in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a unique seaside destination known as one of the very few beaches in Japan where visitors can experience being in the water with whales. Taiji has a long and distinctive connection with whale culture and the history of whaling in Japan. Taking advantage of this local heritage, Kujirahama Beach offers visitors a...»
Kobara Cave Dinosaur Land is a unique interactive attraction surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of Katsuragi Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The facility makes use of former mining tunnels that were once used to extract copper, transforming the historic underground space into an exciting dinosaur-themed adventure. The cave extends for approximately 500 meters and has a maze-like layout. As vi...»
The Former Katsuragikan Inn is a historic former ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, located in Koyaguchi, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Today, it is carefully preserved as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Located directly in front of JR Koyaguchi Station, the building stands as a reminder of the days when this area served as an important gateway for travelers and pilgrim...»
Ubagataki Falls is a quiet and beautiful waterfall tucked away in the mountains of Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. With water cascading approximately 15 meters down the rocks, the waterfall creates a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery. Although Ubagataki Falls is not particularly large, its secluded setting and gentle beauty give it a special charm. A small bridge and a traditio...»
Zenmyoshoin Temple, located in Kudoyama Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic temple belonging to the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist tradition. It is also widely known by the name Sanada-an, or “Sanada Hermitage.” The temple is closely associated with the famous samurai lord Sanada Masayuki and his son Sanada Nobushige, better known as Sanada Yukimura, who spent years in exile in Kudoya...»
Shirahama Town, located in Nishimuro District in southern Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan's best-known seaside resort destinations. Situated on the southwestern coast of the Kii Peninsula, the town is widely known as Nanki-Shirahama. Shirahama has been famous as a hot spring destination for centuries. Its hot springs were already recorded in Japan's ancient literature during the Nara period,...»
Located beside Shirarahama Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, Shirasuna Open-Air Bath is a popular hot spring attraction where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean while relaxing in a natural hot spring. With its brilliant white sand and emerald-green water, Shirarahama creates a spectacular backdrop for this open-air bath. The experience combin...»
Mifune Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Momoyama-cho, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Kinokawa is home to many historic temples and shrines, but Mifune Shrine is particularly notable for its beautifully preserved architecture dating from the Momoyama period (late 16th to early 17th century). The shrine stands on a slightly elevated site surrounded by the peaceful countryside of M...»
Xu Fu Park is a historic park in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, dedicated to Xu Fu, a legendary Chinese figure who is said to have traveled from China to Japan more than 2,000 years ago. Located only about two minutes on foot from JR Shingu Station, the park is an especially convenient place to visit when exploring the Kumano region. Its colorful Chinese-style entrance gate, traditional garden...»
Wakayama Marina City is a large man-made resort island located in Wakayama Bay in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Developed for the World Resort Expo held in 1994, it has grown into one of Wakayama's most popular destinations, bringing together entertainment, dining, hot springs, accommodation, and marine leisure in one convenient location. Surrounded by the sea, the resort offers a refreshin...»
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 ...»
Shihara Coast Roadside Station is a popular roadside facility located along National Route 42 in Hiki, Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Sitting directly beside the magnificent Pacific Ocean, it is an ideal place to take a break during a road trip as well as a worthwhile sightseeing destination in its own right. Just behind the facility lies the beautiful Shihara Coast, known for its distincti...»
Senri-no-Hama Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline in Minabe Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Facing the Pacific Ocean, the beach extends for approximately 1.3 kilometers and ranges from about 20 to 100 meters in width. It forms part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park and has also been designated as a Historic Site by Wakayama Prefecture since 1964. For centuries, Senri-no-Hama has b...»
Daisenbori Inner Harbor is a historic harbor in Yuasa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where the traditional landscape of Japan's soy sauce-producing culture can still be experienced. Also known as the “Soy Sauce Canal,” the harbor is believed to have been developed during the Edo period as an important place for loading and unloading soy sauce and its raw materials. Today, the stone embankments and tr...»
Koyasan Reihokan Museum is a museum dedicated to preserving and displaying the remarkable cultural heritage of Mount Koya in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Since opening in 1921, the museum has protected an extraordinary collection of Buddhist artworks, religious objects, manuscripts, and historical materials associated with Koyasan. Often described as the “Shosoin of the Mountain,” the Reihokan...»
Katsuura Fishing Port Nigiwai Market is a popular sightseeing and food destination located beside Katsuura Fishing Port in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The port is one of Japan's leading bases for tuna fishing and is particularly famous for its large landings of fresh, never-frozen tuna. Nachikatsuura is surrounded by some of southern Wakayama's most famous attractions, including the ...»
Heisogen Park is a spacious natural park located on elevated ground in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Thanks to its hilltop location, the park offers an impressive panorama of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can look toward the Kii Channel to the west, Yoshino-Kumano National Park to the south, and the mountain ranges known as the 3,600 Peaks of Kumano to the east. The park is also idea...»
Yuasa Toy Museum is a charming hands-on museum located in Yuasa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, an area known for its beautifully preserved historic streets. Housed in a traditional Japanese kominka, or old private house, the museum offers visitors a nostalgic journey through the toys and play culture of Japan. The building was formerly used as a tofu shop and was also associated with Yuasa's traditio...»
Shirahama Energy Land is an interactive theme park in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, dedicated to the theme of “people and energy.” Located close to the famous Shirarahama Beach, the park offers visitors an entertaining way to learn about science, nature, and energy while enjoying a wide variety of attractions. The park features numerous activities that appeal to both children and adults, i...»
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...»
Kandorizaki Lighthouse is located in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, and is known as one of the town’s most scenic destinations. The beautiful white lighthouse stands against the blue sky and the vast waters of the Kumano Sea, creating an impressive coastal landscape. Kandorizaki, the cape where the lighthouse stands, is located within a designated special area of the Yoshi...»
Shirahama Undersea Observation Tower, also known as “Coral Princess,” is a unique marine attraction in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located approximately 100 meters offshore from SHIRAHAMA KEY TERRACE HOTEL SEAMORE, the tower allows visitors to observe the beautiful underwater world of Shirahama without having to dive into the sea. The striking white tower rising from the ocean is an impr...»
Tomyozaki is a historic cape located at the tip of Taiji Bay in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Overlooking the magnificent Kumano Sea, the cape is known not only for its beautiful coastal scenery but also for its important connection with the history of traditional Japanese whaling. During the Edo period, Taiji developed an organized form of traditional whaling known as Am...»
Koyasan Station is the terminal station of the Nankai Electric Railway Cable Line, commonly known as the Koyasan Cable, in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located at an elevation of approximately 867 meters, the station marks the final stage of the journey from Gokurakubashi Station, which stands at about 535 meters above sea level. The cable car climbs approximately 328 meters between the two st...»
Kodo Aruki-no-Sato Chikatsuyu is a large roadside rest and dining facility located in Chikatsuyu, Nakahechi, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It stands along the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo, one of Japan’s most famous pilgrimage routes and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Chikatsuyu has a long history as a settlement wh...»
Kunishiro Shrine stands at the summit of Mount Kunishiro, a mountain approximately 522 meters above sea level on the southern side of the Kinokawa River. For centuries, the shrine has been deeply respected as the Ubusuna-gami, or guardian deity of the local communities of Shimizu, Nishihata, and Minamibaba. The shrine enshrines several important deities, including Amaterasu Omikami, Hachiman Daib...»
Roadside Station Furusato Center Oto is a welcoming roadside facility located in Ayukawa, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along National Route 311, it is a convenient stopping point for travelers heading toward the Kumano Kodo and the Kumano Hongu area. The facility is surrounded by the peaceful mountains of the former Oto Village area, with the clear waters of the Tonda River flowing ...»
Inamura-no-Hi no Yakata is a disaster prevention education facility located in Hirogawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It tells the story of the devastating tsunami that struck the region in the 19th century and teaches visitors about the importance of protecting human life. The facility consists of two main sections: the Goryo Hamaguchi Memorial Museum, which introduces the achievements and life of ...»
Kushimoto Marine Park, located in Kushimoto Town in southern Wakayama Prefecture, is famous as Japan’s first designated marine park. The area is home to beautiful coral communities and a remarkably diverse marine ecosystem influenced by the warm Kuroshio Current. Among the park’s most popular attractions is the semi-submersible sightseeing boat Stella Maris. Riding the Stella Maris gives visitors...»
Roadside Station Dorokyo Kaido Kumano-gawa is located along National Route 168 in Kumano-gawa Town, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated roughly halfway between Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and central Shingu, it is a convenient and popular stop for travelers exploring the Kumano region. The station is surrounded by the deep mountains of Kumano, while the Kumano River, Kitayama River, a...»
Roadside Station Nachi is a popular roadside facility located in Hamanomiya, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along National Route 42 and directly connected to Nachi Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, it has the unusual distinction of being accessible both by car and by train. Because of its convenient location, Roadside Station Nachi is widely used by trave...»
Amidaji Temple is a temple of the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Together with Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Seigantoji Temple, it has long been regarded as an important sacred site associated with the spiritual traditions of Kumano. The temple is located on the slopes of Mount Myohosan, which rises to approximately 749 meters. Surrounded by...»
Tanabe City, located in central-southern Wakayama Prefecture, is a city surrounded by abundant nature and rich cultural heritage. It has developed as an important economic, cultural, and tourism center of the Kii Peninsula and is the second-largest city in Wakayama Prefecture after Wakayama City in terms of population and economic scale. Tanabe is also known as “Kuchi-Kumano,” or the Gateway to K...»
Taiji Town, located in Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a coastal community facing the magnificent Pacific waters of the Kumano-nada Sea. Known throughout Japan as a “Whale Town,” Taiji has a long history connected with traditional whaling and is recognized as one of the places where Japan's ancient whaling culture developed. Located within Yoshino-Kumano National Park, the town is s...»
Flower Hill Museum is the central cultural facility of Roadside Station Seishu no Sato in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. The museum was established to honor the remarkable achievements of Seishu Hanaoka, an Edo-period surgeon who made an important contribution to the history of medicine. Visitors can learn about Hanaoka's pioneering work in general anesthesia while also enjoying the area's b...»
Roadside Station Mizunosato Hidagawa Ryuyu is a popular roadside destination in Fukui, Ryujin Village, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along National Route 424, it is a convenient place to stop when traveling toward the famous Ryujin Onsen, one of Japan's “Three Famous Beauty Hot Springs.” The clear waters of the Hidaka River flow peacefully directly in front of the facility, while the ...»
Roadside Station Kumano Kodo Nakahechi is a popular roadside facility in Nakahechi, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the historic Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route, it serves as a convenient base for travelers walking the pilgrimage route and for drivers traveling along National Route 311. The Nakahechi Route is one of the best-known trails leading to the Kumano Sanzan, the Three Grand S...»
Tanabe City Museum of Art is located within Shinjo General Park in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Opened in 1996, the museum has become an important cultural center connecting the people and history of the Kishu region with Japanese art. Its elevated location offers beautiful views toward Tanabe Bay, while the surrounding greenery creates a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. The museum has an e...»
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 ...»
Phoenix Fold, located along the coast of Kuchiwabuka in Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a remarkable geological landmark known for its enormous and unusual folded rock formations. The layers of rock appear to have been folded like a giant piece of fabric, creating a spectacular landscape that immediately captures the attention of visitors. This extraordinary formation is a remarkable example...»
Susami Beach is a popular seaside destination in Susami Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located inside Susami Bay, the beach is protected from the stronger waves of the open Pacific Ocean, making it a comfortable place for families with young children to enjoy the sea. The beach is known for its beautiful sandy shore, clear seawater, and spectacular sunsets. During the summer seaso...»
Tokei Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Closely associated with Kumano faith, one of Japan's most important traditions of pilgrimage and worship, the shrine has been revered by local people for centuries. Today, Tokei Shrine is also recognized as one of the component sites of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mo...»
Bokido Cave Bath is one of the most famous hot springs in Nanki-Katsuura Onsen, a renowned hot spring resort in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located at Hotel Urashima, this extraordinary open-air bath is built inside a vast natural sea cave created by the forces of nature over countless years. The cave was carved naturally by the powerful waves and winds of the Pacific Ocean. Today, v...»
Jomyoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located quietly in the mountains of Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, the temple is known by the mountain name Iozan and has long been an important place of worship for the local community. The temple's principal object of worship is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha traditionally associat...»
Shihara Coast, located in the Hiki River area of Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is home to a fascinating natural landmark known as Bears Rock. Standing out against the vast Pacific Ocean, the distinctive rock formation resembles the head of a bear gazing out toward the sea. Its charming appearance has made it an increasingly popular sightseeing and photography spot. The rock is officially k...»
The Ume Promotion Center is a cultural and tourist facility in Minabe Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Officially known as Roadside Station Minabe Ume Promotion Center, it introduces the history, culture, agriculture, and daily life of a region famous throughout Japan as one of the country’s leading plum-producing areas. Minabe is particularly famous for Nanko-ume, a high-quality Japan...»
Nachi Primeval Forest is a remarkable natural forest covering the slopes of Nachisan in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located east of the famous Nachi Falls, the forest has been carefully protected for centuries as part of the sacred landscape of the Kumano region. With its dense greenery, towering trees, streams, and waterfalls, the forest retains much of its ancient appearance. It wa...»
Roadside Station Tsubaki Hanano-yu is a popular roadside destination in Tsubaki, Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can experience a historic hot spring while enjoying local food and regional products. Located along National Route 42 overlooking the magnificent Pacific Ocean, it is a convenient place to stop when traveling south from the famous Shirahama hot spring resort area. S...»
Tamatsushima Shrine is one of Wakayama's most historic and culturally significant shrines. Located in Wakaura-Naka, Wakayama City, the shrine stands at the heart of Wakaura, a scenic coastal area that has captivated emperors, aristocrats, and poets since the age of the Man'yōshū, Japan's oldest major anthology of poetry. For centuries, Tamatsushima Shrine has been revered as a sacred place associ...»
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...»
Tanabe City Kumano Kodo Museum is an important information and rest facility for travelers exploring the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. Located in Nakahechi, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, the museum stands directly across from Takijiri-oji, one of the most important sacred sites along the Nakahechi route. The Kumano Kodo is one of Japan's most historic pilgrimage networks and forms part of th...»
Kurosawa Ranch & Kurosawa Highland is a beautiful highland recreation area located at an elevation of approximately 509 meters in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by wide open grasslands, fresh mountain air, and spectacular views, it is an ideal destination for visitors looking to relax in nature and enjoy a peaceful break from the city. The spacious ranch is home to cows that are...»
Roadside Station Katsuragi Nishi, also known as Katsuragi Nishi Parking Area, is a convenient roadside facility and tourism hub in Katsuragi Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located between the Izumi Mountains to the north and the Kii Mountain Range to the south, the town is blessed with a warm climate and significant differences in temperature between day and night. These favorable conditions make Kat...»
Togenkyo, located in Momoyama Town in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous peach-growing areas. Stretching across the southern side of the Kinokawa River, the area is transformed every spring into a breathtaking landscape of soft pink peach blossoms. The name “Togenkyo” means a utopian paradise, a place far removed from the ordinary world. When the peach orchards are ...»
Shionomisaki Lighthouse stands on Cape Shionomisaki in Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located at the southernmost point of Japan's main island of Honshu, the historic lighthouse rises above the Pacific Ocean, where the blue sea and sky create a spectacular backdrop for its brilliant white tower. Since its official illumination in 1873, Shionomisaki Lighthouse has helpe...»
Shiide Itsukushima Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shiide, Kudoyama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along one of the historic pilgrimage routes leading toward Mount Koya, the shrine has long been an important place of worship for the local community. The shrine is particularly famous as the place where the traditional Shiide Oni no Mai, or “Shiide Demon Dance,” is performed. Des...»
Poppo Picture Book Museum (Little Station Art Museum) is a charming cultural facility located on the grounds of ALEC (Arida Town Regional Exchange Center) in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the key facilities supporting Aridagawa's unique community initiative to promote itself as a "Town of Picture Books." Designed to resemble a small railway station, the museum has an adorable ...»
Wakayama Prefectural Botanical Park Ryokka Center is a beautiful nature park located in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by flowers and greenery, the park provides a peaceful place where visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Since opening in 1979, the park has become one of the area's popular attractions. Today, visitors can enjoy the grounds free of charge, making it an e...»
Michi-no-Eki Shirama-no-Sato is a peaceful roadside station located along National Route 424 in Uigoke, Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of the countryside, it is known as one of the gateways to the Kumano region. Located away from the busy urban areas, the roadside station offers travelers a chance to slow down and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of rura...»
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...»
Michi-no-Eki Myoe Furusato-kan is a popular roadside station located along National Route 480 in Kanaya, Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The area is known as the birthplace of Myoe Shonin, an influential Buddhist monk who lived during the Kamakura period. Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, the roadside station is a convenient place for travelers to take a break while also discovering ...»
Tokoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Yunomine, Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated within the cultural landscape of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the temple belongs to the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism. The temple's mountain name is Yakuyozan, and it has long been revered as one of the Seven Yakushi Temples of Kumano. St...»
Shirarayu Onsen is a popular public bath in Nanki-Shirahama, one of Wakayama Prefecture's best-known hot spring resorts. Located beside the beautiful Shirarahama Beach, the bathhouse offers visitors the unique experience of relaxing in a traditional Japanese hot spring while looking out over white sand and the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Shirarayu retains the atmosphere of a traditional nei...»
Nagata Kannon Temple, officially known as Nyoizan Yakuyoke Kannonji, is a historic Buddhist temple in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the Shingon-shu Yamashina School of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism and has long been revered by local people as a sacred place for protection from misfortune. The temple is commonly called Nagata Kannon, Yakuyoke Kannon, or Yaku Kannon. The Japanese w...»
World Heritage Kumano Hongu Heritage Center is a learning, cultural, and community facility located in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated directly across from Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, the center introduces visitors to the history of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, Kumano's unique religious traditions, and the culture and natural beauty of the surrounding region. Th...»
Hirose Gorge, located deep in the mountains of Susami Town in Wakayama Prefecture, is a beautiful natural area where lush forests, clear streams, and numerous waterfalls create a peaceful retreat. Among these waterfalls, Koto-no-Taki Waterfall is particularly famous and is also recognized as one of the Eight Scenic Views of Susami. With a drop of approximately 20 meters, Koto-no-Taki combines the...»
Koi-no-Tulip Field is a popular springtime attraction in the Koino district of Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Every year, from around early to mid-April, the fields are filled with colorful tulips in shades of red, yellow, white, and other bright colors. The most distinctive feature of this flower field is its heart-shaped design. The tulips are planted in the shape of a large heart, inspir...»
Michi-no-Eki Kuchikumano is a popular roadside station in Kamitonda Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Conveniently integrated with the Kisei Expressway, it serves as an important stop for travelers exploring southern Wakayama. The name “Kuchikumano” means the “entrance to Kumano.” Kamitonda has long been regarded as a gateway to the Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage routes leading ...»
Michi-no-Eki Kushigaki-no-Sato is a popular roadside station located along National Route 480 in Taki, Katsuragi Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated on an important route connecting Osaka and Wakayama, it serves as a convenient northern gateway to Katsuragi Town and is a popular stop for both tourists and drivers. The facility opened in 2017 and was renovated in 2021, creating an ev...»
Michi-no-Eki Shimizu is a scenic roadside station located along National Route 480 in Shimizu, Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. A Michi-no-Eki is a designated roadside facility in Japan where travelers can rest, eat, shop for local products, and obtain tourist information. Michi-no-Eki Shimizu is situated in the middle reaches of the Aridagawa River, which flows from the sacred mountain of Mo...»
W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace is a nature-based tourism facility located in Shimizu, Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Adjacent to Michi-no-Eki Shimizu, this facility combines glamping, camping, barbecues, outdoor activities, and local cultural experiences in a beautiful riverside setting. The facility is situated beside the clear waters of the Aridagawa River, which originates in the sacred ...»
Toretore Park, located in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a large-scale resort complex where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, hot springs, unique accommodations, fishing experiences, local cuisine, and souvenir shopping all in one place. Shirahama is famous for its beautiful coastline and hot spring resorts, and Toretore Park is one of the best places to experience many of the area's attr...»
Roadside Station Seishu-no-Sato is a unique tourist destination in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can experience history, culture, local food, and nature in one location. Registered as a roadside station in 2015, the facility was developed in the birthplace of Hanaoka Seishu, a pioneering Japanese physician who successfully performed surgery under general anesthesia in the earl...»
Roadside Station Kushimoto Hashigui-iwa is a popular tourist destination in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along National Route 42 in the southernmost area of Honshu, Japan's main island, it is an ideal stop for travelers exploring the southern Kii Peninsula. The roadside station is approximately a seven-minute drive from JR Kushimoto Station and can also be reached on foot. Its con...»
Kameike Pond is a large irrigation pond in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. Today, the area around the pond has been developed into Kameike Park, a peaceful green space where visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery, walking, and the changing seasons. With its broad expanse of water and surrounding natural landscape, Kameike is a relaxing destination enjoyed by local residents as well as visitors. T...»
Negoro Historical Hill Roadside Station is a popular tourist facility in Negoro, Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. Combining history, culture, local food, shopping, and tourist information, it serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. The roadside station is located along Wakayama Prefectural Route 63, connecting Izumisano and Iwade. Because of its location, it also serves as...»
Shichikawa Dam, located in Kozagawa Town in Wakayama Prefecture, is a beautiful dam surrounded by the rich natural scenery of the upper Kozagawa River. It was built where the Kozagawa, Hirai, and Soeno Rivers meet and was completed in 1956 as part of a comprehensive development project for the Kozagawa River basin. The dam was constructed for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. It w...»
Suga Shrine, located in Minabe Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine affectionately known by local residents as “Goryo-san.” Surrounded by the peaceful natural landscape of Minabe, the shrine has long been revered as the community's guardian shrine. Today, Suga Shrine is particularly famous for its spectacular autumn Horse Festival. The shrine is also home to bea...»
Hyakkenzan Gorge is a beautiful natural valley located deep in the mountains of Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known as one of the most scenic destinations along the historic Kishu route, the gorge was once voted the number-one scenic spot among the “20 Views of Kishu”. Surrounded by deep, largely untouched forests, Hyakkenzan Gorge is filled with an extraordinary variety of natural formations...»
Roadside Station Mushikui-iwa is located in Ikenoyama, Kozagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, directly in front of the spectacular Takachi Mushikui-iwa Rock, a designated National Natural Monument of Japan. Serving as one of the gateways to Kozagawa Town, the roadside station provides tourist information while also functioning as a community hub where visitors can discover local specialties, fresh a...»
Nachi Kogen Park is a peaceful forest park located in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Covering approximately 9 hectares, the park spreads across a highland area behind Seiganto-ji Temple at Nachisan. Situated at an elevation of approximately 550 meters, the park is surrounded by the sacred atmosphere of the Nachi Mountains. Visitors can enjoy the changing beauty of nature throughout the ...»
Muryo-ji Temple, located in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic Zen temple belonging to the Tofuku-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Japanese Buddhism. Tucked away along a quiet street in the town center, the temple offers a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can experience the spirit of Zen while discovering some of the most important works of Japanese art from the Edo period. The t...»
Roadside Station Okukumano Kodo Hongu is a popular tourist and rest facility located in Fushigami, Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated in the heart of the Kumano Hongu area, it serves as a convenient base for travelers exploring the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The roadside station is located along National Route ...»
Toganoki Chaya is a charming traditional tea house with a thatched roof located along the Kumano Kodo in Nonaka, Nakahechi Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. The tea house stands close to Tsugizakura-oji, one of the sacred Oji sites of the Kumano pilgrimage, and the famous Nonaka no Ippon-sugi, a group of enormous cedar trees. With its traditional appearance and rustic atmosphere, Toganoki C...»
Susa Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Chida, Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, it has been deeply revered by local residents and people whose lives are connected to the sea. The shrine has a particularly distinguished history, having been listed among the Myōjin Taisha, one of the highest ranks of shrines recorded in the ancient Engishiki register. It was also once desig...»
The Great Buddha Head at Muryokoji Temple is an exceptionally unusual Buddhist statue located within Muryokoji Temple, a Jodo Buddhist temple in Fukiage, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Unlike most Great Buddha statues, which are represented as complete figures, this remarkable statue consists only of a large bronze head. Standing approximately 3 meters tall, the enormous Buddha head has a st...»
Shingu City is a historic city located at the mouth of the Kumano River in southern Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, it has developed as one of the spiritual centers of Kumano, a sacred region of Japan renowned for its ancient pilgrimage traditions. The city flourished as the temple and shrine town surrounding Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the three major shrines of Kumano. Even ...»
Manyo Museum is a cultural facility dedicated to the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest known anthology of poetry. It is located within Kataonami Park in the scenic Wakaura area of Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. With its beautiful coastline, pine forests, islands, mountains, and tidal flats, Wakaura has attracted travelers and poets since ancient times. Many poems inspired by the area's scenery are pr...»
The Whale-Bone Torii Gate and Ebisu Shrine are located in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Facing Taiji Fishing Port, this distinctive shrine offers visitors an opportunity to experience the history, traditions, and maritime culture of a town that has developed around fishing for centuries. The shrine has long been associated with prayers for safe voyages and abundant catche...»
The Koyasan Choishimichi is a historic pilgrimage trail connecting Jison-in Temple in Kudoyama, Wakayama Prefecture, with the sacred mountain of Mount Koya. Since the Heian period, when the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) established Koyasan as a center of Shingon Buddhism, countless pilgrims have traveled this route on foot. Today, the Choishimichi is designated as part of the National Histori...»
Michi-no-Eki Aragi-no-Sato is a roadside station and sightseeing hub located along National Route 480 in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery, it offers travelers a convenient place to take a break, enjoy local food, shop for regional products, and discover the traditional countryside of Wakayama. The facility is approximately 50 minutes by car from the Ari...»
Otō Gorge is a spectacular natural valley in the Otō area of Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. The gorge is formed by the Otō River, which flows from Mount Otō, one of the prominent peaks of the Kii Mountains. Stretching for approximately 8 kilometers, the gorge is surrounded by steep mountains, deep pools, rushing streams, and dramatic rock formations. The scenery changes beautifully with the se...»
Blue Beach Nachi, also known as Nachi Beach, is a large and scenic beach in Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Facing the Kumano Sea along the Pacific coast, the beach features approximately 800 meters of beautiful white sand. With its clear blue water, wide sandy shoreline, and open views of the ocean, Blue Beach Nachi is one of the most popular seaside destinations i...»
Kuroshima Island and Taijima Island are two beautiful islands located approximately 1 kilometer offshore from the mouth of the Koza River in Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Visible from areas along National Route 42, these distinctive islands rise from the waters of the Kumano Sea and have long captured the imagination of travelers. Their striking scenery is closely con...»
Roadside Station Takinohai Taro's Shop Note is a small roadside station surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of Kozagawa Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. It is located immediately beside Takinohai, a designated Natural Monument of Wakayama Prefecture and one of the area's most fascinating natural attractions. The facility was renovated and reopened in summer 2025, becomin...»
Tamagawa Gorge is a beautiful mountain valley in northern Wakayama Prefecture, stretching along the Niu River, a tributary of the Kinokawa River. The gorge lies across Hashimoto City and Kudoyama Town in Ito District and is known for its peaceful atmosphere, clear mountain waters, and unspoiled natural scenery. Once regarded as a remote and secluded area, Tamagawa Gorge has become much easier to ...»
Shio-no-Misaki Shrine stands at Shionomisaki, the southernmost point of Japan's main island of Honshu, in Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located near the Pacific Ocean and just beyond the famous white Shionomisaki Lighthouse, the shrine is surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery, powerful ocean winds, and a vast open sky. For centuries, people living along this coast ha...»
Kushima Itsukushima Shrine stands on Kushima Island, just offshore from Miwasaki in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Kushima is located beyond Miwasaki Fishing Port and is connected to the mainland, allowing visitors to reach the island on foot from the coast. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Kumano Sea, the shrine is a peaceful place where visitors can enjoy both a spiritual experience...»
The History of Shigo and Kushigaki The Kushigaki Village of Shigo is located in Katsuragi Town, Wakayama Prefecture, and consists of four mountain settlements: Hiroguchi, Taki, Higashidani, and Taira. For more than 400 years, the people of this area have preserved the traditional craft of making kushigaki, or persimmons dried on bamboo skewers. The area lies in the mountains at an elevation of a...»
Koya Town is located in the mountainous northeastern part of Wakayama Prefecture and has developed around Mount Koya, one of Japan's most important centers of Buddhist faith. Rising to an elevation of around 800 meters, Mount Koya is famous as the headquarters of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, a tradition established here by the revered Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi Kukai. Even today, Mount Koya remains ...»
The Koya Pilgrimage Routes are a network of historic pilgrimage trails leading to Mount Koya, the sacred center of Shingon Buddhism founded by the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi). Today, these ancient paths form an important part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” and attract pilgrims, hikers, and travelers from around the world. ...»
Shizuku Falls is a beautiful waterfall on the main stream of the Susami River, flowing through the mountains of Susami Town in Wakayama Prefecture. With a total height of approximately 30 meters, this impressive two-tiered waterfall is surrounded by lush forests and offers visitors a peaceful place to enjoy the natural beauty of southern Wakayama. Shizuku Falls is also known as one of the “Eight ...»
Kishu Ishigami Tanabe Plum Grove, located in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the most famous plum blossom destinations in the Kansai region. Tanabe is widely known as one of Japan's leading plum-producing areas, and this beautiful grove is particularly famous for its breathtaking scenery, often described as a place where you can see 300,000 plum trees at a glance. The plum blossoms us...»
The Sato Haruo Memorial Museum in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a literary museum dedicated to Sato Haruo, one of the leading poets and novelists of modern Japanese literature. The museum introduces visitors to his life, literary career, artistic interests, and connection with his hometown of Shingu. Born in Shingu, Sato Haruo was known for works such as Sanma no Uta (Ode to the Pacific Sa...»
The Nishimura Memorial Museum in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic Western-style residence associated with Isaku Nishimura, an influential educator, architect, and artist best known as the founder of Bunka Gakuin. Officially known as the Former Nishimura Family Residence (Nishimura Isaku Memorial Museum), the building is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is h...»
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...»
Katsuura Fishing Port, located in Nachikatsuura Town in Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most famous fishing ports for fresh, never-frozen tuna. Nachikatsuura is also home to many renowned attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,” Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, Nachi Falls, and the Nanki-Kats...»
Tsubaki Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Tsubaki, Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Although it is sometimes overshadowed by the much more famous Shirahama Onsen, Tsubaki Onsen has long been treasured as a hidden gem by those who know and appreciate its exceptional water quality. The hot spring is located near the Ohechi Route of the Kumano Kodo, one of Japan’s historic pilgrim...»
Tsugi-no-taki Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in Nobesaka, Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. With a drop of approximately 46 meters, it is one of the area's most impressive natural attractions. The name “Tsugi-no-taki” literally means “the next waterfall.” According to local tradition, the waterfall was given this name because it was said to have the next-highest drop after the famous Nachi...»
Kushimoto Ohashi Bridge is a striking bridge connecting the mainland of Kushimoto Town in Wakayama Prefecture with Kii-Oshima Island. The bridge officially opened on September 8, 1999, finally providing a road connection that local residents had long hoped for. The bridge connects the mainland near Cape Shionomisaki, the southernmost point of Honshu, to Kii-Oshima via Myogajima Island. Before its...»
The Turkish Warship Ertuğrul Memorial Monument stands at Kashinozaki on Kii-Oshima Island in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Overlooking the beautiful Kumano Sea, this memorial commemorates one of the most tragic maritime disasters in the history of Japan-Turkey relations and, at the same time, the remarkable friendship that grew from it. In 1890, the Ottoman Empire’s naval frigate Ertuğrul ...»
Kishu Binchotan Charcoal Memorial Park is a fascinating sightseeing destination in Akitsugawa, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can discover the history, culture, and traditional craftsmanship behind Kishu Binchotan, one of Japan’s most highly regarded forms of charcoal. The facility is located along Wakayama Prefectural Route 29, the Tanabe-Ryujin Line, making it a convenient sto...»
Wataze Onsen is a peaceful hot spring destination in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the three hot spring resorts that make up the Kumano Hongu Hot Spring Area, together with Yunomine Onsen and Kawayu Onsen. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of the Kii Peninsula, Wataze Onsen is located near Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three major shrines of Kumano. The area has lo...»
Chorakuji Temple is a historic temple located in Ueno, Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai Zen tradition and stands quietly amid the peaceful countryside of the Aridagawa area. Surrounded by green hills and a tranquil rural landscape, the temple offers visitors an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Japanese culture. Its grounds preserve c...»
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...»
Kisshōji Temple is a historic Jodo Buddhist temple in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. With a history spanning more than 500 years, the temple has long served as an important place of worship for the local community. One of the temple’s greatest attractions is the remarkable collection of cultural treasures preserved on its grounds. These include buildings and Buddhist statues designated as N...»
Spanning the clear waters of the Tonda River in Kamitonda Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Yubinbashi Bridge has one of the most unusual names of any bridge in Japan. “Yubinbashi” literally means “Post Bridge”. While the name may sound simple and familiar, it reflects a fascinating chapter in the history of Japan’s modern postal system and the everyday lives of people in this region. Today, Yubinbashi...»
Esuzaki is a scenic natural area in Susami Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, where beautiful landscapes, history, and traditional beliefs come together. This small peninsula-like island extends into the Pacific Ocean and is only about 2–3 kilometers in circumference, yet it is home to a remarkably rich natural environment and unique scenery that has been carefully protected by local c...»
Kasuga Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. Revered by local people for centuries, the shrine has played an important role in the religious and cultural life of the region. Its high status is reflected in the ancient Kii-no-Kuni Shimmeicho, a historical record of Shinto deities in the former Kii Province, where the shrine is referred to as “Shoichi-i Kasuga Okami...»
Kiiji is one of the principal routes of the Kumano Kodo, the network of ancient pilgrimage trails leading to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Known historically as “Kiji,” this route has been traveled for centuries by pilgrims and travelers journeying from the ancient capital toward the sacred lands of Kumano. The route traditionally began at Watanabe-no-Tsu, an important port on what is now th...»
Oto Matsuri is a traditional fire festival held every year on the night of February 6 at Kamikura Shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known as a festival that heralds the arrival of spring in the Kumano region, it is famous for the spectacular sight of men dressed in white carrying blazing torches and racing down a steep stone staircase. Because of its powerful and dramatic character, Oto...»
Hokushin Myoken Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Katsuragi Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated primarily to Myoken-son, a deity associated with the North Star and the Big Dipper. Myoken faith has long been connected with protection of the land, good fortune, and protection from misfortune. Because of these beliefs, the shrine has attracted worshippers not only fr...»
Michi-no-Eki Kainan Sakuas is a roadside station located along National Route 42 in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. Opened in 2023, it serves as an important tourism and community hub where visitors can discover the area's local food, products, culture, and attractions. As the first Michi-no-Eki in Kainan City, it has quickly become a popular stop for both travelers and local residents. The nam...»
Jusan Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine quietly nestled along the Kishi River in Kimino Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and the peaceful scenery of the countryside, the shrine has been a place of worship for local communities for centuries. One of its greatest attractions is its exceptional historical architecture. The main sanctuary and two subsidiary shrines, Niubu Shrine...»
Former Natejuku Honjin is a historic residence in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, offering a fascinating glimpse into transportation, local government, and daily life during Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). Officially known as the Former Natejuku Honjin Imose Family Residence, the property is an important cultural heritage site. The main building, rice storehouse, and south storehouse are desi...»
Ojaura is a scenic coastal area stretching along Nachi Bay in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. With its unusual geological formations, rich natural environment, and long-standing religious traditions, it is a fascinating place where the forces of nature and local culture come together. Just offshore from the coast is Benten Island, recognizable by its striking vermilion torii gate. At low...»
Nachikatsuura Town, located in Higashimuro District in southern Wakayama Prefecture, is a beautiful destination surrounded by both mountains and the sea. Facing the Pacific Ocean's Kumano-nada coast, the town is known for its dramatic ria coastline, deep spiritual heritage, world-famous pilgrimage sites, fresh tuna, and relaxing hot springs. Nachikatsuura brings together four defining elements of...»
Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Festival is one of the most important annual ceremonies held at Kumano Hongu Taisha, a sacred shrine located in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of the three major shrines of the Kumano region, collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan, and is regarded as the head shrine of the many Kumano shrines found throughout Japan. The shrine is als...»
Benten Island is a small rocky island located in Nachi Bay in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Kii Peninsula, the island has long been valued not only for its scenic beauty but also as a place of spiritual significance. One of its most distinctive features is the bright red torii gate standing at the island's entrance. Set against the rugged rocks and ...»
Negoro lacquerware is one of Japan's distinctive traditional lacquerware techniques. It is characterized by applying vivid red lacquer over a base layer of black lacquer. As the surface naturally wears through years of use, the black layer beneath gradually appears, creating a unique and beautifully aged appearance. Unlike decorative patterns that are deliberately painted onto the surface, the ch...»
Kada Kasuga Shrine stands in the scenic coastal district of Kada in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains and the sea and overlooking the Kitan Strait, the shrine has been an important place of worship for the local community for centuries. Kada has long been a fishing community, and prayers for safe voyages, abundant catches, and protection at sea have traditionally been of...»
The Great Ginkgo Tree of Fukusada stands in the grounds of Hosenji Temple in Fukusada, Nakahechi, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Estimated to be around 400 years old, this enormous ginkgo has long been cherished by local residents and is also affectionately known as the “Senbon Ginkgo,” or “Thousand-Branch Ginkgo.” Designated as a Natural Monument of Tanabe City, the tree is one of the most im...»
The Shirahama Museum of Art & Kanki Shrine is a unique cultural and spiritual destination tucked away in the hot spring town of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Unlike the area's famous beaches and resorts, this fascinating site offers visitors an opportunity to explore ancient beliefs about life, fertility, human relationships, and Buddhist esoteric traditions. The Shirahama Museum of Art hou...»
Jabara is an exceptionally rare Japanese citrus fruit that originated in Kitayama Village, Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the same citrus family as yuzu, daidai, and kabosu, but has a distinctive aroma, intense acidity, and a subtle bitterness that lingers after tasting. This unusual combination gives jabara a remarkably complex flavor. Often described as having a pleasantly “bitter yet delic...»
Katsuragi Zao Gongen Shrine stands at Zao Pass on the border between Katsuragi Town in Wakayama Prefecture and Kawachinagano City in Osaka Prefecture. Surrounded by deep mountain forests, this historic shrine is one of the important sacred sites associated with the Katsuragi mountain range, a region deeply connected with the Japanese mountain ascetic tradition known as Shugendo. For centuries, as...»
Kushimoto Town, located in Higashimuro District in southern Wakayama Prefecture, is famous for being home to the southernmost point of Japan's main island, Honshu. The town faces the vast Pacific Ocean, and its dramatic coastline, warm climate, rich marine environment, and fascinating history make it one of the most distinctive destinations on the Kii Peninsula. The most famous landmark is Cape S...»
Tomogashima Lighthouse stands on Okinoshima, one of the islands that make up the Tomogashima island group off the coast of Kada in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located in the scenic waters of the Kitan Strait, the lighthouse is surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of the Setonaikai National Park. Built in the early Meiji period, Tomogashima Lighthouse is one of Japan's earliest We...»
Wataze Onsen Center Otonashi-no-Sato is a popular outdoor leisure facility in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. The facility combines a hot spring, campsites, cottages, and a restaurant in one convenient location. It is situated close to the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route, and is approximately a 10-minute drive from Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, making it an excel...»
Roadside Station Inobootan Land Susami is a unique roadside rest area located in Mirozu, Susami Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along National Route 42, the facility enjoys a beautiful location overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. Rather than being a large commercial roadside station with extensive shopping and dining facilities, Inobootan Land Susami serves primarily as a ...»
Takijiri-oji is a historic shrine located in Kurisugawa, Nakahechi, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Its official name is Takijiri-oji Shrine Jugo-jinja. For travelers walking the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo, Takijiri-oji is much more than a stop along the trail. Since ancient times, it has been regarded as the gateway to the sacred realm of the Kumano Sanzan, the three grand shrines of Ku...»
Surrounded by deep mountains in eastern Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, the Hongu Area is one of the most sacred regions associated with the World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” For centuries, people have traveled through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula along the Kumano Kodo, carrying their prayers with them. At the end of many of these long jou...»
The Japanese Nursery Rhyme Garden is a unique park located on Esuzaki in Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Combining beautiful coastal scenery with traditional Japanese children's songs, it is a popular place for visitors looking for a peaceful and memorable experience. The park is located roughly between JR Mirozu Station and JR Esumi Station and features walking paths overlooking the Pacific Oc...»
Takahara Kumano Shrine is a historic shrine located in Takahara, Nakahechi, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo, this peaceful mountain shrine has long been associated with the religious traditions and pilgrimage culture of Kumano. The shrine's official name is simply Kumano Shrine, but it has traditionally also been known as Takahara Oji. For c...»
Tsugizakura-oji, located in Nonaka, Nakahechi, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the most atmospheric historic sites along the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo. As one of the traditional Oji shrines associated with the Kumano pilgrimage, it has been an important place of worship for travelers journeying toward the sacred sites of Kumano for centuries. Tsugizakura-oji is part of the “K...»
Roadside Station Kinokawa Manyo-no-Sato is a scenic roadside station located in Kubo, Katsuragi Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture, along National Route 24. The peaceful Kinokawa River flows nearby, creating a beautiful setting that has been admired and celebrated in Japanese poetry since ancient times. This area has been cherished since the Manyo period, when it was featured in Japan's olde...»
Kozagawa Town is a beautiful mountain town in Higashimuro District, southern Wakayama Prefecture. Located deep within the Kii Peninsula, the town is surrounded by extensive forests, rugged mountains, and clear rivers. The Kozagawa River, which flows through the center of the town, is the heart of the local landscape. Its remarkably clear water has earned it the nickname “Crystal River,” and the r...»
Located in southwestern Wakayama Prefecture, Susami Town is blessed with a remarkable variety of natural scenery. Dramatic Pacific coastlines, deep mountain valleys, beautiful waterfalls, lush forests, and spectacular sunset views can be found throughout the area. Among these many attractions, eight particularly scenic and accessible locations are collectively known as the Eight Scenic Views of S...»
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...»
Roadside Station Minabe Ume Promotion Museum is a unique museum-style roadside station in Minabe Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Opened in 1997, the facility was created to introduce the history, culture, agriculture, and food traditions of Minabe, one of Japan's leading ume-growing regions. The museum focuses on ume, the Japanese plum or apricot-like fruit traditionally used to make ...»
Kii Kokubunji Temple Ruins Historical Park in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a fascinating archaeological site where visitors can experience the history and culture of ancient Japan. The park preserves the remains of Kii Kokubunji, a major Buddhist temple established during the Nara period more than 1,300 years ago. Today, the site has been developed as a historical park, with reconstruct...»
Kaizen-in Temple is a historic Nichiren Buddhist temple located in Wakaura-naka, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. The temple stands halfway up Imoseyama Island, a small island at the mouth of the Waka River in the scenic Wakaura area. The temple's most recognizable landmark is its elegant two-story pagoda-style structure known as a tahoto. Rising above the island's greenery with the sea beyond...»
Roadside Station Negoro Sakura-no-Sato is a popular roadside stop and tourism hub in Oshikawa, Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located close to the border with Osaka Prefecture along Wakayama Prefectural Route 63, it is affectionately known as one of the “gateways to Wakayama.” Originally opened in 2003, the facility underwent a major renewal and reopened in 2025, creating a more comfortable and...»
Ichijokaku, also known as the Former Wakayama Prefectural Assembly Hall, is a historic building located in Negoro, Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. Originally constructed as the meeting place of the Wakayama Prefectural Assembly, it is an exceptionally valuable example of early modern Japanese architecture. Built during the Meiji period (1868–1912), Ichijokaku is regarded as the oldest surviving ...»
Juzenritsu-in Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kokawa, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Anraku Ritsuin School of the Tendai Buddhist tradition, the temple stands within the grounds of the famous neighboring Kokawadera Temple. The temple's principal image is Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha). Surrounded by a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, Juzenritsu-in offers vis...»
Kitayama Village is a small mountain village in Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Although it belongs administratively to Wakayama, its geographical location is highly unusual: it is the only municipality in Japan that does not share a border with any other municipality in its own prefecture. Surrounded by Nara and Mie prefectures, Kitayama is geographically separated from the rest of Wa...»
Yunomine-oji, located in Yunomine, Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the most important historic religious sites along the Kumano Kodo. It is one of the traditional “Kumano Kuju-ku Oji”, a network of subsidiary shrines and sacred sites established along the pilgrimage routes to the Kumano Sanzan. The site is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Sacred Sites and P...»
Shinsenji Temple, located in Yuasa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic Buddhist temple belonging to the Nishiyama branch of Pure Land Buddhism. Its mountain name is Gyokukozan. The temple is believed to have its origins in Kaiunin Temple, which was founded during the Nara period by the renowned Buddhist monk Gyoki. The temple was later revived during the Muromachi period by the monk Myoshu, ...»
Nakahechi, located in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is home to one of the most important routes of the Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage network through the Kii Peninsula. For centuries, the Nakahechi Route has carried pilgrims toward the sacred Kumano Sanzan—Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. Retired emperors, aristocrats, samurai, monks, and ordinary peo...»
Ryuzen Mountain is a 496-meter-high mountain in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Revered since ancient times as a sacred mountain where the Dragon God (Ryuzen) is believed to dwell, it has long been an important place of local faith. Although the mountain is located relatively close to central Tanabe, it is surrounded by rich forests, fascinating religious traditions, and spectacular scenery. Th...»
The Kumano Hayatama Festival is the annual grand festival of Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Held every year on October 15 and 16, this traditional festival has been passed down for generations and offers a remarkable glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the Kumano region. Kumano Hayatama Taisha is one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, and the festiv...»
Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle, located in Yuasa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a distinctive accommodation facility that allows visitors to experience the dream of staying overnight in a Japanese castle. With its impressive castle-style exterior and modern amenities, the facility offers an unusual and memorable travel experience. Yuasa is also known as the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce and is blesse...»
Bansho-yama Fudo-do is a small and atmospheric place of Buddhist worship in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Quietly situated at the foot of the rocky Bansho-yama area, within Bansho-yama Park, the hall enshrines Fudo Myoo, a powerful Buddhist deity traditionally associated with protection and the removal of obstacles. What makes this place especially intriguing is the approach. Visitors ente...»
Wakayama Prefecture Gokoku Shrine is a Shinto shrine located within the grounds of Wakayama Castle in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by peaceful greenery, the shrine provides a solemn and tranquil setting where visitors can reflect on history and pay their respects. For travelers exploring Wakayama Castle, the shrine offers an opportunity to experience a different aspect of Japane...»
Kozenji Temple is a historic Zen temple in Kamitonda Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, the temple is traditionally said to have been founded in 898. With more than 1,200 years of history, Kozenji has long been an important place of worship for the local community. Today, it is especially famous for its enormous w...»
Yuasa Shoyu Kuyo-gura is a traditional soy sauce brewery and cultural experience facility in Yuasa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Here, visitors can discover the fascinating world of Japanese soy sauce through sightseeing, hands-on experiences, tasting, dining, and shopping. Yuasa is widely known as one of the historic birthplaces of Japanese soy sauce culture. Kuyo-gura offers visitors a chance to s...»
Haso Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Otō-Hikigawa Prefectural Nature Park in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, it is one of the most impressive natural attractions along the middle reaches of the Hikigawa River. From the forested mountainside, water plunges approximately 22 meters down the rocky slope. Surrounded by the rich greenery of the Kii P...»
Ouga Daijinja Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Ichiwaki, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, it has been deeply connected to the local community and remains an important place of worship today. The shrine was traditionally revered as the So-Ubusunagami, the principal guardian deity of the former Ouga Estate, a medieval estate established around the end of the Heian pe...»
Hanayama Onsen is a famous hot spring in Narukami, Wakayama City, known among hot spring enthusiasts throughout Japan for its exceptionally rich and unusual mineral content. Although it is located close to the urban center of Wakayama, Hanayama Onsen offers an authentic natural hot spring experience. Its highly concentrated carbonated water has earned it a reputation as one of the most powerful n...»
Katsuragi Town is a scenic rural town located in the western part of Ito District in Wakayama Prefecture. The Izumi Mountains rise to the north, while the Kii Mountains stretch across the south, with the peaceful Kinokawa River flowing between them and creating beautiful natural scenery. The town's fertile environment and significant differences in temperature between day and night have made it a...»
Kishu Binchotan Promotion Center is a cultural and hands-on learning facility in Minabe Town, Wakayama Prefecture, dedicated to Kishu Binchotan, one of Japan’s finest traditional types of charcoal. Minabe has a long history of charcoal production and remains one of Japan’s major production areas for high-quality Binchotan. At the center, visitors can learn about the history and culture of Kishu B...»
Enmeiji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Ukui, Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hoozan, and the temple stands quietly among the mountains and forests of the Kumano region. Surrounded by the mountains and sea of southern Wakayama, Enmeiji offers a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the busier tourist destinations around Nachisan. It is a place where visitor...»
Kii Kokubunji Temple, located in Higashi-Kokubun, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic Buddhist temple belonging to the Shingon-shu New School tradition. The temple is also known as Hakkosan Iouin and enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing, who has long been worshipped as a protector of people's health and well-being. The temple continues the legacy of Kii Kokubunji, one of ...»
Kudoyama Town is a charming historic town in northern Wakayama Prefecture, known for its deep connections with Japanese Buddhism, the samurai warrior Sanada Yukimura, and the sacred pilgrimage routes leading to Mount Koya. Located at the gateway to Mount Koya, Kudoyama has flourished for centuries as a place associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism. The town is a...»
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...»
Kumano Sansho Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated near the northern end of Shirarahama Beach, one of Shirahama's most famous scenic attractions, the shrine stands in a peaceful setting surrounded by white sand and a lush forest. Although the shrine is close to one of Wakayama's most popular tourist areas, stepping through...»
The Nanki-Kumano Geopark Center is an information and learning facility located in Shio-no-Misaki, Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture, at the southernmost point of Japan's main island, Honshu. Facing the vast Pacific Ocean, the center introduces the fascinating geological history and natural wonders of the Kii Peninsula through engaging, hands-on exhibits. The Nanki-Kumano Geopark, officially re...»
Wakayama City Museum is a history museum located in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. The museum opened on November 1, 1985, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the construction of Wakayama Castle in 1585 and the beginning of Wakayama's development as a castle town. Since its opening, the museum has collected, preserved, researched, and introduced a wide range of materials related to the his...»
Hashimoto Municipal Koyaguchi Elementary School, located in Koyaguchi Town, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a public elementary school with an extraordinary place in Japan's architectural history. While it continues to serve as an active school, its historic wooden buildings are also recognized as an important example of modern Japanese architecture. The school is considered one of the la...»
Wada Family Rock Gate is a small natural rock tunnel in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Although it is now used as a local passageway, this unusual site preserves an important connection to the town's long history of traditional whaling. Taiji is widely regarded as one of the birthplaces of traditional Japanese whaling, and the Wada family played a particularly important ro...»
The Tonda River is a clear, beautiful river flowing through southern Wakayama Prefecture before reaching the Pacific Ocean. Its watershed extends across Tanabe, Kamitonda, and Shirahama, supporting local communities, farmland, forests, and diverse wildlife along its course. One of the most distinctive features of the Tonda River is that, unlike many major rivers in Wakayama, it has no dams on eit...»
Hojuin Temple is a Buddhist temple located on Mount Koya in Koya Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. It holds an important position within Koyasan Shingon Buddhism as one of the denomination's head temples. The temple's principal object of worship is Mahavairocana Buddha (Dainichi Nyorai), the central Buddha of Esoteric Buddhism. For centuries, the temple has served as a place of religious p...»
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...»
Sanbokan is one of the distinctive citrus fruits associated with Wakayama Prefecture. In particular, Sanbokan grown in the Suihara area of Yuasa Town is known as “Suihara Sanbokan” and is highly valued as a local specialty. The fruit has a distinctive, slightly rounded shape that resembles a small daruma doll, with a noticeably swollen bottom. Its bright appearance and refreshing flavor have made...»
The Former Suhara Family Residence (Fujiichi) is a historic merchant house in Yuasa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It preserves the atmosphere of a traditional family business that once produced soy sauce, offering visitors an opportunity to discover the history of one of Japan's most important culinary traditions. The building was originally established in 1874 by Kubose Shichichi of the Yamagataya ...»
Aridagawa Town is a beautiful rural town located in central Wakayama Prefecture. The town is centered around the Arida River, which flows from east to west through the area, surrounded by mountains, valleys, farmland, and peaceful countryside scenery. Aridagawa is particularly famous as one of the major production areas for Arida Mikan mandarins, one of Japan's best-known citrus brands. The town ...»
Nanakoshi-no-mine is a mountain approximately 262 meters high in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located east of Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, it stands at the southern end of the Omine Mountain Range and is one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Kumano region. From the summit and surrounding viewpoints, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Kumano Hongu Taisha, Oyunohara—the former...»
Jizōji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Shide, Kudoyama Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist tradition, the temple is formally known as Gyokusuisan Tōyōin Jizōji. Nestled quietly in the mountains, Jizōji stands along the historic Makio Pilgrimage Route, a traditional approach to sacred Mount Koya. For centuries, the route has been trave...»
Isaida Inari Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Inari-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Set on a quiet hillside just outside the center of Tanabe, the shrine is surrounded by a lush sacred forest and offers visitors a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustle of the city. Known affectionately by local residents as “O-Inari-san,” the shrine has long been a place of worship for praye...»
SHIRAHAMA KEY TERRACE HOTEL SEAMORE, also known simply as Hotel Seamore, is one of the leading resort hotels in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Located in the famous Shirahama Onsen area, one of Japan's oldest hot spring destinations, the hotel offers an exceptional combination of hot springs, ocean views, dining, marine attractions, and resort activities. Facing the vast Pacific Ocean, the hotel...»
Japan-U.S. Friendship Memorial Hall is a municipal museum located at Kashinozaki on Kii-Oshima Island in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The museum commemorates an important but lesser-known chapter in the history of relations between Japan and the United States. While many people associate the beginning of Japan-U.S. relations with the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry's “Black Ships” in 1...»
Susami Town is a beautiful coastal town in Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, located in the southwestern part of the Kii Peninsula. Covering an area of approximately 174.45 square kilometers, the town stretches about 19.25 kilometers from east to west and 15.5 kilometers from north to south. Around 93% of the town is covered by forest, creating a landscape where mountains and the Pacific Oc...»
Tenchugan Rock is a spectacular natural rock formation located in Aise, Kozagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Rising almost vertically beside the Kozagawa River, this enormous rock has a striking appearance that seems to reach toward the sky. Its distinctive shape is the reason it is known as “Tenchugan,” meaning “Heaven-Pillar Rock.” Surrounded by lush green mountains, the massive rock rising stra...»
Kashima Island is a small uninhabited island located just off the coast of Minabe Town in Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, the island has been revered as a sacred place where the gods are believed to reside. Surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Kii Peninsula, the island is home to Kashima Shrine, which enshrines the deity Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto. Kashima Shrine has long been worshipped b...»
Hiraike Pond is a large irrigation pond located in Kishigawa Town, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Covering approximately 13 hectares and with a circumference of about 1.5 kilometers, it is one of the largest agricultural reservoirs in Wakayama Prefecture. Built during the medieval period to secure water for agriculture, the pond continues to play an important role as a source of irrigation w...»
Makiosan Myojin Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kudoyama, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated on the western slope of Mount Makiosan and surrounded by lush greenery, the shrine has long been revered as the Ubusunagami, or guardian deity of the local community. The shrine enshrines Koya Myojin, Shirahige Myojin, and Benzaiten. Traditionally, these deities have been associated with blessing...»
Maruo Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning Maruo Pond inside Sugimura Park in Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. The bridge is approximately 65 to 70 meters long and features a distinctive vermilion-colored frame that stands out beautifully against the surrounding greenery. The bridge blends naturally into the park's landscape and offers attractive scenery throughout the year. In winter, the ...»
A Sacred Mountain Range at the Heart of Kumano Nachisan is the collective name for the mountainous area extending across the northeastern part of Nachikatsuura Town in Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, this sacred mountain region has been one of the most important centers of Kumano faith, attracting worshippers and pilgrims from throughout Japan. Nachisan is part of the UNESCO World Heritage S...»
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 ...»
Omiya Shrine, also known as Iwade Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine located in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, local residents have affectionately revered it as the “guardian deity of Iwade.” Surrounded by an extensive sacred forest, the shrine grounds offer a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. The quiet woodland and traditional buildings provide visitors with a relaxing setting...»
Kainan City is a charming coastal city in northern Wakayama Prefecture where history, traditional culture, and beautiful nature come together. Surrounded by the sea, mountains, and rivers, Kainan has developed as an important area along the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and is also famous as one of Japan's leading production centers for Kishu lacquerware. Throughout the city, visitors can...»
Wakayama City Forest Park is a vast mountain park surrounded by the rich natural environment of Kada in Wakayama City. Its unique landscape, where dinosaur and animal sculptures stand among the trees, combines playful attractions with beautiful seasonal scenery. The park is popular with families and nature lovers, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including forest bathing, hiking,...»
A Traditional Local Dish Passed Down Through Generations Hayazushi is one of Wakayama Prefecture’s most representative traditional dishes. This regional specialty is a type of pressed sushi made with vinegared rice and fish. Today, the name “Hayazushi” most commonly refers to pressed sushi made with mackerel, and it remains a familiar part of everyday food culture for people in Wakayama. When pe...»
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 ...»
Kamitonda Town is a scenic town in Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, located in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula. Surrounded by mountains and blessed with the clear waters of the Tonda River, the town has long developed as a gateway to the southern Kumano region. Kamitonda is particularly known for its connection with the Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage routes leading to the sacr...»
“Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” is a vast cultural heritage site spanning Wakayama, Nara, and Mie prefectures. Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site on July 7, 2004, it represents one of Japan’s most important landscapes for understanding the history and traditions of religious devotion. In 2016, additional areas were added and adjustments were made to ...»
Fresh Market Hama no Utase is a popular direct-from-the-source market located inside Minoshima Fishing Port in Arida, Wakayama Prefecture. The facility offers visitors an opportunity to experience the region’s rich connection with the sea, featuring freshly caught seafood, locally grown vegetables and fruit, and a wide selection of regional souvenirs. With its appealing combination of eating, sho...»
Mosquito coils are one of the iconic symbols of summer in Japan. For generations, they have been a practical household product used to keep mosquitoes away during the warmer months. These traditional insect repellents work by slowly burning a coil containing insecticidal ingredients, releasing active substances into the surrounding air. The familiar spiral-shaped design is particularly well known...»
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...»
Masuda Family Residence is a historic traditional house in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture, and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Built in the mid-Edo period, the residence offers a valuable glimpse into the lifestyle, social status, and responsibilities of a prominent village headman of the time. With its well-preserved architecture and spacious grounds, the residence is ...»
Minabe Town is a beautiful rural community in the southern part of Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Facing the Kii Channel, the town is surrounded by a diverse natural landscape of beautiful coastlines, gentle hills, clear rivers, and forest-covered mountains. Minabe is best known throughout Japan as the “town of ume,” or Japanese plums. It is particularly famous as the birthplace of Nanko U...»
Yuasa Town is a historic town in Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture, with a population of around 10,000 people. Surrounded by mountains and the beautiful coastline of the Kii Peninsula, Yuasa is widely known throughout Japan as the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce. For centuries, the town flourished as an important center of maritime transportation and commerce. It is closely associated with the...»
The Former Hashimoto Honjin – Ikenaga Family Residence is a historic traditional townhouse in Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the former Yamato Kaido highway, this important cultural property preserves the history and atmosphere of Japan's Edo-period post towns. The residence once served as a honjin, a special lodging facility reserved for feudal lords, members of the imperial ...»
Okutoro Onsen Yamanoyado is a hot spring accommodation facility located in Kitayama Village, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Kitayama is famous for being Japan's only village completely surrounded by other municipalities of a different prefecture, and the area is blessed with beautiful mountains, forests, and rivers. Surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the deep mountains, Yamanoyado ...»
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...»
Wakanoura Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the southern part of Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated in the historic scenic area of Wakanoura, the resort combines beautiful coastal scenery, traditional Japanese culture, and relaxing hot spring experiences. Wakanoura has been admired for centuries and was already celebrated as a place of natural beauty during Japan’s Man’yō era. Tod...»
Rishō Gokokuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the Shingon Risshu school of Buddhism and is officially known as Kakōzan Rishōin. Locally, the temple is affectionately called Ōdera, meaning “Great Temple.” With a history stretching back more than a thousand years, Rishō Gokokuji has long been an important center of religious faith ...»
Ichinono Oji Shrine is a historic shrine located in Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the Kumano Kujuku Oji, the many subsidiary shrines traditionally found along the pilgrimage routes leading to the sacred Kumano Sanzan, or Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Located along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route, Ichinono Oji was an important spiritual stop for pilgr...»
Tsukumoto Foot Bath is a popular free foot bath facility located near Shirarahama Beach in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Here, visitors can soak their feet in naturally flowing hot spring water while enjoying the beautiful white sand and blue waters of one of southern Wakayama's most famous beaches. Located just beyond the seawall at the southern end of Shirarahama, the foot bath is an ide...»
Tanabe Castle, also known as Kinsui Castle, was a historic castle once located in what is now Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Built near the mouth of the Aizu River, where the river meets the sea, it was a strategically important flatland castle that played a major role in transportation and coastal defense in the Kumano region. Although most of the original castle structures have disappeared, ...»
Shoseki Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on the slopes of Oishi Kogen Highland in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of the highlands, the shrine has a quiet and mysterious atmosphere that makes it a memorable destination for visitors interested in Japan's traditional spirituality. Oishi Kogen is particularly famous for its vast fields of ...»
Takada Greenland and Kumotori Onsen is a nature-rich hot spring facility located beside the Takada River in the mountainous area of Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by deep green mountains, the facility offers visitors a peaceful escape where they can enjoy the sound of flowing water and birdsong while experiencing the natural beauty of Kumano. The facility lies roughly halfway betwee...»
Oga Hachiman Shrine is a quiet and atmospheric shrine located in Oga, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the deep mountains and clear streams of Kumano, the shrine stands in a secluded natural setting where visitors can experience an ancient form of Japanese spirituality closely connected with the natural world. The shrine is particularly striking for the enormous rock wall rising im...»
Erbine Onsen is a peaceful day-use hot spring facility in the Hiki River area of Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and located beside the clear waters of the Hiki River, it offers visitors a chance to enjoy a natural hot spring while taking in the scenery of the river and surrounding countryside. The bathing area features large glass windows overlooking the Hi...»
The Pile Textile Museum, located in Koyaguchi Town in Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a cultural facility dedicated to introducing the history, craftsmanship, and appeal of the region's traditional pile textile industry. Koyaguchi has developed as a town closely connected with textile production for generations. At the museum, visitors can trace the history of this local industry while le...»
Aritoshi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Minato, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known affectionately by local residents as “Goryo-san,” the shrine has long been an important place of worship for the people of Tanabe. Despite being only a few minutes' walk from Kii-Tanabe Station in the center of the city, the shrine grounds have a remarkably peaceful atmosphere. Once visitors pas...»
Shingu City Museum of History and Folklore is a local museum located within the grounds of Asuka Shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated near the mouth of the Kumano River at the foot of sacred Mount Horai, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore the long history, religious traditions, archaeology, and everyday life of the Kumano region. The museum displays a wide range ...»
Inabane Oji Shrine is a historic sacred site located in Iwata, Kamitonda Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. It stands along the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo, one of Japan's most important pilgrimage routes. Inabane Oji is one of the historic Kumano Kuju-ku Oji, a network of subsidiary shrines established along the pilgrimage routes to the sacred Kumano Sanzan. It is also counted...»
Okuni-nushi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kuninushi, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known affectionately by local residents as “Okunissan,” the shrine stands at the foot of the forested Hinatayama mountain. Surrounded by ancient trees and rich natural scenery, the shrine is a peaceful sacred site where legends from Japanese mythology, centuries of religious devotion, and loca...»
Okutoro Onsen is a peaceful hot spring facility located in Kitayama Village, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by deep mountains and the clear waters of the Kitayama River, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of one of Japan's most remote mountain villages. Kitayama Village is famous for being the only municipal enclave in Japan. Although it belongs to W...»
Hosshinmon Oji Shrine is an important historic site along the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo in Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is one of the historic Oji shrines associated with the Kumano pilgrimage and is traditionally counted among the prestigious Five Oji (Gotai Oji). For centuries, Hosshinmon Oji was regarded as a gateway to the sacred precinct of Kumano Hongu Taisha. P...»
Butsubutsu River, located in the Konoshiro district of Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is famous throughout Japan for its remarkably short length and unusual name. The river is only 13.5 meters long. Since it was officially designated as a Class 2 River on October 21, 2008, it has been recognized as the shortest legally designated river in Japan. At first glance, v...»
Takihara Onsen Hotaru no Yu is a charming hot spring facility and traditional Japanese inn located in Hirogawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush mountains, clear air, and the gentle sound of a nearby stream, it offers visitors a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The peaceful natural setting changes with the seasons, making this an appealing destination throu...»
Ouga Hachiman Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in a quiet forested area of Gomasho, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush greenery, the peaceful shrine grounds offer visitors a chance to experience both the beauty of nature and the spiritual traditions of Japan. The shrine has long been deeply connected with the local community. It was formerly designated as a Go-sha (...»
Hatsuzakura Sake Brewery is a historic sake brewery located in Katsuragi Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. Founded in 1866, the brewery has been producing Japanese sake for approximately 160 years and is the only brewery in Katsuragi that continues the traditional brewing culture of Kawakami Sake, a style of local sake once produced throughout northern Wakayama. The area around Katsuragi h...»
Kochijima Island is a small island in the middle reaches of the Kozagawa River in Kozagawa Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. For generations, the island has been deeply revered by people living along the Kozagawa River. Locally, the island is affectionately known as “Kōttama” or “Kōottama,” and the island itself is regarded as a sacred object of worship. About three kilometers ups...»
Tafuke-oji is one of the historic Kumano Kodo Oji shrines in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is traditionally regarded as the last Oji shrine along the Nakahechi route, one of the major pilgrimage routes leading to the sacred Kumano region. For pilgrims who had traveled long distances along the Kumano Kodo, Tafuke-oji was an important stopping point just before entering the sacred are...»
The Former Lighthouse Keeper's Residence at Kashinozaki Lighthouse is a rare historic building located at the eastern tip of Kii-Oshima Island in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Standing on a dramatic coastal landscape overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the building forms part of the historic Kashinozaki Lighthouse complex and offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's rapid modernization during t...»
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...»
Hotel Kawakyu at Nanki-Shirahama Hot Spring is a luxurious resort hotel standing along the beautiful coast of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Famous for its magnificent architecture reminiscent of a European castle, the hotel is one of the most distinctive places to stay in the Nanki-Shirahama area. Because of its extraordinary architecture and extensive art collection, it is also known as an “Art...»
Ito Inari Shrine, located in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic shrine traditionally regarded as the oldest Inari shrine in Japan. Surrounded by rich nature and a long history of religious devotion, its peaceful grounds offer visitors a quiet and sacred atmosphere. The torii gate in front of the shrine bears a plaque reading “The First Inari Shrine in Japan”, proudly reflecting the sh...»
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 ...»
Kokera-zushi is a traditional local dish that has been enjoyed in various parts of Wakayama Prefecture for generations. A type of pressed sushi, it is made by arranging grilled and flaked fish, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, egg, and other colorful ingredients over seasoned sushi rice and firmly pressing everything together in a wooden mold. With its beautiful appearance and rich combination of fla...»
Shoga Meshi is a traditional local dish from Wakayama Prefecture made by cooking rice with a generous amount of fresh ginger. The refreshing aroma and gentle spiciness of ginger give this simple rice dish its distinctive character. Shoga Meshi has long been enjoyed in local households, particularly during the warmer months. Its light and refreshing flavor makes it an appealing dish when the weath...»
Whale Tatsuta-age is one of Wakayama Prefecture’s traditional local dishes and is particularly associated with Taiji Town, a community with a long history of whaling. Bite-sized pieces of whale meat are marinated in soy sauce and ginger, coated with potato starch, and then deep-fried until crisp and fragrant. The result is a dish with a crispy, savory exterior and a tender, juicy interior. Today,...»
One of the local traditional foods of Wakayama Prefecture. It is said that Sabanonarezushi has a long history of over 800 years, and it has been a special dish for autumn festivals and local events in the Arita and Hidaka areas, and the cooking technique has been also passed down for generations. Saba is put on sushi rice, then wrapped with Ase leave, packed into sushioke, pressed with a weight, a...»
Nambayaki, also known as Nanban-yaki, is a traditional specialty of Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture. This distinctive grilled fish cake has been enjoyed in the southern Kii Peninsula for generations. Unlike ordinary kamaboko, which is generally steamed, Nambayaki is made by carefully grilling seasoned fish paste. Fresh lizardfish (eso) and croaker (guchi) caught in the waters around the Kishu-...»
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. ...»
Nachikatsuura City is one of the biggest producers of tuna in Japan. The city is known for its number of the tunas caught, and the tuna has a reputation for its taste. Magurochutoro katsudon is made with chutoro finished up like katsudon. Inside the crunchy batter coating, you will find tender rare tuna. The flavor of tuna comes after the crunchy texture of batter coating, so you can enjoy this di...»
Honeku is a traditional local food from the Arida area of Wakayama Prefecture. Also known as “Honekuri Tempura” or “Hone-ten,” it is a unique regional specialty born from the local fishing culture surrounding cutlassfish. Arida City’s Minoshima Fishing Port is one of Japan’s major landing ports for cutlassfish, and this abundant seafood resource has played an important role in the area’s culinary...»
Ume Udon is a regional Japanese noodle dish made by kneading the pulp of Kishu Nanko plums, one of Wakayama Prefecture’s most famous specialties, directly into the udon noodles. The noodles have a beautiful pale pink color and a delicate, refreshing plum aroma, making this unique local dish popular with visitors to Wakayama. Wakayama is one of Japan’s leading plum-producing regions and has a long...»
Konbu-wrapped Ume is a refined Japanese specialty that brings together two traditional ingredients: fragrant Kishu Nanko plums and extremely thin white kombu from Hakodate. The subtle flavors of the plum and seaweed blend beautifully, creating a distinctive taste and texture. The Kishu Nanko plums are prepared with a relatively low salt content of approximately 8 percent, giving them a mildly swe...»
Bunzō Falls is a beautiful and mysterious waterfall located in the Shigō area of Katsuragi Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush mountains and a long history of religious practice, the waterfall offers visitors a peaceful and almost otherworldly atmosphere. The falls are located in the upper reaches of the Anabuse River, also known as the Shijūhassen River, which originates ...»
Shishito peppers grown in Wakayama Prefecture are a popular local vegetable known for their vivid deep-green color and slender, graceful shape. Wakayama is one of Japan's leading producers of shishito peppers, ranking third in the country in production. Shishito peppers are especially widely cultivated in the Arida area of Wakayama. The region's warm climate and agricultural traditions provide fa...»
Kishu Binchotan is one of the traditional industries that represents the Kinan region of Wakayama Prefecture. It is a high-quality Japanese charcoal known both in Japan and overseas for its exceptional hardness, powerful heat, and long, stable burning time. Kishu Binchotan is a type of white charcoal traditionally made mainly from ubamegashi oak. It burns at a high and steady temperature, making ...»
The Susami Underwater Post Box is one of the world's most unusual mailboxes, located beneath the sea off the coast of Susami Town in Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Sitting at a depth of approximately 10 meters in the clear blue waters, the mailbox allows divers to actually post postcards while underwater. The bright red, cylindrical mailbox standing on the seabed looks almost like a tin...»
Tate Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in No, Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture. Nestled at the northern foot of a hill known as Mt. Goten, the shrine is surrounded by lush vegetation and has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. The name “Tategami” is traditionally said to have originated from the enormous rock standing behind the main sanctuary. Since ancient times, this distinctive rock has bee...»
Tomogashima Island is a group of uninhabited islands located in the Kitan Strait off Kada, northwest of Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. The island group consists of four islands: Okinoshima, Jinoshima, Torajima, and Kamijima. Today, Tomogashima is known for its rich natural environment as part of the Setonaikai National Park. However, the islands also have a fascinating military history. From...»
Standing on the northern bank of the Kinokawa River in Katsuragi Town, Wakayama Prefecture, the Peace Memorial Statue is a monumental symbol dedicated to honoring those who lost their lives in wars around the world and praying for lasting peace. Rising approximately 18 meters high, the imposing statue is taller than the Great Buddha of Nara. Its impressive presence has made it a familiar landmark...»
Wakayama History Museum is a comprehensive visitor information and cultural facility located within the grounds of Wakayama Castle. It introduces the history and culture of Wakayama Castle as well as notable historical figures and people connected with Wakayama City. Since opening in 2015, the museum has served as an important starting point for sightseeing in Wakayama. In addition to historical ...»
Burakuri Street Shopping District is a historic shopping area in the heart of Wakayama City. Located roughly between Wakayamashi Station and JR Wakayama Station, the district has long been one of the city's best-known commercial and entertainment areas. Today, Burakuri Street remains a place where local residents and visitors can experience the atmosphere of central Wakayama. With traditional sho...»
Kishu Kuroshio Onsen is a natural hot spring facility located within Wakayama Marina City in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Set beside the sea, the onsen offers visitors the chance to soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying beautiful views of Wakaura and the surrounding yacht harbor. With its combination of a scenic seaside setting, natural hot spring water, saunas, and relaxing bat...»
Saikazaki Battery Ruins are the remains of a coastal artillery battery built at the northern tip of Saikazaki in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. The battery was constructed on a headland known as Tonga-no-Hana, which projects dramatically into the Kii Channel. Built during the final years of the Edo period, the battery was part of the Kishu Domain's coastal defense system. At a time when fore...»
Kada Awashima Onsen is a scenic hot spring area in Kada, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the Kitan Strait and Kada Bay, this seaside destination is known for its beautiful ocean views, gentle natural hot spring water, and spectacular sunsets. From many of the area's accommodations, visitors can look out across the sea toward Tomogashima and Awaji Island while relaxing in an outd...»
Iwase Senzuka Kofun Cluster is one of the largest and most important groups of ancient burial mounds in Japan. Located in Iwase, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, the site extends across a series of hills where approximately 1,000 kofun burial mounds were constructed from the early to the final stages of the Kofun period. Because of its outstanding historical and academic importance, the Iwase ...»
The Kamayama Kofun Group is a historically significant group of ancient burial mounds located at the southern foot of the Izumi Mountains in northern Wakayama Prefecture. Mainly constructed during the middle Kofun period, roughly from the 5th century onward, these burial mounds provide valuable clues about the society, political power, technology, and international connections of ancient Japan. T...»
Yanomiya Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Deeply connected with the legends and history of the Kii region, the shrine has long been worshipped by local residents as a place of divine guidance, protection, and victory. The shrine is particularly associated with Yatagarasu, the sacred three-legged crow of Japanese mythology. Yatagarasu is traditionally regar...»
Fumori Shrine, also known as Seiten-gu, is a historic Shinto shrine located in Fucho, Wakayama City. The shrine has long been closely associated with the ancient Kii Province and the provincial government that once stood in this area. Fumori Shrine is traditionally regarded as a guardian shrine that protected the ancient provincial capital of Kii. There is also a theory that the shrine served as ...»
Sojiji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kando, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Covering an extensive temple precinct, it belongs to the Seizan School of Pure Land Buddhism and is widely known as the main temple of Kando. Although the temple is surrounded by a quiet residential neighborhood, stepping through its gates reveals an impressive atmosphere shaped by centuries of histo...»
Hongwanji Sagimori Betsuin is an important temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha school of Buddhism, located in Saginomori, Wakayama City. Its head temple is Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, and the temple is traditionally known as Ryukokuzan. The principal object of worship is Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha). Locally, the temple has long been known by names such as Saginomori Gobo and Saika Gobo, refl...»
Muryokoji Temple is a historic Jodo Sect Buddhist temple in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Its mountain name is Rikuguzan, and its principal object of worship is Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha). Founded during the Edo period, the temple has a long history of Buddhist faith. Today, however, Muryokoji is particularly famous for its unusual Great Buddha Head, known in Japanese as the Kubi Daibut...»
Kataonami Park is a beautiful seaside park stretching along Wakaura Bay in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. Developed on a long, narrow sandbar extending from the mouth of the Waka River toward the sea, the park stretches for more than 1 kilometer. The area has been celebrated for its scenic beauty since ancient times and appears in numerous poems in the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest surviving anth...»
Soseikaku and Kameike Pond in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture, offer a beautiful combination of historic architecture and tranquil natural scenery. Centered around an elegant traditional-style building from the early 20th century and a large historic irrigation pond, the area provides visitors with a peaceful place to relax while discovering an important part of Wakayama's cultural heritage. The...»
Zenrinji Temple is a historic temple of the Koyasan Shingon School of Buddhism located in Hatagawa, Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. Known locally as “Hatagawa no O-Yakushi-san”, or “the Yakushi Buddha of Hatagawa,” the temple has long been cherished by local residents as a place to pray for good health and recovery from illness. The temple's mountain name is Hatakawasan, and its principal objec...»
Geidojo Suwan Edo-mura is a unique sightseeing attraction in the Araki district of Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can experience the atmosphere of an Edo-period town while enjoying traditional popular theater. Centered around former Shochiku actors, the facility was created almost entirely by hand using reclaimed materials and other reused items. The handmade theater and townsca...»
Kimino Town, located in northern Wakayama Prefecture, is a peaceful mountain community where rich natural surroundings blend beautifully with a quiet rural way of life. The town is centered around the Kishigawa River, which flows from east to west after originating in the mountains of Mount Koya. Gentle hills, forests, and mountains stretch across the surrounding landscape. Although Kimino Town i...»
Iwade City is located in the Kihoku region of northern Wakayama Prefecture and offers an appealing combination of historic culture, beautiful nature, and modern convenience. The city is approximately 15 kilometers from central Wakayama City, 50 kilometers from central Osaka, and 30 kilometers from Kansai International Airport, making it an important gateway to Wakayama. Iwade borders Sennan City ...»
Nokami Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on elevated ground in Obata, Kimino Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Also known as Nokami Hachiman Shrine, it has long been an important place of worship for local residents and is a valuable cultural heritage site that preserves the history and religious traditions of the region. From the shrine grounds, visitors can look out over the town o...»
Kinokawa City is located in northern Wakayama Prefecture and is a charming destination blessed with abundant nature, a rich history, and some of the region's finest fruit-growing areas. The city borders Osaka Prefecture to the north, Wakayama City to the west, Katsuragi Town to the east, and Kainan City and Kimino Town to the south, making it conveniently accessible from the wider Kansai region. ...»
The Kinokawa City Museum of History and Folklore is a cultural facility in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, dedicated to introducing the history, archaeology, and traditional culture of the local area. Located directly beside the historic site of Kii Kokubunji Temple, the museum is an ideal place to visit before or after exploring the ruins, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of t...»
Arata Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Mori, Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture. It has long been revered by the local community and is considered a shrine with an ancient and distinguished history. Arata Shrine is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a 10th-century record of important Shinto shrines compiled during the Heian period. It was once classified as a village shrine and served a...»
Iwade City Folklore Museum is a museum in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture, introducing the history, culture, traditional industries, and everyday life of the local community. Located next to the historic Negoroji Temple, the museum is an excellent place to visit together with the area's many cultural and historical attractions. The museum provides an easy-to-understand introduction to how the reg...»
Jinzu Onsen is a tranquil hot spring facility located in the mountains of Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of the Kisen Mountain Range, this peaceful retreat offers visitors a chance to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One of the main attractions of Jinzu Onsen is its distinctive spring water, which is known for its highl...»
Kai-jinja Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Jinryo, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Despite being surrounded by mountains and forests, the shrine is dedicated primarily to deities associated with the sea and water. This unusual combination of a mountain setting and maritime worship gives the shrine a distinctive atmosphere and makes it an intriguing destination for travelers intere...»
Kozanji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Mogami, Momoyama Town, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism and is also known by its traditional mountain name, Anraku-zan, and temple name, Henjo-in. The temple's principal Buddhist image is Fudo Myoo, one of the most important guardian figures in Japanese esoteric Buddhism. Surrounded by th...»
Kishigawa Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kishigawa Town, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the shrine is a peaceful sacred site where ancient religious traditions and the natural landscape come together. What makes Kishigawa Hachimangu particularly fascinating is the presence of archaeological remains associated with ancient ritual ...»
Tomobuchi Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the peaceful mountain village of Naka-Tomobuchi, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the shrine has long been worshipped as the ujigami, or guardian deity, of the 16 villages of the former Tomobuchi Estate. With a history dating back many centuries, the shrine has served as an important spiritu...»
Maruyama Kofun is an important archaeological site located in Uenoyama, Kishigawa Town, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Dating from Japan's Kofun period, the burial mound provides valuable clues about the society, culture and political power of ancient Japan. The site is a Wakayama Prefecture-designated Historic Site and is preserved as an important part of the region's cultural heritage. Its...»
Highland Park Kokawa is a forest recreation facility located in Nakatsugawa, Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Set amid the rich natural environment of the Izumi Mountains, near the border with Osaka Prefecture, the park is a popular outdoor destination where visitors can enjoy fresh mountain air, expansive views and the peaceful beauty of nature. Located in a highland area, Highland Park Kokaw...»
Kishu Herazao is a traditional Japanese bamboo fishing rod produced mainly in and around Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Specially designed for herabuna fishing, a style of fishing for Japanese crucian carp, these handmade rods are highly regarded by anglers throughout Japan. The area around Hashimoto has long benefited from its location at the foot of Mount Koya. The surrounding mountains p...»
Hatagonbo, also written as Hata-gobo or “Hatagonbo Burdock,” is a traditional vegetable that has been cultivated for generations in the Nishihata area of Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Deeply connected to the region's history, landscape and farming traditions, this distinctive burdock is one of Hashimoto's most unique local specialties. The name Hatagonbo comes from the burdock traditionall...»
Hashimoto Omelet is a relatively new local specialty from Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Since 2016, the city has promoted Hashimoto Omelet as a way of introducing the area's attractions through food. Today, these omelets have become one of the dishes visitors can enjoy while exploring Hashimoto City. The concept combines locally produced ingredients with the familiar and approachable form ...»
Maeda Family Residence is a historic traditional house located in Koyaguchi Town, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Registered as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property, this valuable building preserves the atmosphere of a merchant's residence dating back to the Edo period. The house stands along the former Yamato Kaido, an important historic route connecting communities in the reg...»
Kurokomichi is one of the historic pilgrimage routes leading to Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. The trail connects Hashimoto City with Kudoyama Town and Koya Town, crossing the mountains on its way to one of Japan's most important Buddhist sacred sites. For centuries, pilgrims, religious practitioners, merchants and local residents traveled this mountain route toward Mount Koya. In 2016, Kurok...»
Ogoji Temple is a historic temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist tradition located in Hashimoto, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Its mountain name is Chuko-zan, and its principal Buddhist image is Kusei Kannon Bosatsu, a form of Kannon associated with saving people from suffering. The temple was founded by Mokujiki Ogo, a Buddhist monk who was active during the turbulent years at the end of...»
Jofukuji Temple is a historic temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist tradition located in Kendo, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Its mountain name is Shiun-zan, and its principal Buddhist image is Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. For centuries, Jofukuji has been a place of worship for local residents. The temple is particularly significant because it stands at the startin...»
Hashimoto City is located in northeastern Wakayama Prefecture, bordering Osaka Prefecture and Nara Prefecture. Thanks to its strategic location, the city has developed for centuries as an important transportation hub connecting the Kansai region. Hashimoto flourished as a gateway to Mount Koya, one of Japan's most important Buddhist sacred sites. Historic highways, including the Koya Kaido and th...»
Hanazono Onda-mai is a rare and valuable traditional folk performing art that has been preserved for generations in the Yanase district of Hanazono, Katsuragi Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. The tradition has been designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property since January 21, 1981. Deep in the mountains surrounding Mount Koya, the performance preserves an old Japanes...»
Omiya Shrine, located in Hiroguchi, Katsuragi Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a historic shrine that has long been deeply revered by the local community as its ujigami, or guardian deity of the area. For generations, local residents have turned to the shrine as an important place of prayer and spiritual connection. Despite suffering severe damage during periods of war and upheaval, th...»
Aritoshi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Katsuragi Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. The shrine's principal deity is Omoikane no Mikoto, a kami traditionally associated with wisdom, intelligence and thoughtful judgment. For centuries, Aritoshi Shrine has been revered by people seeking blessings related to knowledge, wisdom and success. Its distinctive name is connected to an ...»
Hanazono Onsen Kahō-no-Sato is a peaceful hot spring inn located in the lush mountains of Katsuragi, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful nature that changes with the seasons, the inn offers a relaxing escape from the noise and bustle of everyday life. Guests can stay overnight and enjoy the inn's natural hot spring baths, which are also available for day visitors. This makes it easy to e...»
Koyagami, also known as Kishu Koyagami or Furusawa Paper, is a traditional type of Japanese handmade paper, or washi. It has been produced for centuries mainly in Kudoyama Town and Koya Town in Wakayama Prefecture. Koyagami was traditionally made only in a limited group of communities known as the “Ten Villages of Koya”. Closely connected with the religious traditions of Mount Koya, the paper dev...»
Ichijoin Temple is a historic temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist tradition located on Mount Koya in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. As one of the prestigious temples known as a “Bekkaku Honzan,” it has played an important role in the religious history of Mount Koya for centuries. Located in the heart of the sacred mountain founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai, Ichijoin welcomes both pilgrims and trav...»
Ryukoin Temple is a historic Shingon Buddhist temple located on Mount Koya in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Known as one of the special head temples of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, it has played an important role in the religious history of Mount Koya for centuries. Surrounded by the quiet and sacred atmosphere of Mount Koya, Ryukoin is one of the area's distinguished temples, with a long history ...»
Koya-Ryujin Skyline is a scenic mountain road stretching approximately 42.7 kilometers from the area near Okunoin on Mount Koya in Koya Town to Ryujin Village in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Connecting the sacred mountain of Mount Koya with the famous Ryujin Onsen hot spring resort, the road winds through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula and is widely known as one of Wakayama's most impres...»
Hokiin Temple is a prestigious temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism located on Mount Koya in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is a historic temple lodging (shukubo) widely known by the traditional name “Okoromo-dera,” or the Temple of the Sacred Robe. Located in a quiet area near Danjo Garan, Hokiin has a special place in the religious culture of Mount Koya. The temple has preserved a profound tr...»
Myoo-in Temple is a prestigious temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism located in the Hon-nakain Valley of Mount Koya in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. As a sub-temple of Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of Mount Koya, it has a long history and also operates as a shukubo, or Buddhist temple lodging. Myoo-in is particularly famous for enshrining the Red Fudo Myoo, one of the three most revered Fudo ...»
The Kishu Koyagami Traditional Papermaking Museum “Shiyu-en”, located in Kudoyama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a unique cultural attraction where visitors can learn about the history and techniques of Koyagami (Furusawa-gami), a traditional type of Japanese handmade paper, and experience the papermaking process for themselves. Located at the foot of sacred Mount Koya, the museum combines local h...»
The Matsuyama Tsunejiro Memorial Museum in Kudoyama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, introduces the life and achievements of Matsuyama Tsunejiro, a businessman and politician who was born in the town. Located along the historic shopping street known as Sanada-no-Michi, the museum is an interesting destination for travelers who want to discover the people and stories behind Kudoyama's history. Through ...»
Makio-michi is a historic pilgrimage route leading toward Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, it has supported the religious journeys of pilgrims and preserved the traditions of faith and prayer associated with the sacred mountain. The route connects Mount Makio and Shippō-ji Temple in Izumi, Osaka Prefecture, with Mount Koya. It is also traditionally associated with Kobo Daishi Kuk...»
Tokusho-ji Temple is a historic temple of the Nishiyama Jodo Buddhist school in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hibarayama, and its principal object of worship is Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. The temple has long been an important center of Buddhist faith and is especially famous for its connection with the legendary life of Princess Chujo. For this re...»
Arida Mikan Kaido is a scenic road running through the famous mandarin orange orchards of Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture. Stretching for approximately 5.6 kilometers, this picturesque route connects the area near Minohima Fishing Port with the Yamaji district. Taking advantage of the area's hilly terrain, with an elevation difference of approximately 150 meters, the route offers spectacular view...»
Arida City is a scenic port town in Wakayama Prefecture, facing the Kii Channel. The Arida River flows through the city, creating fertile plains that have supported agriculture and fishing for centuries. Arida is particularly famous as the birthplace of Arida Mikan, one of Japan's best-known mandarin orange brands. It is also known as the birthplace of the modern spiral mosquito coil, an inventio...»
Former Hotta Tea Shop (Tateishi Chaya) is a charming tourist information and rest facility located in the historic townscape of Yuasa, Wakayama Prefecture. Standing at the northeastern corner of a traditional crossroads where the Kumano Kaido pilgrimage route meets the approach to Jinsenji Temple, it is an ideal place to take a break while exploring the old town. The building is a traditional Jap...»
Yuasa Castle was a medieval mountain fortress located in Yuasa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture. Built in the late Heian period, the castle served for centuries as the stronghold of the Yuasa clan, a powerful samurai family in the Kii region. Although the castle buildings no longer survive, important remains such as fortified enclosures, earthen ramparts, and dry moats can still be found...»
Semui-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Yuasa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism and is known by the mountain name Fudarakuzan. The temple is closely associated with Myoe (Myoe Shonin), one of the most influential Buddhist monks of the early Kamakura period. Surrounded by beautiful nature and situated on elevated ground o...»
Ninomaru Onsen is a peaceful hot spring facility surrounded by the beautiful mountains and forests of Yuasa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located beside a gently flowing river, the facility allows visitors to enjoy the sounds of nature and the changing scenery of the seasons while relaxing in the hot springs. Yuasa is famous for its traditional soy sauce production, but the town also offers beautifu...»
Hiromura Seawall is a historic coastal embankment in Hirokawa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture. Designated as a National Historic Site of Japan, it is an important cultural heritage site that demonstrates how local communities have prepared for the threat of tsunamis for generations. The seawall was constructed following the devastating tsunami caused by the Ansei-Nankai Earthquake of 18...»
The Former Higashihamaguchi Family Residence is a historic mansion in Hirokawa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture. Originally the residence of a wealthy soy sauce wholesaling family, the buildings are believed to date back to around 1707, during the Edo period (1603–1868). Today, the residence is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The extensive complex preserves buildin...»
Michi Akari is a popular local facility in Hirokawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy regional products, food, and a relaxing atmosphere. With a shop selling local specialties and a restaurant serving dishes made with ingredients from the area, it is a convenient place to experience the everyday charms of Hirokawa. The facility is located directly in front of the Inamura no Hi n...»
Higashihamaguchi Park is a peaceful Japanese garden in Hirokawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can experience both the area's history and the beauty of nature. The park was created from part of the former estate of the wealthy Higashihamaguchi family, a prominent merchant family whose history dates back to the Edo period. The land was donated and developed as a public park, allowing vi...»
Otokoyama-yaki Hall is a cultural facility in Hirokawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, dedicated to the history and traditions of Nanki Otokoyama-yaki, a style of pottery that flourished in the Kishu region during the late Edo period. Opened in 1992, the facility introduces visitors to the history, techniques, and artistic appeal of this traditional local craft. It also plays an important role in pres...»
Reiganji Temple is a quiet and atmospheric temple located high in the mountains of Hirokawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated at an elevation of approximately 420 to 450 meters, the temple is surrounded by unusual rock formations created by large limestone layers. The combination of rugged rocks, dense natural surroundings, and the peaceful mountain atmosphere creates an almost mystical landsca...»
Hirogawa Town, located in Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture, is a fascinating destination where history, nature, traditional culture, and everyday local life come together. One of the town's most important tourism themes is its history of disaster prevention and the story of “Inamura no Hi,” or “The Fire of the Rice Sheaves.” The story dates back to the Ansei-Nankai Earthquake of 1854, when a d...»
“Aragi-jima and the Rural Landscapes of Mita and Shimizu” is a beautiful agricultural and mountain village landscape spread across Aridagawa Town in Wakayama Prefecture. On October 17, 2013, the area was selected as an Important Cultural Landscape of Japan, recognizing its outstanding value as a traditional rural environment shaped by generations of interaction between people and nature. It was t...»
Yukawa Gorge is a beautiful valley located in the upper reaches of the Yukawa River, a tributary of the Arida River in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and mountains, the gorge is known for its clear flowing water, unusual rock formations, and impressive waterfalls. The scenery changes with the seasons, making Yukawa Gorge an attractive destination for travelers who...»
Kishuji Arida is a popular sightseeing and rest stop located within the Kibi-Yuasa Parking Area along the Yuasa-Gobo Road in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. More than just a convenient highway rest area, it serves as an important place for introducing visitors to the local food, specialties, and culture of the Arida region. Travelers can easily stop here during a road trip and discover a wid...»
Kibi Agricultural Products Market Dondon Hiroba is a popular farmers' market in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can discover the abundant agricultural products of the Arida region. With the concept of a “market where you can see the faces of the producers,” the facility brings together fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, and other products grown with care by local farmers. Many...»
Kanaya Myoekyo Onsen is a day-use hot spring facility located on a hilltop overlooking Myoekyo Gorge, one of the scenic highlights of Aridagawa Town in Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by peaceful mountains, the facility offers beautiful views of the clear waters of the Aridagawa River and the dramatic gorge scenery. Situated approximately 100 meters above sea level, the hot spring enjoys an open ...»
Shimizu Onsen is a relaxing hot spring destination located in the Shimizu area of Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and the clear waters of the Aridagawa River, this tranquil hot spring offers visitors a chance to escape the busy pace of everyday life. The facility stands on a small hill overlooking the river, providing beautiful views of the surrounding count...»
A Sacred Place Surrounded by the Mountains of Wakayama Nikko Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located deep in the mountains of Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated at an elevation of approximately 900 meters, the shrine stands in a quiet natural setting surrounded by the forests and mountains of the Kii Peninsula. For centuries, this area served as an important meeting point for sever...»
Farmers Market Aridakko is a popular farmers' market located along Prefectural Route 22 in Habu, Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Operated by JA Arida, the market brings together fresh agricultural products from local farmers throughout the Arida region. With around 700 local producers supplying the market, Aridakko offers an impressive selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, seafood, pr...»
Arida Kyoho Grape Village is one of the largest and most popular tourist grape-growing areas in the Kansai region. Located in the peaceful mountain countryside of Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, the expansive area covers approximately 34.5 to 40 hectares and is home to around 20 individual grape farms. Every year from summer through early autumn, the village welcomes visitors who come to enj...»
Suginohara Onda-mai is a traditional folk performance that has been passed down for generations in Suginohara, Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is recognized as an important cultural heritage of Japan and has been designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Passed down in the mountain communities along the upper reaches of the Aridagawa River, this traditional event ...»
Ujakuji Amida-do Hall is a historic Buddhist building quietly standing in the mountain village of Suginohara, Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property, the hall is a valuable example of medieval Japanese architecture and an important part of the region's cultural heritage. The area around the upper reaches of the Aridagawa River has long been assoc...»
Kangi-ji Temple is a historic Jodo Buddhist temple located in the mountains of Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. The temple's mountain name is Seiju Raigozan, and its principal object of worship is Amida Buddha. Surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery, Kangi-ji is a place where history, Buddhist faith, and local culture have been closely connected for centuries. The temple is also deeply assoc...»
Iwasaka Kannon, officially known as Mimasakazan Hosen-ji Temple, is a historic Buddhist temple quietly located in the mountains of Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by forests and peaceful mountain scenery, the temple has long been a place of worship for local people. The principal object of worship is the Eleven-Headed Kannon (Juichimen Kannon), a compassionate form of Kannon, the ...»
Shiroiwa Niu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and peaceful mountain scenery, the shrine has long been a place of worship for the local community. The exact date of its foundation is unknown, but the shrine has a long history of religious devotion in the region. Its grounds preserve several important historic structures a...»
Jokyo-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, belonging to the Seizan branch of Pure Land Buddhism. According to tradition, the temple was founded in 1472 by the revered Buddhist monk Myoshu Shonin. For more than 550 years, it has remained closely connected with the local community and its religious traditions. Surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape ...»
Hoon-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Iwanokawa, Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Nestled among the peaceful mountains and countryside, the temple has a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere that offers visitors a glimpse of traditional rural Japan. The temple belongs to the Chinzei branch of Pure Land Buddhism. According to temple tradition, it was founded in 732, during the Nara per...»
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...»
Arakawa Peaches, known in Japanese as Arakawa no Momo, are a famous regional brand of peaches produced mainly in Momoyama Town in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. Grown in the warm climate and fertile natural surroundings of the Kinokawa River basin, these peaches are highly regarded throughout Japan for their sweetness, juiciness, beautiful appearance, and fragrant aroma. They are also popula...»
The Kyoto-Osaka Road, known in Japanese as Kyo-Osaka-michi, is one of the major historic pilgrimage routes known collectively as the “Seven Entrances to Mount Koya”, or Koya Nanakuchi. For centuries, pilgrims traveling from Kyoto, Osaka, and Sakai used this route to reach Mount Koya (Koyasan), one of Japan's most important centers of Buddhist faith. Several historic roads from Kyoto and Osaka co...»
Kishu Umeboshi Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Minabe Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can experience the unique culture and flavors of Japanese plums. Minabe is one of Japan’s leading plum-producing regions and is especially famous for Kishu Nanko Ume, a premium variety known for its large size, soft flesh, and delicate skin. At the museum, visitors can learn how traditional J...»
Minabe Town in Wakayama Prefecture is home to a number of historic sites closely connected with the Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage routes leading to the sacred Kumano region of Japan. Among the most important of these sites are the Kujūku-Ōji, a group of sacred subsidiary shrines that once guided and protected pilgrims on their journey to the Kumano Sanzan, the three grand shrines of Kumano. ...»
Tsuru-no-Yu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort surrounded by the mountains of Minabe Town in Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture. Located in a quiet rural area of the town, it has long been loved by local residents and travelers seeking a peaceful place to relax. Minabe is famous for its production of Japanese plums and Kishu Binchotan charcoal, and the mountainous area around Tsuru-no-Yu Ons...»
Quietly floating offshore from Minabe Town in Wakayama Prefecture, Kashima Island is a small, uninhabited island that has been revered as a “sacred island” since ancient times. Although the island is only about 1.5 kilometers around, it has a remarkable combination of history, legends, religious traditions, and natural beauty. Steep cliffs, rocky coastlines, clear blue waters, and lush vegetation...»
Ryujin-dake is a 1,382-meter-high mountain located on the border between Ryujin Village in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, and Totsukawa Village in Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by the vast forests and mountains of the Kii Peninsula, it is officially recognized as the highest peak in Wakayama Prefecture. Ryujin-dake is part of the magnificent Kii Mountain Range, an area known for its deep forests...»
Deep in the mountains of Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, the Ryujin Area is a peaceful destination surrounded by pristine rivers, dense forests, and beautiful mountain scenery. The former Ryujin Village was incorporated into Tanabe City in 2005, but the name “Ryujin” remains part of the local place name and continues to be closely associated with the region. With roughly 70 percent of the area ...»
Kamishima Island is a small, uninhabited island located in Tanabe Bay, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Covering approximately three hectares, the island consists of two small peaks known as Oyama and Koyama. The entire island is covered in dense evergreen forest. For centuries, Kamishima has been regarded as a sacred island where the gods reside, and its natural environment has been carefully p...»
Iwaya Kannon is a fascinating spiritual and natural attraction in Inari-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located on the western side of the scenic Hiki-iwa Rock Formations, the site brings together dramatic rock scenery, lush forests, Buddhist faith, and panoramic views. The name Iwaya Kannon literally means “Kannon in the Rock Cave.” A statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Compassi...»
Haya-oji, now known as Haya Grand Shrine, is a historic sacred site in the Haya district of Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. It was one of the Kumano Kujūku Ōji, the network of subsidiary shrines located along the ancient pilgrimage routes leading to the sacred Kumano Sanzan. For centuries, pilgrims traveling toward the Kumano Three Grand Shrines stopped at Haya-oji to pray for a safe journey. L...»
The Ninety-Nine Oji are a historic network of subsidiary shrines and sacred sites scattered along the Kii Route and Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo in Wakayama Prefecture. These sacred waypoints were developed particularly during the late Heian and Kamakura periods, when pilgrimages to the sacred Kumano Sanzan became increasingly popular among retired emperors, aristocrats, warriors, and ordin...»
The Ninety-Nine Oji are a group of small shrines and sacred sites located along the Kumano Kodo, particularly along the Nakahechi and Kii Routes. During the medieval period, they served as important spiritual waypoints for pilgrims traveling toward the sacred Kumano Sanzan, the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. From the late Heian period through the Kamakura period, retired emperors, members of the ...»
Minachigasa is a traditional craft from the Minachi district of Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. For centuries, these distinctive hats have been associated with travelers and pilgrims walking the Kumano Kodo. Minachigasa was officially designated as a Traditional Local Craft by the Governor of Wakayama Prefecture in 1990. Made primarily from locally sourced natural materials, the hat is b...»
Located in Akitsugawa, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, the Binchotan Discovery Center is a fascinating place to learn about the history, culture, craftsmanship, and many uses of Kishu Binchotan charcoal. The facility is part of Michi-no-Eki Kishu Binchotan Memorial Park, in Akitsugawa, an area widely regarded as the birthplace of Kishu Binchotan. Visitors can explore valuable historical materia...»
Located in Gogawa, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, Gogawa Dam, officially known as Tonoyama Dam, is an arch concrete dam built on the Hiki River, part of the Hiki River system. Surrounded by deep mountains, the dam creates a tranquil reservoir where calm water reflects the forested slopes. The area is regarded as one of the scenic destinations of southern Wakayama and offers a wide range of out...»
The Wakayama World Heritage Center “Kii Spirit” is an educational and cultural facility located in Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated directly across from Kumano Hongu Taisha, the center introduces visitors to the history, culture, spirituality, and natural environment of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” The center provi...»
The Tanabe City Museum of History and Folklore is a public museum in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, dedicated to introducing the region's history, culture, archaeology, and traditional customs in an accessible way. Located on the second floor of the cultural complex Tanaberu, the museum shares the facility with a public library and community spaces, making it a popular place for both local resi...»
Chikano Heian-no-Sato Kameya is a historic traditional house and tourist information center located in Chikano, Nakahechi Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Standing along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route, part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,” the building has welcomed travelers for generations. More than 100 years old, the wooden bu...»
The Hiki-iwa Rocks Furusato Nature Park Center, officially known as the Tanabe Furusato Nature Park Center, is a nature education and visitor facility in Inari-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located at the heart of the Hiki-iwa Rocks National Recreation Area, the center introduces visitors to the unusual geology, plants, animals, and natural environment of the Hiki-iwa Rocks. The landscap...»
Haya Hachiman Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, surrounded by lush woodland and rural scenery. Standing near the Haya River, the shrine has long watched over the local community and has been an important place of worship for generations. Today, Haya Hachiman Shrine is revered as the ujigami, or guardian deity, of the former eight villages of Naka-Haya and Kam...»
Akiba Shrine, located in Haya-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a small and unusual Shinto shrine where visitors pass through a gap between enormous rocks on their way to the sacred site. Set quietly among the mountains, this unstaffed shrine has a mysterious atmosphere created by the combination of rugged natural scenery and centuries-old religious traditions. Rather than a large shrine ...»
Misu Shrine stands quietly in Kami-Misu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, along the Shio-migoe Pass route of the Nakahechi section of the Kumano Kodo. With a history closely connected to the Kumano faith, the shrine has long been revered as the ubusunagami, or guardian deity of the local area. The shrine was once known as Ichikura Shrine. For generations, it has served as an important place of w...»
Kaisen Senbei Nanki is a popular food and souvenir destination in Shinjo-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along Prefectural Route 33 beside Uchinoura Bay, the facility is an ideal place to stop during a sightseeing drive around the Nanki-Shirahama area. The main attraction is its extensive selection of Japanese rice crackers made with seafood. More than 40 varieties are available, f...»
Hiki River Prefectural Natural Park is one of the outstanding natural areas of southern Wakayama Prefecture. Centered around the clear waters of the Hiki River and the beautiful valleys of the Kumano River (Iya-gawa), which rises around Mount Hyakkenzan, the park brings together rugged mountains, deep forests, clear streams, waterfalls, and peaceful rural landscapes. Far from the noise of the cit...»
Chosei-no-Yu is a popular day-use hot spring facility in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located within the famous Shirahama Onsen, one of Japan's Three Ancient Hot Spring Resorts, it offers the relaxing experience of bathing in naturally flowing hot spring water directly from the source. Unlike some of the larger resort-style facilities in Shirahama, Chosei-no-Yu is tucked away in a quiet w...»
Nichi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located near the mouth of the Tonda River in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. With a history stretching back more than 800 years, the shrine has long been revered as the ubusuna-gami, or local guardian deity, of the Tonda area. Surrounded by trees and rich natural scenery, the shrine grounds have a peaceful and solemn atmosphere. While Shirahama is fam...»
Toretore-no-Yu is a popular day-use hot spring facility in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Located close to Toretore Market Nanki-Shirahama, one of western Japan's largest seafood markets, it is a convenient place to stop during a sightseeing trip around Nanki-Shirahama. The facility offers much more than a hot spring bath. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of baths, a large-scale bedrock sa...»
Kotohira Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, known for its beautiful coastal scenery and long connection with the local community. Located near the northern end of Minami-Shirahama Coast, the shrine stands on a small coastal terrace about 35 meters above sea level. From the grounds, visitors can enjoy expansive views across the sea. The shrine has long been ...»
Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture is famous for popular attractions such as Shirarahama Beach, but the town is also home to many quieter scenic places that have long been cherished by local residents. One of these hidden gems is Goshikigahama Beach, a beautiful coastal area where visitors can enjoy peaceful scenery, rich natural surroundings, and fascinating geological formations. Near the beach s...»
Rinkaiura Beach is a peaceful seaside destination in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Located only about five minutes by car from the famous Shirarahama Beach, it offers a much quieter atmosphere with fewer visitors. The relaxed setting can make the beach feel almost like a private beach, making it an ideal place for travelers who want to enjoy the coast away from the crowds. The shoreline include...»
Honkakuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Chinzei branch of the Jodo Buddhist tradition and affiliated with Chion-in Temple in Kyoto, it is affectionately known by local people as “Kai-dera,” meaning the “Shell Temple.” What makes Honkakuji particularly unusual is its remarkable collection of seashells. The temple houses and displays more t...»
The Statue of Mashirara-hime stands at Yuzaki Beach Square in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. The statue commemorates a tragic love story associated with Japan's ancient Manyo period and has become a popular cultural landmark for visitors to Shirahama. The statue is located in the plaza of Shirahama Fisherman's Wharf, near the footbath. With the beautiful ocean stretching out nearby, visitors can...»
Tsuinoura is a peaceful coastal spot in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Located near the estuary where the Tonda River and Takase River meet, it is a lesser-known scenic destination cherished by local residents. The most distinctive feature of Tsuinoura is the pair of rocks standing side by side in the sea. Their shape looks as though the two rocks are quietly leaning toward each other or even ho...»
Horo Insect-Eaten Rock is a remarkable natural landmark in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. The enormous rock wall is covered with countless holes of different sizes, creating the strange impression that the surface has been eaten away by thousands of insects. The unusual appearance is so striking that visitors often stop to admire it as soon as they see the rock face. Formed gradually by natural ...»
Ise Lobster and Fresh Seafood Restaurant Sangosho is a popular seafood restaurant located near Engetsu Island, one of the most famous scenic landmarks in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. With ocean views from every seat, guests can enjoy fresh seafood while looking out across the beautiful waters and the distinctive silhouette of Engetsu Island. The view is refreshing during the daytime, while sun...»
Katata Fishing Pond is a popular sea fishing park in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy the excitement of fishing in the beautiful waters of southern Wakayama. The facility consists of large and small fish pens floating offshore, allowing guests to experience the thrill of sea fishing without having to go out on a fishing boat. Because the fishing pens are connected to the m...»
Kannonji Temple stands quietly among the mountains of Ikuma in Kamitonda, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Chinzei branch of the Jodo (Pure Land) school of Buddhism, this historic temple has long been an important place of worship for the local community. The temple is particularly famous for its beautiful satsuki azaleas, which burst into bloom in late spring and early summer. Because hundr...»
Atagi Hachiman Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the Atagi area of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery, the shrine is closely associated with the Atagi clan, a powerful medieval family connected with the Kumano Navy, the maritime forces that once operated along the southern coast of the Kii Peninsula. The shrine's striking vermilion main hall stands...»
Susami Oji Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Susami Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Closely connected with the religious traditions of Kumano, the shrine has long been revered as the guardian shrine of the Susami community. Located near the Pacific coast of the southern Kii Peninsula, Susami Oji Shrine reflects the close relationship between the local people and the sea. Its hi...»
Susami Town History and Folklore Museum is a local history museum in Susami Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. The museum is located within the grounds of the historic Susami Oji Shrine and preserves a wide range of materials related to the town's daily life, traditional industries, maritime transportation, and cultural heritage. For visitors who want to understand the history of Susa...»
Inazumi Island is a small island floating in Susami Bay in Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture. With a circumference of approximately one kilometer, this small island is one of the area's most distinctive scenic attractions. Although modest in size, Inazumi Island is surrounded by rich natural vegetation, ancient legends, and a sense of mystery. Located directly offshore from Susami Beach, it provid...»
Mount Dakenomoriyama is a beautiful twin-peaked mountain in Kozagawa Town, Higashimuro District, southern Wakayama Prefecture. Located directly across the Kozagawa River from the famous Ichimai-iwa Monolith, a National Natural Monument, the mountain is one of the area's most popular destinations for hiking and trekking. The mountain consists of two distinctive peaks: Otake (376 m) and Metake (369...»
Nakatsudani Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Nakazaki, Kozagawa Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. It lies along the Ogawa River, a tributary of the Kozagawa River, and is regarded as one of the most impressive waterfalls in the area. The waterfall has a total height of approximately 93 meters and descends in seven distinct tiers. Water cascades down the rocky mountainside ...»
Takaike Gomeisha is a historic building in the Takaike district of Kozagawa Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. It is an important reminder of the traditional community culture that developed along the Kozagawa River. The organization known as Gomeisha was established as a young men's association during the Meiji period (1868–1912). Local young men organized the group to preserve tra...»
Kozagawa Prefectural Natural Park stretches mainly across Kozagawa Town in Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. The park is known for its beautiful river valleys, enormous rock formations, rugged mountain landscapes, and rich forests. Along the Kozagawa River and its tributaries are a remarkable collection of unusual natural features, including the enormous Ichimai-iwa Monolith, the towerin...»
Ikazuchi Falls (Ikazuchi-no-Taki) is a spectacular waterfall in Kitayama Village, Wakayama Prefecture, surrounded by the lush mountains of the Kii Peninsula. The waterfall drops approximately 20 meters in a single, powerful plunge, sending water crashing into the basin below. The tremendous sound of the falling water is said to resemble the rumble of thunder, which is believed to be the origin of...»
Asaki Shrine (Asaki Jinja) is a historic Shinto shrine located in Izumo, Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated on the eastern side of Cape Shionomisaki, near Izumo Fishing Port, the shrine has long been an important place of worship for the local community. The shrine stands in a peaceful coastal setting where visitors can feel the sea breeze from the Kumano-nada Sea. Surrounded by the na...»
Kii-Oshima Island is a beautiful island located off the coast of Kushimoto Town in Wakayama Prefecture. Situated approximately 1.8 kilometers from Cape Shionomisaki, the southernmost point of Japan's main island of Honshu, it is the largest island in Wakayama Prefecture. The island covers approximately 9.68 square kilometers and has a coastline of about 28 kilometers. Thanks to the warm waters of...»
Renshoji Temple is a historic Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple located on Kii-Oshima Island in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated just offshore from the southernmost town on the Kii Peninsula, the temple stands amid the island's lush forests and coastal scenery. For centuries, Renshoji has been closely connected with the life of the island and its people. Its history is closely tied to the m...»
The Former Kanda Family Villa, known as Tosontei, is a beautifully preserved historic building in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Built during the Meiji period, the residence retains many features of traditional Japanese architecture and tells a fascinating story about the history, prosperity, and community spirit of Kushimoto. The villa was built by the Kanda family, one of the most promine...»
SPACE PORT Kii is Japan's first privately operated rocket launch site, located on the Uragami Peninsula in the Tahara area of Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Part of the facility extends into the neighboring Uragami area of Nachikatsuura Town. Facing the vast Pacific Ocean, the site takes advantage of its remote coastal location and the open sea to the south and east. It represents a new cha...»
Space Interaction Hall Sora-Miru is an interactive museum in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can discover the fascinating world of rockets, space exploration, and astronomy in an easy and entertaining way. Opened in April 2025, the facility was created around the concept of “Bringing Space Closer to Everyone.” Designed for visitors of all ages, Sora-Miru offers hands-on exhibi...»
Arafune Coast is a spectacular scenic area on the eastern edge of Kushimoto Town in Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the rugged coastline of the Kumano-nada Sea, the area is part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park and is known for its dramatic rock formations shaped by the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean. For thousands of years, wind and waves have gradually carved the coastline, creating a st...»
Myoshinji Temple is a historic Buddhist nunnery in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Belonging to the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism, the temple has a deep connection with the history and religious traditions of Kumano. Located close to Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine and Kamikura Shrine, Myoshinji played an important role in supporting the religious culture of the region for centuries. ...»
Hamaoji Shrine is a historic shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, and is traditionally regarded as one of the Kumano Kujukyu Oji, or the “99 Oji Shrines,” located along the pilgrimage routes to Kumano. The Oji shrines were sacred places where pilgrims traveling toward the major shrines of Kumano stopped to pray and rest. They played an important role in the religious culture of the Kumano ...»
cafe Runta is a cozy café located in the Kumanogawa area of Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. The café occupies the renovated building of the former Kuju Elementary School, once a place where local children came to learn and grow. Today, the old school building has been transformed into a welcoming gathering place for local residents and travelers. While preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of the...»
Miwasaki is a historic port district in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, facing the Kumano Sea on the southern Kii Peninsula. Blessed with a mild climate and abundant marine resources, the area has long developed as a community closely connected with fishing and the sea. Fishing boats can still be seen gathered at Miwasaki Fishing Port, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of a coas...»
Miwasaki Youth Hall is a historic community building in Miwasaki, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Located along the coast of the Kumano Sea, Miwasaki has long been known as a port town whose history and culture developed around fishing and traditional whaling. Built in 1927, the Miwasaki Youth Hall has been an important gathering place for local residents for generations. Its distinctive Wester...»
The Former Chapman Residence is a valuable historic Western-style house in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Built in 1926, the final year of the Taisho era, it retains the atmosphere of a period when new ideas about architecture and everyday life were emerging in Japan. The house was originally built as the residence of E. N. Chapman, an American Presbyterian missionary. Its architect was Isaku ...»
Dorokyo Gorge Riverboat Cruise offers a peaceful and memorable way to experience one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the Kumano region. Departing from Kumanogawa-cho in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, the riverboat travels through the dramatic scenery of Dorokyo Gorge, allowing visitors to experience the mountains, cliffs, deep pools, and clear waters of the Yoshino-Kumano National...»
Taiji Town Ishigaki Memorial Hall is an art museum and cultural facility in Taiji, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. It is dedicated to Eitaro Ishigaki, a Western-style painter who was born in Taiji and went on to build an artistic career in the United States. Located in a peaceful natural setting overlooking the Kumano-nada Sea, the museum offers a quiet environment where art, history, ...»
Shimosato Tumulus is an ancient burial mound located in Shimosato, Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. It is a keyhole-shaped burial mound, known in Japanese as a zenpo-koen-fun, and is considered the southernmost example of this distinctive type on Japan's main island of Honshu. The tomb is believed to have been constructed between the late 4th and early 5th centuries, during the middle of Japan...»
Tamanoura Beach is a tranquil seaside destination in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, known for its calm atmosphere and beautiful sandy shore. Facing the Kumano-nada Sea, the beach has relatively shallow waters and gentle waves, making it a pleasant place for families with young children as well as travelers looking for a relaxing seaside escape. The beautiful coastline is said to have been ap...»
The Wakayama Prefecture Sediment Disaster Awareness Center is a disaster-prevention learning facility located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. It was established following the devastating Kii Peninsula Flood Disaster of 2011, which caused extensive damage throughout Nachikatsuura and other parts of the Kii Peninsula. The center serves as an important base for research, education, and public...»
Inyo Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, and is traditionally counted among the 48 Waterfalls of Nachikatsuura. Located in the eastern valley of the area, the waterfall is also known as Nakago Falls. The waterfall is approximately 10 meters high. Water flows down the rock face in two separate streams, creating an atmospheric and almost mystical scene surrounded b...»
Nachisan Observation Deck is a spectacular viewpoint located along the Nachisan Skyline, a mountain road that runs from the approach to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. Situated at an elevation of approximately 397 meters, the observation deck offers sweeping views of the deep forests of Kumano, the town of Katsuura, and the vast Kumano-nada Sea. On clear days, visitors may even be able to see a...»
Katsuura Marine Products Center is a specialty shop for seafood, local foods, and souvenirs located directly in front of JR Kii-Katsuura Station in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Its exceptionally convenient location—just a few seconds' walk from the station—makes it an easy stop for both tourists and local residents. The shop carries approximately 400 to 500 different products, including fr...»
Kiyomon-no-Yu is a historic day-use hot spring facility located in the quiet Yukawa Onsen area of Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. The name comes from the former prestigious hot spring inn Kiyomon-ya, and the facility continues the traditional atmosphere and bathing culture that have long been associated with this area. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of Kumano, Yukawa Onsen is said to...»
Yurinoyama Onsen is a charming hot spring in the Yukawa Onsen area of Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful nature and a long history, this peaceful bathing spot is located beside Yukashi Lagoon, a scenic brackish lake named by the renowned local poet Haruo Sato. Unlike large and modern hot spring resorts, Yurinoyama Onsen retains the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese toj...»
Aoki Shima no Yado Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima is a unique hot spring resort located on the entire island of Nakanoshima, floating at the entrance to Katsuura Bay in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Known as a special island resort surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Kumano-nada Sea, the property operates as an entire-island, single-inn retreat. The only way to reach the island is by the i...»
In the waters around Ukui in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, visitors can take part in exciting whale-watching cruises and observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. From spring through summer, these magnificent marine animals travel through the waters of the Kumano-nada Sea, offering travelers a memorable experience unique to the Pacific coast of southern Wakayama. Whale-watching ...»
Yukawa Onsen is a historic hot spring destination in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Located in a peaceful area near the Kumano-nada Sea, it has been cherished for centuries as a place where travelers visiting the sacred Kumano region could rest, purify themselves, and recover from their journeys. The hot spring area is also located beside the beautiful Yukashi Lagoon, creating a tranquil lan...»
Hotel Nagisaya is one of the well-known hot spring accommodations in the Nanki-Katsuura area of Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Set in a quiet location overlooking a sheltered bay, the hotel offers guests the opportunity to enjoy both the rich natural beauty of southern Wakayama and high-quality natural hot spring water. The hotel's signature attraction is its spectacular open-air bath, Shiom...»
Kishu Chomon-no-Yu is the signature open-air hot spring bath at Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima, located on Nakanoshima Island just off the coast of Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima is one of Japan's rare “one island, one ryokan” accommodations, where the entire island is part of a single traditional Japanese inn. Surrounded by the sea, the property offers a remarkable sett...»
Marusho Vinegar Brewery is a historic vinegar brewery in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Founded in 1879, the brewery has preserved its traditional vinegar-making methods for more than 140 years. Surrounded by the rich natural environment and spiritual heritage of Kumano, Marusho Vinegar Brewery produces vinegar using spring water from the Nachi Mountains and traditional Kumano cedar wooden b...»
Asuka Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Long cherished by local residents as “Miya-sama”, the shrine serves as the guardian shrine of the community. Although it stands quietly in this small coastal town, Asuka Shrine has deep connections with the history, culture, and traditional way of life of Taiji. In particular, it provides an importa...»
Nachiguro is a traditional Japanese black candy produced and sold by Nachiguro Sohonpo Co., Ltd., a confectionery company based in Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. Long enjoyed as a souvenir from the Kumano region, Nachiguro is widely available not only throughout Wakayama but also at major travel hubs such as Shin-Osaka Station and Kansai International Airport. For generat...»
Honnoji Manju is a traditional Japanese sweet preserved by Sohonke Surugaya, one of Wakayama's historic confectionery shops. Its distinctive flavor combines a subtle sake-like aroma, a soft and pleasantly chewy dough, and an elegant sweet red bean paste filling. With a history stretching back more than 560 years, Honnoji Manju is deeply connected with the culinary culture and history of Wakayama....»
Kada Niai is a traditional local dish from Kada, Wakayama City, in Wakayama Prefecture. Kada has long been known as a fishing village, particularly for its traditional single-line fishing for sea bream. Kada Niai is one of the fishermen's dishes that has been passed down in the community for generations. It is traditionally said to have already been eaten in the late Edo period, making it a dish ...»
Takanosu-yama Observatory is one of the finest viewpoints on Tomogashima, a group of islands off the coast of Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture. The observatory is located near the summit of Mount Takanosu at an elevation of approximately 119.90 meters, making it one of the highest points on the island of Okinoshima. The summit is also home to the Tomogashima First-Order Triangulation Point, an ...»
Koyashita Station is a station on the Nankai Electric Railway's Koya Line, located in the mountainous area of Kudoyama Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. At an elevation of approximately 108 meters, the station lies beyond Hashimoto Station as the railway begins to enter the increasingly mountainous landscape leading toward Mount Koya. Originally opened during the Taisho period, the station...»
Rokuji-no-Kane, meaning the “Six O'Clock Bell,” is a historic bell tower on Mount Koya (Koyasan) in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It stands near the entrance to Jabaramichi, the approach leading toward Danjogaran, on the western side of Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism. For centuries, the bell has marked the passing of time for monks and visitors to Mount Koya. Even...»
Shinganji Temple is a temple of the Shingon school of Buddhism located in Katsuragi Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture. It stands next to Hōraisan Shrine, an ancient shrine that contains several nationally designated Important Cultural Properties. Today, Shinganji is a quiet temple, but it once served as the jingūji, or Buddhist temple associated with a Shinto shrine, of Hōraisan Shrine. B...»
Ameno-Mori Forest Park is a scenic natural park located at an elevation of approximately 450 meters in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forest, the park has walking trails and rest areas where visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll and the refreshing atmosphere of the woodland....»