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 mountains of Koyasan. Surrounded by the changing scenery of the four seasons, visitors can enjoy a relaxing escape from everyday life while experiencing the natural beauty of the Aridagawa area.
The name “W.A.S.” comes from the initials of Wakayama, Aridagawa, and Shimizu, expressing the facility’s desire to showcase the attractions of this region to visitors from near and far.
One of the major attractions of W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace is its all-weather outdoor environment. The camping areas, glamping domes, and barbecue spaces are equipped with roofs or dome structures, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor activities even when the weather is less than ideal.
The spacious barbecue area can accommodate up to 100 people, making it suitable for families, groups of friends, and larger gatherings. Guests are welcome to bring their own ingredients, while those who make reservations in advance can also arrange for the facility to prepare the ingredients.
Day-use barbecue plans are also available, making it possible to enjoy the riverside setting without staying overnight. For travelers who want an easy introduction to outdoor dining in Japan, this is a convenient way to enjoy a barbecue surrounded by nature.
The combination of comfortable facilities and beautiful surroundings allows visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of camping without having to worry too much about weather conditions.
W.A.S offers several different ways to stay overnight, including glamping domes and cottages. These options allow visitors to choose between a comfortable resort-style stay and a more traditional outdoor experience.
For a particularly memorable stay, the Hoshifuru Terrace Cottage offers a relaxing setting where guests can enjoy the night sky. Rooms feature private terraces and open-air baths, providing a luxurious way to experience the peaceful surroundings.
After spending the day enjoying outdoor activities and sightseeing, guests can relax in the open-air bath and look up at the stars in the quiet mountain environment.
Travelers who are exploring Wakayama with their dogs can also find pet-friendly rooms at the facility. Some accommodation areas include access to a dog run, making it easier for guests to enjoy a trip with their four-legged companions.
For travelers who do not want to leave their pets behind, the pet-friendly facilities provide another reason to consider W.A.S as a destination.
Camping sites are also available, including pitches with wooden decks and all-weather dome sites. These different options accommodate everyone from first-time campers to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Guests can therefore choose the style that best matches their travel plans, whether they prefer a comfortable glamping stay or the more traditional atmosphere of camping.
W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace is more than a place to stay. It is a leisure area filled with activities for both children and adults.
During the summer season, visitors can enjoy a swimming pool with a water slide. There is also a pedal-cart circuit where children and adults can have fun racing around the course.
Playground equipment provides another option for younger children, making the facility well suited to families looking for a destination where everyone can enjoy themselves.
Visitors can also take part in hands-on activities inspired by the traditional culture of Aridagawa Town. These include Japanese paper-making and woodworking experiences.
Such activities offer a different perspective on the region, allowing travelers to experience local craftsmanship rather than simply observing it. They can also provide memorable souvenirs and experiences to take home.
For visitors who prefer sports, the facility also has tennis courts and a putting golf course. These facilities provide opportunities to stay active while enjoying the surrounding natural environment.
Food is another important part of the W.A.S experience. The restaurant and barbecue facilities make use of ingredients from Wakayama, allowing guests to enjoy the flavors of the region during their stay.
One of the area’s best-known ingredients is Budou Sansho, a distinctive Japanese pepper cultivated in Aridagawa Town. Dishes using local sansho offer visitors an opportunity to discover a flavor strongly associated with the region.
Other local ingredients include Kinokuni Mikan chicken and Kumano beef. These regional ingredients can be enjoyed as part of meals or barbecue experiences.
For something a little different, visitors can try creative local dishes such as sansho curry and sansho soft-serve ice cream. The combination of a familiar food with the distinctive aroma and subtle spice of Japanese pepper makes these specialties an interesting experience for adventurous travelers.
The adjacent market and product shop also offer a selection of sansho products, traditional Wakayama crafts, and Yasuda Washi Japanese paper products.
These locally made products are ideal souvenirs for travelers who want to take a small part of the Aridagawa region home with them.
The area surrounding Michi-no-Eki Shimizu is rich in natural attractions, making W.A.S a convenient base for exploring the mountain landscapes of Aridagawa Town.
Nearby Shimizu Onsen provides an opportunity to relax in natural hot spring waters, while the landscape around Lake Futagawa Dam offers beautiful scenery throughout the year.
The surrounding mountains and waterways are especially attractive for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, outdoor recreation, and peaceful rural landscapes.
The facility is also located near the natural landscapes of Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park. The mountainous scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, from fresh greenery in spring and summer to colorful foliage in autumn.
For travelers who enjoy nature, photography, hiking, and scenic drives, the surrounding area provides plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the facility itself.
The nearby Koya-Ryujin Skyline is a popular scenic driving route through the mountains. The road is particularly attractive during the autumn foliage season, when the surrounding mountains are covered in brilliant seasonal colors.
A stay at W.A.S can therefore be combined with a road trip through the mountain areas of Wakayama, creating an itinerary that combines glamping, local food, hot springs, and scenic drives.
W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace and Michi-no-Eki Shimizu are located along National Route 480, making them a convenient stop for travelers exploring the mountainous areas of Aridagawa.
By car, the facility is approximately 50 minutes from the Arida Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway. Visitors arriving by train can travel from JR Fujinami Station by car or bus.
Although the facility is surrounded by mountains and abundant nature, it is relatively accessible from the main transportation routes of the Arida area. This makes it a practical destination for both short outdoor excursions and overnight stays.
W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace is a multifaceted destination where visitors can enjoy playing, staying overnight, hands-on experiences, and local food in one location.
The peaceful Aridagawa River, surrounding mountains, and changing seasonal scenery create an ideal environment for stepping away from the busy pace of everyday life. At the same time, the facility offers comfortable accommodation, all-weather barbecue spaces, family activities, sports facilities, and cultural experiences.
Families can enjoy the pool and playground, couples can relax in a cottage beneath the stars, groups can gather for a riverside barbecue, and travelers with dogs can enjoy a pet-friendly stay.
For visitors exploring Wakayama, W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace offers a chance to experience a different side of Japan—one where beautiful rivers, mountain landscapes, local cuisine, traditional crafts, and outdoor leisure come together.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing glamping getaway, an active family holiday, a scenic road-trip stop, or a memorable outdoor experience with friends and pets, W.A.S provides an inviting base from which to discover the natural and cultural attractions of Aridagawa.