Spots in Wakayama Area

Area

Wakayama
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Category

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

4.5

652 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Nachisan 1

One of the Three Head Kumano Shrines which serve as the headquarters of all Kumano shrines nationwide. Unlike the other two, however, the origin of this shrine lies in a primeval faith which sees the Nachi Falls deep in the mountains as sacred. At the affiliated Hiro-jinja Shrine, the falls themselves are worshipped, and since ancient times this shrine has been visited by numerous faithful and other visitors asking for a long life. Visitors can drink the water at the falls’ basin from a platform directly in front of the falls; the water is said to give longevity. The shrine’s grounds contain six vermillion lacquered buildings such as the main nave, hall of worship, and treasure house, as well as numerous other points of note such as the Stone of the Yatagarasu (a mythical three-legged crow), and a massive 850-year-old tree planted by the noble Taira no Shigemori.

One of the most pictorial spots in Japan. Beautiful view. It is far to get here, but it is worth it. When the waterfall flows full capacity, it is very impressive.
Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine

4.5

554 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Tanabeshi Honguchouhongu

This Shinto shrine is one of the Three Head Kumano Shrines which serve as the headquarters of all Kumano shrines nationwide. Known as the first stop on the penance-filled Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, since ancient times this shrine has been visited by countless worshipers of the Kumano faith, which seeks to achieve self-enlightenment through penance. The main building was erected in the Asuka period and was relocated to its current location after being damaged in the Great Flood of 1889. After climbing 158 stone steps through a cedar forest, the shrine’s four hinoki bark-thatched buildings will appear, which enshrine Ketsumiko no okami and the shrine’s three other chief gods.

This shrine is very nice and even 3 of 5 parts are from origin (saved by the flood) , this worth it to come. You can smell the tree odor in this shrine. Roof are amazing
Adventure World

4.0

23 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou Katata 2399

This entertainment complex opened in 1978 focusing on the theme of interaction between people, animals, and nature includes a theme park, aquarium, and zoo. The zoo has succeeded in breading a total of 12 pandas, the greatest number outside China itself. In the popular Panda Love exhibit, daily backyard tours are held (advance reservation required). In the Safari World, visitors can view the animals up close in environments close to their natural habitats from vehicles such as a special bus. There are also walkable areas to stroll through. During the summer break period, the park remains open in the evening as well.

リブロースステーキセット、あらびきハンバーグセット、ライオンポテト、生ビール（大）コーラ、で￥６５００ほどでした。ファミレスで言うならロイホっぽい価格帯。味は悪くなくごはんの炊き具合も良かったです。テーブルクロスが塗り絵になっているのですが、色鉛筆が尖っていないタイプなので色鉛筆を持ち込むとよりお子さんも喜ぶと思います。
Koyasan Reihokan Museum

4.5

164 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Itogunkouyachou Kouyasan 306

This facility preserves and displays invaluable Buddhist imagery and paintings from temples on Mt. Koya, such as the Kongobu-ji temple, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism. Opened in 1921, the museum's collection currently includes some 28 thousand important works of art, including 21 National Treasures, 143 Important Cultural Properties, and 16 Wakayama Prefecturally Designated Cultural Properties. During the extremely popular Great Treasure Hall Exhibition in summer, the museum displays the Eight Great Youths, a sculpture designated a National Treasure that was carved by Unkei, the greatest Buddhist imagery maker of the Kamakura period.

Koyasan recently celebrated it 1200th anniversary, and some of the treasures in this museum are that old, loaned from some of the 100 monasteries on this mountain. The museum is small and so displays...
Cape Shionomisaki

4.0

135 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunkushimotochou Shionomisaki

At latitude 33° 25′ 59″ North and longitude 135° 45′ 45″ East, this cape is on the southern most tip of Honshu island. The vast expanse of the sea making an arc at the horizon is a site to see, especially at sunset when the whole sky is painted in coral colors. From the nearby observatory, Mt. Nachi can be seen.

Must visit when in the area. Dramatic view all around this area. The sea is so beautiful, but can be very cruel
Kamikura-jinja Shrine

4.5

212 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Kamikura 1-13-8

A Shinto shrine located in 1 Chome Kamikura, Shingu City. Situated on sacred ground where the god Kumano Omikami first descended to Earth. The Kodobiki Boulder, considered a sacred natural object and deity, is also located on the shrine grounds at the top of over 5000 natural stone steps. The Oto Matsuri, held each year on February 6, is an unusual festival in which white robed men carrying torches lit with a sacred flame run down a series of stone steps. The festival is designated an Important Intangible Folk-Cultural Property.

The rock stairs were steep and somewhat challenging. Still, the walk was definitely worth it! The stairs were very steep for about 150-200m (~70m elevation gain), then started levelling off. A great...
Taiji Whale Museum

4.0

151 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Higashimuroguntaijichou Taiji 2934-2

A museum in Taiji, Taiji Town, Higashimuro County. Through various displays visitors can learn about the more than 400 year old relationship Taiji Town has had with whaling, as well as traditional whaling techniques, and the ecology of whales. Visitors can also watch the whales in action in dolphin and whale shows like the short-finned pilot whale show held in the natural pool built in the sea. The full scale skeleton of the world's largest animal, the blue whale, exhibited outdoors, is an impressive sight.

Please do not patronize this cruel and inhuman “museum” the beautiful albino dolphin named Angel swims in circles in a filthy small tank. Horrible.
Shirahama Aquarium, Kyoto University

4.0

129 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou 459

This aquarium is annexed to the Kyoto University marine laboratory, and it’s open to the public for a fee. There are four different exhibits, with sharks, rays, large migratory fish, species from the neighboring waters, freshwater fish, and more on display. It also has one of the country’s best collections of invertebrates, including sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and more. There’s a 250-ton tank as well, making this a popular tourist spot. It’s also great for academic study.

This is an aquarium located in the marine station of Kyoto University. Its small, but highly educational. Professors take time to curate maybe during weekdays. Entrance fee is only 600¥, free for...
Ueno Park

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Aridashi Miyazakichou 1166-1

A public municipal park located across the Arida River from Minoshima Station on the Kii Main Line. The park was created in 1950 by Toyomatsu Norioka to honor the souls of all the innocent, non-military persons who died during the battles of the Pacific War. In 1967, it was gifted to the city and turned into a public park. Numerous cherries, azaleas, and other attractive trees and plants grow on the park’s 5,186 square meter grounds. Today, the park is renowned in spring for its beautiful blossoming cherry trees, known locally as the “Muen-san no Sakura” (“Cherry Trees of the Innocent”). The top of the park’s mountain commands a view of the mouth of the Arida River and the beach of Hatsushima, famous Shikoku destinations. Buddhist memorial services are held in the park in spring and summer which attract many visitors.
Shirahama Energy Land

3.5

113 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou 3083

Come experience this mystery filled theme park centered around ''People and Natural Energy!'' Try a variety challenges to overcome including The Maze, or Solar Town where you can learn all about renewable energy. Check out the mysterious pictures that fool your eyes with optical illusions in the Trick Art House. With these and many more there are a lot of ways to have fun while learning!

It is a little old now, however, if you have kids between 6 and 14, I think it is a must in Shirahama.
Michinoeki (Roadside Station) Kaki no Sato Kudoyama

4.0

74 Reviews

Transportation

Wakayama Pref. Itogunkudoyamachou Nyugou 5-5

A rest area located in Kudoyama Town, Ito County, Wakayama Prefecture which is a popular destination from which to explore the area and as a place to buy local souvenirs. The facility hosts the World Heritage Information Center, where you can learn about the World Heritage sites and history of Kudoyama, an area connected to Warring States period samurai Sanada Yukimura. There’s also an outdoor play area with large playground equipment and a market selling local agricultural and specialty products direct from area farmers. The rest area’s bakery and café has an eat-in space where you can enjoy fresh-baked bread, pastas, and other meals.

Today was the first day of the 2017 Sanada Festival on the grounds of this facility. After opening ceremonies, they had a gun/rifle demonstration by townspeople dressed in the military uniforms of...
Nanki Shirahama Toretore Market

Shopping

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou Katata 2521

Located in Shirahama Town, Nishimuro County, Wakayama Prefecture, Toretore Market is one of the largest seafood markets in western Japan and is operated by the local Katata Fishery Cooperative. Boasting grounds some 50 thousand square meters in size, the market is filled with fresh seafood not only from Wakayama but around the country. A diverse array of processed goods, meats, vegetables, and even Wakayama souvenirs are sold here, and the market bustles constantly with visitors. Market highlights include the giant tanks filled with fish swimming around while waiting to be sold and the popular tuna butchering shows. Visitors can eat sushi and seafood rice bowls at Toretore Yokocho; the market’s seafood barbecue is also popular.
Hiro-jinja Shrine

4.0

151 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Higashimuro-gun Nachikatsuuracho Nachisan

A 20-minute drive from JR Kii-Katsuura Station. This Shinto shrine is a subordinate shrine to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, counted among the Three Main Kumano Shrines; Nachi Falls is the shrine's shintai, or object of worship. The shrine has no front shrine and instead visitors worship in an area around 200 meters in front of the waterfall. Accordingly, visitors may participate in a formal prayer service not only in the Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine's Honden but also here in front of the waterfall; and after the 30-minute service is over, participants can listen to a lecture on the history of the shrine. The shrine sells lucky charms depicting a dragon god based on an ancient legend that a dragon lives in the falls.

If you want to see the impressive waterfall, you must go to the shrine, which is next to it. The shrine itself, nothing out of the ordinary, but the waterfall is spectacular.
Nachi Waterfall (Hiro Jinja Shrine)

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Nachisan

This betsugu (associated shrine) of Kumano Nachi Taisha honors the deity of the Nachi-no-Taki waterfall. Boasting Japan’s largest uninterrupted drop of 133 meters, the waterfall is 13 meters wide and has a plunge basin with a depth of 10 meters. It is lit up a night during New Year’s Eve and is one of Japan’s top three waterfalls. Close to the waterfall is a viewing area where visitors can drink water from the plunge basin which is said to be water for longevity.
Wakayama Castle

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama prefecture Wakayama city 1-3

This famous castle belonged to the Kishu Tokugawa family, one of the “Tokugawa Gosanke” families. It has been beloved by many as a symbol of Wakayama for ages. The Okaguchi Gate, which was made a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property, as well as the stone wall constructed with Kishu-specialty blue stone (chlorite-schist) in the Nozura-zumi style, still maintain their original structures. From the castle tower constructed by citizens in 1958 after the war, you can see the Kinokawa River, the Wakayama cityscape, and more. Many visitors come during the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons as well. Inside the castle tower, many items associated with the Tokugawa family are on display.
Roadside Station Susami

4.0

58 Reviews

Transportation

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunsusamichou Esumi 808-1

Susami Roadside Station is located along National Route 42, about a 15-minute drive from the Susami Interchange or a five-minute walk from JR Esumi Station. A special attraction is the Susami Municipal Aquarium of Crab and Shrimp right next door. Just a five-minute drive farther along the road is Esuzaki Point, a National Natural Monument, one of the many nearby scattered scenic sightseeing attractions that make this area so wonderful. The restaurant's flagship dishes include Deep-Fried Local Lobster on Rice Dinner and Saury Sushi, and it also sells a unique Lettuce Dipping Sauce. Another shop on the premises sells freshly caught local fish.

物販コーナーやレストランは綺麗で広々しており、鮮魚の販売もありました。また、エビとカニの水族館のほか、日帰り入浴施設や宿泊施設も隣接しているので色々な楽しみ方が出来そうです。海に面しているので景色が良いです。
Sandanbeki Cave

4.0

54 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou 2927-52

This is a cave formed by years of sea erosion and is set into one of the famous sheer cliffs of Japan, the Sandanbeki cliff. It is a spot for invaluable study of fossilized ripples of stone caused by waves and currents, and rock crevasses surging with the tide. It is said that this cave was the hideout for the Kumano navy ships in the Genpei War during the Heian Period. Inside the cave is a restored Kumano navy barrack, and it enshrines Japan’s largest bronze benzaiten deity of water, the Muro-dai-benzaiten.

This cave is a bit scary but interesting place. Entrance fee is ¥1300. 夜の観光も行っている日がありました。足湯はやっていませんでした(ご時世？)。千畳敷から徒歩20分程です。エレベーターで洞窟まで降りるのですが、中は滑りやすいため注意して歩きました。
Wakayama Marina City

Leisure / Hobbies

Wakayama Pref. Wakayamashi Kemi 1527

An artificial island floating in Wakayama Bay in Wakayama City, Wakayama which was completed in 1994 in line with the World Resort Exhibition. The island hosts a variety of leisure facilities, including Porto Europe, a theme park modeled after a European port town; a resort hotel; a marina; market; fishing park; day trip hot spring bath facility; and activity-oriented pavilions which present the appeals of Wakayama. The Kuroshio Market sells everything from offshore catches to international seafood, and here you can enjoy watching a tuna butchering show, various events, and seafood barbecuing.
Niutsuhime Shrine

4.5

65 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Itogunkatsuragichou Kamiamano 230

You’ll find this shrine along Prefectural Route 4 in Kamiamano, Katsuragi Town. Niutsuhime’s child is enshrined here, and it is said that Takanomiko, enshrined in the second hall, transformed into a hunter and led Kobo Daishi to Mt. Koya, who then borrowed Niutsuhime’s holy land to erect a shrine atop the mountain and teach the secrets of Shingon esoteric Buddhism. It is customary to worship here before ascending Mt. Koya.

This is the obligatory stop for the travels up the Mt Koya. You pray and appease the local mountain deity. There are old cedar trees, and of course the bridge. The temple design is regular shinto.
Kishu Toshogu Shrine

4.0

81 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Wakayamashi Wakauranishi 2-1-20

This Gongen-style shrine was built in 1621 by Tokugawa Yorinobu, the first lord of the Kishu domain, to provide protection for the Nankaido road. Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Yorinobu are enshrined here as deities. The shrine is brilliantly decorated with lacquerware and sculptures featuring both the Kano and Tosa styles, and it is called the “Nikko of Kansai.” It has been designated an Important Cultural Property as a representative structure from the early Edo period.

Its a very pretty shrine with very nice view over the city but you need to walk and climb up hundreds of steps before reaching the top. So please ensure you have at least 40 minutes.

Wakayama City Suburbs Mt. Koya / Ryujin Onsen / Kudoyama Kainan / Arita / Minabe / Tanabe Shirahama Kumano Kodo / Hongu Kushimoto / Koza / Susami Nachikatsuura / Taiji / Shingu

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Wakayama Areas

Wakayama prefecture unites pilgrims, food lovers, and culture buffs in a tranquil corner of Japan at the base of the Kii Peninsula. The setting for many a Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, Wakayama invites those in search of spirituality from one side of the prefecture to the other, from the 100-plus Buddhist temples of the sacred Mount Koya in the west to the inspiring temples of the Kumano Sanzan set among breathtaking nature in the east. Once the grueling hike is complete, make a beeline for Wakayama city to savor some of the country’s most delicious ramen noodles.