Speaking of Wakayama? 11 must-visit sightseeing spots, food, souvenirs, and hidden gems
Kishu and Wakayama for, Plenty of sightseeing, gourmet and activity spots !
This time
When it comes to Wakayama, you can't miss famous tourist spots, hidden gems, gourmet food, and souvenirs
Introducing all at once.
Enjoy around each spot
Activities and Experiences
We have also picked out the following.
Wakayama If you are planning a trip, be sure to use this as a reference!
table of contents
- 1 Speaking of Wakayama, here are the 5 must-visit tourist spots!
- 2 Speaking of Wakayama, these are the places to go! 2 hidden gems only known to those in the know
- 3 When you think of Wakayama, these are the things to try! 2 exquisite local gourmet foods
- 4 Speaking of Wakayama, these are these! 2 recommended souvenirs
- 5 Let's go sightseeing in Wakayama, checking out the famous tourist spots and foods
- 6 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
Speaking of Wakayama, here are the 5 must-visit tourist spots!
In the following,
When you think of Wakayama, the first thing that comes to mind is the must-visit classic spots.
Introducing.
If you're unsure, just go!
1. Kumano Kodo
Wakayama
Speaking of "
Kumano Kodo
"!
The three Kumano mountains
Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
(The Bear's Book Singer)
Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine
(Bear Hayatama Taisha)"
Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine
(The Bear's Nation)"
Kyoto
・
Nara
・
triple
It is an old road that connects the areas.
split into multiple routes
Along the road, there are many temples and shrines that have been revered since ancient times.
!
A moss-covered road in the mountains, a majestic view of a waterfall cascading through the mountains, and a large torii gate over 30m high standing in the middle of a rice field
etc.
There are plenty of spots where you can experience the great nature and history of Kishu.
Have a rough idea of the places you want to see and visit, An ancient road tour around historical power spots Why not give it a try?
In the following,
Recommended tours around the Kumano Kodo trail
Now posted!
Stargazing
Relax
Nature Experience
We have picked out some plans that you might want to participate in before or after walking along the Kumano Kodo trail.
[Wakayama, Minabe] Starry sky experience tour along the seaside Kumano Kodo trail
This plan does not support English.
This plan includes a stargazing guide on the Kumano Kodo trail. In addition to guidance on seasonal constellations that can be seen with the naked eye, you can also enjoy stargazing using a large telescope. At the end of the tour, we will take a commemorative photo with the starry sky of the day in the background. The guide who will guide you through the starry sky has been working as a stargazing guide in New Zealand for four years and has been working in the Kumano Kodo area for two years.
[Wakayama, Tanabe] Revive at Kumano Hongu Shrine - Healing with a therapist & Hasshinmon walk!
This plan does not support English.
[Greetings to guests] By walking through the village mountains of the Hosshinmon Gate on the Kumano Kodo and undergoing various therapies, you will become aware of your true feelings. Hosshin is a Buddhist term meaning to awaken the desire to attain enlightenment. From here you will enter the sacred grounds of Hongu Taisha Shrine. The ancient pilgrimage to Kumano was a journey of rebirth in preparation for death - visiting Hongu Taisha Shrine promised happiness in the next life. You too can be reborn.
2. Adventure World
Wakayama
Speaking of "
Adventure World
"!
A large, complex theme park combining an aquarium, zoo, and amusement park
is.
Aquarium
If so,
A dynamic show featuring dolphins, whales and sea lions
of.
Zoo
So, let's take a look at the animals living freely.
A safari experience where you can observe from a vehicle
of.
In addition to the standard attractions, the amusement park also offers
All-weather attractions that can be used even in the rain
etc.
You can enjoy a variety of different genres of entertainment in the same facility.
In addition to the above,
Interacting with small animals, including pony riding
or
Mini Attractions
There are also plenty of experiences and spots for children.
It's also a great place for families with small children to visit while sightseeing in Wakayama!
In the following,
Recommended experience tours you can participate in around Adventure World
is currently being posted.
An outdoor plan to enjoy the beautiful sea of Nanki Shirahama area
is especially recommended!
*★*――――*★* *★*――――*★**★*――――*★* *★*――――*★*The "deep blue sea" of the Pacific Ocean, the "white beach" of Shirarahama, the "orange sunset" sinking into the horizon, a space surrounded by "TERRACE" where you can feel nature. Freshly cooked food from the chef to the customer... and then to the customer's "regular" restaurant...*★*――――*★* *★
This plan does not support English.
If you've ever wanted to try diving, or looked into the ocean and saw the fish, but are a little unsure if you can do it, then we recommend the PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) trial diving program.
This plan does not support English.
If you've ever wanted to try diving, or looked into the ocean and saw the fish, but are a little unsure if you can do it, then we recommend the PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) trial diving program.
3. Nachi Falls
Speaking of Wakayama,
Nachi Falls
"!
It is counted among the three most famous waterfalls in Japan.
A popular view and nature spot on the Kumano Kodo trail
is.
It is located within the grounds of Hiro Shrine, a branch shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the Kumano Sanzan, and is considered the shrine's sacred object.
The waterfall has a drop of about 133m, making it the largest single-tiered waterfall in Japan!
The water flows at a rate of about one ton per second, splitting into three streams along the way and creating a spectacular white spray as it falls.
.
If you visit the Otaki Worship Hall Stage in the temple grounds, A spectacular view of the waterfall right in front of you while feeling the spray of the water You can enjoy it!
Enjoy the excellent location, The power of nature and negative ions that have attracted worship since ancient times Why not try experiencing it with your whole body?
In the following,
Tours available in southern Wakayama, where Nachi Falls is located
is currently being posted.
Experience Kishu seaside culture
or,
Recommended activity plans
We are picking up!
Nachikatsuura Fresh Tuna Market is the No. 1 market in Japan for landings of fresh tuna! We will guide you through the auctions at the Nachikatsuura Fresh Tuna Market. "What is that doing?" "How much is that tuna worth?" As you watch the auctions, many questions arise. Since this is a private tour, we will carefully answer each and every one of your questions. Only a local guide who lives in this town can tell you about tuna.
[Wakayama / Nanki Katsuura] Choose your marine activity! SUP & surfing experience
Choose from a variety of marine activities at Nachi Beach, one of the prefecture's best blue beaches, located just a 3-minute walk from the store! ・Popular SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) experience & cruising! Why not take a walk on the sea? SUP can be enjoyed with your family dog,
4. Shirahama Beach
" Shirahama Beach Shirahama is a sister beach of Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. " Japan's 100 Best Bathing Beaches " A white sand beach chosen by is!
The arch-shaped beach facing the Kii Channel is approximately 620m long.
A combination of smooth white sand and rows of palm trees
It reminds me of a tropical beach.
In the summer, colorful parasols spread all over the place.
You can enjoy the scenery that gives off an even more summery resort vibe.
Yo!
In the Nanki Shirahama area, where Shirarahama Beach is located,
Sea Activities
In addition, various
Nature Experience Tour
You can participate.
Below are some recommended plans!
Stroll along the scenic seaside area
,
Cave exploration
,
Diving lessons
We have picked out some activities that are unique to the seaside area.
Take the elevator down to the sea cavern that stretches 36 meters underground. Enjoy the dynamic scenery, mysteries of the past, and historical romance.
This plan does not support English.
This is a course where you can get a beginner's scuba diving license (you can dive up to 18 meters deep)! Equipment rental is all included, so it's easy! No experience is necessary! Wetsuits (summer) and dry suits (winter) are also available for free rental. Even if you are not confident in your swimming skills, the instructors will kindly and carefully assist you, so you can rest assured.
5. Kongobu-ji Temple, Mount Koya
" Mount Koya Kongobu-ji Temple "(Kongou Buji)" is The head temple of the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism sect, founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of the sect in Japanese Buddhism is!
It was founded in 816 (Kōnin 7) in the early Heian period.
Over its 1,200-year history, it has been revered by many influential people, including emperors and samurai of the time.
The grounds are surrounded by lush greenery and silence.
National Treasure
or
Important Cultural Property
It is full of historical buildings and scenic spots designated as
!
Japan's first pagoda in the Tahoto style
Main Pagoda
"Konpon Daito" and Japan's largest rock garden "
Banryu Garden
"Banryutei" is a must-see.
In addition to Kongobu-ji Temple, there are over 100 other temples within the vast mountain area.
.
The tour around the area is
Mount Koya
It has become a staple of tourism!
In the following
Recommended Mount Koya sightseeing tours
is currently being posted.
It is said that Kobo Daishi continued his training here.
"
Okunoin
"
Tour to visit
or,
Stroll around recommended spots
We have selected a variety of plans with different appeal, such as the above!
This plan does not support English.
This plan will take you to Okunoin at night to pay homage to Kobo Daishi, or Kukai, guided by a monk from Mt. Koya or a butler who has lived in the temple (a qualified guide for the Kongobu-ji temple grounds). Even if you have visited Okunoin during the day, you will be able to see a different, more fantastical side to Okunoin than during the day.
[Wakayama, Mount Koya] Visiting the recommended spots in Mount Koya (one day or half day)
Mount Koya, which spreads out over a mountain basin surrounded by peaks about 1,000 meters above sea level, is a sacred place of Esoteric Shingon Buddhism that was founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai 1,200 years ago. The entire Mount Koya area is the "Head Temple Kongobu-ji Temple," and in particular the "Okunoin" and "Danjo Garan" are two major sacred places that attract faith. We will guide you around spots such as Danjo Garan, Okunoin, and the Seven Benten of Mount Koya in the style of a trainee monk.
Just by living, humans accumulate dirt and impurities at the end of each day. It would be nice if we could wash it off ourselves every day, but for busy modern people, this is not easy. Mount Koya, which spreads out in a mountain basin surrounded by peaks at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, is a sacred place of Esoteric Shingon Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai 1,200 years ago. The watershed of Mount Koya
Speaking of Wakayama, these are the places to go! 2 hidden gems only known to those in the know
In the following,
A hidden gem in Wakayama that only a few know about
We introduce the following.
Avoid the crowds
Wakayama
Recommended for sightseeing
is!
1. Hashiguiiwa Rocks
"
Hashiguiiwa Rock
"(Hashiguiiwa)" is
A scenic spot in the Kushimoto area near the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula
is!
Towards Kii Oshima,
A unique sight with 40 large and small giant rocks lined up in a straight line
You can enjoy.
The huge pile-like shape was created by the waves eroding the rocks, leaving only the hard parts of the rock.
National Places of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monuments
is specified.
In the past, light-up events have been held here, attracting a lot of attention.
The queue is huge, measuring approximately 850m in length!
The size of the rocks,
It is quite big, with a maximum size of about 15m.
is.
The best time to visit the place is early in the morning.
The sight of the crashing waves and the huge rocks stretching straight out into the sea shining in the morning sun is a spectacular sight. That's right!
In the Kushimoto area, where Hashiguiiwa is located, you can enjoy the beautiful Kishu
An experience tour where you can enjoy the sea
is popular!
diving
From the classic
SUP
You can experience a wide variety of activities.
Check out the link below for recommended plans!
This plan does not support English.
☆Enjoy both☆Kushimoto is the diving mecca of Kansai! The waters of the southernmost part of Honshu are highly transparent and have many colorful tropical fish, making it comparable to the seas of the tropics. If you've taken up diving, it would be a waste not to dive here! This is a greedy pack where you can enjoy the sea of Kushimoto from both the beach and the boat! The beach is the northernmost point on Earth,
This plan does not support English.
☆For those who want to enjoy the sea of Kushimoto, click here☆The sea of Kushimoto, the southernmost point of Honshu, benefits from the Kuroshio Current and allows you to see a wide variety of creatures from temperate to tropical species. The sea is especially clear during the dry season, and you can enjoy a different view from the summer. From macro creatures to schools of migratory fish and sea turtles, and dynamic terrain diving, Kushimoto is a place where you can enjoy a variety of creatures.
Why not try SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board), which has become popular recently? You can look down into the water as if you are walking on the sea, and it's a new sensation that makes you feel like you are walking on the sea! You can feel safe because you will be taught the basic operation together with an instructor. We also have life jackets for dogs, so you can join us with your dog! ~ Flow of the day ~ ① Reception ②
2. Tomogashima Islands
Wakayama
and
Awaji Island
During
A spot located in the Kitan Strait
!
The name Tomogashima
Tiger Island, Kamishima, Jinoshima, and Okinoshima
A collective term for four uninhabited islands.
The island was once used as a fortress, and remains of artillery batteries and ammunition depots are scattered throughout the island.
In recent years
Stage model for animation works
It became a hot topic.
Take a stroll through the nostalgic brick buildings, An extraordinary landscape and atmosphere that makes you feel like you've entered a fictional world You can enjoy it!
Tour each spot on the island
Hiking trails
The area is well maintained, so even first-time visitors can stroll around with peace of mind.
The course includes some uneven roads and slopes,
Choose comfortable shoes for your sightseeing day
Let's do it!
When you think of Wakayama, these are the things to try! 2 exquisite local gourmet foods
In the following,
When you think of Wakayama, the most famous local delicacies come to mind
We will introduce the following.
Wakayama
Let's enjoy the taste!
1. Wakayama Ramen
Speaking of Wakayama,
Wakayama Ramen
(Chinese noodles)
!
Wakayama's traditional ramen is based on soy sauce and pork bone broth, which is familiar to people in the Kanto region.
moreover
Light and clear, with soy sauce as the main flavor
"
Garage front
"
and,
It features a cloudy soup full of pork flavor.
"
Ide group
"
It can be divided into:
Both are typically topped with roasted pork, bamboo shoots, green onions, and kamaboko (fish cake).
When you eat at a restaurant,
Another feature is that it is served with Hayazushi (pressed mackerel sushi) and boiled eggs.
!
You won't find this in other prefectures' local ramen.
Wakayama
You can enjoy a unique marriage.
2. Grouper dishes
Luxury fish, grouper
is a fish that is a specialty of Wakayama
!
The dish uses grouper in abundance.
Wakayama
This is the real joy of tourism.
Enjoy the perfect amount of elasticity
pottery
From the classic
Grouper hotpot
,
Fried food - liver dishes
Courses including
There are various ways to enjoy it depending on the restaurant that serves it.
Research grouper dishes in advance and choose a restaurant that suits your tastes.
Enjoy the exquisite delicacies of Wakayama
let's.
Speaking of Wakayama, these are these! 2 recommended souvenirs
In the following,
When you think of Wakayama, what comes to mind is,
Recommended souvenirs
We will introduce the following.
If you're having trouble choosing a souvenir, please use this as a reference!
1. Kishu Nanko Plum
Speaking of Wakayama, Kishu Nanko Plum !
Nanko plums, which grow in the warm climate of Wakayama, are large and have a lot of flesh, with thin skin.
Plum wine, plum juice, dried plums
etc.
A variety of processed products are sold as souvenirs.
If you are having trouble choosing a souvenir, Classic Pickled plum It is recommended to purchase is.
2. Wakayama mandarins and mandarin juice
Wakayama has a warm climate and sloping land, making it an ideal environment for cultivating mandarin oranges. .
Hassaku, Ponkan, Unshu, Sanbokan etc. There are many varieties of mandarin oranges that are a specialty of Wakayama!
The classic souvenir is of course mandarin orange juice
.
Along with the Kishu Nanko plums mentioned above,
Check it out as a Wakayama souvenir that everyone will love
Why not give it a try?
Let's go sightseeing in Wakayama, checking out the famous tourist spots and foods
This time, Speaking of Wakayama "The theme is Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, and souvenirs Featured!
History, culture, spectacular natural scenery and local cuisine Wakayama has a wide variety of attractions to choose from.
Please use this special feature as a reference and enjoy your trip by checking out the tourist spots and food that are synonymous with Wakayama!
*The content of this article is current as of April 2025.
Featured image provided by:
PIXTA
