wakayama prefecture tourism

Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama Prefecture (�a�̎R��, Wakayama-ken) is located south of Osaka in the Kansai Region . Prefectural capital is Wakayama City. The prefecture's best known tourist attraction is Mount Koya (Koyasan), the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism and the best place to experience an overnight stay at a temple .

Top destinations in Wakayama

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Wakayama Starts Here

Wakayama is a place many travelers miss—but I get why they do. Located at the southeastern periphery of Kansai , you might say it’s the region’s appendix.

Like that organ, Wakayama is a place you can survive without seeing, but that also has the potential to cause you a lot of pain if you ignore it. Although it can be hard to reach, logistically, it’s home to some of Japan’s most unforgettable destinations. 

The good news? I promise I’m done with the unpleasant medical analogies. The better news? My Wakayama travel guide will put an end to your days of disregarding this essential Japanese prefecture.

Where to Base Yourself in Wakayama

The Wakayama hotels you choose depend heavily upon where in Wakayama you plan to go. For example, while Wakayama City is home to fine properties such as the Daiwa Roynet and Hotel Lascala , these will be irrelevant to you if you plan to hike the Kumano Kodo, or even to sun yourself on the beaches of Shirahama. ( TIP: In the case of the Kumano Kodo, you will likely need to enlist the help of a third party such as Kumano Travel ).

Indeed, there’s not one great place for a base in Wakayama. If you want to visit Koyasan, for instance, you’ll almost certainly need to do a shukubo (temple stay) such as Eko-in or Saizen-in . Finishing up the Kumano Kodo, it’s a good idea to spend a night in Shingu (I can recommend the Sou Guest House ) or even Katsuura, where Hotel Nagisaya is a good option.

My Favorite Things to Do in Wakayama

Do a koyasan temple stay.

Although you can enjoy Mt. Koya without staying overnight in a temple, I highly recommend sleeping in a shukubo . This way, you can wake up and, after watching the temple’s monks pray, simply walk to attractions like the Danjo Garan temple complex (though you may need a bus to visit Okuno-in cemetery), rather than having to take a long train journey from Osaka .

Hike the Kumano Kodo

Another option for where to go in Wakayama is similarly spiritual to Koyasan. However, while you have the option of hiking up Mt. Koya from ground level, the entire point of the Kumano Kodo is that it should be walked—it’s a pilgrimage, after all. Note that unless you plan to rely heavily on the buses that run along the Kumano Kodo route, this experience alone will require at least 3-4 times.

Hit the beach in Shirahama

Wakayama prefecture is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Japanese island of Honshu. When it comes to swimming and sunbathing, Shirarahama Beach (located in Shirahama city) is probably the best example, although wilder ones on the east coast might objectively be more visually appealing. Note that in order to get here from Shirahama Station , you will need to take a short bus ride.

Scale Shingu’s Kamikura Shrine

Located in Shingu city, Kamikura Shrine isn’t always listed among the top places to visit in Wakayama. However, whether you’re more interested in the shrine itself or in the fabulous sea views it offers, I can say it’s one of my highlights in this part of Japan. It’s particularly good as an epilogue to a longer hike along the Kumano Kodo, which for many travelers ends in Shingu.

Marvel at the Nachi Taisha pagoda waterfall

From Shingu, continue down the coast via train to Kii-Katsuura Station . Here, you’ll board a bus bound for Nachi Taisha, the name given to a large, sacred complex built around Nachi Waterfall . While the main attraction here is Seiganto-ji pagoda (and seeing it in the context of the waterfall), the entire place is show-stopping, not just the waterfall temple itself.

How Many Days Do You Need in Wakayama?

Wakayama prefecture is huge, and since it isn’t served by the Shinkansen , it can take a long time to get around. Topography compounds this: The local trains and buses that connect many destinations have to take long, circuitous routes. As a result, you’ll probably need longer in Wakayama than you’re expecting: A minimum of a week to see everywhere in this Wakayama travel guide.

On the other hand, you of course don’t need to visit all these places on a single trip. For instance, it could be that you tack a couple nights in Koyasan on after you explore Kyoto and Osaka. Alternatively, you may hike the Kumano Kodo for 3-4 days, then continue northward into Mie prefecture and eventually onward to Nagoya.

Other FAQ About Visiting Wakayama

Is it worth going to wakayama.

Wakayama is absolutely worth visiting! Keep in mind, however, that Wakayama is a huge prefecture, whose main destinations are separated by long distances. Before deciding whether to go to Wakayama, first decide where in Wakayama you wish to go, be that holy Mt. Koya, beautiful Shirarahama Beach or the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.

How do you get around Wakayama?

Most travelers use a combination of buses and local trains (which are operated both by JR, as well as private companies line Nankai and Kintetsu) to get around Wakayama prefecture. While having a car will make your life a lot easier, it isn’t necessary for the majority of trips.

How long does it take from Osaka to Wakayama?

You can reach Wakayama City in as little as 90 minutes from Osaka Station, depending on which train you take—the Kuroshio Limited Express is the fastest option if you hold a Japan Rail Pass . However, if you plan to visit other destinations in Wakayama, you may have a much longer travel time. This is especially the case for places in eastern Wakayama, such as Katsuura and Shingu, which are over four hours away from Osaka.

The Bottom Line

I hope this Wakayama travel guide has inspired you to visit Kansai’s appendix, whether you’ve come to Japan often and have continued skipping it, or it’s your first trip, and this is where you find yourself as you stumble off the beaten path. Some destinations in Wakayama are basically mainstream, such as Mt. Koya, where you can do a temple stay. Others are on their way to getting there, from the Kumano Kodo, to the coastal towns at either end of it. No matter where you think you’ll end up going on your trip to Wakayama, I do hope you’ll consider hiring me to plan it .

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WAKAYAMA ITINERARY: 7 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit

Wakayama Prefecture is located on the southernmost part of Japan’s Kii Peninsula. This corner of Honshu Island also snagged the 5th slot on the Lonely Planet’s list of Best in Travel Top 10 Regions this year. Like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, it is also part of the Kansai Region. It takes about 40 minutes to reach its capital, Wakayama City, from Kansai International Airport and about an hour coming from Central Osaka.

Hailed as Japan’s Spiritual Heartland, Wakayama is most known for its temples and shrines dotting the Kii Mountain range, bestowing it a World Heritage site status with a vast network of ancient pilgrimage routes. Its coastline, stretching almost 600 kilometers also provides scenic beach getaway experience and abundant supply of fish and seafood. Wakayama, nicknamed the The Fruit Kingdom, is also known for its fresh produce and food manufacturing industry such as the plum wine and the shoyu (soy sauce).

If you’re seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations near Osaka, Wakayama might just be perfect for you. Here are seven places that you can visit in this quiet but underrated prefecture. I was able to visit most of these, but I also added some attractions that I failed to see but I’m sure will be worth your time.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Wakayama Marina City

This is a resort complex with interesting attractions such as Kuroshio Market, Porto Europa, resort hotels, souvenir shops, and restaurants.

• Kuroshio Ichiba Market The market is famous for its daily tuna filleting shows, which happen three times a day. Entrance Fee: FREE Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 1527 Kemi, Wakayama City, Wakayama
• Porto Europa This is a European port-inspired amusement park with various rides such as the roller coaster and the Ferris wheel. Entrance Fee: FREE Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 1527 Kemi, Wakayama City, Wakayama

Yuasa Soy Sauce Factory Tour

The port town of Yuasa is most famous for its traditional way of brewing Japanese shoyu (soy sauce). Learn more about the process and appreciate the artisanal soy sauce. Some combine the traditional and modern way to come up with more quality products.

• Kuyogura (Yuasa Soy Sauce Co. Ltd.) This company is the maker of the soy sauce product that won the Mondo Selection Gold Medal award. Entrance Fee: FREE Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: 1466-1 Yuasa, Yuasa-cho, Arida-gun, Wakayama
• Kadocho Founded in 1841, this brewery contributes a large part in the history of Yuasa soy sauce brewing. Entrance Fee: FREE Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 7 Yuasa, Yuasa-cho, Arida-gun, Wakayama

Nakano BC Sakagura Plum Wine Factory

Learn about how sake, fruit juice products, jams, and fruit wine (plum wine) are made here. Reserve your slots by telephone. See the tour details here: Nakano BC Sakagura Tour

Entrance Fee: FREE (brewery tour); ¥2,160/pax (plum liquor-making workshop) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 649-0034 758-45 Fujishiro, Kainan City, Wakayama

Kumano Kodo

Recognized as a UNESCO Worl Heritage Site, the Kumano Kodo is composed of five main pilgrimage routes, with Nakahechi Route, connecting Tanabe and Kumano Hongu Taisha, as the most popular. Another well-known site is Seiganto-ji Temple at Nachi Katsuura which towers over a lush forest with Nachi no Taki fall in the background.

Wakayama Castle

Built over four centuries ago, the castle stands proudly at the center of Wakayama City, becoming the symbol of the city. It is best to visit the castle during the season of the cherry blossoms in spring or during the season of the autumn leaves, covering the castle grounds with the distinctive colors of either season.

Entrance Fee: ¥410 (adults); ¥200 (children) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 3 Ichibancho, Wakayama City, Wakayama

A UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site, Koyasan is a historic temple town located in the mountainous regions of the Kii Peninsula. It is the birthplace of the Shingon Buddhism, drawing plenty of pilgrims and tourists alike.

• Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex Considered the heart of Koyasan, it houses the statue of Dainichi Nyorai (main Buddha) and the Konpon Daito (Great Pagoda). Entrance Fee: ¥200 (Kondo, Konpon Daito) Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 152 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun
• Kongobu-ji Head Temple This is the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhism. Entrance Fee: ¥500 (adults); ¥200 (children) Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 132 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun
• Okuno-in As the center of the Koyasan belief and the mausoleum of its founder, Kobo Daishi, this site is considered the most sacred in Koyasan. Entrance Fee: FREE Opening Hours: 24 hours Location: 550 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun
• Shukubo Shukubo means temple stay or temple lodging. Koyasan has 52 Shukubo temples, each offering unique experience with its own vibe, shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine), services, and history. Visit the Temple Lodging Association (Koyasan Shukubo Kyokai) for reservation.

Arida Fruit Picking Activity

The town of Arida enjoys a warm climate suitable for growing fruits. It is Japan’s top producer of mandarin oranges.

• Kuriyamaen This is a prominent mandarin orchard in Arida. Entrance Fee: ¥600 (adults); ¥500 (children) Opening Hours: Mid-October to Mid-December Location: 26 Iseki, Hirogawa-cho, Arida-gun, Wakayama
• Hayashi Farm Entrance Fee: ¥600 (adults); ¥500 (children) Opening Hours: Mid-October to Mid-December Location: 353 Oshima, Aridagawa-cho, Arida-gun, Wakayama

Other Attractions

• Wakayama City: Wakayama Historical Center, Momijidani Teien Garden, Tomogashima Islands, Kataonami Park, Bandoko Teien Garden, Stationmaster Tama II (cat)
• Koyasan: Daimon Gate, Tokugawa Mausoleum, Jison-in Temple, Reihokan Museum, Kudoyama-Sanada Museum
• Yuasa/Arida: Aragijima Rice Terraces, Yuasa Important Preservation District (Traditional Buildings), Dojo-ji Temple, Shirasaki Coast
• Shirahama/Susami: Saki-no-Yu Onsen, Shirahama Beach, Engetsuto Island, Sandanbeki Cave & Rock Cliff, Senjojiki Rock Plateau, Meotonami, Shihara Coast, Shirahama Energy Land
• Kushimoto/Kozagawa: Ichimai-iwa Monolith, Hashigui-iwa Rock, Kushimoto Marine Park, Cape Shionomisaki, Tokinohai Waterfall
• Kumano: Ryujin Onsen, Tanabe (Ajikoji Food Entertainment District, Tokei-jinja Shrine), Katsuura (Onsen Hopping, Benten-jima Island, Ki-no-Matsushima Cruise), Shingu (Kumano-gawa River Boat Tour, Doro-Kyo Gorge, Koya-zaka Slope)

Where to Book: Horizon Travel and Tours

This trip was made possible by Horizon Travel & Tours in partnership with Philippine Airlines. They offer Osaka-Wakayama travel packages. Some of their packages have some of the stops above (not all) in their itinerary.

Although DIY backpacking has become a trend for younger travelers, tour operators still have their market. It offers several advantages to those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of building your own itinerary or navigating on your own. Pre-arranged tours also make travel convenient especially for families traveling with little kids and seniors.

Horizon Travel & Tours is an IATA-accredited travel agency and an active member of Philippine IATA Airline Travel Association (PIATA) and Philippine Travel Agency Association (PTAA).

For more information about this tour or any of their other offers, you may get in touch with them through the following:

Ermita Main Office Address: 490 Potenciana Mansion, Sta. Monica St., Ermita, Manila Landline: +632 5212586 or 3283388 Mobile: +63917 8072538 or +63998 8577017 Email: [email protected]

Binondo Branch Office Address: 345 San Vicente Cor., T., Pinpin Sts., Binondo Manila Landline: +632 3102308 to 09 or 9862717 Mobile: +63917 8198628

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50 Things to Do in Wakayama

• tsunagu Japan

Wakayama is the prefecture west of Osaka and bordering the Pacific Ocean. There's so many spiritual spots that you can visit, from temples, shrines, pilgrimage roads, and hot springs. Here are 50 recommended spots in Wakayama that you can visit to add historical and natural charm to your trip.

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Since ancient times its picturesque scenery has been very popular, and in recent years its sightseeing areas have also grown in popularity! 

Here are 50 recommended spots in Wakayama that you can visit to add historical and natural charm to your trip.

1. Mt. Koya (Koya-machi, Ito-gun)

As one of Japan's three sacred mountains, this is a power spot that any visitor to Wakayama can't miss. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage in 2004, and recently its popularity among foreign tourists has been increasing. It was given 3 stars in the Japanese version of the Michelin travel guide. 

2. Okunoin (Koya-machi, Ito-gun)

This is a historical landmark and World Heritage Site where Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai) is enshrined. The road approaching the shrine is lined with trees that are around 700 years old, and in the cemetery members of the royal family, of the imperial court, daimyo, and military commanders have their tombs and grave markers here for a total of more than 200,000 graves. It's such a sacred place that it's said that "the Okunoin is not a place of the world of humans."

3. Wakayama Castle (Wakayama)

The huge three-story castle tower was originally built in 1585, and the current one was reconstructed in 1958. It's constructed on the summit of Mt. Torafusu, and the huge panorama of all four corners of Wakayama unfolds beneath it. There is also a zoo inside the castle. It costs 200 yen for children and 410 yen for adults to enter.

4. Kumano Kodo (Tanabe-shi)

Kumano Sanzan is the term referring to the three Grand Shrines, all of which are in Wakayama. The Kumano Kodo are a pilgrimage roads that were opened to allow both Shinto and Buddhist pilgrims to easily get to all three. Kumano Kodo is a general term for all five of the routes, which are individually named Nakahechi, Kohechi, Ohechi, Iseji, and Kiiji. The most popular route is the route that goes from Hosshin Monouji to Kumano Hongu Taisha. It has resting areas, and the stone paving left over from the ancient road as well as the terraced rice fields makes for a wonderful atmosphere.

5. Kumano Sanzan (Tanabe-shi)

As mentioned, "Kumano Sanzan" is a phrase referring to the three Great Shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. Kumano has been revered as a special area that's enshrined many gods from ancient times. In the rugged mountain range that straddles Wakayama, Nara, and Mie prefectures, the sacred grounds of Mt. Koya and the Kumano Sanzan were brought into existence. If you want to have a spiritual experience, walking on the ancient road that connects the Kumano Sanzan and visiting them is definitely one way to do it.

6. Kongobu-ji (Koya-cho, Ito-gun)　

This is the head temple of the Mt. Koya Shingon sect of Buddhism and is also a national historic landmark as well as a World Heritage site. The building itself is registered as one of Wakayama's tangible cultural properties. Religious matters are performed here all over Mt. Koya. There are other highlights, such as Japan's largest rock garden, Banryuutei, and fusumae, images drawn on sliding screens. The entrance fee is 500 yen.

Related tour:

Receive spiritual enlightenment in the sacred Mt Koya

7. Tomogashima Hiking Course (Wakayama)

Tomogashima is the collective name for the uninhabited islands (Okinoshima, Jinoshima, Kashima, and Torashima) that are technically part of Kada. On Torashima, you can still find remains of the fort that used to be there from the Meiji era until the end of World War 2. You can take a boat there from Okinoshima, and enjoy camping, fishing, and wandering around the historic landmarks. The most recommended course is the 2 hour one that goes around the fort, the lighthouse, and the observation deck!

8. Umitsuri Park (Wakayama)

This fishing park is inside Wakayama Marine City. Anyone can enjoy fishing here, from beginners to experts. You can fish as much sea bream and yellowtail as you want in the ocean fishing pond, and you can also pay for them to prepare your freshly-caught fish. You can also experience breakwater fishing, so it really is enjoyable for experts who are aiming to catch a large variety of fish.

9. Kada Setonaikai National Park/Miyama Fort (Wakayama)

Just like Tomogashira, there are fort remains here that will make you feel a sense of adventure. Currently, there are three ruins left, but during the war, it's said that it was constructed in order to obstruct warships from invading from Osaka Bay. Inside the park, there are lodging facilities, open lawn space, a campground, a tennis court, and more. The view of the sea from the park is amazing!

10. Shirahama Gyoen (Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun)

If you're going to Wakayama for an onsen trip, Shirahama Gyoen is definitely recommended! At the well-known Shirohama Onsen, they have various buffet courses such as all-you-can-eat crab and all-you-can-eat sashimi, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the beach, and there are other sights such as Adventure World and Engetsu-shima! If you stay at this hotel, you can enjoy all of what Shirahama has to offer.

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11. Shirahama Beach (Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun)

If we're talking about popular beaches in the Kansai area, then this beach is one of the top! The white sand and the beautiful water attracts all sorts of people in the summer. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy outdoor seafood barbecue, so after you swim, you can gaze at the sea while enjoying the ocean's bounty.

Experience Shirahama Onsen, overnight stay from Osaka/Kyoto!

12. Engetsu-tou (Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun)

This little island that has become a symbol of Shirahama is officially named Takashima. You can take a glass boat during the day to get near it. Engetsu-shima is famous because depending on the time of the year and the angle you're looking at it, the sun sets perfectly through the hole beneath the island's arch. In the summer it sets around 6:30, and in the winter around 4:30, so aim to get there around those times. 

13. Adventure World (Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun)

At this theme park, both children and adults can enjoy interacting with animals. In Pandaland, you can meet pandas, you can see land animals in Safari World, and you can watch sea animals perform in Marine World. You can also enjoy the carnival rides in the Playzone, among other activities. The entrance fee is 4100 yen for adults, 3700 yen for seniors 65 and older, 3300 yen for teenagers, and 2500 yen for children.

14.塩岬（東室郡串本町）

Shionomisaki is Honshu's southernmost point and it's part of the town of Kushimoto. From the observation deck on Shionomisaki's sightseeing tower, you can gaze upon the verdant grass, Shionomisaki's lighthouse, the sea view, and on fair weather days you can even see the World Heritage sight of the Mt. Nachi mountains. There is a restaurant inside the tower so you can enjoy local meals using Kushimoto tuna.

15. Hashigui-iwa (Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun)

This rock formation in Kushimoto includes more than 40 pillar-like stones of various sizes stretching for about 850 meters. It's officially registered as a national scenic sight. From May to November, since the sun rises through the gaps of the stones, it's a very popular spot for photography buffs.

16. Daimonzaka (Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun)

Daimonzaka is a cobblestone staircase that's part of the Kumano Kodou, and it leads to the sacred ground of Mt. Nachi. It's about 600 meters long. Between the Furigasebashi, said to be the entrance way to sacred ground, the 800 year old Meotosugi trees at the entrance of the staircase, and the spiritual atmosphere, it's considered a power spot for many people.

17. Kumano Nachi Taisha (Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun)

Many people gathered here since ancient times because it's the center of religious beliefs, and now many pilgrims continue to make the journey. This is one of the shrines famous for being part of the Kumano Sanzan. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2004. Every July 14th, they hold one of Japan's biggest fire festivals, the Nachi-no-Ougi Matsuri.

18. Kumano Hayatama Taisha (Shingu-shi)

The era when this temple was erected is actually unknown. It's also part of the Kumano Sanzan. In July 2004, it was registered as a UNESCO World Culture and Heritage site. Throughout the year they hold various Shinto rituals.

19. Kamikura Shrine (Shingu-shi)

This shrine sits on Mt. Kamikura, a mountain near the southern tip of the island in an enclave. Seeing the miraculous rock, Gotobiki-iwa, is worth making the trip. However, making your way up the stone steps to reach it is rather difficult, so please take note. It's about a 15 minute walk from Kumano Hayatama Shrine to the foot of Mt. Kamikura. 

20. Kumano Hongu Taisha (Tanabe-shi)

Kumano Hongu Taisha is the third of the Kumano Sanzan. These three shrines in the southwestern part of Wakayama are separated by about 20-40 km but the Kumano Koudou Nakahechi road connects them all.

Next： No.21-40 Further exciting spots and activities in Wakayama 

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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WAKAYAMA Wakayama City Discover the home of soy sauce and islands that recall pop culture

• NEAR WAKAYAMA CITY
• Destinations
• Wakayama City

Discover the home of soy sauce and islands that recall pop culture

• A fresh tuna-cutting show at the lively Kuroshio Market
• A taste of original soy sauce from the place of its birth
• A visit to the Tomogashima Islands, a backdrop reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli masterpiece

How to Get There

Wakayama Station is located a 1-hour express train ride from Shin-Osaka Station on the JR Hanwa Line.

The Nankai Line runs from Osaka's Namba station to Wakayama-shi station in just over an hour.

Access from Kansai Airport is via a 45-minute train ride on Nankai Electric Railway or JR West Line, or a 45-minute bus ride on the Airport Limousine Bus.

The source of soy sauce

A 40-minute ride down the Kisei Main Line train tracks from Wakayama City will bring you to the quiet town of Yuasa. This photogenic town is as well preserved as its most famous export.

As the birthplace of soy sauce, visitors to Yuasa can enjoy the time-stood-still townscape with a precious taste of the original salty-sweet condiment. You can tour a soy sauce manufacturer and see the soy sauce fermenting in massive wooden barrels.

As fresh as it gets

Hosting an array of restaurants and do-it-yourself barbeque areas, the market offers a wide selection of fresh local seafood, straight to your plate. The highlight of a market trip is the daily tuna filleting demonstration that takes place once a day. Watch pros fillet these handsome giants of the sea and enjoy a mouthwatering taste while stocks last.

Islands reminiscent of Laputa

©Wakayama City Tourist Association

Fans of Japanese popular culture flock to the island due to its resemblance to the floating island of Laputa in Studio Ghibli's "Castle in the Sky."

House of history

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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Wakayama is a city in Japan’s Kansai region. Overlooking the city, central Wakayama Castle has an original moat and stone wall. Nearby, the Museum of Modern Art displays Japanese prints, paintings and sculptures, as well as European works. To the south, Kimii-dera Temple is known for springtime cherry blossoms and views of Wakanoura Bay. Porto Europa is a theme park designed to resemble Mediterranean harbor towns.

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Discover Japan’s sustainable wonderland in Wakayama Prefecture

Apr 29, 2021 • 6 min read

Japan’s Wakayama Prefecture has long been revered for its natural and spiritual significance © Mirko Kuzmanovic / Shutterstock

Through the mists of time, Japan ’s Wakayama Prefecture has been revered for its natural and spiritual significance. Here among the primeval forest, rejuvenating hot springs and breathtaking natural vistas of the Kii Peninsula , even the air itself feels sacred.

Traversing its ancient network of trails in pilgrimage connects one to not only places of worship, but also to the wider natural environment, where meditating to the rhythm of nature and the sound of one’s footsteps becomes a healing balm for the soul.

Sustainable travel has been intrinsic to visits to the area for thousands of years. Through showing great respect and humility to nature and the deities that dwell within it, pilgrims have long sought self-inquiry and salvation.

More recently, with the ‘Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range’ collectively named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region’s historically sustainable practices have been further solidified, managed and protected to ensure Wakayama’s continued preservation for visitors.

Whether you’re seeking connection with a higher power, nature, yourself or even other hikers – often known as dōgyō-ninin – here are just some of the ways to enjoy Wakayama’s bountiful natural offerings.

The Kumano Kodō

The Kumano Kodō is a 1100-year-old network of ancient coastal and mountainous pilgrimage routes that connect the “Kumano Sanzan” or the Three Grand Shrines and the temple of Kumano: Hongū Taisha , Nachi Taisha , Hayatama Taisha , and Seiganto-ji Temple .

Unlike some hikes that have one set start and end point, the Kumano Kodō’s varied and intersecting routes mean one can make this experience their own based on time, interest and level of physical fitness, from just a few hours on the trails to a multi-day pilgrimage.

The most popular and accessible to visitors is the mountainous Nakahechi Imperial Route between Takijiri-ōji and Nachi Taisha, where you literally walk in the footsteps of bygone Emperors, nobles and commoners. At around 70 kilometers (40 miles), the full course takes most hikers 4-5 days to complete, staying overnight at small minshuku (family-run inns) along the way.

The limited capacity of the accommodations is all part of the sustainable ethos of the Kumano Kodō, allowing nature and hikers the breathing room that makes a pilgrimage here so special.

If you yearn for time to contemplate or to not think at all, the unspoken and all-knowing energy that resides on these ancient pathways seems to deliver exactly what your heart and mind requires.

Saigoku 33 Temple Pilgrimage

The Saigoku 33 Temple Pilgrimage covers thirty-three temples (and three bangai , or extras) dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, over an incredible seven prefectures – the first three in Wakayama.

The legend of its origin involves a monk called Tokudo who in the year 718 was apparently called upon by Enma-ō, overlord of hell, whose realm was filling up too fast, to establish a place of worship for each of the thirty-three incarnations of Kannon, so that those who traveled the route could be granted salvation.

The Wakayama section of the pilgrimage begins at Seiganto-ji Temple and ends at the impressive Kokawadera Temple , established in the year 770. The grand scale of Kokawadera’s hondō (main hall), rebuilt in the 18th Century, is a sight to behold and easily the largest on the entire pilgrimage.

The approach to the temple is flanked by the Kokawadera Teien rock garden. Assembled during the Momoyama period (1574-1602), this unusual rock garden is so unique it has been designated a National Scenic Beauty. Here you won’t find any of the minimalism of a typical zen garden, but an abundance of locally sourced rocks from Wakayama, arranged as a distinctive dry landscape garden.

If traveled sequentially, the Saigoku Pilgrimage covers a staggering 600 miles. Given the great distance, many people visit the temples over several trips (in any order) and have each visit stamped in a special book called a nōkyōchō . It is believed this practice goes back to the legend of Enma-ō, who apparently gave Tokudo thirty-three seals to verify his temple visits. 

Kōyasan is the most sacred site of Shingon Buddhism, a Buddhist sect that was introduced to Japan in 806 by Kōbō Daishi, a monk who received what is known as ‘the legitimacy of the teachings of esoteric Buddhism’ in China.

It is said from China he threw a sankosho (a three-pronged prayer tool) that landed in a pine tree on Kōyasan, which is why he decided to found the main training place for monks of Japan’s Shingon sect here in 816.

The small town, which is nestled among eight peaks that form the shape of Buddha’s lotus flower, is now home to approximately 100 temples, around half of which open their doors to visitors as shukubō or overnight temple lodgings. The shukubō provide a unique window into monastic life, with visitors given the opportunity to try shōjin ryōri , the Buddhism vegetarian cuisine, and participate in morning prayers.

Sustainable, seasonal vegetables and mountain-picked vegetables ( sansai ) are a common feature of the meals, and a temple stay a chance to slow down and reconnect with oneself and the natural world.

Not to be missed is a visit to Okunoin , home to Japan’s largest cemetery and the mausoleum of Kōbō Daishi, where it is believed he has not died, but is praying for the people in eternal meditation as he waits for Miroku Nyorai, the Buddha of the future.

Shirahama or ‘white beach’ is a hot spring town with a 650-meter (third of a mile) sand beach. First mention of the town’s onsen was recorded in 657 when Imperial Prince Arima stayed there, ranking it among Japan’s three oldest hot springs.

While Wakayama’s mountains have plenty of bathing opportunities, seaside onsen provide a whole different experience. A must-visit is Saki-no-yu , a rotenburo (outdoor bath) that merges with the Pacific Ocean.

Soak in the natural spring water as the spray from the waves and the salty sea air coalesce to create a harmonious cooling effect with the steaming baths.

The scenic bay area of Wakanoura is so breathtaking it prompted a new art form.

As the first marine resort destination in Japan, royal and noble families from Nara would come to visit the ocean and see its grand scope. They would then be inspired to write ‘waka poetry’ to express the sensation of their first glimpse of the ocean, sending the poems back to their family and friends inland.

Ever since, poets have been inspired to capture Wakanoura’s constantly-changing beauty in words. Their earliest writings featured in the 1,300-year-old Man’yōshū, Japan’s oldest collection of poetry.

Visitors can get a panoramic view of the bay, and its disappearing and reappearing tidal flats, by climbing the 231 steps to Kimii-dera , founded in 770 and the second temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. It is believed the Goddess of Waka resides in the bay inspiring Man’yō era poets and Edo period painters alike.

A beacon of sustainability

At its heart, sustainability is a form of preservation — an apparatus designed to alleviate the environmental, economic and sociocultural pressures tourism places on a destination.

By that measure, Wakayama shines – its sightseeing destinations have continued in a sustainable manner since ancient times, bringing the great outdoors and its restorative qualities to pilgrims for thousands of years.

Conservancy springing from healing – a shining example for the world today.

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Pilgrimage town of less than 3,000 residents received almost 1.4 million tourists last year .

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