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
Homotsuden

4.5

652 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Higashimuro-gun Nachikatsuuracho

A 20-minute drive from JR Kii-Katsuura Station. This treasure hall is located on the grounds of Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, counted as one of the Three Main Kumano Shrines. The facility displays artefacts excavated from the Nachisan Sutra Mound, ancient documents belonging to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine designated National Cultural Properties, and other rare items concerning the history of Kumano and the Kumano faith. As worship hours for Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and operating hours for the treasure hall differ, prospective visitors are recommended to check in advance before coming.

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.
Kongobuji Aji Kan

4.5

515 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Ito-gun Koyacho Koyasan 132

Absolutely loved the rock garden and the paintings in the sliding doors. This has become one of my favourite temples visited in Japan. It is large and a great one to explore as there is a lot to see...
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...
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.
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
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 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...
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!

以前から気にはなってましたので、行程の都合上パンダの前に寄ってみました。中はエンタメに振ってる行政がやってそうな科学館みたいな感じですが、入場料は行政ぽくありません（汗）子供はミステリーハウスではしゃいでました。小学生くらいの家族連れは結構見ましたが、子供はみんな楽しそうでした。大人はめまいする…とか言ってる人もいました。うちの子供は360°立体シアターの方を気に入って2種類見てました。ロ...
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.
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.
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.
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.

農産物直売所では、大根、ニンジン、キャベツなどの新鮮野菜が豊富に揃っていました。また、切り花、タケノコや山菜が春を感じさせてくれました。なお、レストランはありませんが、イートインコーナーのあるベーカリーでは、焼き立てパンだけではなく、アイスクリームやフレッシュジュースも提供しています。
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。
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.
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.
Negoro-ji Temple

4.5

74 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Iwadeshi Negoro 2286

Negoro-ji is a complex of temples in Negoro, Iwade City. It is the head temple of the Shingi Shingon sect founded over 900 years ago. The large wooden pagoda within the complex has been designated a national treasure and is the only large wooden stupa to have been designated as such. Visitors are welcome to enter inside and look around. The temple is also a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing.

日本最大の国宝の多宝塔が有名です。駐車場に車を止めて入山料を納め進んでいきます。階段を進んでいくと広い境内、そして正面には江戸末期に再建された大伝法堂があります。その左手に室町時代に建立され、豊臣秀吉の焼き討ちを免れた巨大な多宝塔があります。高さ３７ｍと迫力があります。その他にも、大師堂や行者堂、聖天堂などの重要文化財の建物もあります。また、紅葉が素晴らしく、秋だけでなく、青モミジの時期も素晴らし...

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.