11 sightseeing spots in Wakayama! Onsen, places recommended for families with children and more!
Wakayama has mountains, sea and rivers, making it the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Furthermore, mountain delicacies such as gibier, seafood such as tuna and fruits such as mandarin oranges are also very tasty, making it the perfect destination for gourmets.
In this issue, we introduce some of Wakayama’s specialities and famous spots! After reading this, you might want to go to Wakayama right away.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
What do you think of Wakayama? What are its specialities and places of interest?
Wakayama Prefecture stretches from north to south, so even if you say ‘Wakayama’ in one word, the characteristics and specialities vary from region to region. In this issue, we introduce some must-try Wakayama gourmet foods and must-visit places of interest when visiting Wakayama.
Local cuisine and local delicacies
Mehari-zushi, persimmon leaf sushi, mackerel nare-zushi and vegetarian food are some of the local specialities of Wakayama Prefecture.
Mehari-zushi is named after the ‘eye-piercingly large mouthful’. It is a large rice ball wrapped in white rice with salted takana.
Kakinoha sushi was created in Wakayama Prefecture because some lands are far from the sea and fresh fish was difficult to obtain. Salted mackerel sushi is wrapped in kakinoha (persimmon leaves), which are said to be highly preservative.
Saba narezushi is a local delicacy from the Arita and Hidaka regions. It is pressed sushi made from salted mackerel and other fish, and is said to taste better when it is slightly mouldy. It is actively made around the time of autumn festivals.
Shojin ryori is famous because Wakayama Prefecture is home to Mount Koya. Koya, which was founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) some 1,200 years ago, where monks endure rigorous ascetic training and eat vegetarian food prepared without killing meat or fish. Even the broth, oil and other seasonings are vegetable-based.
Wakayama ramen is also famous as a local delicacy. Locals call it ‘Chinese noodles’. The soup is based on chicken or pork bones and comes in two types: light and clear or cloudy and thick.
Famous Products
Many people associate Wakayama with Kishu plums.It ranks first in the country in terms of both the area under ume cultivation and the volume of ume shipped.Minabe-cho and Tanabe-shi are the most popular ume-growing areas.
Fruit production, such as mikan (mandarin oranges), is also thriving.Strawberries, mandarins, peaches, persimmons and jabara (a type of citrus fruit) are produced in Wakayama Prefecture.Kitayama Village is the only jambara production area in Japan.
Persimmons are often served as dried persimmons and are known locally as ‘anpo persimmons’.
Tuna from Nachikatsuura is also famous.Wakayama Prefecture offers a wealth of seafood, including tuna and bonito, as well as kuei, shirasu, hachio, whale, hamo and sea bream.The fish you get in season is the best of the best!Enjoy it grilled, cooked in hot pots, sashimi and in a variety of other ways.
Wakayama may have a strong image of fish, but in fact it also has delicious meat.
Kumano beef is the most famous beef from Wakayama.The breed that has been kept for a long time in the Kumano region is called Kumano beef.This is a meat you should definitely eat with gusto as a steak.
It is also famous for its gibier meat.Wild boar and deer meat is very tasty and odourless when properly processed.There are five processing facilities in the prefecture where strict hygiene control is carried out, and for the first time in the country, a ‘gibier meat quality grading system’ has been established.This is proof that you can enjoy high quality gibier with peace of mind.Wakayama Gibier Festivals are held every year from December to February, and you can taste gibier at restaurants and accommodation facilities throughout the prefecture.
*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***
11 places to visit in Wakayama
Let’s take a look at some of the places you should visit if you come to Wakayama, by region.
Areas near Wakayama City
In the suburbs of Wakayama City, where JR Wakayama Station is located, there are many places where you can take your children and enjoy the whole day!
Amusement parks, fishing and tuna demolition shows!Wakayama Marina City
Wakayama Marina City is a resort island surrounded by the sea.It combines a theme park ‘Porto Europe’, a sea fishing park, a natural hot spring and a resort hotel.
At Porto Europa, you can not only enjoy the classic amusement park activities such as carousels, water rides and trapeze rides, but you can also walk through streets reminiscent of medieval Europe.
The Sea Fishing Park, a ‘fishing seawall’ on a 570 m long breakwater, offers hand-free fishing.Staff can give you a lecture on how to fish, so beginners and children can enjoy fishing without any worries.
After spending time at the theme parks and fishing, you can fill your stomach at the in-house Kuroshio Market barbecue, watch the daily tuna dismantling show or take your time choosing souvenirs.You can also relax at the Kishu Kuroshio Onsen and stay overnight at the Wakayama Marina City Hotel.You can enjoy a full day at Marina City alone.
Domicile
1527 Moumi, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama-ken 641-0014
Opening hours
10:00-17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays (varies by day).
Official website
https://www.marinacity.com/marinacity/
BBQ while watching the sunset at Kata Beach!
Kata Kaisui Beach is a beachfront BBQ spot all year round.It is popular because it is the only spot on the beach in Wakayama Prefecture where BBQs can be held.Tents are also available for overnight stays, making it perfect for camping.
The attraction of Kata Beach is its beautiful sunset.It is a spectacular spot, selected as one of the 100 best sunsets in Japan.
During the swimming season, banana boats are available for hire and glamping facilities are open for even more fun.Check out the regular sunset yoga and other events!
住所
〒640-0103 Kada, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
Office opening hours
9:00~17:00
Official website
Feel the world of Laputa｜Tomogashima
Tomogashima (the collective name for Jinojima, Torashima, Kamijima and Okinoshima), a national park in the Seto Inland Sea, has many attractions, including the remains of several gun batteries used until World War II, a lighthouse built in the Meiji era and an observatory from which you can see as far as Shikoku.
It is also famous as a place where rare plants can be seen, with some 400 species of wetland plants.This is a great spot for history buffs and plant lovers.It is also popular as a place where visitors can experience the world of the Ghibli film work Castle in the Sky.
To access the island, take the Tomogashima Steamship from Kata Port.The boat trip takes about 20 minutes.
Address
〒640-0102 Fukayama,H Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
Opening hours
9:00-16:30 (Tomogashima Steamship operating hours).
Official website
Kumano area
There are many places where you can feel the ancient Kumano faith in the Kumano region.
Walking the World Heritage Sites｜Kumano Kodo and Kumano Sanzan
The Kumano Kodo, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, is a pilgrimage route taken by pilgrims to the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha) in Wakayama Prefecture.
This pilgrimage is known as the Kumano Pilgrimage, and the route is still attracting attention today as a power spot, with many people visiting from all over the country.The rivers, waterfalls and huge rocks along the Kumano Kodo are said to be inhabited by deities and are also known as the ‘place of revival’ because of their nature worship origins.
The Kumano Kodo routes vary in length from routes that can be walked in a few hours to routes that take several days.Recently, they have been attracting attention as places for retreats, as they are surrounded by nature and are places where you can walk mindlessly.Decide on a walk that suits your fitness and schedule.There are distinctive accommodation and hot springs along the route.
Kumano Miyama Residence
Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine: 1110 Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe, Wakayama 647-1731, Japan.
Kumano Nachi Taisya: 1, Nachi-yama, Nachi-Katsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5301, Japan.
Kumano Hayatama-taisha shrine: 1 Shingu, Shingu, Wakayama 647-0081, Japan.
Opening hours
Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine: 8am-5pm.
Kumano Nachi Taisya: 7am – 4:30pm.
Kumano Hayatama-taisha shrine: 8am-5pm.
Official website
Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine：http://www.hongutaisha.jp/
Kumano Nachi Taisha：https://kumanonachitaisha.or.jp/
Kumano Sotama Taisha：https://kumanohayatama.jp/
The river pilgrimage route!Kumano River boat trip
In fact, the Kumano Kodo, which I mentioned earlier, has a route that takes you across the river by boat.Even today, you can still go down the river in a small wooden boat, so you can relive your Heian-period pilgrimage.
Board the boat from Roadside Station Shatorokyo Kaido Kumanogawa and see from the boat a number of waterfalls, including Nunobiki Falls and Hebewada Falls, and rocks that nature has formed into unusual shapes.Land on a large rock called Bone Island for a short break.The route offers a chance to enjoy the history and fantastic nature of the island, such as the legendary Noon Island, where Amaterasu and Kumano Gongen played Go, and the sound of a flute played by a storyteller on board the boat.
*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***
Enjoy a different view of the Kumano Kodo that cannot be seen from land.
Kumano River boat boarding address.
54-8, Tancho, Kumanogawa-cho, Shingu, Wakayama
Opening hours
9:00-17:00
Official website
Koyasan area
Koyasan, founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) some 1,200 years ago, is also located in Wakayama Prefecture.Here are some of the things to do in the Koyasan area.
The whole mountain is a temple｜Koyasan
Koyasan was founded by Kobo-Daishi Kukai at the beginning of the Heian period.Kongobuji Temple is well known, but Koyasan is a ‘one mountain precinct’, i.e. the whole area is considered a temple.
The two most sacred sites are Okunoin and Danjo Garan, which are visited by many people from all over the world.The Danjo Garan was the first place Kobo-Daishi started work on, and was the fundamental centre of Shingon esoteric Buddhism.The temple grounds include the Nemoto Daito and Kondo Hall.
The Okuno-in Temple is where Kobo-Daishi meditated to attain a state of selflessness.The Kobo-Daishi Gobyo (mausoleum) is the central sanctuary of the Daishi faith and is an essential part of any visit to Koyasan.
There are more than 50 shukubo (lodges for monks and worshippers in the mountains in the past.Today, they are open to the general public), so it is recommended to stay overnight on Koyasan.You can experience the culture of the temples and shrines as you can enjoy vegetarian cuisine and the colourful nature of the gardens.
Some of the Kumano Kodo routes described earlier include the Kohechi route, which connects Mt Koya with the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, so if you go to the trouble, stay the night before at a lodge on Mt Koya and visit the Kumano Kodo routes too.
Address
〒648-0294 Koyasan, Koyamachi, Ito-gun, Wakayama
Opening hours
8:30-17:00
Official website
Fun for children in the Karakuri Room｜Kutoyama Sanada Museum, Kutoyama, Japan
The facility aims to pass on the story of the three generations of Masayuki Sanada, Yukimura and Daisuke (parents, children and grandchildren) to future generations for a long time to come.Masayuki was a military commander from Ueda Castle in Shinano Province (now Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture), while Kutoyama was the place where Yukimura spent the most time in his life and where Daisuke was born, which is why the museum was built here.
The museum’s archives are grouped by period, and special exhibitions with themed displays are also held in the museum.There is also a Karakuri room that imitates the Sanada mansion, so the facility can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Address
〒648-0101 1452-4, Kutoyama, Kutoyama-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama
opening hours
9:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
Official website
https://www.kudoyama-kanko.jp/sanada/index.html
Arita and Hidaka area
The Hidaka area, famous for its Arita mandarins and kuei, is also a good place to start!
100 best terraced rice paddies in Japan｜Aragijima
Selected as one of Japan’s Important Cultural Landscapes and one of the 100 best terraced rice paddies in Japan, Aragi Island is a terraced paddy field that looks completely different depending on the season.
In spring, the water on the terraced rice fields is like a beautiful mirror, in summer it is green, in autumn the rice ears are golden, and in winter it is a pure white snowy landscape…
This is a must-visit spot to savour the beauty of the four seasons.
Address
〒643-0521 Shimizu, Aridagawa-cho, Arida-gun, Wakayama
Official website
https://www.town.aridagawa.lg.jp/top/kakuka/kanaya/9/2/keikan/4718.html
Enjoy diving and camping!Shirasaki Marine Park
If you want to enjoy the outdoors, visit Shirasaki Marine Park, with its white limestone rocks and the blue of the sea.The entire park is surrounded by limestone, a rare geological feature.
This limestone is from the Paleozoic Permian period, a whopping 250 million years ago.Fossils of ‘Huzurina’ and ‘sea lilies’ can be seen.
Address
960-1, Oaza Oobiki, Yura-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama
Opening hours
8:30-17:15 (closed during the year-end and New Year holidays).
*Camping must be booked in advance by calling 0738-65-0655.
Official website
Shirahama and Kushimoto area
The Shirahama and Kushimoto area, with its sea, rivers, hot springs and facilities, is introduced here.
Meet the panda parents and their children!Adventure World
Adventure World, located in Shirahama Town, is a theme park that combines Safari World, Marine World and an amusement park with indoor and outdoor playgrounds.
It is home to 1400 animals of 140 species, including seven giant pandas, including a father and son named Liangbin and Fengbin.
Unlike most zoos, you can enjoy unique activities such as ‘walking safaris’, which bring you closer to the animals, and parades by the animals.There are even wedding packages perfect for animal-loving couples!
The play zone also has a roller coaster and merry-go-round, so the whole family can enjoy the facilities.
Address
〒649-2201 2399 Kata, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
Opening hours
10:00-17:00.
Official website
Waikiki Beach, Japan!Shirahama Beach
The last beach to be introduced is Shirahama, from which Shirahama takes its name.It is a beautiful beach, which is understandably a sister beach to Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach.It has also been selected as one of the 100 best beaches in Japan.
The 620 m long white sand beach contrasts with the blue of the sea and the palm trees…If you want to experience a tropical summer in Japan, come to Shirarahama!
The surrounding area offers a wide range of accommodation, making it ideal for a long holiday vacation.
Address
〒649-2211 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
Official website
http://www.town.shirahama.wakayama.jp/kanko/midokoro/1454401113276.html
Other Articles
