Explore the Hidden Gem of Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

From its winding mountain trails to its charming, pristine beaches, Wakayama Prefecture is an ancient gem waiting to be discovered. Steeped in history and culture, the area is abundant in unique charm and has much to offer a first-time visitor. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to help you plan your adventure.

A Prefecture Like No Other

South of Kyoto and Osaka, in the Kansai region of Honshu is Wakayama-ken, where beauty and nature reign supreme. Rugged and vastly mountainous, it’s a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast traveling to Japan. The Kii Peninsula that the prefecture calls home boasts extraordinary pilgrimage routes, picturesque port towns, sprawling hikes, and natural hot springs. Despite its closeness to Osaka (the second largest metropolitan area in the country), the prefecture allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in a tranquil, unspoiled world.

The city itself presents a glimpse into feudal-era Japan, while the nearby monastic mountain settlement of Kōya-san gives visitors the opportunity to stay at a functioning Buddhist temple. Here, guests can rise at 6 am to meditate with the monks before gathering in the breakfast hall to sample their unique vegetarian cuisine. Furthermore, travelers can stay in Shirahama, one of the best-known areas for natural hot springs, before venturing onto the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage routes, a series of scenic nature trails that have been in use for over 1000 years.

Natural Wonders

If you’re traveling to Wakayama Prefecture, be sure to pack your hiking boots and swimsuit—you’ll need them. The Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes of the Kii Mountain Range enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status, and today, travelers can trace the same ancient paths that were once used by emperors and samurai. The Kumano Kodō is not just one route, but a network of trails through dense woodland and forested mountain peaks.

Here, the Kumano Sanzan (three Grand Shrines) and Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple stand as historical landmarks, visible along the Nakahechi route (also known as the Imperial Route), the most popular and action-packed trail in the area. Moreover, Yoshino-Kumano National Park is famed for its stunning views of Mount Kongou and Mount Katsuragi, and sites like Odaigahara Plateau offer opportunities for hiking, mountain climbing, and nature walks.

At the southern tip of the peninsula are Kushimoto and Shirahama, beautiful coastal towns where visitors can dive amongst coral reefs, relax in historic onsen, enjoy fresh seafood, and unwind on some of the best beaches in all of Kansai. In Japan, taking time to soak in an onsen is a cherished practice, known for its rejuvenating qualities. Wakayama offers a variety of options, from relaxing foot baths at Ashiyu Alley in Shirahama to intimate two-person baths at Tsubo-Yu in Yunomine Onsen, and even large communal baths at Sennin Buro at Kawayu Onsen, which operates seasonally.

Noteworthy experiences include Saki-no-Yu, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, offering stunning ocean views from its open-air baths, and Bokido Cave, an onsen nestled within a naturally formed cavern located at Katsuura Onsen in Nachikatsuura Town.

Immerse Yourself in Culture

Wakayama Castle, built in 1585 under the command of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, remains a historic and eye-catching landmark dominating the city. Though it suffered severe damage during World War II, it was reconstructed in 1958, now symbolizing the city and housing historical artifacts, alongside a traditional tea house where visitors can relax and enjoy a cup of Japanese green tea. The grounds are also home to over 600 cherry blossom trees, making it a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) during spring.

Another unique attraction is Fusion Museum, celebrating Wakayama’s commercial knitting heritage, where visitors can create their own knitted scarf using bicycle-powered machines. In the town of Yuasa, travelers can visit Kadocho, a traditional soy sauce brewery over 170 years old. Additionally, Kushimoto Marine Park, established to conserve the underwater world, features an onsite aquarium and offers diving lessons.

Unmissable Seasonal Events

The Japanese celebrate the unique qualities of each season, with cherry blossoms in spring drawing large crowds. Wakayama’s abundant trees offer stunning blooms, typically from late March to mid-April. Seasonal festivals include the Suna (sand) Festival Contest at Shirahama Beach, where participants create ornate sand sculptures, and the Kumano Hongu Taisha-Reitaisai Festival, involving traditions, dances, and the throwing of rice cakes. Additionally, summer fireworks brighten the coast, and in autumn, the Mifune-Matsuri Festival showcases ceremonial boats transferring the divine spirit along the Kumanogawa River.

The Freshest Produce

Thanks to its warm climate, Wakayama produces more premium fruits (including peaches, mandarins, Japanese persimmons, and ume) than anywhere else in Japan, alongside thriving farming and fishing industries. Ramen, or Chuka soba (Chinese noodles) as preferred by locals, gained popularity before World War II and remains a favorite. Ideshoten in Wakayama City and Marumasa Ramen in Shirahama serve especially delicious steaming bowls of noodles, although many establishments offer exquisite renditions of the dish.

Wakayama’s seafood is exceptional, with Otsukuri Gozen in Wakayama City providing set meals with the freshest fish sourced daily from nearby Arida. Visitors can also witness tuna-filleting shows at Kuroshio Market in Wakayama City and Toretore Ichiba-Mae Market in Shirahama Town. Seasonal offerings often include raw bonito, pot-boiled whitebait, fried sweetfish, succulent sea bream, and warming winter hot pots. In rural areas, restaurants may close early if business is slow, so it’s wise to call ahead. Popular dining spots in cities often require reservations, which is advisable given their quick fill-up during peak hours. Moreover, when the sun sets, exploring Tanabe City for a cold beer or sake in the Ajikoji Food Entertainment District—a vibrant area filled with small bars and restaurants—should be on your itinerary.

Getting Around

Travelers can reach Wakayama in just one hour and 30 minutes by plane from Tokyo, with domestic airlines flying into Nanki-Shirahama Airport. The prefectural capital is just one hour from Osaka and one hour and 30 minutes from Kyoto by train. Train passes can offer discounts to international visitors, and there are occasional special offers from Japan Railway and Nankai Electric Railway companies.

Another convenient option is the Koyasan & Kumano Access Bus, which provides unlimited ride passes linking the Koyasan area with the Kumano Sanzan heritage sites. While traveling to Wakayama’s more remote areas may take longer, the Kii Peninsula’s predominant mountain terrain offers breathtaking coastal views accessible via rail and highway. Renting a car is a solid choice for exploration, and biking is also popular within city limits, with battery-assisted and conventional bike rental services available near train stations and information centers.