2025 Wakayama Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Do you think Osaka is already beautiful? Then you should check out Wakayama. Compared to the bustling Osaka, Wakayama is more like a quiet haven with fewer tourists but many attractions worth exploring. Not only is there the world-famous Kodama Tram and the historic seafood market, but also Japan's No. 1 waterfall, dense forests, clear waterfalls, solemn shrines, blue sea and golden beaches. 🎀Highlights of Wakayama 🐱Kodama Tram: The Kishigawa Kodama Tram in Wakayama Prefecture is small and cute, and is a great way to experience the local atmosphere. 🌊Coastline: The coastline along the Kuroshio Line is long and winding with picturesque scenery. 💦Beach: Shiraharahama's beach is white and fine, and there are also Engetsu Island, foot baths and hot springs. ⛩Shrine: The sea torii gate of Kii Katsuura and the seafood sashimi rice bowl full of marine flavor. ✅ Itinerary suggestion: (6 days and 5 nights in Kansai) Day 1: Depart from Osaka Kansai Airport, check in to the hotel, and stay in Wakayama for the first night. Day 2: Tour from Osaka to Wakayama, visit Koyasan and Kuroshio Market, and stay overnight in Shirahama. Day 3: Explore Sandanbeki, Engetsujima, Senjojiki, Shio Cape and Hashiraiwa, stay in Urashima. Day 4: Visit Kumano Kodo, Seigantoji Temple, Nachi Falls and Shufu Park, and head to Tsu City. Day 5: Depart from Tsu City, visit Kyoto Sanzen-in Temple, experience Kibune's water divination and kawadoko cuisine, and return to Osaka. Day 6: Return to Osaka Kansai Airport and end the journey. 🎈How to Play ♨Seaview Hot Spring: This is the oldest "Saki-no-yu" in Japan, with a history of more than 1,350 years. The ticket is only 500 yen (about 25 RMB). It is very comfortable to soak in the hot spring with the sea view of the Pacific Ocean and lean on the rocks to listen to the sound of the waves. 🏖Free beach: The beautiful Shirahama Beach, with fine white sand and clear water, allows you to listen to leisurely music and watch students playing volleyball shirtless, which is not inferior to the surfing teenagers in Kamakura. 🌇Small town scenery: Different from the bustling big cities, there is the largest seafood market in Kansai, where you can taste fresh and economical seafood. 🌊Sea view accommodation: Most of the hotels here face the sea. You can wait for the sunset in the free foot bath, listen to the jazz played by the band, or enjoy your personal sea view time in a private hot spring under the shade of trees. 🍤Food experience: Whether it is the hotel's one-night stay and two-meals, or Keynoodle's sea bream noodles and seafood tea rice, you can enjoy the delicious food to your heart's content. 🏠Specialized accommodation: The all-white dome tents in "ToreTore Village" look like cotton candy. It offers a variety of room types and even has a pet room. #Wakayama Travel #Odama Tram #Seaview Hot Spring #Shirarahama Beach #Kansai Travel #Osaka Itinerary

CoStudio | Kuroshio Market — Seafood feast at a seaside resort Located on the artificial resort island of Wakayama Yacht City, Kuroshio Market is an exciting seaside fish market offering freshly caught seafood for you to indulge in a seafood feast. The area is characterised by a lively seaside atmosphere, full of buzz and energy. Visitors can watch the fishing boats return with their bountiful catch to market, ensuring that the seafood you taste is absolutely fresh and delicious. Kuroshio Market offers a wide variety of seafood options, with the mouth-watering sashimi being the most recommended. Fresh sashimi and sushi made on site are guaranteed to satisfy all your expectations for seafood. You can taste authentic Wakayama seafood cuisine in this market, as if you were in the embrace of the sea. Whether you want to taste delicious sashimi, explore the local fishing culture, or enjoy a seaside vacation, Kuroshio Market is a seafood paradise worth visiting. #Kuroshio Market #Wakayama Yacht City #Seafood Feast #Fresh Catch #Sashimi #Seaside Vacation #Seafood Paradise #Wakayama Cuisine #Fishing Culture

We took a bus to kimiidera from Wakayamashi station. It took about 35 minutes and dropped us right by the entrance. I like shrines that are built onto the hillside so this one was nice. There are loads of cherry blossom trees around the area that would be excellent during peak season. It is worth a look after you've seen the castle and there are some great views from the top. I also spent some time walking around the hillside graveyard above the shrine. I happen to find Japanese graveyards fascinating and beautiful. #givethanks #givethanks

Our friends took us to this quite small shrine and we were immediately fascinated by all the small statues that people had left there as gifts or something (was a bit confused as to the reasoning). The dolls are just beautiful and there are so many of them !!! We were also amazed at the areas where specific animal items had been left, for example heaps of small pigs including money box pigs, frog garden ornament type items etc. We also enjoyed learning about the water cleansing and the ringing of the bells and the clapping hands. You can also buy a small piece of fortune paper that our Japanese friend translated as very good luck. Highly recommend if you're in this area as not crowded and very different to other shrines because of the dolls and animal statues. #givethanks #givethanks

It is a little bit hard to find but once you know where it is then it is easy to walk and find your bearings either back to where you started or to another bus stop. This path leads from one of the lower bus stops to the main temples of Nachi Falls. It is steep and continual steps all the way so it is not suited to people with walking difficulties. The trees are tall and make for a good relaxing peaceful atmosphere while doing the walk. I personally think it is best to do the descending walk. As there are a lot of steps around Nachi Falls take the bus to Nachi-San and enjoy the temples and surrounding area then walk down the Kumano Kondo back to the bus stop as it is all down hill. Nachi Falls is something worth conserving your energy for as you will do ample walking with plenty of stairs once you are there. Worth to visit! #givethanks #givethanks

The Hashigui-iwa rock formation on the water front of Kushimoto is very interesting and unlike any other formation. It just out into the bay pointing to Oshima lsand, the southern most point of Hoshu, the main island of Japan. Nature did a Good Job lining up the rocks. Located near to the coast for visitors to view. This place is a natural wonder and always a good place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. If the tide is low, you can actually walk out onto the rocks and if you happen to visit in December, the rocks are likely to be illuminated. Well worth a visit. #givethanks #givethanks

I have watched the TV news that a baby panda was born last year. When I saw the baby, I have decided to see the panda. My high expectations have not been betrayed. The name of the child panda is “Saihin”. She is a girl and so active! So cute! So lovely! You must see her. Now the crazy fever of baby panda boom has been calmed down, you can watch her very well without any clouds on week days. You will not be disappointed to enjoy here !!!!! This place will delight you, whether for children or adults. Dolphin show will also amaze you . I do not regret being here !!!! #givethanks #givethanks

Has anyone heard of Ghibli studio Laputa, Castle in the sky? Well, this island was the background inspiration for that animation. It was an interesting island though one need to really go early else there will be a long waiting queue since there is only one ferry operator from the Kada port, Wakayama. Also, some instruction was not really clear and lack of English direction. Tomogashima Island is a misnomer, there are actually 4 islands that are collectively referred to by that name. Access is by ferry from Kada port and the ferry only takes you to Okinoshima Island. #givethanks #givethanks

After visiting the Wakayama Castle which holds its guarded grandeur and famed ninja tales; we decided to explore its surroundings. We found beauty and elegance in a surprisingly quiet corner of the castle: Nishinomaru Teien Gardens (also known as Momijidani Teien). Not many tourists come down to this corner. During visit we met a japanese person told us that this garden brings peace and serenity. This elderly gentleman let us in on the secrets of this Garden as he lifted a big heavy camera with one hand to show us photos of rare birds who visit this charming garden too. We were in awe of the many different birds and creatures hidden but captured in photos which he graciously shared with us. We are glad we ventured beyond the main Castle and soaked in the tranquility of this garden. #givethanks #givethanks

Very popular Grand Shrine, best appreciated by hiking the Kumano Kodo as in the old days. The shrine architecture is outstanding. Great place for family with history and cultural experience. Many places of other interest are nearby. There are also one of the largest Torii shrine gate in the world #givethanks #travelinspiration #historicallandmarks #scenicspotguide #newyearstrip #givethanks

Kumano Shrine located at Wakayama, Japan is another breathtaking and stunning place in Japan. Visiting temples and shrines is very popular in Japan. But sometimes to appreciate more the place and view, we need to avoid crowded people thats why it is recommended to visit early in the morning. It is indeed a must visit place! It allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty and mystic atmosphere of the Kii mountains. Pilgrims then and now travel these trails to reach the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines, three of the most revered shrines in Japan. Visiting all three is believed to bring good luck to your past, present, and future lives. #givethanks #givethanks

This is an unmanned station in Wakayama that has become a hot topic due to the artistic art🎨 that is painted all over the station! ! This was completed by the painter👨🎨 "Painter Matsuo" over a period of 5 years❗! The work uses circles as a motif on almost the entire surface of the station's walls, ceilings, and floors, and depicts nature such as the sea and mountains, as well as creatures such as coral, fish, and owls🖌️✨️ Even if you don't use the train, there are many people who want to go here, and it is a really wonderful photo spot, so please be sure to visit👏✨️✨️ #0 yen trip January 2025 #Wakayama

I went to a restaurant called "Mominoki Shokudo" in Wakayama Prefecture! 📍685-4 Nishino, Kimino-cho, Kaiso-gun, Wakayama Prefecture This restaurant, which was renovated from a warehouse, has a vegan menu! The strong seasoning allowed me to enjoy a variety of flavors and I ate too much! I could have more rice and miso soup, so I was full! For snacks, the chestnut paste on the warabi mochi and the fig cake were also delicious! They use tofu and soy milk, so even if you eat this much, you won't feel heavy, which is the good thing about a vegetarian diet! I made a reservation for lunch at 2:30, but it was fully booked, so I recommend making a reservation! #FuritabiWinter

[Kiyono Kintetsu Department Store] ⭐️Address: 18 Tomoda-cho 5-chome, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, 640-8342, Kintetsu Department Store Wakayama Branch, 1st basement floor ⭐️Access: 4-minute walk from Wakayama Station ⭐️Business hours: 10:00-18:30 ⭐️Budget per person: Wakayama Ramen 900 yen ⭐️Recommended points: A restaurant where you can eat the classic Wakayama ramen 🍜 Located on the 1st basement floor of the department store, there are only about 7 seats, but the turnover rate is good so you can eat quickly and it's recommended ✨ The thick soup is full of flavor and mixes with the noodles, making it delicious 😋 [Emae Kaiten Sushi Yaichi Miyakaido Branch] ⭐️Address: 640-8323 3-1-28 Ota, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture ⭐️Access: 11 minutes on foot from Wakayama Station ⭐️Business hours: Weekdays 11:00-21:00 　　　　　　 Holidays 11:00-22:00 ⭐️Budget per person: 3,636 yen (5% off) ・Grilled pickled tuna 847 yen 423 yen/person ・Grilled shellfish 297 yen 148 yen/person ・Grilled marinated mackerel 396 yen, scallops 495 yen ・Grilled blackthroat seaperch 583 yen, crab miso 396 yen ・Top-grade negitoro 396 yen, salmon roe 693 yen ・Aonori miso soup 297 yen ⭐️Recommended points: The ingredients are large and fresh and delicious no matter what you eat. You can register in advance on the website, so I recommend doing so in advance✨ #Wakayama #WakayamaTrip #WakayamaTourism #WakayamaGourmet #WakayamaRamen #Sushi #TabelogTop100Restaurants #DomesticTravelRecord #TravelGirlYuka

Zao Bridge is a scenic spot in Wakayama Prefecture 🌉 This suspension bridge offers visitors a wonderful view, and is truly a hidden gem of Wakayama 🤫 Zao Bridge is a suspension bridge with a total length of about 160 meters, and from the bridge you can see the nature of the four seasons 💚 When I went there in the summer, it was a world of green ❣️ Especially when you stand in the center of the bridge, you can see the flow of the river and the surrounding greenery, and the view is truly breathtakingly beautiful 🥺 When you cross the bridge, it feels a little shaky, but that thrill is also fun! It's great to take a walk while looking at the magnificent view at your feet♡ It's also a great spot for taking photos, and the photos of the suspension bridge with the blue sky in the background are very picturesque☺️✌ 🌉 [Location information]: 1119 Numa, Aridagawa-cho, Arida-gun, Wakayama Prefecture 643-0531 From Osaka city🚗 About 2 hours by car Easy access by car, and parking is available🅿️ 🍂 [Recommended season]: Especially recommended from spring to autumn. Lush greenery spreads in summer, and beautiful autumn leaves in autumn🍁 Each season has its own unique charm, so you'll want to visit again and again🥺️🩵 If you come to Wakayama, be sure to enjoy the magnificent view at Zao Bridge. Refresh your mind and body with a moment in nature️🌿.∘ #Wakayama #Zao Bridge #Suspension bridge #Amazing view #Nature #Instagrammable #Wakayama trip #0 yen trip #Domestic travel #Wakayama sightseeing #Day trip drive

🔎The hidden gem around Osaka is none other than 'Wakayama,' located in the southwest of the Kii Peninsula in Japan, right around Osaka. A day trip is completely feasible. 📢Recommended one-day tour route Osaka—Wakayama Tama Train—Kimiidera Temple—Wakayama Castle—Kuroshio Market—Osaka 《Due to the niche recommendation, a one-day chartered tour is suggested, link below》 🗺Attraction Introduction ①Tama Train—Visit the Cat Stationmaster (A must-visit for cat lovers!) 🐱Tama (たま), born on April 29, 1999, in Wakayama Prefecture, passed away on June 22, 2015. She was a female calico cat. This adorable cat and her assistant were almost daily on duty at Kishi Station on the Kishigawa Line in Wakayama City, welcoming passengers and tourists. She directly saved a railway line that was on the verge of being discontinued, successfully attracting countless visitors and boosting the local economy. ②Kimiidera Temple—Cultural Heritage➕Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot 🛕Kimiidera Temple is one of the most popular temples in Wakayama Prefecture, known for its ancient temple buildings, sweet well water, and cherry blossom viewing spots. 🌸Every spring, the 1,200 cherry trees planted in the temple bloom brilliantly, resembling clouds and mist, very beautiful. It is one of the hundred most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. 🎫Ticket: 200 yen for adults ⏰Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 ③Wakayama Castle—🉑Cosplay as a Ninja 🏰Along with Matsuyama Castle and Himeji Castle, it is one of Japan's three major interconnected flat mountain castles. The Tenshukaku (main keep) exhibits various items related to the Tokugawa family, and from the observation deck on the top floor, you can overlook the Kii River and Wakayama City. 🎫Ticket: Free entry, 410 yen for adults to visit the Tenshukaku, 200 yen for elementary and middle school students ④Kuroshio Market—Seafood Museum 🦞Kuroshio Market is the oldest fresh market in Kansai. It can be described as a seafood museum, with a wide variety of seafood products from all over Japan, from Kyushu to Hokkaido, dazzling and mouth-watering. 🐟Previously, there were three scheduled tuna cutting shows daily. With just one knife, a huge tuna would be cleanly and swiftly dismembered in no time, the whole process was spectacular. Now, it has been changed to one show daily, occasionally two shows. ⏰Business hours: 10:00-17:00 (except during major holidays) 👀 Tips: 🉑Arrange your time reasonably according to your preferences

Dear friends, have you often heard people say that you must go to Kumano, a secret place in Japan? So where is the Kumano area? What is there to see? Let’s take a look. one ■Where is "Kumano"? Refers to the area from southern Wakayama Prefecture to southern Mie Prefecture ※There are three great gods called "Kumano Sanzan" in the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture The road to worship the Kumano Sanzan is called the Kumano Kodo Kumano Faith The gods enshrined in Kumano originated from natural beliefs. Later, Kumano became a holy place for Buddhism, esoteric Buddhism, and Shugendo. Since the end of the Heian period, it has served as the "entrance to the Pure Land", attracting many royal families and nobles to come to worship. ※It is said that returning after visiting the Pure Land means death and rebirth. Kumano Sanzan is still believed by many people as the "Holy Land of Rebirth" Ant’s Kumano Shrine Since the Muromachi period, Kumano worship has been widely spread from top to bottom among samurai and civilians. The way people come to worship in an endless stream is called the "Kumano worship of ants" ■Logo The three-legged crow logo can be seen everywhere in the territory. It is also the logo of the Japan Football Association. Yatagarasu appeared in the legendary story "Kimmu's Eastern Expedition". It is said that when Emperor Jimmu moved the capital to Nara, he was guided by the messenger of God Yatagarasu in Kumano. Finally, the capital was settled in Nara, and the Yamato Imperial Court was founded. Kumano Sanzan Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine | Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine | Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine Founded in 33 BC, the temple was first built in the holy land of Osaihara. The main worship deity is Iezumi Oiko. Suggested visiting order: Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine → Sanda Shrine → Osaihara (the largest torii gate in Japan) Hongu, Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine The shrine was built in the era of Emperor Keiyuki, and the chief deities were Kumano Hayatama and Kumano Sumi no Okami couple god There is a giant thousand-year-old willow tree in the territory that is designated as a natural monument. Shingu 1st Place, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine Including Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, Hitaki Shrine (Hitaki Falls), and Mount Nachi (Daimonzaka) Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine: The main worshiping deity is Kumano Sumi, also known as "Yumiya". It can not only connect people with each other, but also help people with wishes to realize their wishes. ■Hitaki Shrine: Pay homage to Nachi Otaki (waterfall) ■Mt. Nachi: A section of the Kumano Kodo, the Daimon Saka with a history of more than 800 years, still retains the appearance of the former stone road. Nachiyama, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimulou County, Wakayama Prefecture

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Japanese fruits are also very famous, but it is very expensive to buy and eat Japanese fruits in Hong Kong‼ ️But it turns out that there is a place in Japan where you can buy Japanese fruits that are cheap and fresh ~ That is Ki-no-kuni Fruit Village❤️This Ki-no-kuni Fruit Village sells fruits and vegetables produced in Wakayama (but mainly fruits). Later I found out that they buy directly from farmers, so the price is quite cheap! We who are in Hong Kong also find the prices here incredible 😳 It’s really, really cheap‼ ️ Since it was winter when I went there, the fruit in season was Kishu mandarin oranges🍊, but there was also Kishu persimmons which were quite outstanding! However, fruits that are in season are also sold in different seasons! They also put out fresh fruits for guests to try, and they also have to try large portions, which is quite perfect💯 The taste and freshness are also very high, even full marks⭐️ I can't help but go to support the efforts of their local farmers👨‍🌾 Kinokoku Fruit Village Address: Wakayama Yacht City, 1527 Maomi, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 Admission: Free #Resident Writer #Scenic Spot Photography Guide #Hot Summer Places #Japanese Places #Suburban Places #Japanese Attractions

Inside Itaikiso Station, it looks like an ordinary building, but there is a surprise inside ❤️The fourth generation Tamacat stationmaster is here! It’s not the cat shop in the previous article ~ but a real cat standing here! If you are lucky, you can see the second generation of Tamanouchokoro Stationmaster and the fourth generation of Tamanouchokoro Stationmaster together🐱🐱 In addition, you can buy cat-related products at Itai Kisso Station, but the variety and convenience are not as good as Kishi Station Kishi Cat Station! It feels a bit old-fashioned! You can walk more comfortably at Kishi Station 👍🏻 In addition, after getting off at Itai Kisso Station, I felt that the atmosphere here was also very comfortable! It's really a great feeling to be able to get off the train and walk across the tracks to Itaikiso Station. 😍 It must be very beautiful to take pictures here, and you will definitely get great photos‼ ️I couldn’t help but take photos on this track📷It really feels good‼ ️If you like this attraction, you might as well go there✌🏻 Idakiso Station Address: Idakiso, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture 640-0361 Japan #Station writer #Attraction shooting guide #Summer good place #Japan good place #Suburban good place #Japanese attractions

This hotel faces the Pacific Ocean, and some of the rooms have sea views🌊But the room I stayed in did not have a sea view! But the advantage of this hotel is that it has an open-air hot spring ♨️ When you are in Japan, of course you have to enjoy a hot spring bath! Their hot springs all have different effects, and everyone can take care of their body here👏🏻But please note that Japan's open-air hot springs are separated by men and women! Breakfast is served in the hotel, and you can enjoy it while looking at the Pacific Ocean🥣 In fact, the price-performance ratio is quite high👍🏻 It only costs about HK$500 a night. I personally say that this hotel is satisfactory overall👍🏻 Kushimoto Royal Open-air Hot Spring Hotel Address: 649-3510 1184-10 Sangodai, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture #Resident Writer #Scenic Spot Photography Guide #Good Places in Hot Summer #Good Places in Japan #Good Places in the Suburbs #Japanese Hotel

The world heritage of Takaha Nibu Shrine is in Katsuragi of Wakayama. It has an old ginkgo tree. Yellow leaves look very enchanting. It is 25m in height and has grown over 300 year. Seen from afar, it becomes a golden world. In early December, there would be a "ginkgo tree concert" at 10:00 in the morning.

The most famous ramen in Wakayama is this Marutaya. There is a long queue every time I come, because its ramen is really super super delicious #OverseasTravel #OverseasTravel

This remarkable place is the front of an amusement park and consists of a collection of buildings that are a mixture of Italian and French styles, all joined together. The reproduction of an Italian villa is quite impressive. I did not partake of any rides, but the thing with Porto Europa is there are many attractions next to it, so you don't have to spend all your time here unless you have kids. Be sure to visit Kuroshio Fishmarket next door, where you can sample excellent maguro, which Wakayama is famous for. There is a fishing park nearby too, as well as an onsen. #givethanks #givethanks

Japan | Wakayama Prefecture Chisato-shi is located on the coast of Shirahama-cho, the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture, and Shirahama-cho is a famous hot spring resort in Japan. Therefore, the Yoshino Kumano National Park, where the Chiyoda-ji Scenic Area is located, is also popular with local Japanese tourists. "Sea blue, rock big" is its special feature. The Millennium is named because it looks like many layers of tatami (tatami) stacked up. Thousands of layers are the rock plates formed by the sandstones of the Neo-Tertiary layer. Because sandstone is a rock formed by the solidification of sand, the texture is very soft, and after being eroded by the waves over the years, it finally forms a complex and unique landscape today. Ups and downs, ups and downs can be said to be grotesque, beautiful. The sea view has a very high degree of openness, so many tourists are willing to choose a rocky slope to sit down and look at the sea. Very suitable for taking a seaside photo. Therefore, it is also very appropriate to call it "Island Geopark". The only convenience store on the attraction platform, with fruits, drinks, desserts, and cooking. The glass window in front of the sea is a good place for taking pictures and punching cards. There are parking lots No tickets required

When I went to the Kuroshio market in Wakayama with my friends, there was a Europa theme park next to the Kuroshio market. The place was not very big, but it was indeed the feeling of a European town. If you don't have a weekend, you can't basically see any tourists. It's a good choice to take a photo. The landscape is relatively small, but you can also take some good scenes. However, it is a pity that basically many houses are not allowed to enter, just decorative, less fun to play. But after eating and drinking in the Kuroshio market, its a good choice to take a photo in the past. By the way, there is a regular tuna dismantling performance in the Kuroshio market, please don't miss it! ( )

Kansai | Local suburbs know the local tourist destination in addition to hot springs and Kuroshio market in Wakayama, as well as the seaside! The most popular locals are called Qianshou and San Duan. Many Japanese couples will come to the resort on weekends to talk about love - thousands of layers of rock that are eroded. The texture is particularly beautiful. In Japanese, "Thousands of Stacks" has the meaning of laying a thousand tatami on the ground. Standing on the side can also make a very spectacular photo. - The three-segment wall is actually a part of the sea long ago, it is in the sea. The large rock wall of 2 kilometers long and 50-60 meters high is said to have a large sea cave to visit!