Wakayama Prefecture is another of the 4 prefectures that make up the Kii Peninsula of central Japan. Home to one of the most famous pilgrimage trails of the country, Wakayama is not too far from Tokyo and other large cities. Exploring the prefecture will showcase some of Japan’s most beautiful scenery, offering a side of Japan that is off the beaten path, but not to be missed.
Transportation
Wakayama Prefecture is located due south of Osaka, and slightly southwest of Kyoto. Train services are plentiful, including limited express trains from larger cities. Wakayama also has its own regional airport, Nanki-Shirahama Airport, which makes for convenient access from other airports throughout the country. The coastline is serviced by train lines such as the Kuroshio Line and Kinokuni Line. The Wakayama Line, Wakayama Dentetsu-Kishigawa Line, and the Nankai Koya Line will take you further inland in the prefecture.
Things to do
Wakayama Prefecture is full of in-depth cultural experiences, things to see, and lots of delicious food to eat. It provides for a beautiful retreat into off the beaten path areas, and places that you’re bound to remember long after leaving them.
Wakayama Castle
In Wakayama City, found near Wakayamashi Station, you can explore Wakayama Castle. Dating back to the 16th century, although rebuilt in the latter half of the 20th century, the castle played an important role during the Edo Period, and its modern day grounds, filled with cherry trees, is spectacular in the spring. Make sure to walk the grounds and admire the architecture, you also get a great view of the city from the top of the castle tower. Nearby the castle there are plenty of other amazing things to see, such as the Momijidani Teien Garden, or even the Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama, which is set to re-open after renovations in April 2025.
The Kumano Kodo
Venturing out of the city and deeper into Wakayama Prefecture, you have the opportunity to explore some of the historic trails and paths that wind through the area. The Kumano Kodo, a pilgrimage trail that dates back 1000 years, winds its way through Wakayama, Mie, Osaka, and Nara prefectures. A World Heritage Site, the trail leads pilgrims to and from various shrines, of which three are known as the most sacred. Two of the trails are the Kohechi and the Nakahechi. The Kohechi starts at Koyasan and ends at Kumano Hongu Taisha, while the Nakahechi is the main trail connecting all three sacred shrines.
Koyasan, or Mt. Koya, is another sacred location, the location of the monk Kukai’s mausoleum, where he is said to still be there in meditation. If you are looking to immerse yourself even more into the culture of the area, some of the many temples around Mt. Koya offer temple stays, where you have the chance to stay the night and even participate in some of the rituals that Buddhist monks perform.
A popular spot to visit along the Kumano Kodo is Kumano Nachi Taisha. One of the three sacred shrines, it is an example of the time when Buddhism and Shinto were combined - there are examples of both Buddhist and Shinto architecture on the grounds. A beautiful three storey pagoda frames Nachi Falls, a 133 metre tall waterfall that is said to have its own ‘kami’, or deity, residing in it.
Okunoin
Also located in the Mt. Koya area, the Okunoin is a cemetery that contains the graves of many feudal lords and other figures in Japanese history. Walking through the site, you can experience the long history of Japan. There are even contemporary graves, such as one built by the Japan Termite Control Association for the termites they remove. One of the best ways to experience the area is to walk through the cemetery when the light is low. Many lanterns lining the walkways light up, making the stroll even more ethereal.
Oyunohara
Do you know where the largest torii gate in Japan is? It’s in Wakayama Prefecture! Moving closer to the border with Nara Prefecture, you’ll find an area known as Oyunohara. The site was once the home to a larger shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha, another of the three sacred shrines of the Kumano Kodo, but due to a flood in the 19th century the original shrine was relocated. Oyunohara is a great spot to view some of the autumn foliage or spring cherry blossoms. You can also visit the current location of Kumano Hongu Taisha nearby, where a walk around the grounds is a great way to spend time. Make sure to admire the wooden architecture of the shrine, and pick up an amulet or other trinket to take home.
Shirahama Onsen
You can’t leave Japan without visiting an onsen, and Shirahama Onsen is a great spot in Wakayama Prefecture to spend some relaxing time at. On the west coast of the prefecture, looking out toward Wakayama Bay, the Shirahama area is wonderful for those who are looking for a unique view while relaxing in an onsen.
At Saki no Yu, you have the opportunity to watch the waves of the Pacific Ocean as you enjoy your time in a storied onsen. Visit Shirarahama Beach and you can stroll on the beautiful sand and take in the views. The beaches even have fireworks festivals in the summer, lighting up the sea and the beach. Beautiful rock formations formed from years of erosion can also be found to the south. The Sandanbeki Cliffs are right on the coast of the ocean, and you can even explore them, seeing artifacts and displays relating to pirates that once sheltered there.
What else?
Did you know that Wakayama Prefecture is the home of soy sauce? Yuasa City, on the western coast of the prefecture, is said to be where Japanese soy sauce originated from. You’ll even have the chance to visit a soy sauce manufacturer and tour the facility, learning about the production of one of the most famous Japanese condiments. Make sure to buy some to enjoy before you leave the city!
There is also a festival held at Kumano Nachi Taisha every summer that involves torches being carried down steep staircases. Known as the Nachi Fire Festival, it comes to life when people carry large torches down to Nachi Falls. The festival revolves around purifying the path down to the waterfall, so that the enshrined deities can follow it down. If you ever find yourself around the Nachi Falls area during the summer, this is a perfect way to experience some of the most unique rituals in Japan.
Wakayama is accessible from a wide variety of transportation hubs in Japan. With experiences and locations that are sure to wow, Wakayama is a top tier destination to see all that Japan has to offer.
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