Wakayama
Located on the Kii Peninsula just south of popular destinations like the neon lit city of Osaka and historic wonders of Nara, Wakayama Prefecture is a lesser visited treasure trove of interesting cultural experiences and beautiful nature.
Best known is the mystical mountain of Koyasan which we have covered here, and the ancient pilgrimage route Kumano Kodo which you can read about here. However, this coastal prefecture has much more to offer.
The prefectural capital, Wakayama City, promotes itself as a cultural hub with lots of history and focus on local food specialties. It’s also a perfect base for day trips to rural countryside villages in the area. And if you thought this laidback town was completely stripped of the craze or cuteness found in Japan’s big cities, think again - how about some adorably themed local trains or an abandoned island that most hardcore Ghibli anime fans dream of visiting?
Shirahama is ranked as one of Japan’s three oldest onsen resorts, and it remains a popular destination for beachgoers, families, onsen aficionados and those in search of some of the freshest seafood around. Hot springs are ubiquitous, but Shirahama is also famous for its beautiful white sand beach stretching about 500 metres along a crescent bay.
With dramatic coastal rock formations, stunning sunsets, theme parks and zoos, family-friendly fish markets and scuba diving opportunities nearby, Shirahama and its surrounding areas can be as relaxing or fun as you’d like them to be and can serve as a perfect break during an otherwise culture-packed holiday.
Wakayama Castle
Originally built on the orders of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoishi, Wakayama Castle didn’t survive WWII, and today’s castle is a carefully made reconstruction. Samurai armour from the Edo period is on display, and the surrounding park is a popular spot for picnics and cherry blossom viewing in spring while the Japanese garden is known for beautiful autumn foliage.
Medetai trains
The Medetai trains are a series of themed trains running between Wakayamashi Station and the quaint port town of Kada. Their colourful and unique interior represents the bountiful seas of Wakayama, with details like fish-shaped handles and seats with various fish-inspired designs.
Shirahama beach
Meaning “white beach” in Japanese, Shirahama is exactly that: boasting soft, white sand, this beach stretches more than 600 metres along a scenic, crescent-shaped bay. Kids-friendly and “sister beach” to the famous Waikiki in Hawaii, Shirahama is a very popular summer destination for the Japanese. Photo by Wakayama Tourism Federation.
Sandanbeki cliffs and cave
While the Sandanbeki cliffs are impressive enough in themselves as they tower above the surface of the ocean, the real thrill is taking the elevator 36 metres down through the solid rock to a cave that used to be a secret hideout for pirates. Explore the network of tunnels and a shrine within the cave.
Awashima Shrine
Located in Kada, this unique shrine has an eerie air to it: as soon as you enter the grounds you will notice the more than 20,000 dolls and figurines looking back at you, resembling everything from humans to pigs to fantasy creatures.
Hashiguiiwa and Umikongo
Walking trails on Oshima Island in Kushimoto lead to an observation point with sweeping views of the beautiful Umikongo coastline. On the mainland, a series of dramatically pointy rocks form a line in the ocean, almost resembling pillars of a long-gone bridge. The view is breathtaking at any time of the day, but especially unique around sunrise. Photo by Wakayama Tourism Federation.
Adventure World
Although this theme park has all the classic kids-friendly rides, the animals are the real highlight at Adventure World. Not only does this huge park have an impressive range of species and is the largest panda breeding centre outside of China, it also offers unique opportunities to get up close and personal with many of its inhabitants.
Kishu Toshogu Shrine
Perched on a hilltop, Kishi Toshogu Shrine offers sweeping views towards the sea and is a tranquil place for a relaxed break. The very colourful gate is one of Japan’s most beautifully carved gates and is also dubbed “Kansai Nikko” after the famous UNESCO World Heritage architecture in Nikko. Photo by Wakayama Tourism Federation.
Kataonami Beach & Park
This centrally located beach is almost 1,200 metres long and 100 metres at its widest, and with ample space for everyone, it is voted one of Japan’s 100 most comfortable beaches. The nearby park is perfect for strolls and a relaxing break. Photo by Wakayama Tourism Federation.
Engetsu Island
The tiny, uninhabited islet of Engetsuto just off the coast has become the very symbol of Shirahama. When the sun sets in the Pacific, it can be seen through a full moon-shaped hole in Engetsuto’s jagged cliffs as it slowly sinks into the sea, offering the area’s most romantic and iconic view. Photo by Wakayama Tourism Federation.
Kimiidera Temple
This temple sits 231 above the city, but the spectacular views are definitely worth the effort to get there. The temple grounds are home to fountains, ponds and an impressive 12 metres tall wooden statue depicting a Buddhist saint said to have 100 hands and 11 faces. Photo by Wakayama Tourism Federation.
Senjojiki plateau
Meaning “one thousand tatami mats” in Japanese, these flat, sheet-like rock formations have been shaped by the sea for centuries. In many places they are completely smooth, and crossing them as you wander towards the sea, makes for a unique coastal hike.
Fireworks
The sky over Shirahama is set on fire on most evenings during the summer holidays as colourful fireworks light up the dark. The biggest event is usually held late July or August, featuring the famous “Niagara Falls” firework extravaganza. Don your yukata (cotton kimono), snack your way through the many food stalls and enjoy the spectacular show. Photo by Wakayama Tourism Federation.
Sakinoyu onsen
This onsen has been around for a long time. In fact, it is mentioned in some of Japan’s most ancient texts and by some believed to be the country’s oldest onsen. Featuring seaside baths where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific and feel the spray of the ocean on your face, a visit here is a unique onsen experience. Photo by Wakayama Tourism Federation.
Furobashi
This arched stone bridge was originally built for the Tokugawa family who would cross the bridge to get to Kishi Toshogu Shrine to attend the Waka Festival during the Edo period. The bridge has beautiful cloud-shaped patterns and is a unique sight here as this style is rarely found outside Kyushu. Photo by Wakayama Tourism Federation.
Tomogashima
Used as a secret military base during WWII, the island was later abandoned and the red-brick forts and other defence structures left to be slowly overtaken by nature. Tomogashima is also popular with Ghibli fans as the island is said to be reminiscent of some of the famous anime works.
Scuba diving and snorkelling
The subtropical and temperate climate zones meet and create a unique habitat for corals and sea creatures off the coast of Kushimoto. The town is one of Japan’s most popular spots for scuba diving and snorkeling, and its many dive shops cater to everyone from beginners to experienced divers. Photo by Wakayama Tourism Federation.
Yuasa
Yuasa is known to be the birthplace of soy sauce, an indispensable ingredient in Japanese cooking. Wander the streets of this quaint town with its traditional architecture and nostalgic atmosphere, and visit the soy sauce breweries to learn more about this beloved condiment. Photo by Wakayama Tourism Federation.
Kishi Station
Kishi Station is the final station along the Kishikawa Railway, and the person in charge here is not a person - it’s a cat. Even the station building itself is shaped as a cat, and the feline station master will greet visitors when not taking a nap.
Toretore Ichiba
This huge market is the perfect place to pick up local specialties and, of course, browse through the catch of the day at the numerous stalls. Have your favourite seafood treat served ready to eat or choose to barbeque it yourself at the dedicated BBQ corner. The bustling market features tuna filleting shows 3 times a day, and nearby you’ll find a fishing area and a hot spring facility.
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