Top Spots to Explore in Wakayama Preference
Exploring Wakayama Prefecture, located in the Southern Kansai region, offers a plethora of spiritual and natural wonders. Here's a rundown of the top places to visit in this enchanting prefecture.
1. Kumano Nachi Taisha
Perched halfway up Nachi Mountain, Kumano Nachi Taisha is a famous shrine boasting a mix of Shinto and Buddhist influences. This holy site has been worshipped for centuries and boasts stunning natural beauty, including the majestic Nachi Waterfall, Japan's tallest single-tiered waterfall.
To reach Kumano Nachi Taisha from Osaka or Nagoya:
- Option 1 (Via JR Kisei Line and Bus):
- Take a Limited Express (Nanki or Kuroshio) train from Osaka to Kii-Katsuura Station (approximately 4 to 4.5 hours).
- Transfer to a local bus heading to the Nachi area. The bus ride to Nachi Taisha-mae takes around 20–30 minutes.
- Option 2 (Via Kii-Tanabe - for Kumano Kodo hikers):
- Take a train from Osaka to Kii-Tanabe (about 2 hours on the JR Kisei Line).
- From Kii-Tanabe, hike or take buses and trains eastward to Shingu or Kii-Katsuura, then continue by bus to Nachi Taisha as above.
2. Shirahama Beach
Famous for its sparkling white sand, Shirahama Beach is the nicest beach in the Kansai region. Besides the pristine beach, Shirahama is also known for its well-developed onsen (hot spring) resorts, offering visitors breathtaking ocean views from the outdoor baths.
To access Shirahama Beach:
- Take JR Kisei Line from JR Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, or Wakayama stations and get off at Shirahama Station (about 1.75 to 2.5 hours).
3. Wakayama Castle
Located in Wakayama City, Wakayama Castle peers over the Kii River. Although most of the present buildings are reconstructions from the 1950s, the Okaguchi Gate and stone walls remain from the original 16th-century structure. The castle grounds are now a public park ideal for picnics and cherry blossom viewing.
- To access Wakayama Castle, take a 20-minute walk from JR Wakayama Station or a 10-minute walk from Nankai Wakayama-shi Station.
4. Mount Koya
Mount Koya, home to over a thousand-year-old monastery complex, is the center of Shingon Buddhism. This sacred site features Okunoin Temple, the mausoleum of the monk Kukai, and a large network of hiking trails known as the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage.
To explore Mount Koya:
- Take Nankai Koya Line from Namba Station in Osaka to Gokurakubashi terminal station (about 80 minutes). Then, a cable car will transport you up the mountain to Mount Koya.
- Alternatively, take an express highway bus directly from Kyoto JR Station to Mount Koya (about 2.20 hours).
5. Hashigui-iwa Rocks
Known as Bridge Pier Rocks, Hashigui-iwa are a series of coastal rocks that stretch for 850 meters, resembling the pillars of a bridge. This picturesque spot is particularly beautiful at sunrise and offers tide pools to explore when the tide is out.
- To reach Hashigui-iwa Rocks, walk 15 minutes from Kiihime Station.
6. Tomogashima
Consisting of four uninhabited islands in the Inland Sea, Tomogashima offers peaceful hikes, picnics, and camping opportunities. The main island, Okinoshima, features abandoned military fort ruins, resembling the floating island in Studio Ghibli's "Castle in the Sky."
- To access Tomogashima, take a 20-minute ferry ride from the port of Kada. Kada Line trains run from Wakayama-shi Station, with a 15-minute walk to the port.
Accommodations in Wakayama
Wakayama offers diverse accommodations for tourists and pilgrims, including:
- Traditional Japanese-style lodgings (Shukubo) at Koyasan temples
- Luxury hotels with onsen at Shirahama beach, such as the Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel
- Hotel WA timeless resort, offering comfortable lodgings in Wakayama
Tours and Travel Inspiration
- Explore Japan with our travel agency's guided tours, customized to your preferences, interests, and travel pace (our website)
- Discover more travel ideas and inspiration on Instagram or Facebook (@yourwebsite_travel)
Happy traveling!
In Wakayuma Prefecture, rich in history and culture, you'll find a multitude of popular destinations that offer unforgettable experiences. Perched halfway up Nachi Mountain, Kumano Nachi Taisha, a shrine with a mix of Shinto and Buddhist influences, presents stunning natural beauty, including Japan's tallest waterfall.
For a beach escape, Shirahama Beach, known for its sparkling white sand and well-developed onsen resorts, is the perfect destination. Wakayama Castle, located in Wakayama City, offers a glimpse into the prefecture's history, surrounded by a public park ideal for picnics and cherry blossom viewing.
Mount Koya, a sacred site featuring over a thousand-year-old monastery complex, offers hiking trails, while the Hashigui-iwa Rocks, with their striking pillar-like formations, provide a picturesque spot to explore at sunrise. Tomogashima, a group of uninhabited islands, offers peaceful hikes, picnics, and camping opportunities.
Accommodation options in Wakayama cater to every preference, from traditional Japanese-style lodgings (Shukubo) at Koyasan temples, to luxury hotels with onsen at Shirahama beach, such as the Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel. For travelers seeking comfort, Hotel WA timeless resort in Wakayama is an excellent choice.
To help plan your journey, consider our travel agency's guided tours, customized to your preferences, interests, and travel pace. Keep updated with travel ideas and inspiration on Instagram (@yourwebsite_travel) or Facebook (@yourwebsite_travel). Let your adventure in Wakayuma Prefecture begin!
