50 Things to Do in Wakayama

21. Oyunohara (Tanabe-shi)

This is the biggest torii gate in Japan. Oyunohara is said to be where the gods fly down, so in recent year it's become popular as a power spot. Since it's about 500 meters away from Kumano Hongu Taisha, it's only about a 10 minute walk, so you can easily visit it. It's also a famous spot in the spring because of its beautiful cherry blossoms.w

22. Nachi Falls (Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun)

PIXTA

Nachi Falls is one of Japan's biggest waterfalls, and the water flows 133 meters from the Kumano mountains with such pressure that it entices many people to visit. There are many waterfalls in this area, which together are referred to as the "48 Waterfalls of Nachi." Among them is the Ichinotaki, which is the biggest waterfall of them all. There is a shimenawa rope used to mark consecrated areas at the mouth of the fall as it's a sacred area believed to house Shinto deities.

23. Tsubo-yu (Tanabe-shi)

Tsubo-yu is an onsen in Yunomine that's been registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The color of the water changes 7 times in one day, so in ancient times, pilgrims heading towards Kumano Taisha would purify themselves here. Near Tsubo-yu is Yuduzu, an area where 90°C water gushes out, and many people enjoy using the hot water as a foot bath as they boil and enjoy onsen eggs (eggs that have been boiled using hot spring water).

24. Awashima Shrine (Wakayama-shi)

Awashima Shrine is famous for nagashibina, the practice of floating paper dolls downriver on March 3rd in order to purify oneself. The front of the shrine itself is crammed full of dolls, giving it a mysterious and possibly scary atmosphere. Here the god of medicine is deified, so many women since ancient times have come here to pray for relief from women's diseases and safe childbirth.

25. Koibitomisaki (Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun)

From this cape, you can watch the strong waves crash into Kuroshima. The waves split into two and you can see the rare sight of two waves both pulling and crashing into the land at the same time. These waves are called gasshounami ("gasshou" meaning to put your hands together in prayer, "nami" meaning wave") or fuufunami ("fuufu" meaning married couple), and it's a wonderful sight that makes the entire cape seem romantic as you watch the two waves meet. From October to January and again from April to September, you can see the beautiful bougainvillea flowers blooming below the cliff. 

26. Nifutsuhime Shrine (Katsuragi-cho, Ito-gun)

This old shrine was built 1700 years ago, and it's the main shrine of the 180 Nifutsuhime shrines around the country. The four inner sanctuaries are decorated with splendid carvings and colors, and the architecture as well as the two-storied gate is what got this shrine designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vermilion-painted arched bridge that's reflected in the clear lake makes for a beautiful sight throughout all four seasons.

27. Japanese-style boats on the Doryokyou (Shingu-shi)

This is a 35 minute boat ride on the river from Tamaokiguchi to the mouth of the Doryokyou. You can lazily enjoy the beauty of the river. The boatman knows the river very well so you can rest assured in that your ride is safe. For groups of four or more, each person must pay 1350 yen (9 people maximum). For groups of three or less, please contact the company Doryokyou Meguri Wasen Haruya.

28. Shrimp and Crab Aquarium (Susami-cho, Nishimuro-gun)

This aquarium specializes in crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs that live in the nearby ocean. It's very interesting because of this detailed focus, though they also have non-crustaceans. In the Touching Pool, you can touch sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and starfish, while in the Azarashi Pool they hold events where you can shake hands and kiss seals. There are many opportunities to interact with the creatures of the sea.

29. Kizetsukyou (Tanabe-shi)

Kizetsukyou is a ravine in the upper streams of the Aizu River. It's famous for how beautiful it is in all four seasons; in the spring it's full of greenery in cherry blossoms, in the summer it has cool waterfalls, and beautiful foliage in the fall. There are a countless number of uniquely-shaped rocks of all sizes. Among them, the stone Buddha image that is carved out of 100m of bare rock is a must-see.

30. Ideshou-ten (Wakayama)

This Japanese-style Chinese soba restaurant has been around for decades. It's one of the representative restaurants of Wakayama ramen known throughout the country. They're so popular that even during the weekday they have a long line waiting for the lunchtime specials. This is the perfect place for people who like soy sauce tonkotsu ramen with thin noodles.

31. Ryujin Onsen - Motoyu (Tanabe-shi)

Ryujin Onsen is known as one of Japan's top three onsen for beautiful skin. The spring has sodium hydrocarbonate, which means it's naturally fizzy water that helps make your skin soft and hydrated. Motoyu is an onsen and lodging area that you can enter just to use their baths or to spend the night. If you go for the onsen and not to stay overnight, then the entrance fees are 700 yen for people above middle school age, 350 yen for children, infants free.

32. Katsuura Onsen - Hotel Urashima (Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun)

Katsuura Onsen is an onsen that wells up by the sea at the foot of Mt. Nachi, the same mountain that houses the Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls. Nachikatsuura-cho is a town that boasts a large haul of fresh tuna, so the best part about this town is that you can enjoy both onsen as well as dishes made with fresh tuna.

Related tour:

Relax on Katsuura Onsen overnight stay from Osaka/Kyoto!

Book with Booking.com

33. Shirahama Onsen - Hotel Seamore (Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun)

At this resort hotel, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, the positive effects on your skin from the waters of Shirahama Onsen, and the fresh seafood meals available. You can spend a luxurious time here thanks to the private open-air bath, the gorgeous meal plans, and the large rooms with ocean views. 

34. Hige (Shingu-shi)

In this restaurant, you can eat Wakayama's own Kumano beef. The cows this beef comes from live in a temperate climate overflowing with nature, making their meat high-quality. The meat is smooth and soft and fragrant, making it perfect for yakiniku barbecue. 

35. Sandanbeki Cave (Shirohama-cho, Nishimuro-gun)

The Kumano navy, which boasted a great amount of power in the 9th century, created this hidden cave which is now a historic spot. The cave goes about 36 meters underground, and you take an elevator that arrives in about 24 seconds. This is definitely a spot you should not miss if you come to Wakayama; being able to experience such a mysterious cave is a rare chance! Admission is 1300 yen for adults, 650 yen for children. 

36. Porto Europa (Wakayama)

This European-themed amusement park was placed in the center of the man-made island sitting in Wakanoura Bay. Many buildings such as a French street, an Italian port town, a Spanish castle, and other such traditional architecture are featured here. There is also an amusement park zone, so people of all ages can enjoy their time here.

37. Wakayama Marina City (Wakayama)

This man-made island in the middle of Wakanoura Bay has a variety of attractions, including the aforementioned Porto Europa, Kuroshioi Market where they sell seafood from all around Japan, Kuroshioi Onsen where you can enjoy a day trip to the onsen, and Umitsuri Park where even beginners can enjoy fishing. It's an area overflowing with the feeling of being at a resort. 

38. Kuroshio Market (Wakayama-shi)

This market inside Wakayama Marina City gathers seafood from all around Japan. Of course, there are fish native to Wakayama, but on top of that there is fresh seafood available on top of restaurants, sushi places, dried fish shops, and more. There are places where you can have them prepare the fish you just bought, such as barbecuing your fish on the restaurant's terrace as you gaze out on the sea! The tuna filleting show is also popular!

39. Tougenkyou (Kinokawa-shi)

Momoyama-cho is famous for being the area where Awakawa peaches grow, and in the spring the entire area becomes covered in blooming peach blossoms. The overwhelming sight of the pink blossoms bathing the area like a carpet is overwhelming. There is also a Momoyama Matsuri held when the flowers begin to bloom. The trees bear fruit from the end of June to mid-August, so all of Momoyama is scented with the fragrance of peaches that you can buy from nearby greengrocers. 

40. Kimiidera (Wakayama-shi)

Kimiidera is a Buddhist temple that is famous for its 500+ early-blooming cherry blossom trees. Every year on August 9th they hold a Sennichi Mairi festival, where visiting the temple on that day is equivalent to having visited for a thousand days. There are festival stalls set up and many people come both to pray but also to enjoy the party. The tower gate, bell tower, and two-storied pagoda are all registered as important national properties, and it's also famous for the three wells that flow on the premises. 

 

Next： No.41-50 Further exciting spots and activities in Wakayama